ASUS PRIME Z690-A Intel Z690 LGA 1700 ATX

ASUS Prime series motherboards are expertly engineered to unleash the full potential of 12th 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.N/AN/AASUS 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.N/AN/AFLEXIBILITYN/AN/AComprehensive 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.N/AN/A5-Way OpitmizationN/AN/AASUS 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.N/AN/AEasy Optimization is an automated tuning utility that enhances overclocking and cooling profiles for your unique system configuration.N/AA stress test feature allows you to optimize and overclock for CPU- or memory-centric workloads.N/AN/AN/ACPU Performance BoostN/AThe 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.N/AN/AAll-Around Energy EfficiencyN/AThe 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.N/AN/APrecise Digital Power ControlN/AThe 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 performanceN/AN/AApp-Specific OptimizationN/ATurbo 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.N/AN/AASUS AI OverclockingN/AN/AASUS 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.N/AN/AAccessible 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.N/AN/AAI Overclocking at a GlanceN/AN/ADesigned by ExpertsN/AAt 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.N/AN/APredictive EdgeN/AThe 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.N/AN/AReal-time AdjustmentsN/AThe software monitors workload system temperature fan speed and power draw every minute and it makes real-time adjustments to ensure ongoing optimal performance.N/AN/AAI CoolingN/AN/AASUS AI Cooling function will automatically manage and control motherboard-connected fans to ensure optimal settings based on current system load and temperature.N/AN/ASelf-Adaptive Fan TuningN/AN/ACPU Temperature DetectionN/AAI 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.N/AN/AAutomated OptimizationN/AUnder stable system loads the software then automatically lowers fan* speed to the optimal setting decreasing fan noise without compromising performance.N/AFans need to be connected to the following headers for AI Cooling control: CPU_FAN / CPU_OPT / CHA_FAN / W_PUMP+/ AIO PumpN/AN/AOngoing MonitoringN/AAI Cooling continues to monitor the system and adjust fan speed based on current load.N/AN/AOne-click ActivationN/AN/AAI Cooling can easily be activated via the Fan Xpert 4 dashboard in Armoury Crate. Once activated it will override all manual controls.N/AN/AFan Speed ReferencesN/AN/AFor 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.N/AN/AUEFI BIOSN/AN/AThe 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.N/AN/AAdvanced Tuning for Serious TweakersN/AN/AAn 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.N/AN/AQuick and Simple SetupN/AN/AEZ 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.N/AN/AAI OverclockingN/AEnable AI Overclocking via a shortcut.N/AN/AIntuitive Graphical Fan ControlN/AFine-tune individual fan settings simply by dragging a curve with the mouse.N/AN/AAura On/Off Mode (Stealth)N/AEasily enable or disable Aura RGB lighting or every onboard LED for a subdued aesthetic touch.N/AN/ACOOLINGN/AN/APrime 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.N/AN/AHeatsinksN/AN/AM.2 HeatsinkN/AN/ATwo M.2 heatsinks take care of the three M.2 slots warding off throttling that can occur with M.2 storage during sustained transfers.N/AN/AVRM Heatsink and Thermal PadsN/AN/AThe 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.N/AN/AM.2 BackplateN/AAn 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.N/AN/ACooler by DesignN/AN/APrime Z690 series features comprehensive cooling controls that are configurable via Fan Xpert 4 software or via the UEFI BIOS.N/AN/AMultiple Temperature SourcesN/AN/AEach 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.N/AN/ADual-Pump HeadersN/AN/AA dedicated header supplies over 3 amps for high-performance PWM or DC water pumps plus a second dedicated header for AIOs.N/AAIO Pump header supports 1 amp and Water Pump+ header supports 3 amps.N/AN/ASmart ProtectionN/AA dedicated integrated circuit protects each fan header from overheating and overcurrent.N/AN/A4-Pin PWM/DC FanN/AEach onboard header supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.N/AN/APERFORMANCEN/AN/APrime Z690 series is built to handle the additional cores and increased bandwidth of 12th 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.N/AN/ARobust Power DesignN/AN/AStable power is essential to extract every last bit of performance out of 12th Generation Intel processors. Prime Z690-A is geared to cater to the demands of these high-core-count CPUs.N/AN/AProCool ConnectorsN/AProprietary 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 connectorsN/AN/A16+1 DrMOSN/AA VRM with 16+1 DrMOS delivers the power and efficiency that the latest Intel processors demandN/AN/AMemoryN/AN/ADDR5 Performance EnhancementN/AN/APrime 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).N/AN/AA 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.N/AOrdinarily 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.N/AN/AFor 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.N/AN/AASUS OptiMem IIN/AN/ARevisions to the motherboards 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.N/AN/ABenefits of ASUS OptiMem II:N/AN/AImproved memory stability and compatibilityN/AAllows lower memory latencies at equivalent voltagesN/AImproved memory frequency marginN/AN/AMotherboards with OptiMem II technology were tested with Synopsys HSPICE simulation softwareN/AN/AStorageN/AFour M.2 slots (up to 64 Gbps)N/AN/APrime 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.N/A Actual transmission speeds will be lower than the theoretical maximum speed.N/AN/AConnectivityN/AN/AN/APCIe 5.0 SlotN/AThe 12th 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.N/AN/AUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-CN/ANumerous 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.N/AN/AThunderbolt4 SupportN/APrime 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.N/AN/AIntel 2.5 Gb EthernetN/AIntel Ethernet Connection I225-V reduces CPU overhead and offers exceptionally high TCP and UDP throughput for faster smoother data transfer.N/AN/ALANGuardN/AASUS 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.N/AN/ACUSTOMIZATIONN/AN/AAudioN/AN/ATWO-WAY AI NOISE CANCELATIONN/AN/AThis 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.N/AN/ARealtek Codec and Unique Design Features for Pristine Powerful AudioN/AN/APrime Z690-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 (SNR) 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.N/AN/ADTS: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.N/AN/AFlawless Audio that Immerses You in the GameN/AN/APower Pre-RegulatorN/AReduces power-input noise to ensure consistent performance.N/AN/AAudio ShieldingN/ASeparates analog/digital signal domains significantly reducing multi-lateral interference.N/AN/ASeparate Layers for Left and Right TracksN/AEnsures minimal crosstalk between audio paths.N/AN/AIntegrated AmplifierN/ACapable of driving high-impedance headphones without rolling-off high or low frequencies.N/AN/ADe-Pop CircuitN/AReduces start-up popping noise to all audio outputs.N/AN/APremium Audio CapacitorsN/APremium parts provide a sound signature with exceptional fidelity.N/AN/APersonalizationN/AN/AAura SyncN/AOutshine the CompetitionN/AA 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.N/AN/AAddressable Gen 2 RGB HeaderN/AThree 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.N/AN/AArmoury CrateN/AArmoury 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.N/AN/AQ-LatchN/AThe 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.N/AN/ASafeSlot & SafeDIMMN/APCIe 5.0 is 2x faster than PCIe 4.0 so we adapted our SMT manufacturing process for the faster SafeSlot to ensure the highest data speeds. SafeSlot is a reinforced metal sheath added to a PCIe slot to keep a card firmly installed. Meanwhile strong ASUS SafeDIMM sheathes support and protect memory modules on select ASUS motherboards empowering you to insert your modules with speed accuracy and confidence.N/AN/AFlexKeyN/AThe Chassis Reset Button ReassignedN/AN/AFlexKey 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.