ROG Strix Z790-E vs TUF Z790-Plus: Best Motherboard for RTX 5000 & Ryzen 9000 Builds?

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Building a next-gen gaming beast and trying to decide between the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi and the TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi? You’re not alone—especially now that the NVIDIA RTX 5000 series is out in the wild (launched January 30, 2025)! Whether you’ve already snagged a 5090 or you're planning around it, your motherboard is the foundation that brings everything together.

Let’s break down these two ASUS powerhouses to help you decide which one’s best for your next-level gaming rig.

🧩 Quick Heads-Up: Intel vs AMD Compatibility

Just so we’re clear from the start: both of these boards are built for Intel CPUs (12th, 13th, 14th Gen), using the LGA 1700 socket and Z790 chipset. If you’re building with a Ryzen 8000 or 9000 CPU, you’ll need an AM5 board—we’ll touch on that at the end.

Now let’s jump into the details!

🆚 ROG Strix Z790-E vs TUF Z790-Plus: Spec Showdown

Feature    ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi    TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi
Socket / Chipset    LGA 1700 / Z790    LGA 1700 / Z790
Power Phases (VRMs)    18+1    16+1
Memory Support    DDR5 up to 7800MHz    DDR5 up to 7200MHz
PCIe 5.0    GPU + M.2 NVMe SSD support    GPU only
M.2 Slots    4 total (1 PCIe 5.0)    4 total (PCIe 4.0 only)
WiFi    WiFi 6E    WiFi 6E
LAN    2.5 Gb Ethernet    2.5 Gb Ethernet
Audio    SupremeFX (ALC4080)    Realtek S1200A
RGB & Style    Premium RGB, slick design    Rugged, subtle military look
Price Range    $240+ (Premium)    $200 (Mid-range friendly)
ROG Strix Z790-E, TUF Z790-Plus, Motherboards, RTX 5000, Ryzen 9000, Gaming Rigs

🔍 Feature Breakdown – What Really Matters?

🔌 Power & Overclocking

If you’re pairing an Intel Core i9-14900K with an RTX 5090, the Strix Z790-E’s 18+1 power stages are built for serious overclocking and stability. It’s ready for anything you throw at it.

The TUF Z790-Plus holds strong with 16+1 power stages—plenty for mid-to-high-end gaming, especially if you’re using a Core i5 or i7.

💾 RAM & Storage

Both boards support DDR5 RAM, but the Strix gives you higher supported speeds—up to 7800MHz. It also supports PCIe 5.0 SSDs, meaning you can install those ultra-fast Gen 5 NVMe drives.

The TUF is solid with 4x M.2 slots (all PCIe 4.0), which is still more than enough for most gamers.

🎮 GPU Compatibility

Here’s the good news: both boards fully support the RTX 5000 series, including the 5080 and 5090. They come with PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, so you’re all set for top-tier GPU performance.

🌐 Connectivity

WiFi 6E? ✅
2.5Gb LAN? ✅
Fast USB ports? ✅ on both.
The Strix Z790-E edges ahead with a few more high-end ports like USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, especially helpful if you’re running tons of external storage or streaming gear.

🔈 Audio

If you’re into streaming, recording, or just want crisp sound without a separate sound card, the Strix wins with ROG SupremeFX ALC4080. The TUF's Realtek S1200A is decent, but not quite in the same league.

🎨 Looks & Vibe

  • Strix: All-out gamer design, RGB lighting, and sleek heatsinks. Looks amazing in glass-panel builds.

  • TUF: Military-style ruggedness, no flashy RGB, but clean and solid.

🧠 So, Which One Should You Get?

Pick the ROG Strix Z790-E if:

  • You’re building a flagship rig with a 14900K and RTX 5090

  • You want PCIe 5.0 SSD support

  • You're into overclocking, streaming, or premium builds

  • You like RGB and a flashy build aesthetic

Pick the TUF Z790-Plus if:

  • You’re going with an i5 or i7 and an RTX 5070/5080

  • You’re on a tighter budget but still want reliability

  • You want a clean, minimal, durable setup

  • You’re not overclocking much

🔁 What If You’re Going AMD (Ryzen 9000)?

For Ryzen 8000 or 9000 series builds, these Intel Z790 boards won’t work. You’ll need AM5 boards like:

  • ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero – packed with features for Ryzen 9

  • ASUS TUF Gaming X670E-Plus – solid and more affordable

  • ASUS B650E options – great for Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 5 builds

If you're eyeing a Ryzen 9 9950X or Ryzen 7 9700X, look for boards with PCIe 5.0 support and strong VRM cooling.

💬 Community & Support Links

Need more input from fellow builders? These communities are 🔥 for advice and troubleshooting:

🚀 Final Verdict

If you're building a high-end RTX 5090 or Core i9-14900K monster machine, the ROG Strix Z790-E is the go-to—it’s packed with next-gen features and perfect for overclockers and enthusiasts.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, and tough-as-nails board that still handles the RTX 5000 series like a champ, the TUF Z790-Plus punches way above its weight.

Related Articles:

When upgrading your PC with the latest RTX 5090, 5080, or 5070 GPUs, choosing the right motherboard is crucial for maximizing performance. We've rounded up the Best Motherboards for RTX 5090, 5080, & 5070 (Intel & AMD) to ensure you get the most out of your new graphics card.

For those using the AMD RX 9070 XT, proper cooling is essential to maintain peak performance. Check out our Best Cooling for AMD RX 9070 XT: Air, Liquid & Custom Solutions for the best options tailored to keep your system running cool under load.

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