ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Pro WiFi Preview

Introduction and Technical Specifications

Introduction

It’s amazing how much things can change in a single generation. The Z790 version of this particular motherboard was a fairly no frills model, based upon a black colour scheme. This new ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Pro WiFi instead has seen upgrades in a number of areas, as well as a move to the white PCB/Silver heatsinks design that is so popular. If we had to compare it to another model in the ASUS range, it’s probably closest to their Strix-A.

Of course as a TUF model this doesn’t hit the same price point as the Strix-A. You’re losing a single M.2 slot and the RGB lighting on the VRM heatsink, but otherwise both are similar enough. The TUF is £80 cheaper, which definitely makes it an attractive proposition for those on a budget.

Probably the thing that surprises us most of all is the IO section of the TUF Pro. We’re used to ASUS giving us plenty of M.2 slots these days. Looking at the back panel to discover that the worst USB option is Type-A 10G, it’s fair to say the newest TUF Gaming motherboard is a big step forwards from those that have come before. It might be free of bells and whistles, but £350 for a motherboard with this many options is attractive. Given that there is a possibility this Intel Ultra 200 set will be the only processors to use this socket, not breaking the bank is the wisest option.

Let’s cast our eye across the Z890-Pro and see what you’re getting under that silvery coating.

Technical Specifications