Looking Beyond the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F ATX Motherboard? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How the alternatives differ

ASUS ROG Strix Z690 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E ATX shares the Z690 chipset and LGA 1700 socket with the original. It also supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0. This board prioritizes raw power delivery for high-end 12th Gen Intel processors. You get Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet just like the Strix-F. The main difference is in the physical build. This model is larger and heavier. It offers a more robust VRM setup for extreme overclocking. If you need maximum stability for a high-core-count CPU, this is a practical upgrade. It gives up future CPU compatibility for current performance stability.

ASUS ROG Strix LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E ATX moves to the newer Z790 chipset. It keeps the LGA 1700 socket but supports 12th through 14th Gen Intel processors. This gives you better future-proofing than the Z690-based Strix-F. You still get DDR5, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet. The key advantage is the chipset’s ability to handle newer CPU generations without a socket change. It offers ample storage options and fast wireless connectivity. This board is ideal if you plan to upgrade your CPU later. It trades the older chipset for broader processor support and modern expansion capabilities.

MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX uses the Z790 chipset for broader CPU support. It features an LGA 1700 socket, DDR5 memory, and PCIe 5.0. Like the original, it includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet. This board is positioned as a practical choice for gamers. It provides solid connectivity and modern expansion options. The main difference is the chipset generation. You gain compatibility with newer Intel processors. The MSI design focuses on essential features without excessive premium branding. It is a reliable option for builders who want modern specs at a more accessible level. It matches the original’s networking speed while offering updated platform support.

MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi ATX is a budget-friendly Z790 alternative. It shares the LGA 1700 socket, DDR5 support, and PCIe 5.0 standard. You also get Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet. This board strips away some premium features found on the ROG Strix. It focuses on delivering core modern specifications. The Z790 chipset allows for support of newer Intel processors. This makes it a practical choice for cost-conscious gamers. You get essential connectivity and performance without the ROG premium. It fits users who want a reliable Z790 board. The trade-off is fewer aesthetic extras, but the core specs remain strong.

ASUS ROG Maximus DDR5 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero ATX targets enthusiasts with serious storage needs. It uses the Z790 chipset and LGA 1700 socket. You get DDR5, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet. This board offers significantly more M.2 slots than the original. It is designed for builders who need extensive storage capacity. The power delivery and thermal design are enhanced for high-end components. It provides superior networking speed and thermal efficiency. This is the premium choice for those who need maximum expansion. It gives up simplicity for extensive connectivity options. It is ideal for users building high-performance systems with multiple drives.

MSI Z690 Force WiFi ATX Motherboard

The MSI Z690 Force WiFi ATX sticks with the Z690 chipset. It shares the LGA 1700 socket, DDR5 memory, and Wi-Fi 6E with the original. It also offers 2.5Gb Ethernet. This board is a solid choice for builders staying with 12th Gen Intel processors. The main difference is the MSI branding and design philosophy. It focuses on clean aesthetics and reliable performance. You get essential modern specs without extra features. It is a practical alternative if you prefer MSI’s design language. The board provides fast Wi-Fi and stable connectivity. It matches the original’s core capabilities for current-generation CPUs. It is a straightforward option for 12th Gen builds.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F ATX Motherboard

Best for: 12th Gen Intel gaming builds

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Z690

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard supports 12th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features a robust 16+1 power stage design and DDR5 memory support. You get PCIe 5.0 connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5 Gb Ethernet. The board includes AI tuning tools and comprehensive thermal solutions. It suits gamers seeking a reliable platform for high-performance builds.

Pros

• 16+1 power stages for stable multi-core performance
• PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support for future-proofing
• Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gb Ethernet connectivity
• AI Overclocking and AI cooling utilities

Cons

• Supports only 12th Gen Intel processors, not newer generations
• Lacks the Z790 chipset features found in newer alternatives
• Heavier build at 2.99 pounds compared to some competitors

Good fit if

• You are building a system with 12th Gen Intel CPUs
• You need PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 for high bandwidth
• You want integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gb networking

Skip if

• You plan to upgrade to 13th or 14th Gen Intel CPUs later
• You prefer the latest Z790 chipset features
• You want a lighter motherboard for smaller cases

Verdict: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F ATX delivers solid power delivery and modern connectivity for 12th Gen Intel builds. It is a practical choice for gamers who prioritize stability and networking speed without needing next-generation CPU support.

2 Also great

ASUS ROG Strix Z690 ATX Motherboard

Best for: 12th Gen Intel gaming builds

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

5

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Strix Z690 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E is an ATX motherboard built for Intel 12th Gen processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features 18+1 power phases and supports DDR5 memory. You get PCIe 5.0 connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5 Gb Ethernet. This board offers robust thermal design and extensive M.2 slots. It suits gamers who need high-speed networking and stable power delivery for modern CPUs.

Pros

• 18+1 power phases with 90A stages
• Supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
• Includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gb Ethernet
• Five M.2 slots with dedicated heatsinks

Cons

• Only supports 12th Gen Intel CPUs
• Heavier build at 6 pounds
• Lacks support for newer 13th or 14th Gen processors

Good fit if

• You are building with 12th Gen Intel CPUs
• You need PCIe 5.0 storage speeds
• You want high-end networking features

Skip if

• You plan to use 13th or 14th Gen Intel CPUs
• You want a smaller micro-ATX form factor
• You prefer DDR4 memory modules

Verdict: The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E ATX is a powerful option for 12th Gen Intel builds. It fits users who prioritize PCIe 5.0 and robust power delivery over future CPU compatibility.

3 Also great

ASUS ROG Strix LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard

Best for: Intel 12th-14th Gen gaming builds

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

5

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Strix LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features a robust 18+1 power stage design and PCIe 5.0 support for future-proofing. You get five M.2 slots for storage and Wi-Fi 6E for connectivity. The board includes 2.5 Gb Ethernet and advanced AI tuning utilities. It is built for high-performance gaming systems that need strong power delivery and fast networking.

Pros

• Supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core processors
• 18+1 power stages with 90A capacity for stable performance
• Five M.2 slots for extensive storage expansion
• Integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gb Ethernet
• PCIe 5.0 support for next-generation components

Cons

• Uses DDR5 memory only, excluding DDR4 upgrades
• ATX form factor requires a mid-tower or full-tower case
• No mention of USB-C front panel headers in specs

Good fit if

• You are building a new system with Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen CPUs
• You need multiple M.2 drives for large game libraries
• You want Wi-Fi 6E without using a separate expansion card

Skip if

• You already have DDR4 memory you want to reuse
• You are building a compact Mini-ITX PC
• You need support for AMD Ryzen processors

Verdict: ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E ATX Gaming is a solid choice for gamers using modern Intel processors who need ample storage and fast wireless connectivity. It fits builders prioritizing power stability and future PCIe standards.

4 Also great

MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: Intel 12th/13th Gen gaming builds

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

Ethernet Speed

2.5Gbps LAN

View on Amazon: MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It uses DDR5 memory and features PCIe 5.0 for high-speed expansion. You get integrated Wi-Fi 6E and a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port for reliable connectivity. The board is designed for gaming builds and includes multiple M.2 storage slots. This renewed unit has been professionally inspected to ensure it meets performance standards.

Pros

• Supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen Core processors
• Includes PCIe 5.0 expansion support
• Integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN
• Multiple M.2 storage slots for high-speed drives

Cons

• Sold as a renewed product rather than new
• Lacks the premium ROG Strix aesthetic of competitors
• Heavier build at 3.92 pounds

Good fit if

• You need a reliable Z790 board with Wi-Fi 6E
• You want PCIe 5.0 support for future components
• You are building a standard ATX gaming PC

Skip if

• You require a brand new unit with full manufacturer warranty
• You prefer the specific ROG Strix design language
• You need a smaller ITX form factor

Verdict: MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX offers solid connectivity and modern expansion options for Intel 12th and 13th Gen builds, making it a practical pick for gamers who value Wi-Fi 6E and PCIe 5.0 support.

5 Best budget

MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: Budget-conscious Z790 gamers

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

View on Amazon: MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

This MSI motherboard supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It uses DDR5 memory and offers PCIe 5.0 connectivity. You get Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet for reliable networking. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. It is a solid option for gamers who want modern standards without the premium ROG pricing tier.

Pros

• Supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPUs
• Includes Wi-Fi 6E for wireless connectivity
• Features 2.5Gbps Ethernet port
• Provides PCIe 5.0 expansion slots

Cons

• Lacks the ROG branding and premium heatsink design of the Strix series
• Does not include built-in Wi-Fi 6E in the base 'Gaming Plus' non-WiFi variant (verify specific SKU)
• Fewer BIOS customization options compared to higher-end ASUS boards

Good fit if

• You want a Z790 board with Wi-Fi 6E
• You prefer MSI's software ecosystem over ASUS
• You need PCIe 5.0 support for future GPUs

Skip if

• You require the specific ROG Strix aesthetic
• You need advanced overclocking features found in Hero models
• You are building with DDR4 memory

Verdict: MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi ATX delivers essential modern specs like Wi-Fi 6E and PCIe 5.0. It fits gamers who want a reliable Z790 board without paying for the ROG Strix premium.

6 Best premium

ASUS ROG Maximus DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: high-end gaming builds needing storage

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

5

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Maximus DDR5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features a robust 20+1 power stage configuration rated for 90 A and includes five M.2 slots for storage. The board offers PCIe 5.0 connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E networking. This ATX motherboard suits builders seeking high-end thermal management and extensive expansion options for gaming rigs.

Pros

• 20+1 power stages rated for 90 A
• Five M.2 slots for storage expansion
• Onboard Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2
• Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet connectivity

Cons

• Heavier build at 9.3 pounds
• Limited to DDR5 memory support only
• No LCD display screen included

Good fit if

• You need extensive M.2 storage options
• You want robust VRM power delivery
• You require Wi-Fi 6E connectivity

Skip if

• You prefer DDR4 memory compatibility
• You need a lighter motherboard
• You want a smaller form factor

Verdict: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero ATX delivers serious power and storage capacity for enthusiasts who prioritize thermal efficiency and networking speed.

7

MSI Z690 Force WiFi ATX Motherboard

Best for: 12th Gen Intel builds with fast Wi-Fi needs

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Z690

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 4

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

View on Amazon: MSI Z690 Force WiFi ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI Z690 Force WiFi is an ATX motherboard built for 12th Gen Intel Core processors. It features DDR5 memory support up to 5600 MHz and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. The board includes a 2.5G LAN port and PCIe 4.0 slots for fast storage. Its premium thermal solution uses extended heatsinks and M.2 Shield Frozr to manage heat during heavy loads. This setup suits gamers who need reliable networking and modern memory speeds.

Pros

• Supports DDR5 memory up to 5600 MHz
• Includes Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN
• Features PCIe 4.0 Lightning M.2 slots
• Uses extended heatsinks and M.2 Shield Frozr

Cons

• Only supports 12th Gen Intel processors
• Lacks Wi-Fi 6E on comparable Z690 alternatives
• Does not support newer 13th or 14th Gen CPUs

Good fit if

• You are building a system with 12th Gen Intel CPUs
• You need fast Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
• You want DDR5 memory support

Skip if

• You plan to use 13th or 14th Gen Intel processors
• You require Wi-Fi 6E on all Z690 options
• You want a board that supports newer CPU generations

Verdict: MSI Z690 Force WiFi ATX is a solid choice for builders sticking with 12th Gen Intel processors who prioritize Wi-Fi 6E and DDR5 speeds.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• asus rog strix g16 gaming laptop alternatives
• asus rog strix geforce rtx alternatives