ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi ATX DDR5
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi 6E is an ATX motherboard designed for Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th generation processors with a LGA 1700 socket. It features support for DDR5 memory with a maximum capacity of 192GB, along with advanced connectivity options including PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and multiple M.2 slots for high-speed storage.
Popularity: Low
Specifications:
Model: ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi ATX DDR5
Chipset: Intel® Z790 Chipset
Form Factor: ATX Form Factor
CPU Compatibility: Intel® Socket LGA1700 for Intel® Core™ 14th & 13th Gen Processors, Intel® Core™ 12th Gen, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors*
Memory Support: 4 x DIMM, Max. 192GB, DDR5 7200+(OC)/7000(OC)/6800(OC)/6600(OC)/6400(OC)/6200(OC)/6000(OC)/5800(OC)/5600/5400/5200/5000/4800, Un-buffered Memory*
Maximum Memory Capacity: 192GB
Memory Speed: DDR5 7200+(OC)/7000(OC)/6800(OC)/6600(OC)/6400(OC)/6200(OC)/6000(OC)/5800(OC)/5600/5400/5200/5000/4800
Memory Features: Dual Channel Memory Architecture, Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP), OptiMem II
RAM Slots: 4.0
Graphics Output: 1 x DisplayPort**, 1 x HDMI® port***
Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (supports x4 mode), 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
Storage Options: Total supports 4 x M.2 slots and 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports*
Ethernet: 1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet, ASUS LANGuard
Wireless Bluetooth: Wi-Fi 6E, 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth® v5.3**
USB Ports (Rear): Total 8 ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port (1 x USB Type-C®), 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (2 x Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C®), 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 x Type-A)
USB Ports (Front): Total 7 ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector (supports USB Type-C®), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header, 2 x USB 2.0 headers
Audio: Realtek S1220A 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC*
Back Panel I/O Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port (1 x USB Type-C®), 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (2 x Type-A, 1 x Type-C®), 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 x Type-A), 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI® port, 1 x Wi-Fi Module, 1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet port, 3 x Audio jacks
Internal I/O Connectors: 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header, 1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header, 1 x 4-pin AIO Pump header, 4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers, 1 x 24-pin Main Power connector, 2 x 8-pin +12V Power connectors, 4 x M.2 slots (Key M), 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
Cooling Headers: 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header, 1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header, 1 x 4-pin AIO Pump header, 4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers
Power Connectors: 1 x 24-pin Main Power connector, 2 x 8-pin +12V Power connectors
BIOS: 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS
Manufacturer Page: Link
Review
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi ATX DDR5 motherboard is designed to unlock the full potential of Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th generation processors. It offers a blend of robust performance capabilities, advanced connectivity, and a sleek aesthetic, making it ideal for enthusiast PC builders.
Design and Functionality
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi motherboard employs a modern and clean design, dominated by a silver-toned motif. This is complemented by extended heatsink coverage, which not only enhances the motherboard's thermal efficiency but also adds to its visual appeal. Its LGA 1700 socket ensures compatibility with Intel's latest processor lineup, including Raptor Lake and Alder Lake CPUs. This motherboard's ATX form factor is perfect for those looking to build a high-performance rig.
Central to its design is the array of expansion slots, including a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot which is primed for future GPU upgrades. There are also additional PCIe slots to accommodate a wide range of peripheral devices (LatestInTech).
Performance and Overclocking
Performance-wise, the ASUS Prime Z790-A stands out due to its robust power delivery system, which includes a 16+1 DrMOS design. This ensures steady power to support the demands of high-core count CPUs, making it a suitable choice for both power users and gamers. The motherboard's power efficiency is further enhanced by features such as ASUS Intelligent Control and AI Cooling II, which dynamically optimize fan speeds and system acoustics (LatestInTech).
Overclocking enthusiasts will appreciate the AEMP II, an intelligent technology designed to automatically overclock DDR5 memory modules when the traditional XMP profiles are unavailable. This feature turns basic memory kits into powerful ones, offering great value for money (PCMag.com).
Connectivity and Storage Options
The connectivity options on the ASUS Prime Z790-A are extensive. It comes with WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet for both fast and reliable networking options. Additionally, there’s support for USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, allowing for high-speed data transfer ideal for modern peripherals. For storage enthusiasts, the motherboard supports up to four M.2 slots, enhancing data transfer speeds and storage scalability (LatestInTech).
Audio and Expansion
In terms of audio, the Z790-A features the Realtek S1220A codec, which is known for providing high-fidelity sound. Although it does not include an optical output, the motherboard ensures a powerful audio experience suitable for gaming and media consumption (PCMag.com).
Moreover, ASUS's inclusion of features such as PCIe Slot Q-Release allows easy swapping of GPUs, and the M.2 Q-Latch facilitates tool-less SSD installation, further enhancing user convenience during the build process (LatestInTech).
Conclusion
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi ATX DDR5 motherboard delivers an impressive combination of performance, design, and functionality. Its ability to handle the latest Intel processors with ease makes it a standout choice for any high-performance PC build. With its cutting-edge connectivity, robust power delivery, and innovative features, this motherboard is well worth considering for both gaming enthusiasts and power users alike. Visit the official product page for more details on what this motherboard has to offer.