PRIME Z690-A

Intel® Z690 (LGA 1700) ATX motherboard with PCIe® 5.0, four M.2 slots, 16+1 DrMOS power stages, 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 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

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NEW-PRIME Z690-A

PRIME Series provides users and PC DIY builders a range of performance tuning options via intuitive software and firmware features.

PRIME Z690-A

Z690-A

ASUS Prime series motherboards are expertly engineered to unleash the full potential of 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.

All specs of the PRIME Z690-A motherboard

Intel^® Socket LGA1700 for 13th and 12th Gen Intel^® Core™ 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^®
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

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.

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.

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 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).

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

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.

Prime motherboard with VRM heatsink image

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.

Prime motherboard with multiple temperature sources image

Prime motherboard with 4-Pin PWM/DC Fan image

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 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 Intel processors. The 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.

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.

Connectivity

PCIe^® 5.0 slot

The 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.

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

Hear the Difference

Realtek Codec and Unique Design Features for Pristine, Powerful Audio

The unique S1220A audio codec designed in close collaboration with Realtek provides pristine audio quality via an unprecedented 120 dB signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio for the stereo line out and a 113 dB SNR for the line in. An impedance-sensing circuit also adjusts gain for optimal headphone volume.

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 Layers 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 Audio Capacitors

Premium parts provide a sound signature with exceptional fidelity.

Personalization

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

Dark

Adaptive Color

Addressable Gen 2 RGB Header

Three addressable Gen 2 RGB headers are 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 news to help you stay in touch with the ASUS community.
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DIY Friendly

Q-Latch

The innovative Q-Latch makes it easy to install or remove an M.2 SSD without the need for specific tools. The design employs a simple locking mechanism to secure the drive and neatly eliminate traditional screws.