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

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PRO WiFi is a full-size ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA 1851 socket. It is built for Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) and pairs a heavy power design with four M.2 slots, Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7. It is the sort of board chosen for a main desktop with room to grow.

Socket and chipset

LGA 1851 is the socket for the Core Ultra Series 2 desktop processors, and ASUS lists the board as ready for them. It uses DDR5 memory. Z890 is Intel's higher-tier desktop chipset, and in general this tier allows overclocking and offers more connectivity than the lower tiers. Check the manual for details on supported memory speeds.

Power delivery

The board has 16+1+2+1 DrMOS power stages, each rated at 80A, along with ProCool power connectors, an 8-layer PCB, alloy chokes and durable capacitors. More stages typically spread the load, so each runs cooler, which helps with high-power processors under sustained work. Large VRM heatsinks, M.2 and PCH heatsinks, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4 with AI Cooling II round out the cooling. ASUS describes AI Cooling II as a way to simplify thermal tuning.

Storage

There are four M.2 slots: one PCIe 5.0 slot with a cooling solution and three PCIe 4.0 slots. That layout suits a fast system drive plus several additional drives. PCIe 5.0 drives are among the fastest consumer SSDs, but they typically run hotter, hence the dedicated cooler.

Expansion and connectivity

A PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with PCIe Q-Release Slim is listed, which makes it easier to remove a graphics card. Two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, a front-panel USB 20Gbps Type-C port and support for a Thunderbolt (USB4) header are included. Video outputs include DisplayPort and HDMI.

Networking

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) comes with the ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna, and wired networking is Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet. AI Networking II is an ASUS feature for network optimisation.

Build-friendly details

ASUS lists M.2 Q-Release, M.2 Q-Latch, Q-Dashboard, Q-LED, a BIOS FlashBack button and a pre-mounted I/O shield. These are meant to speed up assembly and troubleshooting. Three addressable Gen 2 headers support Aura Sync RGB lighting.

Who it suits

It suits people building a full-size Core Ultra Series 2 desktop who want multiple fast drives, Thunderbolt 4 and strong power delivery. It also suits builders who plan to add expansion cards later.

What to check before you buy

• Case: confirm it supports ATX boards.
• Processor: make sure your chip is Core Ultra Series 2 on LGA 1851.
• Memory: it needs DDR5.
• Cooler: check that your cooler is compatible with LGA 1851.
• Drives: check which M.2 slots share bandwidth, as the manual describes.
• Power supply: confirm the connectors your processor and graphics card need.

The short version

• ATX motherboard for LGA 1851 Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2).
• 16+1+2+1 DrMOS stages rated at 80A, 8-layer PCB and large heatsinks.
• One PCIe 5.0 and three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots.
• Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 7 and Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet.
• BIOS FlashBack and tool-free Q-design assembly features.

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