ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi LGA 1700(Intel 14th,12th &13th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard(PCIe 5.0,DDR5,4xM.2 Slots,16+1 DrMOS,WiFi 6,2.5Gb LAN,Front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C,Thunderbolt 4(USB4),Aura RGB) vs SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard for Intel 4th Gen Core i7 i5 i3/Pentium/Celeron Series Processors (Micro-ATX, DDR3, PCIe 3.0, NVME M.2, SATA 3.0, VGA/DVI/HDMI-Compatible, Gigabit LAN)

Socket Compatibility and Processor Support

ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors via the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with the latest generation of Intel CPUs. In contrast, SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is designed for Intel 4th Gen Core i7, i5, i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors using the older LGA 1150 socket. This fundamental difference means the two motherboards are incompatible with each other’s CPU families. The ASUS model enables users to leverage modern performance features like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN board is limited to DDR3 memory and PCIe 3.0 speeds. The price gap reflects this generational divide: the ASUS motherboard costs $199.99, nearly 150% more than the SHANGZHAOYUAN’s $79.99.

Power Delivery and Component Quality

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi features a 16+1 DrMOS power delivery system with ProCool sockets and military-grade TUF components, indicating robust construction for high-performance and long-term stability. It also includes Digi+ VRM technology for enhanced voltage regulation. On the other hand, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO uses a 4-phase power supply with all-solid-state capacitors and a 24+8 pin power interface, which is suitable for systems requiring at least a 500-watt power supply. While both boards emphasize durability, the ASUS solution offers significantly more advanced power management with higher phase count and premium materials. The ASUS board’s design suggests it can handle higher thermal loads and sustained overclocking, whereas the SHANGZHAOYUAN’s setup is better suited for basic desktop use with standard CPUs.

Memory and Storage Capabilities

ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi supports DDR5 memory and includes four M.2 NVMe SSD slots, enabling ultra-fast storage performance with PCIe 5.0 support. This allows for rapid data transfer and future-proofing for high-speed drives. Conversely, SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 32GB and features one M.2 slot that operates in both NVMe and SATA modes automatically. It also includes three SATA 3.0 ports. The ASUS motherboard clearly outperforms in both memory speed and storage expansion, offering four times as many M.2 slots and support for faster DDR5 memory. The SHANGZHAOYUAN board remains functional for legacy systems but lacks modern connectivity options essential for current gaming and productivity workloads.

Connectivity and Expansion Options

ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi provides extensive connectivity, including front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB Gen 2x2 Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 (USB4) header, and a full suite of rear I/O ports. It also includes WiFi 6 AX201 and Intel I225-V 2.5Gb LAN for fast networking. In comparison, SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO offers only one Gigabit LAN port, no Wi-Fi, and limited USB options—no mention of USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt. It does include VGA, DVI, and HDMI outputs for display connectivity, but lacks modern high-bandwidth interfaces. The ASUS board supports up to 16+1 DrMOS power phases and multiple high-speed headers, making it far superior for building a modern, high-performance PC. The SHANGZHAOYUAN board is limited to basic connectivity needs.

Cooling and Thermal Design

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi comes with a comprehensive cooling system featuring a VRM heatsink, PCH fanless heatsink, M.2 heatsink, and hybrid fan headers integrated with Fan Xpert 4 software for precise control. These features ensure stable operation under heavy load. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO includes a heat dissipation armor protection layer and an 8-layer PCB design to improve thermal performance, but no specific heatsinks are mentioned beyond general heat dissipation claims. The ASUS motherboard’s dedicated cooling components suggest better thermal management for sustained performance, especially during intensive tasks like gaming or video rendering. The SHANGZHAOYUAN board relies on passive cooling and basic PCB layout improvements, which may be sufficient for light-duty use but not for high-load scenarios.

Form Factor and Physical Dimensions

ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi is an ATX-sized motherboard, providing ample space for component placement and airflow. Its larger form factor allows for better expansion and cooling solutions. SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is a Micro-ATX board, which is smaller and more compact, ideal for mini-tower or space-constrained builds. However, its reduced size limits the number of expansion slots and cooling options. The ASUS board’s ATX format supports more M.2 slots and better airflow, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN’s Micro-ATX design prioritizes space efficiency over expandability. Users choosing the ASUS board gain greater flexibility in case selection and component layout, while those needing a smaller footprint may prefer the SHANGZHAOYUAN.

Price and Value Proposition

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi is priced at $199.99, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO costs $79.99—about 60% less. This significant price difference reflects the vast disparity in features, performance, and supported hardware generations. The ASUS board supports modern Intel 14th Gen CPUs, DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and advanced connectivity like Thunderbolt 4 and WiFi 6. The SHANGZHAOYUAN board is restricted to older 4th Gen Intel CPUs, DDR3 memory, and basic PCIe 3.0 speeds. For users building a new system with current-generation components, the ASUS board offers far greater value despite its higher cost. For budget-conscious buyers maintaining an older system or upgrading a low-end machine, the SHANGZHAOYUAN board provides a functional, affordable entry point—but with no future-proofing.

Which should you buy?

Choose the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi if you're building a modern gaming or productivity PC with Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen processors, need DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 storage, and advanced connectivity like Thunderbolt 4 and WiFi 6. Despite costing $120 more than the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO, it delivers vastly superior performance, expandability, and longevity. Opt for the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO only if you’re working with an existing 4th Gen Intel system, have strict space constraints, and require minimal upgrades—such as replacing an aging motherboard without investing in new hardware. At $79.99, it’s about 60% cheaper, but it lacks support for modern CPUs, memory, and high-speed interfaces. The choice hinges on your system’s age and intended use: future-ready performance favors ASUS; legacy compatibility favors SHANGZHAOYUAN.