Intel recently announced the launch of its 14th generation Core processors and in anticipation of this launch, motherboard manufacturers refreshed their LGA-1700 motherboards. As part of this refresh program, ASUS launched three new motherboards that offer support for Intel’s 14th-generation Core CPUs. ASUS’s new motherboard lineup includes the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero, the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi II, and ASUS’s new motherboard lineup includes the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero, the ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi II, and the TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi. A simple BIOS/UEFI update is all that’s required to make the new CPUs compatible with most 600- or 700-series motherboards.
As part of a design overhaul, ASUS has made some slight adjustments to slot placements in all three models. These updates include enhanced M.2 heatsinks with a more polished appearance. ASUS has also introduced support for USB PD 3.0 and Quick Charge 4+ to the front USB Type-C ports. They’ve even developed an app that displays the power output of the port in use. Furthermore, ASUS has integrated support for AEMP II, simplifying memory performance optimization on these motherboards.
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi motherboard reviewed here is also the refreshed variant in an ATX form factor, coming in with the Intel Z790 chipset. Thus, it supports Intel 13th Gen Core and 12th Gen Core processors, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors, and 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh processors. In terms of memory, you get 4x DDR5 slots with a max capacity of 192GB and up to DDR5 7800+ (OC) support.
The motherboard also offers Realtek S1220A audio codec, Intel I226-V 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and Intel AX211 WIFI 6E module with built-in Bluetooth 5.3. Expansion slots on the motherboard include 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x1 mode), 1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1, and 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 mode). For storage, you get 4x SATA III, 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 (NVMe drives only), and 1x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 (NVMe & SATA drives).
Included in the package are the motherboard, an instruction manual, a quality certificate, a set of stickers, racks and screws for M.2 drive installation, a foldable Wi-Fi Q-Antenna with a magnetic base, a driver and software CD, and two black SATA cables with metal latches. It’s worth mentioning that ASUS has revamped the Wi-Fi antenna provided with its motherboards, known as the “Q-Antenna.” Unlike the familiar screw-down connectors, this antenna features female connectors that securely snap into place on the male Wi-Fi antenna connectors located on the rear I/O area of the Z790-PRO WiFi.
The design adheres to the TUF product line’s conventional style, featuring a dark colour scheme with hints of yellow. ASUS has incorporated additional heatsinks into this motherboard, with a primary emphasis on the VRM power delivery system. This results in efficient cooling for your CPU’s power supply, and it also contributes to the motherboard’s aesthetics. The combination of black and brushed metal heatsinks not only enhances the board’s appearance by adding a sense of depth but also plays a role in maintaining optimal thermal conditions.
The RAM slots feature latches on just one side, while the VRM is equipped with two heatsinks secured by screws and connected to the processor power subsystem through thermal pads. The VRM also boasts 18 phases (16+1+1), managed by a Digi+ ASP2100R PWM controller. For power elements, Vishay SiC623 rated at 60 A are used, with one dedicated to AUX out of a total of 17.
The TUF Gaming Z790-PRO WiFi also comes with seven fan headers, including one CPU_FAN, one CPU_OPT, four CHA_FAN, and one AIO_PUMP. Although the TUF Gaming Z790-PRO WiFi lacks built-in Thunderbolt ports, it does feature a Thunderbolt 4 add-on card header. This header is designed to work with a separate add-on card offered by ASUS and it brings Thunderbolt 4 ports and extra DisplayPort connectors to the PC.
The TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi is a new motherboard arriving towards the latter part of the LGA1700 socket’s tenure, designed to accommodate Intel’s 14th-Gen CPU lineup. Positioned as a capable mid-range offering within the Intel Z790 Refresh motherboard category, it boasts a robust VRM configuration, support for PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards, a wealth of USB 3.2 connectivity options, a high-quality audio codec, and more. With its strong feature set, this board delivers solid mid-range performance while remaining competitively priced at AED 1430.
Price: AED 1430
Photography by Ryan Chris
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Pro WiFi Motherboard AED 1430
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Final Ratin
Summary
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Pro Wi-Fi motherboard reviewed here is also the refreshed variant in an ATX form factor, coming in with the Intel Z790 chipset. Thus, it supports Intel 13th Gen Core and 12th Gen Core processors, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors, and 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh processors. In terms of memory, you get 4x DDR5 slots with a max capacity of 192GB and up to DDR5 7800+ (OC) support.
