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The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 PLUS WIFI D4 motherboard offers a compelling blend of durability, performance, and modern features, making it an attractive option for gamers and PC enthusiasts building around Intel’s 12th generation processors. This board continues the TUF series’ focus on robust components and essential functionality, providing a solid platform without unnecessary frills.

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Design and Features

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 PLUS WIFI D4 maintains a familiar aesthetic, reminiscent of its predecessor, the Z490-Plus. The board features a predominantly black color scheme with subtle TUF branding. While the overall layout is similar, the chipset heatsink is noticeably smaller and separate from the M.2 heatsinks.

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The accessory package includes standard fare: a TUF certificate of reliability, TUF Gaming stickers, a driver CD, user manual, SATA cables, and a Wi-Fi antenna with a magnetic base.

Expansion and Connectivity

The TUF Gaming Z690 PLUS WIFI D4 offers a robust selection of expansion slots, including a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 mode), a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 support is a significant upgrade, ensuring compatibility with future graphics cards and other high-bandwidth devices.

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Storage options are plentiful, with four M.2 slots. One slot is connected to the CPU while the other three are connected to the PCH, all supporting PCIe 4.0 speeds for fast storage performance. ASUS has incorporated the convenient M.2 Q-Latch mechanism, simplifying SSD installation.

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The board also features multiple SATA ports, divided into two groups on the motherboard.

Power Delivery and Memory Support

The Z690 PLUS WIFI D4 boasts a robust 14+1 power phase design, utilizing 80A power stages and an ASP2100 PWM controller. This upgraded power delivery system ensures stable performance even with demanding 12th Gen Intel CPUs. The larger VRM heatsinks contribute to efficient heat dissipation.

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Focusing on affordability, this motherboard supports DDR4 memory with four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum capacity of 128GB. Overclocking support is available, with speeds up to DDR4-5133.

Audio and Networking

The onboard audio is handled by the Realtek S1200A audio codec, complemented by Nichicon audio capacitors. With a 108dB SNR, the audio solution provides clear and immersive sound for gaming and multimedia.

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Networking capabilities include integrated Wi-Fi 6, offering speeds up to 2400Mbps, and a 2.5G LAN port for reliable wired connectivity.

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USB connectivity is comprehensive, with multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports, including a Type-C port offering USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds.

Conclusion

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690 PLUS WIFI D4 is a practical and well-rounded motherboard for building a powerful yet budget-conscious system based on Intel’s 12th generation processors. Its robust construction, comprehensive feature set, and focus on essential functionality make it a strong contender for gamers and PC builders seeking a reliable and durable platform. If you prioritize performance and stability without the premium price tag, the TUF Gaming Z690 PLUS WIFI D4 is worth considering.