[ Honest Review ]Asus prime z390 a VS Asus TUF z390 plus Gaming

Choosing a motherboard can be stressful, especially when you factor in all of the different features each one has to offer. Both of these boards have a lot to offer, but some key differences set them apart. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Asus prime z390-a vs Asus TUF z390 plus Gaming and help you decide which one is right for you. So, let’s get started!

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Key Differences and Comparison | Reasons to Buy

There are many factors between both motherboards that make them different from each other. Here we will be discussing the key differences between the two that will help you make a better decision.

Asus prime z390-a	Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming
Approximately 20% cheaper than Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming.	A Bit expensive due to gaming features. Best for gaming.
Slots PCIe x16. (1).	Support PCIe x1 (1).
Maximum RAM supported By Asus prime z390-a is 128GB.	Maximum RAM supported By Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming is 64GB.
Latest version of z390 releasedin 2019	Released in 2018
Onboard USB Gen 2.0 and 3.2 Gen 2.	Onboard USB Gen 3.2.
Support up to 2280 – M Key (M.2 Devices)	Support 22110 – M Key (M.2 devices)
Support NVIDIA SLI.	NVIDIA SLI Support
Support External Memory Profile (XMP)	Doesn’t Support External Memory Profile (XMP)

Gaming performance will be better on the Asus TUF z390 plus Gaming due to its support for NVIDIA SLI. It also has higher maximum RAM support of 64 GB which will be beneficial for gaming as well.  Additionally, it has a slightly higher maximum CPU cooler RPM of 2800 which will further help in improving gaming performance. 

However, the Asus prime z390-a is still a good option for gaming and is cheaper by approximately 20%. So, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.  Other than that, both motherboards are almost similar in terms of features and performance. So, it really depends on what you need and wants from your motherboard as to which one you should choose.

Supported PC parts

Here we will tell you about the supported hardware by both motherboards which includes the CPU, GPU, RAMs, Coolers, and PSU.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

In the case of CPU, both motherboards show similar processor support as both have LGA1151 sockets. But here are some processors that will perform best with these motherboards. 

Asus prime z390-a	Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming
Intel Core i9-9900KF (8 Cores)	Intel Core i9-9900K (8 Cores)
Intel Core i9-9900 (8 Cores)	Intel Core i9-9900KS (8 Cores)
Intel Core i7-9700K (8 Cores)	Intel Core i7-8700 (6 Cores)
Intel Core i5-9600K (6 Cores)	Intel Core i5-9600K (6 Cores)
Intel Core i3-9350K	Intel Core i3-9350KF

Compatible Memory Modules (RAM)

Memory compatibility with motherboards is becoming an important thing to consider nowadays as high-end games and software require a good amount of RAM. So, here are some compatible and best-performing rams with both motherboards. 

Asus prime z390-a	Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming
CrucialCT4G4DFS8266 | 4GB (2666 MHz)	Crucial CT4G4DFS8266 | 4GB (2666 MHz)
G.Skill F4-2400C15S-4GIS | 4GB (2400MHz)	Patriot PSD44G240081 | 4GB (2400MHz)
G.SkillF4-2133C15S-4GIS | 4GB (2133 MHz)	G.SkillF4-2133C15S-4GIS | 4GB (2133MHz)
Timetec75TT21NU | 4GB (2133MHz)	CorsairCMV4GX4M1A2133C15 | 4GB (2133MHz)
TeamTED48G2666C1901 | 4GB (2666MHz)	CorsairCMK4GX4M1A2400C14R | 4GB (2400MHz)
DDR 4 up to 4266Mhz	DDR 4 up to 4266Mhz

The main difference between both is the maximum ram support. Asus prime z390-a supports 64 GB maximum RAM but Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming supports 128 GB maximum RAM. 

CPU Coolers

CPU coolers are one of the most important components of a PC. They are responsible for keeping your CPU cool and preventing it from overheating. Here we will conclude the list of the best air and liquid cooler best for Asus prime z390-a and Asus TUF z390 plus Gaming with maximum rpms. 

Asus prime z390-a	Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming
Zalman CNPS2X | Air Cooler (2600 rpm)	Intel E97379-001 | Air Cooler (2800 rpm)
ARCTIC Alpine 12 LP| Air Cooler (2000 rpm)	ARCTIC Alpine 12 LP| Air Cooler (2000 rpm)
Cooler Master i71C RGB | Air Cooler (1800 rpm)	Thermaltake UX100 Air Cooler (1800 rpm)
Reeven Justice II 120mm | Air Cooler (1200  rpm)	Reeven Justice II 120mm | Air Cooler (1200  rpm)
Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB | Liquid Cooler | (2200 rpm)	Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB | Liquid Cooler | (2200 rpm)
XPG EPS LEVANTE 240 | Liquid Cooler (2000 rpm)	EK AIO Basic 360 | Liquid Cooler (2200 rpm)
Corsair Hydro H100 X | Liquid 1700 rpm	Corsair Hydro H100 X | Liquid 1700 rpm

FAQ

Q. Is the Asus Prime Z390-a good for gaming?

A.  Yes, the Asus Prime Z390-a is a good option for gaming. It is cheaper by approximately 20% and still has features that are beneficial for gaming such as support for NVIDIA SLI and higher maximum RAM support of 128 GB. 

Q. Is the Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming better for gaming?

A. Yes, the Asus TUF z390 plus Gaming is a better option for gaming due to its support for NVIDIA SLI and higher maximum RAM support of 64 GB. It also has a slightly higher maximum CPU cooler RPM of 2800 which will further help in improving gaming performance. As it is designed for gaming.

Q. What CPU is best compatible with Asus Prime Z390-A?

A. 9th Gen and 8th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold, and Celeron® processors are compatible and best for the Asus Prime Z390-A with maximum performance output.

Q. What CPU is best compatible with Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming?

A. Inte®l Core™ i9‑9900K 8 core Processor is  best and compatible with the Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming. It will provide maximum performance output for gaming and other heavy tasks.

Conclusion

After discussing all the key differences between both motherboards, it can be concluded that the Asus TUF z390-plus Gaming is the better option for gaming. It has features that are designed specifically for gaming such as support for NVIDIA SLI and higher maximum RAM support of 64 GB. However, the Asus Prime Z390-A is still a good option for gaming and is cheaper. So, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.  Other than that, both motherboards are almost similar in terms of features and performance.