Designed by Experts
At the heart of AI Overclocking is a proprietary algorithm developed by ROG R&D engineers who worked with world-renowned overclockers to create a tool for users of all levels.
DisplayPort
HDMI
2x USB 2.0
4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2
(3 x Type-A + 1 x USB
Type-C®)
Intel® I225-V 2.5G
Ethernet
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
8-ch Audio
2 x PCIe 3.0 x16
● 2-Way SLI® & 3-Way
CrossFireX™ Support
● ASUS SafeSlot
Crystal Sound 3
● Realtek® S1220A Codec
● Power Pre-Regulator
● De-Pop Circuit
● Audio Shielding
● Premium Japanese
Audio
Capacitors
● Dedicated Audio
PCB Layers
● DTS:X® Ultra
2 x AURA RGB headers
2 x AURA Addressable
Gen 2 headers
ProCool Connector
DrMOS
Optimem II
DDR4 4600(O.C.)/2933/2800/2666/2400/2133 Support
Intel® Socket LGA 1200 for 10th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® processors
USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
USB 3.2 Gen 2 TypeC® Connector
6 x SATA 3.0 Ports
Intel® Z490 Chipset
2 x M.2 22110 PCIe 3.0 x4 mode
● Intel® Optane™
Memory
Ready
● Flexible M.2 Heatsink
Thunderbolt header
USB 2.0 headers
ASUS Prime series is expertly engineered to unleash the full potential of 10th Gen Intel® Core™ processors. Boasting a robust power design, comprehensive cooling solutions and intelligent tuning options, Prime Z490 series motherboards provide daily users and DIY PC builders a range of performance tuning options via intuitive software and firmware features.
Power at Your Command
ASUS Corporate Stable Model (CSM) is a commercial program designed to provide stable and reliable motherboards. Offering up to 36-month product lifecycle support and 6-month end-of-life notice to allow sufficient lead times for your organization to get ready for product transitions. Each purchase of an ASUS CSM motherboard comes with ASUS Control Center Express - server-grade IT management software.
Learn more about ASUS Corporate Stable Model >* Lifecycle support for consumer chipsets is set at 15 months. Program offerings may vary by region. Please consult your local sales representative for more information.
One-minute installation
ASUS Control Center Express is centralized server-grade management software that takes just one minute to install and is designed to reduce IT operations costs and improve efficiency. This powerful tool enables IT administrators to manage and control multiple clients in different locations remotely and includes features such as asset management, software deployment and monitoring. It also lets IT staff visualize deployments, facilitating real-time control.
* To ensure the full functionality of ASUS Control Center Express, please update the system BIOS to the latest version first.
Comprehensive controls form the foundation of the ASUS Prime series. The Prime Z490 motherboard packs flexible tools to tune every aspect of your system, enabling you to tweak performance settings to perfectly match the way you work – maximizing your productivity.
ASUS 5-Way Optimization makes your PC smart, taking care of
complex tuning with just one click. It dynamically optimizes essential aspects of
your system, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailored for your
rig.
The TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) is an intelligent system-tuning utility that automatically fine-tunes voltages, monitors system stats, and adjusts overclocking parameters for optimal performance.
The Energy Processing Unit (EPU) automatically optimizes power consumption and maximizes energy savings with Away mode — a smart setting that creates an extreme energy-saving scenario by shutting down unused I/O controllers.
Fan Xpert 4 software provides comprehensive control over fans, water pumps and all-in-one (AiO) coolers. Whether cooling with air or water, an Auto-Tuning mode intelligently configures all parameters with a single click. There’s also an Extreme Quiet mode that reduces all fan speeds to below the default minimum to keep your system whisper-quiet when performing light tasks. Fans, water pumps and AiO coolers can also be controlled via the UEFI BIOS.
The Digi+ voltage-regulator module (VRM) delivers real-time control over voltage droop, automatically switching frequency and power-efficiency settings. It also allows you to fine-tune your CPU for ultimate stability and performance.
Turbo App allows you to define CPU overclocking, apply fan profiles, prioritize network data and optimize audio settings at the app level, so your system is set up exactly as needed.
ASUS AI Overclocking is an intelligent utility that helps you get the most out of
your build by automatically profiling your CPU and cooling system to predict
optimal voltage and frequency settings.
Accessible via the AI Suite
software in Windows or directly through the UEFI, the intuitive AI Overclocking
user interface enables users of all levels. A range of customizable settings are
available for seasoned overclockers, and an auto-tuning option is available for
beginners.
At the heart of AI Overclocking is a proprietary algorithm developed by ROG R&D engineers who worked with world-renowned overclockers to create a tool for users of all levels.
The algorithm analyzes your CPU and cooling system, and based on what it finds, predicts optimal settings. The software then uses these settings to automatically guide the clocking process, balancing frequency and voltage.
The software monitors workload, system temperature, fan speed and power draw every minute and it makes real-time adjustments to ensure ongoing optimal performance.
Go to BIOS by pressing the Delete key during system boot-up.
Press F5 to load the UEFI defaults, then press F10 to save and
reboot. Boot into operating system.
A stress test assesses system performance in order to estimate system
potential as well as voltage needs for overclocking. To run a test,
choose from any of these benchmarks
Blender / Prime95 / Aida64/
ROG real Bench
Alternatively, you can run the test by using
Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility.
Return to BIOS.
Navigate to the AI Tweaker section and set CPU
Core Ratio to AI Optimized.
Hit F10 to save and reboot.
Turn on your PC and put on a load on the processor to get a baseline reading of your CPU, cooling system capabilities.
The AI Overclocking Guide provides detailed information and instructions about how to tune your system manually. It can be accessed by hitting the F11 hotkey.
For high-core count processors like the Z490, AI Overclocking lists data according to core group. This gives you adaptive control based on the status of core groups (3 / 5 / 8 / all cores), and it provides target frequency and voltage estimations needed for manual tuning.
Onboard intelligence lets you automated overclocking with full, flexible control available via 5-Way Optimization within AI Suite (in Windows).
ASUS AI Cooling function will automatically manage and control motherboard-connected fans to ensure optimal settings based on current system load and temperature.
AI Cooling detects CPU temperatures and uses a proprietary algorithm to calculate the lowest fan speed required to effectively cool the system and keep fan noise down.
Under stable system loads, the software then automatically lowers fan* speed to the optimal setting, decreasing fan noise without compromising performance. *Fans need to be connected to the following headers for AI Cooling control: CPU_FAN / CPU_OPT / CHA_FAN / M.2_FAN / H_AMP / RAD_FAN
AI Cooling continues to monitor the system and adjust fan speed based on current load.
AI Cooling can easily be activated via the Fan Xpert 4 dashboard in ASUS AI Suite 3. Once activated, it will override all manual controls.
For those who prefer manual control, AI Cooling provides reference points on a graph that details fan speed in relation to temperature, providing a guide for fan settings.
The renowned ASUS UEFI BIOS provides everything you need to configure, tweak and tune your system. It offers intelligently simplified options for PC DIY beginners, as well as comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.
An intuitive Advanced mode offered via the UEFI lets you take complete control. A built-in search feature makes it easy to find options, and various Advanced functions let you intelligently make nuanced adjustments so you can dial in performance just the way you want.
Prediction
AI Overclocking monitors system vitals such as temperature, fan speed,
and power draw to estimate overclocking performance.
AI Overclocking Guide
Refer to the guide offered in the UEFI BIOS for step-by-step
instructions detailing how to use AI Overclocking.
Search Function
Quickly and easily find the option or setting you need.
ASUS User Profile
Port configuration settings between different BIOS versions or share
them with friends.
FlexKey
Remap the reset button on the chassis to toggle Aura lighting, activate
the DirectKey to go straight to the UEFI BIOS, or reset the system.
EZ mode displays vital settings and stats and also offers guided wizards, drag-and-drop functionality, and one-click application of important settings — all to help you get your rig up and running in no time.
AI Overclocking
Enable AI Overclocking via a shortcut.
Intuitive Graphical Fan Control
Fine-tune individual fan settings simply by dragging a curve with the
mouse.
EZ XMP
Improve DRAM performance with one click.
Aura On/Off mode (Stealth)
Easily enable or disable Aura RGB lighting or every onboard LED, for a
subdued aesthetic touch.
Prime Z490 series is engineered with multiple onboard heatsinks and an array of hybrid fan headers to ensure your rig stays cool and stable under intense workloads.
An M.2 drive sits under a passive heatsink to ward off the throttling that can occur with sustained transfers. The heatsink is held in place by easily-removable captive screws, giving you the flexibility to move it to another M.2 slot.
Removable captive screws reduce risk of drops or loss during heatsink removal.
Two massive VRM heatsinks with underneath thermal pads improve heat transfer from the MOSFETs and chokes for better cooling performance. A bundled fan holder provides additional cooling options.
2-ounce copper layers draw heat away from critical components to keep them at their optimal operating temperatures.
Prime Z490 series features comprehensive cooling controls that are configurable via Fan Xpert 4 software or via the UEFI BIOS.
Each header can dynamically reference three thermal sensors. Fan Xpert 4 allows you to map the temperature of supported ASUS graphics cards to optimize cooling for GPU- and CPU-intensive tasks.
A dedicated header supplies over 3 amps for high-performance PWM or DC water pumps, plus a second dedicated header for AiOs.
A dedicated integrated circuit protects each fan header from overheating and overcurrent.
Each onboard header supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.
Prime Z490 series is built to handle the additional cores and increased bandwidth of 10th Generation Intel® Core™ processors. A Z490 motherboard provides all the fundamentals to boost daily productivity, so your system will be ready for action with stable power, intuitive cooling and flexible transfer options.
Stable power is essential to extract every last bit of performance out of 10th Generation Intel Core processors, Prime Z490 motherboard is geared to cater to the demands of these high-core count CPUs.
Proprietary connectors augment the motherboard's link to the PSU with 8+4 pin connectors that pass 12 volts of power directly to the processors. Each jack features solid pins that can handle more current than hollow-pin connectors.
A VRM with 12+2 DrMOS power stages delivers the power and efficiency that the latest Intel processors demand.
Revisions to the motherboard’s trace routing provide the latest Intel processors with unrestricted access to memory bandwidth. ASUS OptiMem II technology carefully maps memory signal pathways across different PCB layers to reduce vias and adds shielding zones that significantly reduce crosstalk.
Top layer – ground ring to prevent lateral interference
Motherboards with OptiMem II technology were tested with Synopsys HSPICE simulation software
Dual M.2 slots support data-transfer speeds of up to 32 Gbps via x4 PCI Express® 3.0 bandwidth, enabling quicker boot-up and app load times with OS or application drives.
* Actual transmission speeds will be lower than the theoretical maximum speed.
Numerous USB ports support high-end rigs loaded with peripherals, including a front-panel USB Type-C® connectors with fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity for compatible cases.
Prime Z490-A/CSM supports ThunderboltEX 3-TR, an Intel certified Thunderbolt™ 3 add-on card that enables bi-directional speeds of up to 40 Gbps via a single cable. Additionally, an integrated Thunderbolt 3 header can support up to six devices in a daisy-chain and provide up to 100 watts of power to fast-charge devices.
Prime X299-A II has 5Gbps Ethernet onboard to deliver up to 5X the bandwidth of standard gigabit Ethernet. You'll enjoy streaming uncompressed 4K UHD videos without stutter, and backups and file transfers that are faster than ever before. There's also support for intermediate connections, so it's easy to choose your ideal bandwidth and benefit from ultra-low latency at any speed up to 5Gbps.
* Actual speed varies, and depends on networking conditions.
Intel Ethernet Connection I225-V reduces CPU overhead and offers exceptionally high TCP and UDP throughput for faster, smoother data transfer.
Lower CPU workloadHigh TCP & UDP throughputASUS LANGuard is a hardware-level network protection feature that integrates advanced signal-coupling technology and premium anti-EMI surface-mounted capacitors to improve throughput and ensure a more reliable connection.
Turbo LAN with cFosSpeed traffic-shaping technology reduces network lag and allows you to adjust application network transmission priorities in just one click.
Prime Z490 series adds the nuanced details that improve every experience, from exclusive codecs that provide pristine audio quality to intuitive RGB lighting controls that let you customize your system to create a uniquely personal look.
SafeSlot is the PCIe slot reinvented by ASUS and engineered to provide superior retention and shearing resistance. Manufactured in a single step using a new insert-molding process, SafeSlot integrates fortifying metal for an inherently stronger slot, which is then firmly anchored to the PCB through additional solder points.
FlexKey is a front-panel header that lets you customize the reset button on the front-panel of your chassis to provide quick access to Aura lighting controls, DirectKey or system reset.
BIOS FlashBack is the simplest and safest (UEFI) BIOS update method. Simply drop the (UEFI) BIOS file onto a FAT32-formatted USB stick, plug it into the USB BIOS FlashBack port and press the button. Updates can even be performed without having memory or a CPU installed.
Prime Z490-A/CSM utilizes a unique audio codec designed in close collaboration with Realtek — the Realtek S1220A. It also features an unprecedented 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for the stereo line out and a 113 dB SNR for the line in, providing pristine audio quality. Additionally, an impedance-sensing circuit automatically adjusts gain to ensure an optimal volume range for your headphones.
DTS:X® Ultra adds a spatial audio feature to boost headphones and speakers for enhanced gaming, VR, and extended-reality experiences. DTS:X Ultra supports sound based on channels, scenes, and objects to allow for deeper sonic immersion in enabled content. It also provides post-processing enhancements and device-level tuning for DTS® codecs.
Reduces power-input noise to ensure consistent performance.
Separates analog/digital signal domains, significantly reducing multi-lateral interference.
Ensures minimal crosstalk between audio paths.
Capable of driving high-impedance headphones, without rolling-off high or low frequencies.
Reduces start-up popping noise to all audio outputs.
Premium parts provide an immersive sound signature, with exceptional fidelity.
A well-tuned enthusiast system deserves a matching aesthetic. ASUS Aura offers full RGB lighting control with a variety of functional presets for the built-in RGB LEDs as well as strips and devices connected to the onboard RGB headers - and it can all be synced with an ever-growing portfolio of Aura-capable hardware.
Learn more >Two addressable Gen 2 RGB headers are now capable of detecting the number of LEDs on second-gen addressable RGB devices, allowing the software to automatically tailor lighting effects to specific devices. The new headers also offer backward-compatibility with existing Aura RGB gear.
Armoury Crate is a new software utility designed to give you centralized control of supported products. From a single intuitive interface, Armoury Crate allows you to easily customize RGB lighting and effects for every compatible device in your arsenal. The software also provides control of settings for an ever-growing number of ASUS products, including keyboard and mouse preferences. Armoury Crate even features dedicated product registration and highlight to help you stay in touch with the ASUS community.
Elite real-world performance
Up to 5.3 GHz clock speed with Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost
Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0
Memory Support with DDR4-2933
Up to 10 cores and 20 threads
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology from the Intel® Core™ i9 to the Intel® Core™ i3 desktop processor
New 2.5 G Ethernet
New Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+)