ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PLUS WiFi motherboard: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PLUS WiFi is an ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA 1851 socket and Core Ultra (Series 2) processors. It brings DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, four M.2 slots, Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7 to a desktop build. Here is what those features mean for a builder.

Socket and platform

LGA 1851 is the socket for Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2), and the Z890 chipset is the enthusiast-tier chipset for them. A processor has to match both the socket and chipset support, so check ASUS's CPU support list and BIOS notes for the exact chip you plan to use. This board is not compatible with processors from older Intel sockets.

Power delivery and thermals

The board has 16+1+2+1 stages of 80A DrMOS power, ProCool power connectors, an 8-layer PCB, alloy chokes and durable capacitors, which ASUS says give stable power delivery. Power stages matter most when running high-end processors at sustained loads. Large VRM heatsinks, M.2 and chipset heatsinks and hybrid fan headers handle cooling, and Fan Xpert 4 with AI Cooling II manages fan behaviour.

Memory and expansion

The board uses DDR5 memory. Check ASUS's qualified vendor list for supported speeds and kits. The PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot, which has a Q-Release latch, is the main slot for a graphics card, and ASUS says the SafeSlot is reinforced for heavy cards.

Storage: four M.2 slots

One M.2 slot supports PCIe 5.0 and comes with a cooling solution; the other three are PCIe 4.0. PCIe 5.0 SSDs can have higher peak speeds than PCIe 4.0 drives, but they usually run hotter and the difference matters mostly for large file transfers. Most everyday tasks don't need it. Check how the slots share bandwidth with other ports in the manual.

Connectivity

The rear panel includes a Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C port, and a front-panel header supports a 20Gbps USB Type-C port. A Thunderbolt (USB4) header is also listed. For networking it has Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with an ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna and Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet. Wi-Fi 7 benefits need a compatible router. The description also lists DisplayPort and HDMI outputs for use with a processor's integrated graphics.

Building features

ASUS lists several features meant to ease assembly: M.2 Q-Release and Q-Latch for tool-free drive fitting, Q-Antenna, Q-Dashboard, Q-LED status lights, a BIOS FlashBack button and a pre-mounted I/O shield. BIOS FlashBack lets you update the BIOS from a USB drive without a processor installed, which helps when a new chip needs a newer BIOS.

Lighting and software

Three Addressable Gen 2 headers work with Aura Sync RGB lighting. Software includes ASUS DriverHub, MyHotkey, TurboV Core, GlideX and the UEFI BIOS dashboard.

Who it suits

It suits builders putting together a Core Ultra (Series 2) desktop who want current storage and networking features and a tool-light build. It is an ATX board, measuring about 13.9 x 10.7 inches (35 x 27 cm) in the listing's dimensions, so it needs a case that supports the ATX form factor.

What to check before you buy

• Processor compatibility: confirm your CPU supports LGA 1851 and this chipset.
• Memory: DDR5 only; older DDR4 modules do not fit.
• Case: ATX size, with room for the graphics card and coolers.
• Cooler mounting: check that your CPU cooler supports LGA 1851.
• Storage plan: note which M.2 slot is PCIe 5.0 and whether your drives need heatsinks.
• Operating system and drivers: have a way to install Windows and download drivers.

The short version

• ATX motherboard for LGA 1851 Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, Z890 chipset.
• 16+1+2+1 80A DrMOS power stages, large heatsinks and DDR5 memory.
• Four M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0, three PCIe 4.0) and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot.
• Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet and addressable RGB headers.
• Tool-free build features and BIOS FlashBack.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.