ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi D4 Motherboard: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi D4 is an ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA 1700 socket. It supports DDR4 memory rather than the newer DDR5, which lets builders reuse existing RAM or keep a build simpler. Here is what its main specs mean and what to confirm before building around it.

Socket and processor support

The LGA 1700 socket takes Intel Core processors from the 12th, 13th and 14th generations, according to ASUS. The board is Windows 11 ready out of the box. As with any motherboard, check ASUS's compatibility list and the firmware version needed for your exact processor before you buy. Some boards need a BIOS update before newer CPUs will start.

Memory: why DDR4 matters

The "D4" in the name means the board uses DDR4 memory. DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable, since the slots are physically different. ASUS says its OptiMem II trace layout lets memory kits run at higher frequencies with lower voltages. If you already own DDR4, this board can save you from buying new memory.

PCIe 5.0 and storage

PCIe 5.0 is the latest generation of the expansion bus that connects graphics cards and fast storage, and it doubles the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 per lane. ASUS lists PCIe 5.0 support for the board. In practice, the benefit depends on having a device that uses it; many current graphics cards and SSDs run well on earlier generations. The board has three M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, with a flexible M.2 heatsink, which helps keep fast drives cooler.

Power delivery and cooling

The board has 14+1 DrMOS power stages, a ProCool connector, alloy chokes and durable capacitors. Together these form the power delivery that feeds the processor, and ASUS says they deliver stable power. Cooling includes a large VRM heatsink, a PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers and the Fan Xpert 4 software for tuning fan curves.

Networking and USB

Wireless is WiFi 6 with Bluetooth 5.2, and wired networking is Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet, faster than standard gigabit if your router and switch support it. USB features include a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port, a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connector and a Thunderbolt 4 (USB4) header. Note that the header needs a compatible add-in card to provide the port itself, as the listing refers to header support.

Size

The board is a standard ATX size, so it needs a case that supports ATX. The package measures 10.8 x 2.8 x 13.4 inches and weighs 3.3 lb (about 1.5 kg).

Who it suits

It suits home and DIY builders putting together a general-purpose or gaming PC on Intel's 12th to 14th Gen processors, especially those with DDR4 memory to reuse. It also suits anyone who wants onboard WiFi and 2.5Gb Ethernet without extra cards.

What to check before you buy

• CPU and BIOS: confirm your exact processor is supported and whether a BIOS update is needed.
• Memory type: only DDR4 fits; DDR5 kits will not.
• Case and cooler: check ATX case support and cooler mounting for LGA 1700.
• Storage: count the M.2 drives you want, and check the manual for how slot use affects SATA ports.
• Thunderbolt: a header is not a port, so an add-in card may be needed.
• What's in the box: check the manual for cables and accessories.

The short version

• An ATX motherboard for Intel LGA 1700 (12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core).
• DDR4 memory, PCIe 5.0 support and three M.2 slots.
• 14+1 DrMOS power stages with VRM, PCH and M.2 heatsinks.
• WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, a front-panel Type-C connector and a Thunderbolt 4 header.

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