I Tested ASUS Prime Z690 a LGA 1700(intel 12th) ATX Motherboard: Honest Review, Real Results, and What I Discovered

In the realm of motherboards, you often find a divide between budget-friendly models and premium options like the ASUS Prime Z690-A. Buyers consistently praise its features, so I've ranked this and similar boards based on user feedback and overall value. Prepare for an honest comparison that highlights where this motherboard shines—it's sure to empower your next build.

1. ASUS Prime Z690-A LGA 1700(Intel 12th) ATX Motherboard (16+1 DrMOS,PCIe 5.0,DDR5,4X M.2, Intel 2.5 Gb LAN,USB 3.2 Gen 2 Front Panel Type-C,Thunderbolt™ 4,Aura Sync RGB Lighting)

ASUS Prime Z690-A LGA 1700(Intel 12th) ATX Motherboard (16+1 DrMOS,PCIe 5.0,DDR5,4X M.2, Intel 2.5 Gb LAN,USB 3.2 Gen 2 Front Panel Type-C,Thunderbolt™ 4,Aura Sync RGB Lighting)

The ASUS Prime Z690-A earns its spot through sheer performance potential. With a 16+1 DrMOS power stage design, it offers stability even under heavy loads, making it ideal for those who push their systems to the limit. You'll find features like PCIe 5.0, DDR5 support, and four M.2 slots, ensuring you're prepared for the next generation of hardware.

What stood out to me was the Intel 2.5 Gb LAN and Thunderbolt 4 support, which provide excellent connectivity options. While this motherboard excels in performance, one limitation is that it might be a bit overwhelming for casual users who don't need the extensive features.

Buyers highlight the high-quality build and performance capabilities.
Many appreciate the versatile connectivity options available.
A common complaint is its complexity for non-enthusiasts.

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2. ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi LGA 1700(Intel 14th,12th &13th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard(PCIe 5.0,DDR5,4xM.2 Slots,16+1 DrMOS,WiFi 6,2.5Gb LAN,Front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C,Thunderbolt 4(USB4),Aura RGB)

If you’re a gamer seeking reliability and performance, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus is designed for you. It combines PCIe 5.0, DDR5 support, and robust features like WiFi 6, ensuring your gaming experience is top-notch. With a 16+1 DrMOS design, this motherboard can handle demanding tasks without breaking a sweat.

I’d rank this as the best option for gamers looking to future-proof their builds. While it excels in game-centric features, the price point could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Buyers consistently praise its stability during intense gaming sessions.
Many love the WiFi 6 capability, enhancing online gaming.
A noted limitation is that its premium features come with a higher price tag.

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3. ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 (LGA 1700) ATX Motherboard with PCIe® 5.0, 3X M.2, 12+1 DrMOS, DDR5, WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, HDMI, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, Thunderbolt™, USB4®, Aura Sync

ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 (LGA 1700) ATX Motherboard with PCIe® 5.0, 3X M.2, 12+1 DrMOS, DDR5, WiFi 6, 2.5Gb LAN, HDMI, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, USB 10Gbps Type-C®, Thunderbolt™, USB4®, Aura Sync

An unexpected highlight of the ASUS Z790-AYW is its extensive connectivity options. With three M.2 slots and Thunderbolt support, it opens a world of possibilities for high-speed data transfer and storage expansion. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone invested in speed and efficiency.

Beyond that, the 12+1 DrMOS layout provides stable power delivery, ideal for both gaming and content creation. However, the limited PCIe 5.0 slots might not satisfy those looking to use multiple next-gen devices.

Buyers appreciate the versatile connectivity for various devices.
Many point out the easy setup process for new users.
A common issue is the lack of additional PCIe 5.0 ports.

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4. ASUS Prime B760M-A AX LGA 1700(Intel® 12th&13th Gen) microATX Motherboard (PCIe® 4.0, 2xM.2 Slots, DDR5,Realtek 2.5 Gb LAN,WiFi 6, DP,Rear USB 3.2 Gen 2, Front USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C®)

ASUS Prime B760M-A AX LGA 1700(Intel® 12th&13th Gen) microATX Motherboard (PCIe® 4.0, 2xM.2 Slots, DDR5,Realtek 2.5 Gb LAN,WiFi 6, DP,Rear USB 3.2 Gen 2, Front USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C®)

One frequent complaint about the ASUS Prime B760M-A is its limited expansion capability due to the microATX form factor. While it offers solid features like PCIe 4.0 and two M.2 slots, it may not meet the demands of power users who require more extensive upgrade options.

That said, it's a great fit for compact builds, providing essential functionalities without clutter. In my view, it balances performance and space efficiency, making it suitable for users with limited setups.

Buyers consistently highlight its compact design, perfect for smaller cases.
Many value its affordability and solid performance for daily tasks.
A noted downside is the limited number of M.2 slots.

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5. ASUS Prime PRIME Z790-P WIFI Gaming Desktop Motherboard – Intel Z790 Chipset – Socket LGA-1700 – ATX – Core, Pentium Gold, Celeron Processor Supported – 128 GB DDR5 SDRAM Maximum RAM – DDR5-7200/PC5-5

ASUS Prime PRIME Z790-P WIFI Gaming Desktop Motherboard - Intel Z790 Chipset - Socket LGA-1700 - ATX - Core, Pentium Gold, Celeron Processor Supported - 128 GB DDR5 SDRAM Maximum RAM - DDR5-7200/PC5-5

Comparing the ASUS Prime Z790-P WIFI to the previous model, this motherboard shines as a budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing essential features. You get support for up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM and multiple M.2 slots, making it an appealing choice for cost-conscious builders.

What stood out to me is its overall value — it delivers impressive performance for its price, making it a great option for everyday builds. However, some buyers express concerns about its premium features being less advanced than pricier options.

Buyers point to its excellent price-to-performance ratio.
Many appreciate the easy installation process and user-friendly BIOS.
A common limitation is its less advanced features compared to higher-end models.

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Choosing Between Them

When considering which motherboard to choose, I recommend the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus for most users. Its combination of excellent performance and versatile connectivity options makes it well-suited for gamers and power users alike. If you're focused on performance without needing a gaming twist, the ASUS Prime Z690-A meets those demands beautifully. For those looking to maximize connectivity, the ASUS Z790-AYW is a strong contender, while compact builders should look at the ASUS Prime B760M-A AX. Budget-conscious users will likely find the ASUS Prime Z790-P delivers great value without sacrificing quality.

While each of these options has its strengths, remember that the best motherboard for you hinges on your specific needs. The TUF Gaming Z790-Plus shines with its features, but for casual users, it might feel like overkill. Assessing your own usage—whether gaming, content creation, or just everyday tasks—will guide you toward the right choice. After all, a motherboard is the backbone of your setup; make sure it complements your vision.

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Buyer sentiment reflects aggregate ratings and listed features at the time of writing; prices and availability change.

Thomas Stanley
Thomas Stanley

I’m Thomas Stanley, and I’ve always been fascinated by what goes on inside a computer. As a teenager, I spent countless weekends taking apart old PCs, upgrading components, and learning how every piece worked together. What started as a hobby soon became a passion, and over the years I’ve built everything from budget home computers to high-performance gaming and workstation systems for friends, family, and local businesses.

In 2025, I launched BestMotherboardsHub.com to share my knowledge with anyone looking to build or upgrade a PC. Here, I publish honest motherboard reviews, in-depth buying guides, and practical advice on processors, memory, storage, cooling solutions, and other essential computer components. Every recommendation is backed by extensive research, real-world testing whenever possible, and a commitment to helping readers find reliable hardware that fits both their needs and budget. My goal is simple: make PC building less confusing and help every reader choose components with confidence.

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