Name: PRIME Z490-A
Brand: ASUS
SKU: 14674

Intel® Z490 (LGA 1200) ATX motherboard with dual M.2, 14 DrMOS power stages, HDMI, DisplayPort, SATA 6 Gbps, Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C®, Thunderbolt™ 3 support, and Aura Sync RGB lighting

Intel® LGA 1200 Socket: Ready for 10th Gen Intel® Core™ processors
Enhanced power solution: 12+2 DrMOS power stages, 6-layer PCB, ProCool sockets, alloy chokes and durable capacitors for stable power delivery
AI Overclocking: Quickly optimizes CPU performance based on the CPU and cooler, achieving 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
5-Way Optimization: One-click, system-wide tuning delivers optimized overclocking and intelligent cooling for CPU or GPU-intensive tasks
Comprehensive cooling: VRM heatsink, M.2 heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4
Next-gen connectivity: Intel® 2.5 Gb Ethernet, front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® and Thunderbolt™ 3 header support

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Awards

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The 2023 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Motherboard Brand goes to…ASUS. Not only has the brand been a favourite of our readers year-on-year, but this year’s results have been their highest in the last decade, surpassing their previous high of 62% in 2020’s Awards.

Can anyone beat ASUS in the PC DIY scene?

ASUS is highly regarded for quality components as well; its motherboards often the choice of enthusiasts, overclockers and gamers for their durability and performance.

With a commanding 62% share of the votes, ASUS is once again the winner of this Readers’ Choice category.

EHA Reader Awards 2024 These are the winners!

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thanks to all the excellently thought out extras that come in handy when overclocking, it is a no-brainer for that target group.

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Prime Z490-A
Tune It Your Way
Cool to the Core
Build on a Solid Foundation
Little Things Make a Big Difference
10TH GEN INTEL® CORETM PROCESSORS
NEW KEY DESKTOP FEATURES

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

Tune It Your Way

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.

5-Way Optimization

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.

5-Way Optimization is an automated tuning utility that optimizes overclocking and cooling profiles for your unique system configuration.
Fans stay whisper-quiet for everyday computing, and deliver optimal airflow when the system is crunching through CPU- or GPU-intensive tasks.
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

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.

Load, save and reboot

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.

Run a stress test

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.

Apply AI OC

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.

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 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.

AI Overclocking in AI Suite

Onboard intelligence lets you automated overclocking with full, flexible control available via 5-Way 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 / M.2_FAN / H_AMP / RAD_FAN

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 ASUS AI Suite 3. 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.

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.

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.

Back to Tune It Your Way
↑

Cool to the Core

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.

M.2 Heatsink

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.

VRM Heatsink and Thermal Pads

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.

Stack Cool 3+

2-ounce copper layers draw heat away from critical components to keep them at their optimal operating temperatures.

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Cooler by Design

Prime Z490 series features comprehensive cooling controls that are configurable via Fan Xpert 4 software or via the UEFI BIOS.

Multiple Temperature Sources
Dual Pump Headers
Smart Protection
4-Pin PWM/DC Fan

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.

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Build on a Solid Foundation

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.

Robust Power Design

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.

ProCool Connectors

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.

12+2 DrMOS Power Stages

A VRM with 12+2 DrMOS power stages delivers the power and efficiency that the latest Intel processors demand.

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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.

Top layer – ground ring to prevent lateral interference

ASUS OptiMem II benefits:

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

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Dual M.2 (up to 32 Gbps)

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.

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USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A & Type-C

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.

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Thunderbolt™ 3 Support

Prime Z490-A 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.

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Aquantia AQC-111C 5G Ethernet

Accelerated, built-in networking

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^® 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 & 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.

Turbo LAN

Turbo LAN with cFosSpeed traffic-shaping technology reduces network lag and allows you to adjust application network transmission priorities in just one click.

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Little Things Make a Big Difference

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

Protect Your Graphics Card

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

The Chassis Reset Button – Reassigned

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™

Update Your BIOS Without CPU and DRAM

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.

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Realtek Codec and Unique Design Features for Pristine, Powerful Audio

Prime Z490-A 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.

Flawless Audio that Immerses You in the Game

Power Pre-Regulator

Reduces power-input noise to ensure consistent performance.

Audio Shielding

Separates analog/digital signal domains, significantly reducing multi-lateral interference.

Separate Layer for Left and Right Tracks

Ensures minimal crosstalk between audio paths.

Integrated Amplifier

Capable of driving high-impedance headphones, without rolling-off high or low frequencies.

De-Pop Circuit

Reduces start-up popping noise to all audio outputs.

Premium Japanese Capacitors

Premium parts provide an immersive sound signature, with exceptional fidelity.

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Aura Sync

Outshine the Competition

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 >

Static
Breathing
Strobing
Rainbow
Color Cycle
Starry Night
Music Effect
Smart

Addressable Gen 2 RGB Header

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

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.

Aura Sync
Driver & Manual Download
Account Management

Download Now

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10^th GEN INTEL^® CORE^TM PROCESSORS

Elite real-world performance

NEW KEY DESKTOP FEATURES

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+)

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