The ASUS Prime Z790M-Plus D4 is a micro-ATX motherboard that caters to both gamers and professionals who seek a blend of performance, stability, and value. This motherboard, built on Intel’s Z790 chipset, is designed for 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, offering a solid foundation for building a high-performance PC. With a balance of essential features and a user-friendly design, it is a suitable choice for anyone looking to build or upgrade a powerful and versatile system.
Key Features
- Intel Z790 Chipset Compatibility: The motherboard supports Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen Core processors, providing robust performance and future-proofing your system for upcoming advancements.
- DDR4 Memory Support: Unlike many newer motherboards that support DDR5, the ASUS Prime Z790M-Plus D4 sticks with DDR4, allowing users to leverage existing RAM modules while still delivering high-speed performance. It supports up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM with speeds up to 5333 MHz (OC).
- Dual M.2 Slots: The motherboard includes dual M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support, enabling rapid storage solutions and reducing load times for games and applications.
- Enhanced Power Solution: The ASUS Prime Z790M-Plus D4 features a robust power design with 10+1 DrMOS power stages, ensuring stable power delivery to the CPU and other critical components, enhancing overclocking potential and system stability.
- Comprehensive Cooling Options: With multiple fan headers and dedicated cooling zones, this motherboard allows for effective thermal management, keeping the system cool even under heavy loads. This is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and longevity of the components.
- PCIe 5.0 Support: The primary PCIe slot supports PCIe 5.0, which is double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0. This feature is ideal for future-proofing your system for upcoming GPUs and other PCIe-based expansions.
- 2.5Gb Ethernet: The onboard 2.5Gb Ethernet port provides faster and more stable network connectivity, making it suitable for gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.
- USB Connectivity: The ASUS Prime Z790M-Plus D4 is equipped with multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, providing fast data transfer speeds and extensive connectivity options for peripherals.
- BIOS Flashback: A handy feature that allows users to update the BIOS without the need for a CPU, RAM, or GPU, making it easier to stay updated with the latest firmware.
- Aesthetic Design with Aura Sync: The motherboard features customizable RGB lighting with ASUS Aura Sync, allowing you to personalize the look of your build and synchronize lighting effects with other Aura-compatible components.
Performance and Usability
In terms of performance, the ASUS Prime Z790M-Plus D4 excels in delivering what most users would require from a high-end micro-ATX motherboard. The support for DDR4 RAM makes it an attractive option for those who want to upgrade their system without switching to DDR5, which is still relatively expensive. The dual M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 compatibility ensure that this motherboard is ready for next-generation components.
The board’s layout is thoughtfully designed, providing ample room for a high-end GPU and large cooling solutions, even in a compact micro-ATX form factor. Additionally, the comprehensive cooling options and enhanced power solution make it a reliable choice for both overclockers and users running demanding applications.
Conclusion
The ASUS Prime Z790M-Plus D4 is a well-rounded motherboard that strikes a balance between performance, features, and value. Its support for the latest Intel processors, coupled with future-proof technologies like PCIe 5.0 and robust power delivery, makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. Whether you are building a gaming rig or a powerful workstation, this motherboard provides the flexibility and performance needed to handle the most demanding tasks. With its user-friendly features and solid build quality, the ASUS Prime Z790M-Plus D4 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to build a powerful yet affordable PC.
