PGC NEWS

Intel, facing stiff competition from AMD, has been aggressively releasing new products and technologies to reclaim its dominance in the CPU market. With the launch of the 10th generation Comet Lake processors, Intel also introduced a new lineup of chipsets, with the Z490 leading the pack for budget-conscious builders. While industry giants like Gigabyte and MSI have also embraced the Z490 chipset, ASUS continues to impress with its diverse range of motherboards catering to various needs and budgets. Previously, we reviewed the ASUS ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming, a premium option for discerning gamers. Today, we explore the ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-Fi), a motherboard with a distinctly different design language focused on durability and reliability. Let’s delve into what makes this motherboard a compelling choice.

ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-fi) – Overview

A Distinctly TUF Aesthetic

ASUS motherboards are known for their distinct design philosophies. The Prime series prioritizes simplicity, the ProArt Z490-Creator 10G offers a minimalist approach for creative professionals, while the ROG series boasts intricate details and gamer-centric aesthetics. The TUF series, however, stands apart with its rugged, military-inspired design. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-Fi) exemplifies this aesthetic with its angular lines and robust build. Departing from the darker tones of previous TUF motherboards, this model incorporates gold accents, highlighting its strength and adding a touch of visual flair. However, the placement of the LED strip is somewhat obscured, potentially hidden by storage devices in smaller PC cases. This suggests a prioritization of function over flashy aesthetics within the TUF design language.

ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-fi) – Design Details

Closer Inspection: Design and Features

A closer look reveals the intricate details of the ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-Fi) design. The gray textured patterns running along the board create a futuristic impression, complemented by well-proportioned heatsinks that convey a sense of robustness without being overly bulky. While lacking the heat pipes and thick aluminum blocks found on the pricier ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming, the TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-Fi) still offers a visually appealing and functional thermal solution.

Performance-Ready Components

To support the demands of powerful Comet Lake CPUs, including the Intel Core i9 series, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-Fi) features four RAM slots supporting up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to 4600MHz, along with a robust 4+8 pin power connector. Furthermore, the motherboard provides two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and three PCIe x1 slots, offering sufficient expansion capabilities for most users. Two M.2 slots with speeds up to 32Gb/s are also included, a standard feature on recent ASUS motherboards.

ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-fi) – Connectivity

Audio and Rear I/O

The audio solution on the ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-Fi) utilizes the Realtek S1200A codec, a common choice for ASUS motherboards. It features a dedicated shielding and specialized components, including audio capacitors from Nichicon, ensuring decent audio quality for gamers. The rear I/O panel offers a comprehensive selection of ports, including DisplayPort, HDMI, two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, catering to both general and professional needs.

ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-fi) – Rear I/O

Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Mid-Range Builds

With a competitive price point, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-Fi) delivers a compelling combination of performance, features, and durability. Its robust design and comprehensive feature set make it an ideal choice for mid-range gaming systems. ASUS, and the TUF series in particular, continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing cutting-edge motherboards for the latest Intel platforms, ensuring a vibrant and competitive motherboard market.