What To Know
- The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 has a larger heatsink and more fan headers than the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4, providing better cooling for the power delivery system and other components.
- The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 features a black and gray camouflage design, while the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 has a more understated black and white color scheme.
- The Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 has a 16+1 power phase design, while the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 has a 12+1 power phase design.
When building a high-performance gaming PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two exceptional options for Intel 12th-generation processors are the Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 and Asus Prime Z690-P WiFi D4. In this detailed comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Features:
Form Factor: Both motherboards feature the standard ATX form factor, providing ample space for expansion and customization.
Socket: Both motherboards support Intel‘s 12th-generation LGA 1700 socket, allowing you to use any of the latest Intel Core processors.
Chipset: The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 utilizes the Intel Z690 chipset, while the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 uses the Intel H670 chipset. The Z690 chipset offers more overclocking options and expanded connectivity, while the H670 chipset provides a more budget-friendly option with limited overclocking capabilities.
Memory: Both motherboards support DDR4 memory, with the TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 supporting up to 128GB of RAM at speeds of up to 5333MHz and the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 supporting up to 64GB of RAM at speeds of up to 4800MHz.
Connectivity:
PCIe Slots: The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 features four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 has three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots. The additional PCIe slot on the TUF Gaming motherboard provides more flexibility for multi-GPU configurations or other PCIe devices.
Storage: Both motherboards offer multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs. The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 has three M.2 slots, while the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 has two M.2 slots. Additionally, both motherboards support SATA III ports for traditional hard drives and SSDs.
Networking: Both motherboards come equipped with Intel WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast and reliable network connectivity.
Power Delivery:
VRM: The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 features a 16+1 power phase design, while the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 has a 12+1 power phase design. The higher power phase count on the TUF Gaming motherboard provides better stability and power efficiency for demanding processors.
Cooling: The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 has a larger heatsink and more fan headers than the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4, providing better cooling for the power delivery system and other components.
Aesthetics and Features:
Appearance: The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 features a black and gray camouflage design, while the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 has a more understated black and white color scheme. Both motherboards have RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the look of your build.
Additional Features: The TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 includes a pre-installed I/O shield, while the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 does not. The TUF Gaming motherboard also has a BIOS Flashback button, which allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU installed.
Price and Availability:
The Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 is priced slightly higher than the Asus Prime Z690-P WiFi D4. Both motherboards are readily available from major retailers.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 is the better choice for users who demand the best performance and features. It offers more PCIe slots, a more robust power delivery system, and better cooling. However, the Asus Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 is a more budget-friendly option that still provides excellent performance and features.
Conclusion:
Both the Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 and Asus Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 are excellent motherboards for Intel 12th-generation processors. The TUF Gaming motherboard offers more features and better performance, while the Prime motherboard is a more affordable option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
FAQ:
Q1: Which motherboard has more PCIe slots?
A: The Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 has four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 has three.
Q2: Which motherboard has a better power delivery system?
A: The Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 has a 16+1 power phase design, while the Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 has a 12+1 power phase design.
Q3: Which motherboard is more expensive?
A: The Asus TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 is priced slightly higher than the Asus Prime Z690-P WiFi D4.
