The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi is a feature-rich ATX motherboard designed for Intel Core Ultra desktop processors using the LGA1851 socket. Its combination of PCIe 5.0 graphics and storage support, four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4 and a substantial 16+1+2+1-stage power system makes it a capable platform for a high-performance gaming or content-creation build. It is most attractive to builders who need its extensive connectivity, as less expensive boards can handle a conventional single-GPU, single-SSD gaming system adequately. Pick it up now for 23% off the MSRP!

The motherboard is based on Intel’s Z890 chipset and supports Intel Core Ultra desktop processors in the LGA1851 package. That includes the Core Ultra 200S family. LGA1851 is physically and electrically different from the older LGA1700 platform. Consequently, this board cannot accept 12th, 13th or 14th-generation Intel Core processors. Read below for additional details on the specs of this motherboard, or see the foot of this page for alternative offers on a range of other models.

What we like about the ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi

A substantial power-delivery system

ASUS uses a 16+1+2+1-stage power arrangement, with each stage rated for up to 80A. Sixteen stages are allocated to the principal CPU power rail, with the remaining stages serving integrated graphics, system-agent and auxiliary requirements. Dual eight-pin ProCool CPU power connectors and an eight-layer PCB complement this configuration.

This is considerably more power capacity than a mainstream processor requires at stock settings, but the additional headroom can help maintain voltage stability under sustained all-core workloads. Large VRM heatsinks cover the primary power components, while alloy chokes and TUF-branded capacitors are intended to improve durability.

The design should therefore be comfortable with higher-end Core Ultra processors when accompanied by an appropriate CPU cooler and adequately ventilated case. It does not guarantee a specific overclock, however, and automatic voltage settings should still be monitored rather than assumed to be optimal.

Fast DDR5 support with room for high-capacity configurations

Four DIMM slots provide a dual-channel DDR5 memory architecture. ASUS’s latest specification lists support for capacities up to 256GB and memory speeds exceeding 9,000MT/s through overclocking, although supported capacity and frequency vary according to the processor, module type and number of installed DIMMs.

That official specification supersedes the Amazon table’s implausible 160MHz memory-speed entry and its older 192GB maximum. The advertised overclocked ceiling should also be treated as a platform capability rather than a guaranteed result. Very high data rates are generally easiest to achieve with two carefully matched modules, while four-DIMM or high-capacity configurations place greater electrical demands on the processor’s memory controller.

Intel XMP, ASUS AEMP III and DIMM Fit are provided to assist with configuration. DIMM Fit can analyse installed modules and optimise their operating parameters, but buyers should still select a kit from ASUS’s qualified-vendor list when maximum compatibility matters.

PCIe 5.0 for both graphics and primary storage

The reinforced primary graphics slot operates at PCIe 5.0 x16. It remains backward compatible with PCIe 4.0 and earlier graphics cards, so owners do not need a PCIe 5.0 GPU to use the board. The Amazon specification identifying the graphics interface as PCIe 4.0 is therefore incomplete.

Four additional expansion slots are available: one physical PCIe 4.0 x16 slot operating at up to x4, one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot and two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots. That arrangement provides useful flexibility for capture cards, sound cards, high-speed network adapters and other add-in devices, although the secondary full-length connector cannot provide x16 bandwidth.

ASUS’s PCIe Slot Q-Release mechanism simplifies removal of a large graphics card. This is a small but valuable feature in modern systems, where oversized coolers can make the conventional retention tab difficult to reach.

Four M.2 slots provide flexible SSD expansion

The storage layout consists of four M.2 connectors and four SATA 6Gbps ports. The primary M.2 slot connects to the processor and supports a PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe drive, offering theoretical interface bandwidth of up to 128Gbps. A second CPU-connected connector supports PCIe 4.0 x4, while two chipset-connected sockets provide further PCIe 4.0 storage support.

One of the chipset M.2 connectors can also accept a SATA-mode M.2 drive. This is useful for reusing older storage, although NVMe models are preferable for new performance-oriented builds.

Three of the four M.2 positions receive heatsink coverage. ASUS also includes tool-free Q-Latch, Q-Slide and Q-Release mechanisms on relevant slots, reducing reliance on tiny screws during installation. A PCIe 5.0 SSD can still produce considerable heat during sustained transfers, so case airflow remains important even with the supplied heatsink.

Intel Rapid Storage Technology supports RAID configurations across compatible PCIe or SATA drives. RAID should not be confused with a backup, however, because it does not protect against accidental deletion, malware or failure affecting the entire computer.

Extensive USB and display connectivity

The rear panel includes one Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port offering up to 40Gbps, another USB-C connection rated at 20Gbps with DisplayPort Alt Mode, three 10Gbps USB ports and three 5Gbps USB ports. Internal headers add support for a case-mounted 20Gbps USB-C port, additional 5Gbps connections and USB 2.0 devices.

Thunderbolt 4 is particularly useful for fast external SSDs, docks, displays and professional audio or video hardware. The presence of one integrated port means users do not need to purchase a separate expansion card for basic Thunderbolt connectivity.

HDMI and DisplayPort outputs are also present, but they rely on the installed processor having functional integrated graphics. They do not provide video output from a discrete graphics card and may remain inactive when paired with a processor lacking an enabled iGPU.

A BIOS FlashBack button allows the firmware to be updated from a USB drive without a working processor or memory installation. This can be extremely useful when adding a processor that requires a newer BIOS revision or recovering from certain firmware problems.

Modern wired and wireless networking

Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet provides faster local-network transfers than conventional Gigabit Ethernet when paired with suitable switching and cabling. Wi-Fi 7 adds 2×2 wireless connectivity across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz bands, alongside Multi-Link Operation and 160MHz channel support. ASUS quotes a maximum negotiated rate of up to 2.9Gbps under suitable conditions.

Actual Wi-Fi performance depends on the router, operating system, channel width, regional regulations, congestion and distance. A Wi-Fi 7 router is required to access the standard’s principal benefits, while the 6GHz band may not be available in every country. The supplied Q-Antenna uses push-on connectors and can be repositioned for improved reception.

Bluetooth 5.4 is also integrated, providing wireless support for controllers, headphones and other peripherals without occupying a USB port.

Practical cooling controls and DIY features

The board includes CPU-fan, optional CPU-fan and AIO-pump headers, four chassis-fan headers and a dedicated high-current water-pump connection. Each header can control PWM or DC devices, and Fan Xpert 4 allows curves to reference different temperature sources.

AI Cooling II can run a calibration workload and automatically adjust fan behaviour to balance temperature and noise. It is a convenient starting point, although experienced builders may prefer to create manual curves for their particular case, cooler and acoustic requirements.

Other assembly aids include an integrated rear I/O shield, diagnostic Q-LED indicators, SafeDIMM reinforcement and three addressable RGB headers. BIOS FlashBack, tool-free M.2 fittings and the graphics-slot release collectively make the board more approachable for first-time builders.

Better-than-basic onboard audio

Audio is handled by a Realtek ALC1220P codec with separated PCB layers, premium capacitors, impedance sensing and DTS processing. The rear panel supplies five analogue audio jacks and an optical S/PDIF output, making the board more flexible than models with simplified three-jack layouts.

The integrated solution should be sufficient for typical gaming headsets, powered speakers and home audio equipment. Specialist users with difficult-to-drive studio headphones or professional recording requirements may still benefit from an external DAC, headphone amplifier or dedicated audio interface.

Who should buy this Z890 motherboard deal?

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi is best suited to someone building a higher-end Intel Core Ultra gaming, streaming or productivity system and expecting to install several SSDs or high-speed peripherals. Its 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 5.0 graphics slot and four M.2 sockets provide considerably more expansion potential than a basic motherboard.

It is also a sensible option for builders who value convenient assembly features and detailed fan control without paying for the cosmetic extras associated with premium enthusiast boards. The understated TUF design should integrate easily into either an RGB-heavy system or a more restrained workstation.

It is not appropriate for an existing LGA1700 processor, DDR4 memory or buyers planning a low-cost build around modest components. A less expensive B-series motherboard may offer better value when overclocking, Thunderbolt, PCIe 5.0 storage and multiple expansion slots are unlikely to be used.

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