OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£150CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z390Form factor:ATX

ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

40%

5.5

Technical score

20%

5.5

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.0

Sentiment score

10%

9.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 67% of motherboards
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 66%
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

19%

6.0

Memory

16%

7.3

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

4.5

Network

13%

3.4

Ports

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

6.0

Power & Cooling

5%

8.0

Audio

â–¼Worse than 62%
5.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models

5.5

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.7

Average grade

20%

8.3

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–¼Worse than 81%
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models

70%

9.2

Rating

30%

10

Popularity

★Better than 95%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • asus-tuf-z390-plus-gaming
  • asus-tuf-z390-plus-gaming
asus-tuf-z390-plus-gaming
asus-tuf-z390-plus-gaming
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming

Based on 2 · 2

Reviewers consistently praise its sturdy, well-made build, with no clear complaints standing out.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming

Based on 27 owners sharing their experience in online comments

44%positive8%mixed48%negative

Owners praise stable performance and overclocking, while boot failures, configuration limits, and hardware faults cause serious frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners report the PC won't boot after a Windows restart, and boot failures or restarts happen after a power loss or part change.4
  • Limited features and misleading specifications3
  • Filling both M.2 slots disables three of the six SATA ports, and one owner reports an M.2 drive stopped being recognised as a boot device after a BIOS update.3
  • CPU and CPU OPT fan headers can't be turned off, and fans ramp up even under light load such as opening a browser, which owners find annoying.3
  • Some owners report the board is unstable with an i9-9900K, and a 9700K crashed at 5 GHz even after the board was replaced twice.3
  • One board developed a USB over-current error after two years that stopped it working, and another owner reports smoke from the board.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components:

19%

6.0

Memory

16%

7.3

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

4.5

Network

13%

3.4

Ports

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

6.0

Power & Cooling

5%

8.0

Audio

5.5
Reviews score
5.5
User score
9.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.5
CPU socket
LGA 1151
This motherboard uses LGA 1151, which is less up-to-date than 70.7% of Motherboards and the same as 13.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z390
This motherboard uses Intel Z390, which is less capable than 60.5% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.1% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
requires BIOS update for full capacity
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
4,266 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,266 MT/s, which is lower than that of 54.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.8% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 34.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4, which is slower than 64.3% of Motherboards and the same as 3.2% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, which is more generous than 51% of Motherboards and the same as 9.6% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 63.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 52.3% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I219-V
This motherboard has a Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is faster than 58.2% of Motherboards and equal to 10% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than 49.8% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek S1200A
This motherboard uses Realtek S1200A, which is higher-end than 62.1% of Motherboards and the same as 0.9% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
full 7.1 needs front panel audio.
Audio SNR
108 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 108 dB, which is lower than that of 60.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on front panel.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
3
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 11.3% of motherboards and equal to 39.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
8+1
This motherboard has 8+1 VRM phases, which is fewer than 64.4% of motherboards and equal to 1.2% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
5
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 5 fan headers, which is fewer than 50% of motherboards and equal to 14.6% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
1 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 1 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 56.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 19.6% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek S1200A vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek S1200A vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 27.0% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 95% of models

    70%

    9.2

    Rating

    30%

    10

    Popularity

    9.4 vs 7.4
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 27.0% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 95% of models

    70%

    9.2

    Rating

    30%

    10

    Popularity

    9.4 vs 7.4
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek S1200A vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek S1200A vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
    integrated Aura Sync lighting
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    requires BIOS update for full capacity
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 24.7% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models

    5.5

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    5.5 vs 7.3
  • 24.7% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models

    5.5

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    5.5 vs 7.3
  • 2.7% worse value for money
    ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.49 vs 7.7).
    7.49 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    requires BIOS update for full capacity
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    14 vs 15
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4).
    5 vs 5.4
  • 7 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (108 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    108 dB vs 115 dB
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    8+1 vs 10
  • 1 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    1 A vs 2 A
  • 0.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    5 vs 5.5

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

4.0
Laurent's Choice
≈ estimated
08/12/2018
First look · physical inspection and comparison
Verdict
ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming has a rugged build, but too few features and weak connectivity make it hard to recommend.
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
01/04/2019
Full review · Z390 gaming board
Verdict
The ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming has long-lasting parts and a solid feature set, but rivals offer better connectivity and speed, so it suits buyers who prize durability.
8.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
19/02/2019
Lab test · Wi-Fi Z390 board
Verdict
The ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming (Wi-Fi) hits 5GHz on a Core i9-9900K and holds it, but it draws a lot of power and trails MSI on USB.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming

  • Durable build quality with military-grade components designed to 'survive and thrive' in tough conditions.
  • Highly user-friendly and responsive UEFI BIOS, featuring a well-organized 'EZ Mode' for quick configurations.
  • Ease of setup and installation, with many users reporting a smooth 'plug and play' experience on first boot.
  • Excellent storage flexibility, including multiple M.2 slots (one with a dedicated heat sink) and support for high-speed NVMe drives.
  • Reliable stability and performance for mainstream gaming, including decent support for 9th Gen Intel Core i9 processors at stock speeds.
  • Clean visual design with integrated RGB lighting that is fully customizable via Aura Sync.

What customers don't like about ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming

  • VRM cooling is considered subpar for heavy overclocking, potentially leading to overheating when paired with high-end CPUs like the i9-9900K.
  • Disappointing rear I/O connectivity, specifically lacking a USB Type-C port and featuring a limited array of audio outputs without optical support.
  • Reports of memory compatibility issues where certain common DDR4 RAM kits failed to run at their rated XMP speeds without manual tweaking.
  • Lack of an integrated I/O shield, which can make the installation process feel slightly more 'budget' compared to competitors.
  • Mixed reviews on longevity, with some users reporting hardware failures and difficult warranty claims after several months of use.

Verdict

The ASUS TUF Z390-Plus Gaming is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z390 chipset, supporting 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA 1151 socket. It features four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of memory at overclocked speeds of 4266MHz+, dual M.2 slots (one with a heatsink) for NVMe SSDs, and native USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity. Its primary strengths include military-grade TUF components for enhanced durability, OptiMem II for improved memory stability, and the Realtek S1200A codec for high-quality 8-channel audio. However, it lacks a USB Type-C port, has a limited 4+1 phase VRM design that may struggle with high-end i9 processors under heavy overclocking, and features a restricted second PCIe x16 slot that only operates at x4 mode.

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