USED ROG Maximus Z690 Hero ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi Hero Prime Z690-P ProArt Z690-Creator ATX Mainboard Sockel 1700 TB4/HDMI/M.2/USB3.2/WIFI

Here’s a detailed comparison table for the ASUS Z690 motherboard lineup:
ASUS Z690 Motherboard Comparison Table
| Feature | ROG Maximus Z690 Hero | ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi | TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi | TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi Hero | Prime Z690-P | ProArt Z690-Creator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target User | Extreme Enthusiasts | High-End Gamers | Budget Gamers | Mid-Range Gamers | Entry-Level | Professionals |
| VRM Design | 20+1 Phase (90A) | 18+1 Phase (80A) | 14+1 Phase (60A) | 16+1 Phase (70A) | 12+1 Phase (50A) | 16+1 Phase (70A) |
| Memory Support | DDR5-6400+ | DDR5-6200+ | DDR5-6000+ | DDR5-6200+ | DDR5-6000+ | DDR5-6200+ |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
1x PCIe 5.0 x16 1x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
1x PCIe 5.0 x16 1x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
1x PCIe 5.0 x16 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
1x PCIe 5.0 x16 | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| M.2 Slots | 4 (1x PCIe 5.0) | 4 (1x PCIe 5.0) | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Networking | 2.5Gb LAN + WiFi 6E | 2.5Gb LAN + WiFi 6 | 2.5Gb LAN + WiFi 6 | 2.5Gb LAN + WiFi 6 | 1Gb LAN | Dual 2.5Gb LAN + WiFi 6E |
| USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 10x USB 3.2 |
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 9x USB 3.2 |
8x USB 3.2 | 9x USB 3.2 | 6x USB 3.2 | 2x Thunderbolt 4 10x USB 3.2 |
| Cooling | Active VRM + M.2 Fans | Large VRM Heatsinks | Basic Heatsinks | Enhanced Heatsinks | Minimal Cooling | Professional Cooling |
| Audio | ROG SupremeFX 7.1 | ROG SupremeFX 7.1 | Realtek ALC897 | Realtek ALC1220 | Realtek ALC897 | ESS Sabre DAC |
| Special Features | PCIe Q-Release LiveDash OLED |
AI Overclocking | Military-Grade Durability | TUF Gaming Armor | Basic BIOS | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Price Range | $599-$699 | $399-$449 | $249-$299 | $299-$349 | $199-$229 | $499-$549 |
1. ROG Maximus Z690 Hero
The Ultimate Enthusiast-Grade Powerhouse
ASUS’s flagship Z690 motherboard delivers uncompromising performance with:
-
20+1 Phase VRM (90A Power Stages): Handles even the most power-hungry Intel Core i9 processors with ease
-
DDR5-6400+ OC Support: Cutting-edge memory performance for extreme workloads
-
PCIe 5.0 Implementation: 1× x16 slot + 2× PCIe 4.0 x4 slots
-
4× M.2 Slots: Including PCIe 5.0 x4 support
-
Premium Networking: 2.5Gb LAN + WiFi 6E with ASUS-exclusive signal enhancements
-
Thunderbolt 4: Dual ports (40Gbps each) for professional peripherals
-
ROG SupremeFX Audio: ESS ES9218 Quad DAC for studio-grade sound
-
Exclusive Features: PCIe Slot Q-Release, LiveDash OLED, premium cooling solutions
Best For: Extreme overclockers, content creators, and users who demand the absolute best performance.
2. ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi
High-End Gaming Performance with Smart Features
The refined Strix model offers excellent value with:
-
18+1 Phase VRM (80A Power Stages): Robust power delivery for Intel Core i7/i9
-
DDR5-6200+ OC Support: Optimized memory performance
-
4× M.2 Slots: 1× PCIe 5.0 x4 + 3× PCIe 4.0 x4
-
AI Enhancements: AI Overclocking, AI Cooling, and AI Networking
-
Gaming-Focused Networking: 2.5Gb LAN + WiFi 6 with GameFirst VI
-
USB 3.2 Gen2x2: 20Gbps support for ultra-fast storage
-
ROG SupremeFX Audio: ALC4080 codec with Savitech SV3H712 amp
Best For: Serious gamers who want premium features without the Maximus price tag.
3. TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi
Military-Grade Durability for Budget Builders
The value-focused TUF model provides:
-
14+1 Phase VRM (60A Power Stages): Reliable power delivery
-
DDR5-6000+ Support: Good memory performance
-
3× M.2 Slots: 1× PCIe 5.0 + 2× PCIe 4.0
-
TUF Protection: Military-grade components, surge protection
-
Essential Networking: 2.5Gb LAN + WiFi 6
-
Basic Audio: Realtek ALC897 codec
-
Optimized Cooling: Durable heatsinks and thermal pads
Best For: Budget-conscious gamers needing reliable performance.
4. TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WiFi Hero
Enhanced Mid-Range Gaming Solution
The upgraded TUF version adds:
-
16+1 Phase VRM (70A Power Stages): Better power delivery
-
DDR5-6200+ Support: Improved memory support
-
4× M.2 Slots: Extra storage flexibility
-
Enhanced Audio: Realtek ALC1220 codec
-
Additional PCIe Slot: Extra expansion capability
-
TUF Armor: Reinforced design for durability
Best For: Gamers wanting better features than base TUF but below ROG Strix.
5. Prime Z690-P
Entry-Level Essentials
ASUS’s most affordable Z690 offers:
-
12+1 Phase VRM (50A Power Stages): Basic power delivery
-
DDR5-6000 Support: Standard memory performance
-
2× M.2 Slots: Basic storage options
-
1Gb LAN: Standard networking
-
Minimalist Design: No RGB or premium features
Best For: First-time builders or basic office systems needing Z690 features.
6. ProArt Z690-Creator
Professional Workstation Power
The creator-focused board features:
-
16+1 Phase VRM (70A Power Stages): Stable power for workstations
-
DDR5-6200+ Support: Optimized for creative workloads
-
4× M.2 Slots: Ample fast storage
-
Professional Networking: Dual 2.5Gb LAN + WiFi 6E
-
Thunderbolt 4: Dual ports for creative peripherals
-
ESS Sabre DAC: Studio-quality audio
-
Optimized Cooling: Silent operation focus
Best For: Content creators, video editors, and professional users.
Comparison Summary
| Model | Best For | Key Strength | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximus Z690 Hero | Extreme performance | Best VRM & features | $599-$699 |
| Strix Z690-E WiFi | High-end gaming | Best value premium | $399-$449 |
| TUF Z690-Plus WiFi | Budget gaming | Military durability | $249-$299 |
| TUF Z690-Plus WiFi Hero | Mid-range gaming | Enhanced TUF version | $299-$349 |
| Prime Z690-P | Basic systems | Most affordable | $199-$229 |
| ProArt Z690-Creator | Professional work | Thunderbolt 4 & dual LAN | $499-$549 |
All models support:
-
12th/13th Gen Intel Core processors
-
DDR5 memory (except some Prime variants)
-
PCIe 5.0 graphics
-
Multiple M.2 slots










