ASUS Prime Z790M-PLUSD4 Gaming Desktop Motherboard – Intel Z790 Chipset, LGA 1700, Micro ATX

Designed for compact, high-performance builds, the ASUS Prime Z790M-PLUSD4 is a micro ATX motherboard built around the Intel Z790 chipset and the LGA 1700 socket. It is engineered to unlock the full potential of 13th Gen Intel Core processors, delivering a robust power design, comprehensive cooling, and intelligent tuning options that empower gamers, creators, and PC DIY enthusiasts. This board blends reliability with modern features, giving you a versatile platform that fits smaller cases without compromising on performance or expansion capability. Whether you’re chasing smooth 1440p gaming, productive multitasking, or demanding content creation workloads, the Prime Z790M-PLUSD4 offers a balanced blend of power, efficiency, and aesthetics that make it a compelling choice for a wide range of builds.

• The Designed Power Delivery and Cooling: Built around a robust VRM configuration and premium cooling, the Prime Z790M-PLUSD4 keeps heat in check during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads. Large heatsinks, optimized heat dissipation paths, and intelligent thermal management work together to maintain stable frequencies and lower thermals, so you can push performance longer without throttling.
• DDR4 Memory and Storage Flexibility: As a D4-class motherboard, it supports high-density DDR4 memory with multiple slots, enabling sizable memory capacity for multitasking and content creation. Onboard storage options include fast M.2 NVMe PCIe drives and abundant SATA ports, giving you flexible boot and storage configurations for your games, media, and projects.
• Expansion and PCIe Versatility: The board provides PCIe slots suitable for a modern discrete graphics Card, plus additional PCIe connectors for add-on cards and high-speed storage. With PCIe 5.0 readiness for the primary slot and PCIe 4.0 support for other connections, you gain future-proof bandwidth while maintaining compatibility with existing GPUs and expansion cards.
• Networking, USB, and Audio Quality: Expect solid connectivity with reliable networking options and a broad USB portfolio to accommodate peripherals, storage devices, and front-panel expansion. The onboard audio solution with premium components delivers rich, immersive multichannel sound, ideal for gaming immersion and accurate content creation monitoring.
• BIOS, Software, and Tuning Features: The ASUS Prime series emphasizes user-friendly BIOS with intelligent tuning features, including system monitoring, easy overclocking options, and sensible presets. This makes it accessible for beginners while still offering the deeper controls seasoned builders expect for fine-tuning performance and stability.

Technical Details of Asus Prime Z790M-PLUSD4 Gaming Desktop Motherboard

• Form Factor: Micro-ATX
• CPU Socket: LGA 1700
• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Memory: 4 x DIMM DDR4 slots; supports up to 128GB total memory; memory speeds tuned for DDR4 platforms (OC capable)
• Storage: 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe slots; multiple SATA 6Gb/s ports for traditional drives
• Expansion Slots: PCIe 5.0/4.0 capable primary slot for GPU; additional PCIe 4.0 x1/PCIe connections for expansion cards
• Networking: Onboard high-speed networking with 2.5Gb Ethernet commonly featured on PRIME boards; dependable LAN connectivity for gaming and streaming
• USB Connectivity: Comprehensive rear I/O with USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A and possibly Type-C) and headers for front-panel USB
• Audio: High-quality onboard audio with multi-channel support and premium capacitors for clear, immersive sound
• BIOS/Software: User-friendly UEFI BIOS with tuning, monitoring, and optimization tools designed for quick system profiling and performance tuning
• Warranty: Typically includes a multi-year warranty for peace of mind and long-term reliability

How to Install Asus Prime Z790M-PLUSD4

• Prepare your case and power supply. Ensure your case supports a micro ATX motherboard and that you have a compatible 24-pin ATX and 8-pin (or 4+4 pin) CPU power connector ready. Clear a clean workspace and discharge static electricity before handling components.
• Install the CPU. Lift the socket lever on the motherboard, align the LGA 1700 CPU with the socket orientation, place it gently into position, and reseat the lever to secure the CPU in place. Apply a small amount of thermal paste if your cooler requires it, then attach the heatsink or air/water cooling solution according to the cooler’s instructions.
• Attach memory modules. Open the DDR4 DIMM slots and insert memory sticks in the correct slots based on your motherboard’s manual (usually alternate slots for best dual-channel performance). Press down evenly until the latches click into place on both sides of each DIMM.
• Mount storage devices. Install your M.2 NVMe drives into the M.2 slots with the screws provided, or secure SATA drives into available bays. Connect any necessary cables for SATA devices and ensure there is clear airflow around the drives for cooling.
• Connect power, data, and front-panel cables. Attach the 24-pin ATX power connector and the CPU power connector, then route and secure all cables to ensure unobstructed airflow. Connect the motherboard’s front-panel headers for power, reset, and status LEDs, plus USB front-panel connectors as desired. Finally, install the graphics card into the PCIe slot, secure it with screws, and connect any power cables required by the GPU.
• Power on and configure BIOS. First boot should show the BIOS screen. Set the correct boot device order, enable XMP/DOCP for memory profiles if you’re using rated memory, and adjust fan curves for optimal cooling. Save your profile and exit to commence the operating system installation or system testing.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Does the ASUS Prime Z790M-PLUSD4 support DDR4 memory?

  A: Yes. The D4 suffix indicates DDR4 memory support, allowing you to leverage cost-effective, high-capacity RAM with reliable performance.

• Q: What form factor is this motherboard?

  A: It is a micro ATX motherboard, which fits smaller PC cases while still offering multiple expansion options and full Z790 features.

• Q: Which CPUs are compatible?

  A: The motherboard uses the LGA 1700 socket and supports 13th Gen Intel Core processors, with appropriate BIOS updates for stability and performance.

• Q: How many M.2 slots are available?

  A: The board typically provides two M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs, in addition to multiple SATA ports for traditional drives.

• Q: Is PCIe 5.0 supported?

  A: The primary PCIe slot is designed to leverage PCIe 5.0 bandwidth for a future-proof GPU installation, while other slots may operate at PCIe 4.0 speeds as appropriate.

• Q: What kind of network connectivity does it include?

  A: Many Prime Z790 boards feature high-speed Ethernet, commonly 2.5GbE, ensuring smooth online gaming, streaming, and data transfers without bottlenecks.