The Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Pro Wi-Fi is a cost-effective Intel Z790 motherboard designed for gamers, emphasizing durability and performance. Engineered with military-grade components and an effective cooling system, it’s built for prolonged use. It boasts features like four M.2 sockets, strong power delivery, premium audio, fast Wi-Fi 6E, and multiple USB ports, including a 20Gbps USB-C port on the rear I/O panel.
Packaging
![Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Pro Wi-Fi Hands-on](https://www.gdgtme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Asus-TUF-Gaming-Z790-Plus-Wi-Fi-1024x585.webp)
As part of the TUF Gaming motherboard series, the TUF Gaming Z790-PRO WIFI falls between ASUS’s value-oriented PRIME series and the high-end ROG Maximus and ROG STRIX series. It holds a mid-tier position within ASUS’s Z790 Refresh product lineup. The board comes with the following accessories:
- WIFI Q-Antenna
- 2x SATA III cables
- M.2 drive screw and standoff pack
- 2x packs of M.2. drive rubber pads (adds height clearance for single-sided M.2 SSDs)
- Quick start guide
- DVD driver disc
- TUF Gaming Certificate of Reliability
- ASUS WebStorage promotional leaflet
- TUF Gaming sticker sheet
Design
Design-wise, the TUF Gaming Z790-PRO WIFI from ASUS introduces the “Q-Antenna,” a novel WiFi antenna with snap-on connectors instead of screws. Aesthetically, it adopts a black, grey, and silver color scheme with hints of yellow, in line with the TUF Gaming brand identity.
This mid-range Intel Z790 motherboard boasts an integrated I/O shield with gaming-themed embellishments, including a raised rubber “ULTIMATE FORCE” section. An illuminated “TUF” logo adorns the top-right corner, and it offers RGB headers.
![Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Pro Wi-Fi Hands-on](https://www.gdgtme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Asus-TUF-Gaming-Z790-Plus-Wi-Fi-5-1024x768.webp)
View full specifications here.
Under the hood, it features 16+1+1 power stages, four DDR5 slots supporting up to 192GB of RAM and DDR5 7800+ when overclocked. The single-tabbed “Q-DIMM” design simplifies memory module removal when using long graphics cards.
![Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Pro Wi-Fi Hands-on](https://www.gdgtme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Asus-TUF-Gaming-Z790-Plus-Wi-Fi-8-1024x664.webp)
Front panel connectivity includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C header with Power Delivery 3.0, fast charging (30W), and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A header. Additionally, there are two USB 2.0 headers supporting up to four USB 2.0 Type-A ports.
The motherboard offers a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with ASUS SafeSlot and Q-Release features for secure and hassle-free graphics card installation and removal. It also includes several other PCIe slots.
Storage-wise, there are four SATA III ports, including two in a right-angled configuration for improved cable management. It features four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots with Q-Latch for tool-less M.2 drive installation and removal.
Audio & Connectivity
The TUF Gaming Z790-PRO WIFI features Realtek’s S1220A audio codec, offering premium audio quality. For internet connectivity, it utilizes Intel’s I226-V controller, providing support for the 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet standard. ASUS has also integrated Intel’s AX211 module, enabling support for WIFI 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
![Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Pro Wi-Fi Hands-on](https://www.gdgtme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Asus-TUF-Gaming-Z790-Plus-Wi-Fi-4-1-1024x768.webp)
In terms of fan headers, the motherboard offers a total of seven. It includes three addressable RGB headers and a single 12V standard RGB header for lighting customization.
While Thunderbolt ports aren’t built-in, there is a Thunderbolt 4 add-on card header for use with a separate ASUS add-on card, adding Thunderbolt 4 ports and additional DisplayPort connectors.
To aid in troubleshooting, Q-LEDs are placed near the top edge of the board, assisting users in diagnosing Power On Self Test issues.
The rear I/O ports include:
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4 (max 4K resolution @ 60Hz)
- 1x HDMI 2.1 (max 4K resolution @ 60Hz)
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5Gbps)
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10Gbps)
- 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10Gbps)
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C (20Gbps)
- WIFI Q-Antenna connectors
- Audio jacks
![Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Pro Wi-Fi Hands-on](https://www.gdgtme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Asus-TUF-Gaming-Z790-Plus-Wi-Fi-3-1024x768.webp)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-PRO WIFI offers a solid mid-range Intel Z790 Refresh motherboard with notable features such as a robust VRM setup, PCIe 5.0 support for graphics cards, abundant USB 3.2 connectivity options, and a premium audio codec.
However, it would have been a stronger contender had ASUS included WIFI 7, considering that other Z790 Refresh motherboards from competing manufacturers typically offer this feature.
When compared to its predecessor, the Z790-PRO WIFI does bring improvements, including support for faster DDR5 memory, a revised PCIe slot layout, a front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port with 30W fast charging support, and ASUS’s new Q-Antenna.