Overview
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi is a high-end ATX motherboard built on the Z890 chipset for Intel Core Ultra (Arrow Lake) processors. With 16+1 power stages, 3x M.2 slots, and DDR5 support up to 192GB, it targets enthusiasts and power users who demand premium features and rock-solid reliability.
Full Specifications
| Socket | LGA 1851 |
| Chipset | Z890 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Memory | DDR5, 4 DIMM slots, up to 192GB |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 |
| M.2 Slots | 3x M.2 |
| SATA Ports | 4 |
| Rear USB | 9x USB |
| WiFi | WiFi 7 |
| Bluetooth | BT 5.4 |
| LAN | 2.5G |
| Audio | ALC4080 |
| Power Phases | 16+1 |
Design & Build Quality
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi features solid build quality with substantial VRM heatsinks, an integrated I/O shield, and a clean, modern aesthetic. ASUS has used a robust PCB design with reinforced slots and quality surface-mount components. The thermal solution is well-engineered for sustained loads without throttling.
VRM & Power Delivery
With a 16+1 power stage configuration, this board handles demanding workloads confidently. The VRM can sustain full power delivery to multi-core processors without thermal throttling under normal conditions. While it may not be designed for extreme overclocking records, it provides excellent stability for real-world high-performance use.
Connectivity & I/O
WiFi 7 brings tri-band support, 320 MHz channels, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for blazing wireless speeds and reduced latency — ideal for competitive gaming and large file transfers. 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet provides excellent wired speeds for NAS and local network transfers. The rear panel features 9x USB, providing ample connectivity for peripherals, external storage, and high-speed devices.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong 16+1 power delivery for reliable performance
- Good storage expandability with 3x M.2 slots
- Latest WiFi 7 for future-proof wireless connectivity
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed wired networking
- PCIe 5.0 GPU slot for next-generation graphics card bandwidth
Cons
- Four SATA ports, which is tight if you are carrying several mechanical drives over from an older build
- DDR5 only — a DDR4 kit from an earlier build does not carry over
Who Should Buy This Board?
Gamers and creators who want premium features without flagship pricing. A great choice for high-end Intel Core Ultra (Arrow Lake) builds that prioritize connectivity, storage expansion, and solid power delivery for sustained loads.
Build Tips & Recommendations
- LGA 1851 shares the same mounting pattern as LGA 1700, so existing LGA 1700 coolers will work without modification.
- Enable XMP 3.0 in BIOS to run your DDR5 kit at rated speeds. DDR5-6000 to DDR5-6400 offers the best performance-per-dollar for most users.
- With 3x M.2 slots available, install your OS on the primary M.2 slot (closest to the CPU) for maximum speed. Check your board's manual before filling the remaining slots — on many boards a second or third drive disables a SATA port or drops the graphics slot to x8.
- Any standard ATX mid-tower or full-tower case will work. Ensure your case has sufficient fan mounting points and front panel USB headers that match this board's internal connectors.
- Always update to the latest BIOS before installing components for the best compatibility, especially with newer CPUs and RAM kits. Download the BIOS file to a USB drive and use the flashback feature if available.
Video Review
Related Boards
Already own this board? The LGA 1851 upgrade path covers which processors this socket still takes, when a firmware update has to come first, and how much upgrade life the platform has left.
Weighing two boards? Compare this board side by side with the first one below, then swap in anything else from the dropdowns.