What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi offers four memory slots, allowing for a maximum capacity of 128GB, while the MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi has two slots with a maximum capacity of 64GB.
- The ASUS motherboard provides a more comprehensive feature set and slightly better overclocking potential, while the MSI motherboard offers a more affordable option with a simplified BIOS.
- If you prefer a more affordable option with a user-friendly BIOS and a sleek design, the MSI motherboard is a solid contender.
In the realm of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your system. When it comes to the latest Intel 13th Gen processors, two standout options are the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and value proposition of these two exceptional motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi are based on the Intel Z790 chipset, designed to support the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors. This chipset provides robust connectivity options, including PCIe Gen 5 and DDR5 memory support.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system plays a vital role in ensuring stable and efficient power supply to the CPU. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi boasts a formidable 16+1 power phase design, while the MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi features a slightly less aggressive 14+1+1 design. Both motherboards utilize high-quality components and ample heatsinks to dissipate heat effectively.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6400MHz. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi offers four memory slots, allowing for a maximum capacity of 128GB, while the MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi has two slots with a maximum capacity of 64GB.
Storage Connectivity
When it comes to storage, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi features four SATA III ports and three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, providing ample connectivity options for high-speed SSDs. The MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi has four SATA III ports and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, offering a slightly more limited selection.
Expansion Slots
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi comes equipped with two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. This configuration offers plenty of flexibility for graphics cards, expansion cards, and other peripherals. The MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi has a similar layout, with two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer comprehensive connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi features a 2.5GbE LAN port for faster network speeds, while the MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi has a more modest 1GbE LAN port.
BIOS and Overclocking
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi both have user-friendly BIOS interfaces with advanced overclocking capabilities. The ASUS motherboard provides a wider range of voltage and frequency adjustments, while the MSI motherboard offers a more streamlined and intuitive overclocking experience.
Aesthetics and Features
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi has a rugged and military-inspired design with a black and gray color scheme. It features customizable RGB lighting and a pre-installed I/O shield for added convenience. The MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi has a more understated aesthetic with a black and silver design. It includes a Debug LED for easy troubleshooting and a BIOS Flashback button for firmware updates without a CPU installed.
Value Proposition
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi are both competitively priced motherboards that offer excellent features and performance. The ASUS motherboard provides a more comprehensive feature set and slightly better overclocking potential, while the MSI motherboard offers a more affordable option with a simplified BIOS.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Fit
Choosing between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize overclocking, memory capacity, and comprehensive connectivity, the ASUS motherboard is the better choice. If you prefer a more affordable option with a user-friendly BIOS and a sleek design, the MSI motherboard is a solid contender.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi has a more robust VRM heatsink design for better cooling.
Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
A: Both motherboards support DDR5 memory up to 6400MHz, but the ASUS motherboard has four memory slots for a maximum capacity of 128GB.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 slots?
A: Both motherboards have two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi has three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, while the MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi has two.
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking support?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi provides a wider range of voltage and frequency adjustments for more advanced overclocking.
