ASUS PRIME Z890-P WIFI motherboard: LGA 1851, DDR5, PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7

The ASUS PRIME Z890-P WIFI is an ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA 1851 socket, built for Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). It combines DDR5 memory support, a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot, four M.2 storage slots, Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4. It is a component for people building or upgrading a desktop PC.

Socket and chipset

LGA 1851 is the socket for Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) desktop processors, and Z890 is the chipset that goes with it. The socket is not physically compatible with earlier Intel generations, so the board needs a supported Core Ultra processor, and a Z890 chipset typically allows CPU overclocking on supported models. Check ASUS's CPU support list and the BIOS version required for your chip.

Power delivery and cooling

ASUS describes 14+1+1+2 power stages rated at 80A, on a 6-layer PCB with ProCool power connectors, alloy chokes and durable capacitors. In general, stronger power delivery helps a processor hold steady voltages under load. Large VRM heatsinks, M.2 and chipset heatsinks and hybrid fan headers manage heat. Fan Xpert 4 with AI Cooling II is ASUS's software for fan control, which the brand says simplifies tuning.

Storage: four M.2 slots

The board has one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, with a cooling solution, and three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots. PCIe 5.0 SSDs are designed to offer roughly double the peak bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 drives, but only some workloads, such as very large file transfers, show the difference. Many people will do well with a PCIe 4.0 drive, and having four slots means several can be fitted without extra cards.

Memory, graphics and expansion

The listing states DDR5 memory and a PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot with Q-Release. The SafeSlot is reinforced to support heavy graphics cards, and Q-Release is a latch for removing the card more easily. Check the listed memory speeds, capacities and number of slots in the manual before choosing RAM.

Connectivity

• Wireless: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with the ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna.
• Wired: Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet.
• Ports: Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C, USB 10Gbps Type-C and Type-A, DisplayPort and HDMI.
• Headers: a front-panel USB 10Gbps Type-C header and Thunderbolt (USB4) header support.

The DisplayPort and HDMI outputs use the processor's integrated graphics, so they are for systems without a separate card, or for those that want to use the integrated graphics.

Features that help with building

ASUS lists PCIe Slot Q-Release, M.2 Q-Latch, Q-Antenna, Q-Dashboard, Q-LED Core, a BIOS FlashBack button and LED, and a pre-mounted I/O shield. BIOS FlashBack lets you update the firmware from a USB drive without a processor installed, which helps if a new board needs an update to support your chip. Three addressable Gen 2 headers work with Aura Sync RGB lighting.

Who it suits

It suits builders putting together a new Intel Core Ultra system, wanting current memory, fast storage and modern networking, with room to grow.

What to check before you buy

• Processor: confirm your CPU is on the supported list for this socket and chipset.
• Case: this is a full ATX board, 13.9 x 10.8 inches (about 35 x 27 cm). Make sure your case takes ATX.
• Memory: DDR5 only. Older DDR4 modules do not fit.
• Cooler: check that your CPU cooler is compatible with the LGA 1851 socket.
• What you need: list your SSDs, cards and monitors, and compare them with the board's slots and ports.

The short version

• An ATX motherboard for Intel LGA 1851 and Core Ultra (Series 2) processors.
• DDR5 memory, a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and four M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0, three PCIe 4.0).
• Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb Ethernet and Thunderbolt 4.
• 14+1+1+2 power stages and large heatsinks.
• BIOS FlashBack and tool-free features for easier building.

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