ASUS TUF Gaming A520M vs GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard,

Overview of the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS and GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC

The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS is priced at $99.99 while the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC comes in at $149.99, making the ASUS motherboard about 33% cheaper. Both motherboards are designed to deliver robust performance, but they cater to different processor families and feature sets. The ASUS board supports AMD’s 3rd Gen Ryzen processors, while the GIGABYTE board is compatible with Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core processors.

Performance and Compatibility

The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC offers superior compatibility with Intel’s latest processors, supporting up to 14th Gen CPUs, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS is limited to AMD’s 3rd Gen Ryzen processors. This makes the GIGABYTE board a strong choice for those looking to harness the power of cutting-edge Intel technology. Additionally, the GIGABYTE board features DDR5 memory support, which provides faster speeds compared to the DDR4 compatibility of the ASUS board.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, both motherboards exhibit high-quality construction. The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC features a 16+1+1 power phase design, ensuring stable power delivery even during intense gaming sessions. The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS is built with military-grade components and includes extensive cooling solutions, such as a large VRM heatsink and PCH heatsink, which contribute to its durability. While both boards prioritize longevity, the GIGABYTE’s advanced power design may appeal more to performance enthusiasts.

Cooling Solutions

The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS is equipped with comprehensive cooling options, including Fan Xpert 2+ technology, which allows for tailored cooling solutions based on user requirements. On the other hand, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC boasts a fully covered MOSFET heatsink and M.2 thermal guard, ensuring that even under heavy loads, the components remain cool. While both motherboards have solid cooling features, the GIGABYTE’s design may provide an edge for users engaging in overclocking or resource-intensive applications.

Connectivity Options

When it comes to connectivity, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC is more advanced, featuring PCIe 5.0 and three M.2 slots that support NVMe storage, ensuring faster data transfer rates. Additionally, it includes USB-C 3.2 for next-gen connectivity. The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS, while offering essential connectivity with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and M.2 support, falls short in comparison to the GIGABYTE’s extensive options. Users focused on future-proofing their systems may find the GIGABYTE board more appealing due to its superior connectivity.

Gaming Features

Both motherboards cater to gamers, but their features differ. The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS is designed with gaming in mind, incorporating technologies like TUF LANGuard and TurboLAN for enhanced online gaming performance. It also includes ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting for aesthetic customization. Meanwhile, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC offers RGB Fusion, allowing for personalized lighting effects. While both motherboards support gaming features, the specific enhancements and technologies will appeal differently depending on the user's gaming preferences.

Price and Value

The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS is priced at $99.99, which is about $50 cheaper than the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC at $149.99. This price difference is significant, especially for budget-conscious gamers or those who do not require the advanced features of the GIGABYTE board. However, the GIGABYTE board may justify its higher price with its support for newer technology and superior power design, making it a better long-term investment for performance-driven users.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS and the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective option that offers solid performance for AMD systems, the ASUS motherboard is a great choice at $99.99. However, if you are aiming for cutting-edge performance with Intel's latest processors and require features like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC, despite its higher price of $149.99, may be worth the investment.