ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi vs D4: Which Motherboard Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- The Z790-Plus WiFi features a sleek black and gray design with RGB lighting, while the Z790-Plus D4 has a more subdued black and white design.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the Z790-Plus D4 are both excellent mid-range motherboards that offer a wide range of features and customization options.
- Whether you choose the cutting-edge DDR5 and Wi-Fi 6E capabilities of the Z790-Plus WiFi or the more affordable DDR4 and wired connectivity of the Z790-Plus D4, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality motherboard that will meet your gaming and computing demands.
In the realm of PC gaming, motherboards play a crucial role in determining the performance and capabilities of your system. Two contenders that stand out in the mid-range segment are the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus D4. Both offer a compelling set of features, but which one is the better choice for your needs?
Understanding the Key Differences
The primary difference between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the D4 variant lies in their memory support. The WiFi model supports DDR5 memory, while the D4 model supports DDR4 memory. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and speeds, but it is also more expensive than DDR4.
Features and Connectivity
Connectivity:
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including:
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 (WiFi model only)
- Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port
- Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs
PCIe Slots:
The Z790-Plus WiFi features three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, while the Z790-Plus D4 has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. PCIe 5.0 offers significantly higher bandwidth than PCIe 4.0, allowing for faster data transfer speeds with compatible devices.
Storage:
Both motherboards support M.2 NVMe SSDs and SATA drives. The WiFi model has four M.2 slots, while the D4 model has three M.2 slots.
Power Delivery and Cooling
Power Delivery:
The Z790-Plus WiFi and the Z790-Plus D4 both feature a 16+1+1 phase VRM design, providing ample power delivery to support even the most demanding processors.
Cooling:
Both motherboards come with a robust heatsink solution to keep the VRM and chipset cool under load. The Z790-Plus WiFi also features an additional heatsink on the M.2 slots to prevent overheating and throttling.
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards offer a user-friendly BIOS with advanced overclocking options. They also support ASUS‘s AI Overclocking utility, which can automatically overclock your system based on your hardware configuration.
Aesthetics and Customization
Aesthetics:
The Z790-Plus WiFi features a sleek black and gray design with RGB lighting, while the Z790-Plus D4 has a more subdued black and white design.
Customization:
Both motherboards offer a variety of customization options, including Aura Sync support for RGB lighting and the ability to install custom 3D-printed parts.
Which Motherboard Should You Choose?
The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the D4 depends on your specific needs and budget.
Choose the Z790-Plus WiFi if:
- You want the latest DDR5 memory support
- You need Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
- You plan to use multiple high-speed PCIe devices
Choose the Z790-Plus D4 if:
- You want to save money by using DDR4 memory
- You don’t need Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
- You have limited PCIe expansion needs
The Bottom Line
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the Z790-Plus D4 are both excellent mid-range motherboards that offer a wide range of features and customization options. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to your specific memory requirements, budget, and connectivity needs. Whether you choose the cutting-edge DDR5 and Wi-Fi 6E capabilities of the Z790-Plus WiFi or the more affordable DDR4 and wired connectivity of the Z790-Plus D4, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality motherboard that will meet your gaming and computing demands.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The Z790-Plus WiFi supports DDR5 memory, while the Z790-Plus D4 supports DDR4 memory.
Q: Does the Z790-Plus D4 have Wi-Fi connectivity?
A: No, the Z790-Plus D4 does not have Wi-Fi connectivity.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe slots?
A: The Z790-Plus WiFi has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, while the Z790-Plus D4 has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot.
Q: Which motherboard has better cooling?
A: Both motherboards have robust heatsink solutions, but the Z790-Plus WiFi has an additional heatsink on the M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard is more customizable?
A: Both motherboards offer a variety of customization options, including RGB lighting and 3D-printed parts support.
