Buying Guide

The Best ASUS Motherboards for Intel

Six ASUS boards for Core Ultra and 12th to 14th Gen Core compared on socket, power stages, M.2 slots and Thunderbolt.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read6 products evaluated

PC components laid out on a workbench ready for a build
Illustrative image

ASUS Intel boards split across two sockets: LGA1851 for Core Ultra 200S and LGA1700 for 12th to 14th Gen Core.

We compared six ASUS Intel boards on both sockets. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications and retailer listings; we did not test these parts ourselves.

Quick Picks

Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Best Value Z890

    ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PLUS WiFi

    Four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4.

    Best for: Core Ultra builds.

    Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PLUS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Solid Alternative

    ASUS ROG Strix Z890-A Gaming WiFi

    The Strix Z890-A offers five M.2 slots, Thunderbolt 4 and a white finish.

    Best for: Buyers who want 5 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.

    Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z890-A Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  3. Best LGA1700

    ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi

    An 18+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Thunderbolt 4 support.

    Best for: Core i7 and i9 14th Gen builds.

    Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  4. Worth Considering

    ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7

    The Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 offers a 14+1 layout, Wi-Fi 7 and a USB 20Gbps port, with 1Gbps Ethernet.

    Best for: Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.

    Check price for ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  5. Best Budget

    ASUS TUF Gaming B760-PLUS WiFi

    Three M.2 slots and 2.5Gbps LAN on B760.

    Best for: Core i5 builds.

    Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming B760-PLUS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Best Value Z8901 of 6

ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PLUS WiFi

The TUF Z890-PLUS offers a 16+1+2+1 layout, four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4.

Best for

Core Ultra builds.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the TUF B760-PLUS cost less when we checked.
ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-PLUS WiFi

Why we like it

It covers Core Ultra 200S builds without premium pricing. Its 4 M.2 slot count ranks fourth of 6 here, behind the Strix Z890-E (7) and ahead of the TUF B760-PLUS (3). It matches the Strix Z890-A, the Strix Z790-E and the TUF B760-PLUS on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).

No other pick in this guide offers 16+1+2+1 power stages; compare the Strix Z890-E, which has 18+2+1+2 power stages. Like the Strix Z890-A and Strix Z890-E, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the TUF B760-PLUS uses an LGA1700 socket. It shares a Z890 chipset with the Strix Z890-A and Strix Z890-E; the Z790 MAX Gaming goes with a Z790 chipset.

You also get a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port and TUF component and cooling design. It uses Intel's LGA1851 socket for Core Ultra 200S processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips. It was priced above the Z790 MAX Gaming and below the Strix Z790-E at the time of writing.

Key specs

M.2 slots
4
Wired LAN
2.5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7
Power stages
16+1+2+1
Form factor
ATX
Socket
LGA1851
Chipset
Z890

Pros

  • 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • 16+1+2+1 power stage layout
  • Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port

Cons

  • Costs more than the TUF B760-PLUS at the time of writing

Solid Alternative2 of 6

ASUS ROG Strix Z890-A Gaming WiFi

The Strix Z890-A offers five M.2 slots, Thunderbolt 4 and a white finish.

Best for

Buyers who want 5 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the TUF B760-PLUS cost less when we checked.
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-A Gaming WiFi

Why we like it

It suits storage-heavy Core Ultra builds. It matches the Strix Z790-E on M.2 slot count (5). It matches the TUF Z890-PLUS, the Strix Z790-E and the TUF B760-PLUS on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).

It is the only pick here with 16+2+1+2 power stages; the TUF Z890-PLUS has 16+1+2+1 power stages instead. Like the TUF Z890-PLUS and Strix Z890-E, it has an LGA1851 socket, while the TUF B760-PLUS uses an LGA1700 socket. It shares a Z890 chipset with the TUF Z890-PLUS and Strix Z890-E; the Z790 MAX Gaming goes with a Z790 chipset.

It also offers AI overclocking tools. It uses Intel's LGA1851 socket for Core Ultra 200S processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. When we checked, only the Strix Z790-E and cheaper picks cost less, and the Strix Z890-E cost more.

Key specs

M.2 slots
5
Wired LAN
2.5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7
Power stages
16+2+1+2
Form factor
ATX
Socket
LGA1851
Chipset
Z890

Pros

  • 5 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • 16+2+1+2 power stage layout
  • Thunderbolt 4 ports

Cons

  • Costs more than the TUF B760-PLUS at the time of writing

Best LGA17003 of 6

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi

The Strix Z790-E offers an 18+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Thunderbolt 4 support.

Best for

Core i7 and i9 14th Gen builds.

Skip if

Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is a problem.
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi

Why we like it

It is the premium LGA1700 board here. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Strix Z890-A at 5. On wired network speed it ties with the TUF Z890-PLUS, the Strix Z890-A and the TUF B760-PLUS at 2.5Gbps.

You get a wi-Fi 6E here, which sets it apart from the Strix Z890-E and its a wi-Fi 7. 18+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Strix Z890-A uses 16+2+1+2 power stages. It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Z790 MAX Gaming and TUF B760-PLUS; the Strix Z890-E goes with an LGA1851 socket.

It also comes with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and a front-panel USB 3.2 port. It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. Its price falls between the TUF Z890-PLUS and the Strix Z890-A, based on our last check.

Key specs

M.2 slots
5
Wired LAN
2.5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6E
Power stages
18+1
Form factor
ATX
Socket
LGA1700
Memory type
DDR5
Chipset
Z790

Pros

  • 5 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
  • 18+1 power stage layout
  • PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
  • Thunderbolt 4 support

Cons

  • Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
  • Costs more than the TUF B760-PLUS at the time of writing

Most M.2 Slots4 of 6

ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi

The Strix Z890-E lists seven M.2 slots, an 18+2+1+2 layout and Thunderbolt 4.

Best for

Storage-heavy builds.

Skip if

The maker gives no wired network speed, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi

Why we like it

It is the most expandable board here. On M.2 slot count it leads this guide at 7, ahead of the Strix Z890-A (5). 18+2+1+2 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Strix Z890-A uses 16+2+1+2 power stages.

It shares an LGA1851 socket with the TUF Z890-PLUS and Strix Z890-A; the Z790 MAX Gaming goes with an LGA1700 socket. It also comes with AI overclocking, cooling and networking tools. It uses Intel's LGA1851 socket for Core Ultra 200S processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips.

Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Strix Z890-A.

Key specs

M.2 slots
7
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7
Power stages
18+2+1+2
Form factor
ATX
Socket
LGA1851
Chipset
Z890

Pros

  • 7 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • 18+2+1+2 power stage layout
  • Thunderbolt 4 ports

Cons

  • No published wired network speed
  • Costs more than the TUF B760-PLUS at the time of writing

The catch

Buyers who need a confirmed wired network speed should compare it with the TUF Z890-PLUS, which offers 2.5Gbps.

Worth Considering5 of 6

ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7

The Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 offers a 14+1 layout, Wi-Fi 7 and a USB 20Gbps port, with 1Gbps Ethernet.

Best for

Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.

Skip if

Skip it if wired network speed matters most to you; the TUF Z890-PLUS offers 2.5Gbps.
ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7

Why we like it

It suits wireless desks. On M.2 slot count it ties with the TUF B760-PLUS at 3. On wired network speed it trails the group at 1Gbps, while the TUF Z890-PLUS offers 2.5Gbps.

14+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Strix Z890-A uses 16+2+1+2 power stages. It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Strix Z790-E and TUF B760-PLUS; the TUF Z890-PLUS goes with an LGA1851 socket. It also offers a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.

It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. Its price falls between the TUF B760-PLUS and the TUF Z890-PLUS, based on our last check.

Key specs

M.2 slots
3
Wired LAN
1Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7
Power stages
14+1
Form factor
ATX
Socket
LGA1700
Memory type
DDR5
Chipset
Z790

Pros

  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • 14+1 power stage layout
  • Rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port
  • PCIe 5.0 graphics slot

Cons

  • Wired network speed trails the TUF Z890-PLUS (2.5Gbps)
  • Costs more than the TUF B760-PLUS at the time of writing

The catch

If wired network speed is your priority, the TUF Z890-PLUS (2.5Gbps) is the stronger choice.

Best Budget6 of 6

ASUS TUF Gaming B760-PLUS WiFi

The TUF B760-PLUS WiFi offers three M.2 slots and 2.5Gbps LAN on DDR5.

Best for

Core i5 builds.

Skip if

Skip it if M.2 slot count matters most to you; the Strix Z890-E offers 7.
ASUS TUF Gaming B760-PLUS WiFi

Why we like it

Its price is higher than the Gigabyte board with a power layout. It matches the Z790 MAX Gaming on M.2 slot count (3). It matches the TUF Z890-PLUS, the Strix Z890-A and the Strix Z790-E on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).

It is the only pick here with a wi-Fi 6; the Z790 MAX Gaming has a wi-Fi 7 instead. Like the Strix Z790-E and Z790 MAX Gaming, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the TUF Z890-PLUS uses an LGA1851 socket. A B760 chipset is unique to it among these picks, while the Strix Z790-E uses a Z790 chipset.

It also comes with memory support to DDR5-7200 and TUF Protection component design. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Z790 MAX Gaming was closest.

Key specs

M.2 slots
3
Wired LAN
2.5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6
Form factor
ATX
Socket
LGA1700
Memory type
DDR5
Chipset
B760

Pros

  • Memory support to DDR5-7200
  • TUF Protection component design
  • Three M.2 slots
  • Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 MAX Gaming

Cons

  • M.2 slot count trails the Strix Z890-E (7)

The catch

M.2 slot count is its weakest area, and the Strix Z890-E covers it better at 7.

How We Chose These ASUS Intel Motherboards

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

The figures behind the order
We lined up six boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 6 picks leave out wired network speed.
The shared baseline
All 6, from the TUF Z890-PLUS to the TUF B760-PLUS, state M.2 slot count, wi-Fi and form factor.
Where the specs have gaps
The Strix Z890-E gives no wired network speed; the TUF B760-PLUS gives no power stages.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the TUF B760-PLUS ($150 to $250) to the Strix Z890-E ($250 to $500).

What to Look for in an ASUS Intel Motherboard

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. How much M.2 slot count you need

    Here M.2 slot count runs from 3 on the TUF B760-PLUS to 7 on the Strix Z890-E, a 133% spread. For less, the Strix Z890-A is the runner-up at 5.

  2. Wired network speed across these picks

    The TUF Z890-PLUS tops wired network speed at 2.5Gbps and the Z790 MAX Gaming sits lowest at 1Gbps; 4 picks share the top figure. If wired network speed is your first filter, the TUF Z890-PLUS sets the ceiling at 2.5Gbps. The Strix Z890-E gives no wired network speed figure, so 5 of 6 picks are compared here.

  3. Power stages

    The TUF Z890-PLUS lists 16+1+2+1; the Strix Z890-A lists 16+2+1+2; the Strix Z790-E lists 18+1; the Strix Z890-E lists 18+2+1+2; the Z790 MAX Gaming lists 14+1. Sort out power stages before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 1, 1, 1, 1 and 1.

  4. Socket

    The TUF Z890-PLUS, the Strix Z890-A and the Strix Z890-E list LGA1851; the Strix Z790-E, the Z790 MAX Gaming and the TUF B760-PLUS list LGA1700.

  5. Features beyond the spec table

    The Strix Z890-E: AI overclocking, cooling and networking tools. The Z790 MAX Gaming: a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot. The TUF B760-PLUS: TUF Protection component design.

How to Choose an ASUS Intel Motherboard

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Core Ultra buildsTUF Z890-PLUSFour M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4
Core i7 and i9 14th Gen buildsStrix Z790-EAn 18+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Thunderbolt 4 support
Storage-heavy buildsStrix Z890-ESeven M.2 slots
Core i5 buildsTUF B760-PLUSThree M.2 slots and 2.5Gbps LAN on B760

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The Strix Z890-E leads on M.2 slot count at 7, ahead of the Strix Z890-A at 5. "Not listed" marks wired network speed where the Strix Z890-E leaves the figure out.

BoardM.2 slotsWired LANWi-FiPower stages
TUF Z890-PLUS42.5GbpsWi-Fi 716+1+2+1
Strix Z890-A52.5GbpsWi-Fi 716+2+1+2
Strix Z790-E52.5GbpsWi-Fi 6E18+1
Strix Z890-E7Not listedWi-Fi 718+2+1+2
Z790 MAX Gaming31GbpsWi-Fi 714+1
TUF B760-PLUS32.5GbpsWi-Fi 6Not listed

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the TUF B760-PLUS, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Strix Z890-E at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierBoards
About $150 to $250TUF B760-PLUS, Z790 MAX Gaming, TUF Z890-PLUS
About $250 to $500Strix Z790-E, Strix Z890-A, Strix Z890-E

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Strix Z890-A compare with the Strix Z890-E on M.2 slot count?

Between the top two, it is 7 on the Strix Z890-E against 5 on the Strix Z890-A, a 40% difference. The TUF B760-PLUS is at the other end of this group with 3.

Is the Strix Z890-E worth paying more than the TUF B760-PLUS?

What it brings is M.2 slot count (7 against 3). The TUF B760-PLUS sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the Strix Z890-E in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 4 other picks between them; pay the difference only if M.2 slot count decides your purchase.

What makes the Strix Z890-E the Most M.2 Slots?

It earns the label for seven M.2 slots. The TUF B760-PLUS, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits storage-heavy builds.

Do the TUF Z890-PLUS and the Strix Z790-E differ on wi-Fi?

The TUF Z890-PLUS, the Strix Z890-A, the Strix Z890-E and the Z790 MAX Gaming use Wi-Fi 7; the Strix Z790-E uses Wi-Fi 6E; the TUF B760-PLUS uses Wi-Fi 6.

Beyond the specs, what sets the TUF Z890-PLUS and the Strix Z890-A apart?

The TUF Z890-PLUS: a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port. The Strix Z890-A: Thunderbolt 4 ports. The Strix Z790-E: a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.

Bottom Line

The TUF Z890-PLUS suits Core Ultra builds. On LGA1700, the Strix Z790-E is the high-end pick and the TUF B760-PLUS is the budget one.

About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

View all articles