Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The Asus Prime Z790M-Plus is a mATX motherboard designed for Intel’s 13th Gen Core processors, promising robust performance and a range of features. With its Intel Z790 chipset, 4x DIMM DDR5 slots, and a host of I/O options, the Z790M-Plus aims to be a versatile and reliable foundation for high-end gaming PCs and workstations. In this review, we’ll delve into its strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance to help you decide if it’s the right board for your needs.

Features

The Asus Prime Z790M-Plus boasts an impressive array of features, catering to both power users and enthusiasts. It features:

• Intel Z790 Chipset: Unleashes the full potential of 13th Gen Intel Core processors, providing robust overclocking capabilities and high-bandwidth connectivity.
• DDR5 Memory Support: Supports up to 192GB of DDR5 memory, allowing for lightning-fast data access and improved performance.
• Multiple M.2 Slots: The board boasts 3 M.2 slots, enabling you to install a range of fast NVMe SSDs for storage and caching.
• Extensive I/O: Includes multiple USB ports, both front and rear, a DisplayPort, HDMI port, Intel Gigabit Ethernet, and 7.1 channel audio.
• ASUS 5X Protection III: Ensures stability and reliability with features like DIGI+ VRM, LANGuard, overvoltage protection, SafeSlot Core+, and stainless-steel back I/O.
• ASUS Q-Design: Simplifies installation with features like Q-DIMM, Q-LED Core, and Q-Slot.
• Thermal Solution: The VRM heatsink design ensures efficient cooling, preventing thermal throttling even during heavy workloads.
• Aura Sync and Addressable Gen 2 Headers: Allows for customizable RGB lighting, adding a touch of personalization to your build.

Performance

During testing, the Asus Prime Z790M-Plus demonstrated impressive performance, exceeding expectations in several areas. The Intel Z790 chipset provided a solid foundation for our 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, allowing us to achieve high clock speeds with stable overclocking. The DDR5 memory, even at stock speeds, delivered significant performance gains over DDR4.

The M.2 slots proved to be a boon, offering blazing-fast storage speeds for our NVMe SSDs. The Intel Gigabit Ethernet connection provided reliable and consistent network speeds, crucial for online gaming and streaming.

One of the standout features of the Z790M-Plus is its thermal performance. The VRM heatsink design effectively dissipated heat, keeping temperatures well within acceptable limits even under heavy load. We were impressed with how cool the board remained, even during lengthy gaming sessions.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Asus Prime Z790M-Plus:

Pros

• Excellent performance, leveraging the full potential of 13th Gen Intel CPUs.
• Robust feature set, including DDR5 memory support, multiple M.2 slots, and extensive I/O options.
• Impeccable thermal performance thanks to the VRM heatsink design.
• ASUS 5X Protection III ensures stability and reliability.
• ASUS Q-Design makes installation easier.
• Supports customizable RGB lighting with Aura Sync and Addressable Gen 2 headers.

Cons

Final Verdict

The Asus Prime Z790M-Plus is a high-quality mATX motherboard that delivers excellent performance, a range of features, and solid reliability. Its robust thermal design and extensive I/O options make it a compelling choice for gamers, content creators, and power users who demand a solid platform for their 13th Gen Intel CPUs. However, its mATX form factor and price point might be drawbacks for some. If you’re looking for a powerful and feature-rich mATX motherboard for your next build, the Asus Prime Z790M-Plus is certainly worth considering.

Specifications