Compare ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus and ASUS Prime Z490-A models.
Compare ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus and ASUS Prime Z490-A models.
Hello everyone, I’m assembling components for a new PC targeting Intel 10th Gen chips, specifically the Intel Core i7-10700K. For a bit of performance boost, I’m opting for a Z490 chipset. At first, I picked the ASUS TUF Gaming Z490-Plus because I prefer ASUS boards and it includes all the necessary front panel connectors—like USB-C 3.1, USB-A 3.0, and audio headers. I plan to use RGB RAM from G.Skill Trident Z RGB and aim for a mostly black design with white accents, using the RGB lighting to highlight those whites.
I found the ASUS Prime Z490-A which features white accents and costs about $20 more. It has white accents that I really like. Regarding the motherboard series, I’m unsure about the differences between ASUS options and their VRM/MOSFET setups. The Prime board has an extra VRM phase compared to the TUF, but its MOSFETs are rated at 45A versus 50A. Is this a significant factor for overclocking? Would switching from the TUF to the Prime cause any issues? That’s what I’m wondering.
Thanks ahead of time, Fabian. PS: I’ll hold off on the RTX 3000 series until I have more options, but I hope the rest of the market stays stable until then.
PCPartPicker Part List:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-10700K @ 3.8 GHz (8-core)
- CPU Cooler: Alpenföhn Brocken 3 60.62 CFM
- Thermal Paste: ARCTIC MX4 4 g
- Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB, 32 GB (2×16 GB)
- Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 1 TB M.2-2280 NVMe
- Drive: Western Digital Blue SN550 1 TB M.2-2280 NVMe
- Case: be quiet! Dark Base 700 ATX Mid Tower
- Power Supply: Corsair RM (2019) 850 W, 80+ Gold Certified, fully modular
- Fan: be quiet! SilentWings 3 PWM, 77.57 CFM, 140 mm
Choose the Z490 Gaming Edge WIFI or the white Vision G for improved VRM performance compared to ASUS options. Opt for a high-quality SSD such as the 2TB SX8200 Pro instead of the SN550, which lacks DRAM and isn't ideal here. You won’t need much power—850W is sufficient even with a 2080Ti. Consider the RM550x/650x or Straight Power 11 550W/650W instead.
I can work with more than just those two options. If you need something else, I can suggest alternatives like the RM550/650X.
I need to figure out if I’m ready to spend more for better looks. The Vision G costs about 30€ more at German stores… Oh, I didn’t notice the DRAM was lower… Thanks again! I chose two SSDs since I plan to run Linux on one and Windows on the other. I don’t feel confident tweaking partitions, especially with the Windows installer being a bit tricky. For the power source, I used the calculator at https://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator with an RTX 2080 Super as the base for upcoming Ampere cards and it suggested an 850W PSU that meets 80+ efficiency. Appreciate the feedback!
The Vision G offers additional rear USB-A connections, Intel 2.5G LAN instead of Realtek, and improved built-in audio, making it more than just an appearance upgrade. For storage options, consider Sabrent Rocket, WD SN750, ADATA SX8200 Pro, HP EX950, Silicon Power P34A80, and Samsung 970 Evo. These selections should perform well. PSU calculators often overstate capacity; focus on actual quality rather than label ratings. The Corsair RM is decent, but the RMx or be quiet models are better choices. A straight Power 11 would be preferable. Even with a high-end GPU drawing around 300W (likely an exaggeration), a 650W unit remains sufficient for your system—given the 10700K’s ~160W at full speed on 4.7GHz.
I adjusted my selections based on your feedback (referenced below). I chose the MPG Z490 Gaming Edge WiFi instead of the Vision G since the extra cost for those features didn’t justify it—especially when I don’t really need more USB ports or superior audio. My preference is clear on that front. I also skipped the purple accent on the board.
In RAM, I switched from the Trident Z RGB to the Ripjaws V, which match the specs and are cheaper (particularly at German stores). I might add some RGB strips inside the case for visibility of the components.
For storage, I upgraded to higher-end SSDs—specifically the ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro. I believe cutting back on that purchase isn’t worth it, especially if I can reallocate funds elsewhere.
Thanks to @Mateyyy, @TofuHaroto, and @lee32uk!
PCPartPicker Part List: CPU: Intel Core i7-10700K 3.8 GHz 8-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Alpenföhn Brocken 3 60.62 CFM
CPU Cooler Thermal Compound: ARCTIC MX-4 2019 Edition 4 g
Motherboard: MSI MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE WIFI ATX LGA1200
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16
Storage: ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME
Drive: ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME
Case: be quiet! Dark Base 700 ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: be quiet! Straight Power 11 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX
Case Fan: be quiet! SilentWings 3 PWM High-Speed 77.57 CFM 140 mm
You're considering two options: the Prime Z490-A at $255 and the TUF Gaming Z490-Plus W-Fi at $210. You're leaning toward the Prime model since you don't need Wi-Fi right now and plan to use the 10400F for now. You're thinking about getting a K series processor later if it becomes more affordable. The Wi-Fi feature is useful for flexibility, especially if you might move the setup later.