ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi motherboard: features, specs and fit

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi is an ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA 1700 socket and 12th Gen Core processors. It supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, and it adds WiFi 6, 2.5Gb Ethernet and four M.2 slots. Here is what the features mean for a build.

Socket, memory and PCIe 5.0

LGA 1700 is the socket for 12th Gen Intel Core CPUs. The board uses DDR5 memory, which is not interchangeable with DDR4, so memory must be DDR5. PCIe 5.0 doubles the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 per lane. ASUS describes a PCIe 5.0 Safeslot, a reinforced slot meant to hold heavy graphics cards more securely. Few devices use the full PCIe 5.0 speed yet, but it leaves room for later upgrades. ASUS also calls the board Windows 11 ready out of the box.

Power and durability

ASUS lists 14+2 DrMOS power stages, ProCool sockets and a Digi+ VRM, with what it calls military-grade TUF components. More power stages typically spread the load, which helps stability with demanding processors. The listing also mentions manageability features such as Wake on LAN by PME and PXE network boot.

Cooling

The board includes a VRM heatsink, a fanless PCH heatsink and an M.2 heatsink, plus hybrid fan headers and the Fan Xpert 4 utility for managing fan speeds. Hybrid headers accept either 3-pin or 4-pin fans.

Storage and connections

Four M.2 slots take NVMe SSDs, so several fast drives can be installed without add-in cards. ASUS also lists:

• A front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C header.
• A USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port.
• A Thunderbolt 4 header. This needs a separate Thunderbolt add-in card to provide a port.

Networking and audio

WiFi 6 (Intel AX201, 802.11ax) and an Intel I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet port are built in, with TUF LANGuard and TurboLAN technology. A 2.5Gb link only runs faster than gigabit with matching network gear. For sound, the board has a Realtek S1200A codec and AI Noise Canceling Mic technology for clearer voice chat.

Build-friendly details and looks

Several features aim to make assembly easier: SafeDIMM memory slots, the Safeslot, Q-LED status lights, M.2 Q-Latch and a pre-mounted I/O shield. For lighting, the board supports Aura Sync with synchronizable LED effects and addressable RGB strips, and ASUS describes a new TUF Gaming look with geometric design elements.

Who it suits

It suits people building a new Intel 12th Gen desktop for gaming or everyday work, who want DDR5, plenty of M.2 storage and built-in WiFi. Because the board is ATX, it needs a case that supports that size.

What to check before you buy

• Processor: confirm it is a socket LGA 1700 CPU, and that it is supported by the current BIOS version.
• Memory: buy DDR5 modules and check ASUS's memory support list.
• Cooler: confirm your CPU cooler's mounting supports LGA 1700.
• Case size: check ATX fit.
• Thunderbolt: plan for an add-in card if you want Thunderbolt ports.
• Network: a 2.5Gb link needs matching equipment.

The short version

• ATX board for LGA 1700 and 12th Gen Intel Core CPUs, with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0.
• 14+2 DrMOS power stages and VRM, PCH and M.2 heatsinks.
• Four M.2 slots, WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN and a Thunderbolt 4 header.
• Realtek S1200A audio, Aura Sync lighting and build-friendly features such as Q-LED.

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