Name: PRIME Z690-A-CSM
Brand: ASUS
SKU: 19208

Intel® Z690 (LGA 1700) ATX motherboard with PCIe® 5.0, four M.2 slots, 16+1 DrMOS, DDR5, HDMI®, DisplayPort™, Intel® 2.5 Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C®, front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C®, Thunderbolt™ 4 header and Aura Sync RGB lighting

Intel^® LGA 1700 socket: Ready for 14^th, 13^th and 12^th Gen Intel^® processors
Enhanced power solution: 16+1 DrMOS, , ProCool sockets, alloy chokes and durable capacitors for stable power delivery
AI Overclocking: Optimizes performance based on CPU and cooler loads to achieve results that are extremely close to manual tuning by experts
AI Cooling: Manages and controls all motherboard fans, automatically optimizing settings based on current system load and temperature
Two-Way AI Noise-Cancelation: Reduces background noise from the microphone and audio output for crystal-clear communication in games or video conferences
Comprehensive cooling: Large VRM heatsinks, M.2 heatsinks, M.2 backplate with Q-Latch, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4
Next-gen connectivity: DDR5 memory, PCIe^® 5.0, Intel^® 2.5 Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C^®, front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C^®, Thunderbolt™ 4 header support, 4 PCIe^® 4.0 M.2
ASUS Control Center Express: Real-time IT monitoring and management software for enhanced data protection

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Prime Z690-A-CSM

ASUS Prime series motherboards are expertly engineered to unleash the full potential of 14^th, 13^th & 12^th Generation Intel^® processors. Boasting a robust power design, comprehensive cooling solutions and intelligent tuning options, Prime Z690-A provides users and PC DIY builders a range of performance tuning options via intuitive software and firmware features.

ASUS Prime Z690-A offers a sleek, futuristic-looking build with a black and white finish, space-shuttle-inspired design elements, metallic nameplate and PCB cover.

Intel^® Socket LGA1700 for Intel^® Core™ 14^th & 13^th Gen Processors, Intel^® Core™ 12^th Gen, Pentium^® Gold and Celeron^® Processors
Expansion slots
・1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot
・1 x PCIe 3.0 x4
・2 x PCIe 3.0 x1
・1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (max @ x4)
16+1 DrMOS
4 x DIMM
・DDR5 6000(OC)
・Dual Channel
・OptiMem II
4 x M.2 slots
・2 x M.2 22110 PCIe 4.0 x4 mode
・1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)
・1 x M.2 2280 (PCIe 4.0 x4 & SATA modes)

CPU fan headers
VRM heatsinks
Two M.2 heatsinks for three M.2 slots
AIO pump header & CHA fan header
Chipset heatsink
W_PUMP+ header
CHA fan headers

Aura lighting
Crystal Sound 3
・Realtek^® S1220A Codec
・DTS:X^® Ultra
Two-way AI Noise Cancelation
2x AURA Addressable Gen 2 headers
1x AURA RGB header
1x AURA Addressable Gen 2 headers

HDMI^® port
DisplayPort
4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
(4 X Type-A)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C^®
3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
(2 x Type-A, 1 x Type-C^®)
Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet
5 x Audio Jacks
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C^® Connector
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
4 x SATA 6Gb/s
Thunderbolt™ header
2 x USB 2.0 headers

ASUS Corporate Stable Model

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.

* Lifecycle support, program offering and supply status may vary by region. Please consult your local sales representative for more information.

Learn more about ASUS CSM program

ASUS Control
Center Express

ASUS Control Center Express is an integrated IT monitoring and management software designed to deploy faster, simplify IT operations and improve productivity with comprehensive control and user-friendly functions. ASUS Control Center Express is compatible with over 100 ASUS motherboards to provide a high-quality, TCO-optimized solution for your business needs.

Learn more about ASUS Control Center Express

Optimize IT endpoint management

Designed to assist IT staff in monitoring and controlling devices within their corporate networks, and facilitate inventory checking in multiple locations remotely

Automate IT maintenance

Allows IT staff to schedule automatic updates of the latest BIOS, software and utilities to specific or all devices at off-peak times, enhancing system stability and IT operational flexibility

Securely manage all of endpoints

Securely manage endpoint configuration, portable storage access and PC software applications by enabling them to create grouping rules on individual devices

FLEXIBILITY

Comprehensive controls form the foundation of the ASUS Prime series. The Prime Z690 motherboard packs flexible tools to tune every aspect of your system, enabling performance tweaks to perfectly match the way you work to maximize productivity.

5-Way Opitmization

ASUS 5-Way Optimization makes your PC smart. Along with taking care of complex tuning and dynamically optimizing essential aspects of your system, it provides overclocking profiles that are tailored for your rig.

Easy Optimization is an automated tuning utility that enhances overclocking and cooling profiles for your unique system configuration.
A stress test feature allows you to optimize and overclock for CPU- or memory-centric workloads.

CPU Performance Boost

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.

All-Around Energy Efficiency

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.

Flexible Air- and Liquid-Cooling Controls

ASUS 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.

Precise Digital Power Control

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.

App-Specific Optimization

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

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.

AI Overclocking at a Glance

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.

Predictive Edge

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.

Real-time Adjustments

The software monitors workload, system temperature, fan speed and power draw every minute and it makes real-time adjustments to ensure ongoing optimal performance.

AI Overclocking Guide

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.

Core Group Loading

For high-core-count processors, AI Overclocking lists data according to core group. This gives you adaptive control based on the status of core groups, and it provides target frequency and voltage estimations needed for manual tuning.

AI Overclocking in AI Suite

Onboard intelligence offers automated overclocking with full, flexible control available via Easy Optimization within AI Suite (in Windows).

AI Cooling

ASUS AI Cooling function will automatically manage and control motherboard-connected fans to ensure optimal settings based on current system load and temperature.

Self-Adaptive Fan Tuning

CPU Temperature Detection

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.

Automated Optimization

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 / W_PUMP+/ AIO Pump

Ongoing Monitoring

AI Cooling continues to monitor the system and adjust fan speed based on current load.

One-click Activation

AI Cooling can easily be activated via the Fan Xpert 4 dashboard in Armoury Crate. Once activated, it will override all manual controls.

Fan Speed References

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.

UEFI BIOS

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.

Advanced Tuning for Serious Tweakers

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.

MemTest 86

This memory testing software is pre-installed into the UEFI BIOS and lets you pinpoint memory issues with just one click, without the need for a USB stick or going into the OS. It stores the memory report in the BIOS archives for reference.

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.

Quick and Simple Setup

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.

Aura On/Off Mode (Stealth)

Easily enable or disable Aura RGB lighting or every onboard LED, for a subdued aesthetic touch.

COOLING

Prime Z690 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.

Heatsinks

Prime motherboard with VRM heatsink image

Removable captive screws reduce risk of drops or loss during heatsink removal.

M.2 Heatsink

Two M.2 heatsinks take care of the three M.2 slots, warding off throttling that can occur with M.2 storage during sustained transfers.

VRM Heatsink and Thermal Pads

The two VRM heatsinks on Prime Z690-A are significantly larger than those found on earlier Z590 motherboards. Together with the thermal pads, they improve heat transfer from the MOSFETs and chokes for better cooling performance.

M.2 Backplate

An M.2 backplate helps ensure that high-performance drives deliver peak performance, even when airflow is restricted. The backplate includes the Q-Latch mechanism to allow you to secure or remove an M.2 SSD without the need for traditional screws.

Cooler by Design

Prime Z690 series features comprehensive cooling controls that are configurable via Fan Xpert 4 software or via the UEFI BIOS.

Multiple Temperature Sources

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.

Dual-Pump Headers

A dedicated header supplies over 3 amps* for high-performance PWM or DC water pumps, plus a second dedicated header for AIOs.

*AIO Pump header supports 1 amp, and Water Pump+ header supports 3 amps.

Smart Protection

A dedicated integrated circuit protects each fan header from overheating and overcurrent.

4-Pin PWM/DC Fan

Each onboard header supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.

PERFORMANCE

Prime Z690 series is built to handle the additional cores and increased bandwidth of 14^th, 13^th & 12^th Generation Intel^® processors. ASUS Z690 motherboards provide all the fundamentals to boost daily productivity, so your system will be ready for action with stable power, intuitive cooling and flexible transfer options.

Robust Power Design

Stable power is essential to extract every last bit of performance out of 14^th, 13^th & 12^th Generation Intel^® processors. Prime Z690-A is geared to cater to the demands of these high-core-count CPUs.

ProCool Connectors

Proprietary connectors augment the motherboard's link to the PSU with 8+8 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.

16+1 DrMOS

A VRM with 16+1 DrMOS delivers the power and efficiency that the latest Intel processors demand.

Memory

ASUS OptiMem II

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.

Benefits of ASUS OptiMem II:

Improved memory stability and compatibility
Allows lower memory latencies at equivalent voltages
Improved memory frequency margin

Motherboards with OptiMem II technology were tested with Synopsys HSPICE simulation software

DDR5 Performance Enhancement

Prime Z690-A enhances DDR5 performance by providing overclocking options for not only high-speed kits, but even entry-level memory modules that have a locked power management IC (PMIC).

A dedicated circuit on the motherboard safely circumvents DDR5 memory PMIC restrictions, allowing you to step past the default 1.1-volt limit and push frequency and timings to the max.
Ordinarily, a restricted PMIC that has been unlocked requires the system to be fully power-cycled each time memory voltage is adjusted. Prime Z690-A leverages onboard hardware and firmware to cleverly work around this irksome limitation, enabling voltage adjustments to be applied through the same soft system-reset process employed for previous generations of DDR memory.

For users new to memory overclocking, Prime Z690-A includes the exclusive ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile (AEMP) firmware feature for PMIC-restricted memory modules. AEMP automatically detects the memory chips on your kit and then presents optimized frequency, timing and voltage profiles that you can effortlessly apply to unleash performance.

Storage

Four M.2 slots (up to 64 Gbps)

Prime Z690-A offers a total of four M.2 slots that support data-transfer speeds of up to 64 Gbps via PCIe^® 4.0, enabling quicker boot-up and app load times with OS or application drives.

* Actual transmission speeds will be lower than the theoretical maximum speed.

Connectivity

PCIe^® 5.0 Slot

The 14^th, 13^th & 12^th Gen Intel^® processors bring PCIe 5.0 support to the market. PCIe 5.0 offers twice the data transfer speed of PCIe 4.0, making it robust enough to handle new data-heavy tasks. PCIe 5.0 also brings other benefits, such as electrical changes to improve signal integrity, backward-compatible CEM connectors for add-in cards, and backward compatibility with previous versions of PCI Express.

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C^®

Numerous USB ports support high-end rigs loaded with peripherals, including both front and rear USB Type-C® connectors with fast USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for transmission speeds of up to 20 Gbps.

Thunderbolt™4 Support

Prime Z690-A features Thunderbolt™ 4 support via an on-board header. With the latest Intel-certified ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 add-on card, it can enable bi-directional speeds of up to 40 Gbps on a single cable. Additionally, this card has a daisy-chain function for multi-screen connection and supports up to an 8K resolution display. It can also provide up to 100 watts of power to fast-charge devices.

Intel^® 2.5 Gb Ethernet

Intel^® Ethernet Connection I225-V reduces CPU overhead and offers exceptionally high TCP and UDP throughput for faster, smoother data transfer.

Lower CPU workload

High TCP and UDP throughput

LANGuard

ASUS 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.

CUSTOMIZATION

Prime Z690 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.

Audio

TWO-WAY AI NOISE CANCELATION

This utility leverages a massive deep-learning database to reduce background noise from the microphone and incoming audio, while preserving vocals at the same time. This removes distracting keyboard clatter, mouse clicks and other ambient noises so you can hear and be heard with crystal clarity while gaming or in calls.

500M

Deep-learning database

Audio

Input/output

High

Fidelity

Minimal

Performance Impact

COD: MW - FPS (2560 x 1440)

*Testing configuration: CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core Processor ; Motherboard: ROG MAXIMUS XIII HERO; Graphics card: NVIDIA RTX 3070; DRAM: G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-32GVK; Power: SUPER FLOWER 550W; HDD: ADATA SX910 SSD 128G; Cooling: Enermax T.B.APOLLISH; Game: CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE ; Voice Communication App: Discord (In-app noise canceling effects disabled) ; Background noise: Keyboard typing, mouse clicking, people talking, and music playing
*Actual performance varies by configuration