ASUS PRIME Z490-A LGA 1200 (Intel 10th Gen) Intel Z490 SATA 6Gb/s ATX Intel Motherboard (14 DrMOS Power Stages, Dual M.2, Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Front Panel Type-C, Thunderbolt 3 Support, Aura Sync RGB)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Top layer – ground ring to prevent lateral interference