Unlocking Gaming Supremacy: ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 vs. ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4
What To Know
- In contrast, the ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 features a compact mATX form factor, making it ideal for smaller builds or cases with limited space.
- The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
- However, if you prioritize budget and prefer a more compact form factor, the ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 offers a solid balance of features and performance.
The world of PC gaming demands the finest hardware to deliver immersive and adrenaline-pumping experiences. When it comes to motherboards, two titans stand tall: the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4. These formidable contenders offer a plethora of features designed to unleash the true potential of your gaming rig. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of both motherboards to help you make an informed decision and elevate your gaming prowess.
Form Factor and Design
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 boasts an ATX form factor, providing ample space for expansion cards, storage devices, and cooling components. Its rugged military-grade construction ensures durability and longevity, while the sleek black and gray aesthetic exudes a gamer-centric style.
In contrast, the ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 features a compact mATX form factor, making it ideal for smaller builds or cases with limited space. Its minimalist black and silver design strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards are built upon Intel’s Z690 chipset, offering support for the latest 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors. This cutting-edge chipset provides a solid foundation for overclocking, memory speed enhancements, and connectivity options.
Memory and Storage
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory across four DIMM slots, with speeds up to 5333MHz when overclocked. It also features four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot for lightning-fast storage performance.
The ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory across four DIMM slots, with speeds up to 4800MHz when overclocked. It offers two M.2 slots, both PCIe 4.0 x4, providing ample storage capacity and speed.
Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 comes equipped with a wide range of connectivity options, including:
- 2.5Gb Ethernet LAN
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
- 8x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
The ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 offers a comparable set of connectivity options, including:
- 1Gb Ethernet LAN
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.1
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
- 6x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
Audio and Video
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 boasts a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, delivering high-quality audio performance. It also features an HDMI 2.1 port for crystal-clear 4K video output.
The ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 utilizes a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, providing decent audio quality. It includes an HDMI 2.0 port for 4K video output.
Overclocking and Cooling
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 offers comprehensive overclocking capabilities, including voltage control, memory tuning, and fan profiles. Its robust VRM and cooling design ensures stable operation even under demanding overclocking conditions.
The ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 also provides overclocking options, but its more limited VRM and cooling capabilities may restrict its potential for extreme overclocking.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards feature user-friendly BIOS interfaces with intuitive controls and extensive customization options. They also come bundled with a suite of software utilities, including:
- ASUS Armory Crate: Centralized control over system performance, lighting, and audio
- EZ Flash 3: Easy BIOS updates
- Fan Xpert 4: Advanced fan control for optimal cooling
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 typically retails for around $250, while the ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 is available for approximately $200. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Verdict: Which Motherboard Reigns Supreme?
The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
For gamers seeking the most comprehensive feature set, best-in-class overclocking capabilities, and premium connectivity options, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 is the clear choice. Its rugged construction, ample expansion options, and superior audio and video performance make it the ideal foundation for a high-end gaming rig.
However, if you prioritize budget and prefer a more compact form factor, the ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 offers a solid balance of features and performance. Its overclocking capabilities may be more limited, but it still provides a capable platform for gaming and general computing tasks.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with speeds up to 5333MHz, while the ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory with speeds up to 4800MHz.
Q: Does the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 have better audio quality?
A: Yes, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 features a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which offers superior audio performance compared to the Realtek ALC897 codec used in the ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4.
Q: Can both motherboards support PCIe 5.0 storage devices?
A: Only the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi D4 features a PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot, enabling support for the latest and fastest PCIe 5.0 storage devices. The ASUS Prime Z690-P WiFi D4 only offers PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots.
