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 Z690M-Plus D4 provides users and PC DIY builders a range of performance tuning options via intuitive software and firmware features.N/AN/AFLEXIBILITYN/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/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/AFlexible Air- and Liquid-Cooling ControlsN/AASUS Fan Xpert 4 software provides comprehensive control over fans and all-in-one (AiO) cooler. Whether cooling with air or water an Auto-Tuning mode intelligently configures all parameters with a single click. Theres 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 and AiO cooler can also be controlled via the UEFI BIOS.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 performance.N/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/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/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/AIntuitive Graphical Fan ControlN/AFine-tune individual fan settings simply by dragging a curve with the mouse.N/AN/AEZ XMPN/AImprove DRAM performance with one click.N/AN/AAura On/Off Mode (Stealth)N/AEasily enable or disable Aura RGB lighting for a subdued aesthetic touch.N/AN/ACOOLINGN/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/AVRM Heatsinks and High-quality Thermal PadsN/ATwo massive VRM heatsinks and high-quality thermal pads improve heat transfer from the MOSFETs and chokes for better cooling performance.N/AN/ACooler by DesignN/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/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/AAIO Pump HeaderN/AA dedicated PWM/DC header for self-contained water-cooling setups.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/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/APower DesignN/AStable power is essential to extract every last bit of performance out of 12th Generation Intel processors. Prime Z690M-Plus D4 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 4 pin+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.N/AN/A10+1 DrMOSN/AA VRM with 10+1 DrMOS delivers the power and efficiency that the latest Intel processors demand.N/AN/AMemoryN/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/ATop layer ground ring to prevent lateral interferenceN/AN/ADDR4 5333 (OC)N/AImprovements to trace routing design provide the latest Intel processors with enhanced access to memory bandwidth. ASUS OptiMem II technology carefully maps memory signal pathways across different PCB layers to reduce path distance and it adds shielding zones that significantly reduce crosstalk.N/AN/AStorageN/AThree M.2 slots (up to 64 Gbps)N/APrime Z690M-Plus D4 offers a total of three 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/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 rear USB Type-C connector with fast USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for transmission speeds of up to 20 Gbps.N/AN/AThunderbolt 4 SupportN/APrime Z690M-Plus D4 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 1 Gb EthernetN/AIntel Ethernet Connection I219-V reduces CPU overhead and offers exceptionally high TCP and UDP throughput for faster smoother data transfer.N/ALower CPU workload High TCP and UDP throughputN/AN/AM.2 Slot (key E)N/APrime Z690M-Plus D4 motherboard comes along with a M.2 Slot (Key E) which can support type 2230 Wi-Fi/BT and Intel CNVi (Integrated Wi-Fi/BT) moduleN/A The Wi-Fi/BT module is purchased separately.N/AN/AAudioN/ACombined onboard features deliver elevated audioN/AIntelligent design and premium hardware create audio quality unlike anything youve ever experienced.N/AN/AAudio ShieldingN/ASeparates analog/digital signal domains significantly reducing multi-lateral interference.N/AN/ASeparate Layer for Left and Right TracksN/AEnsures minimal crosstalk between audio paths.N/AN/APremium Audio CapacitorsN/APremium parts provide an immersive sound signature with exceptional fidelity.N/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 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-LED CoreN/AThe Q-LED Core display produces light patterns by power LED during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) that can help users troubleshoot potential issues.N/AN/ASafeSlotN/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.N/AN/ALANGuardN/APumped-up throughput 2.5X higher surge toleranceN/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/AOvervoltage ProtectionN/AWorld-class circuit-protecting power designN/AAn exclusive circuit design with built-in voltage regulators to protect your motherboard from damage caused by unexpected high-level voltages from unstable or inferior power supplies.N/AN/ADRAM Overcurrent ProtectionN/AShort-circuit damage preventionN/AOnboard resettable fuses prevent overcurrent and short-circuit damage. This extends beyond I/O ports to DRAM to safeguard the lifespan of your system and connected devices.N/AN/AStainless-Steel Back I/ON/A3X corrosion-resistance for greater durabilityN/ACorrosion-resistant stainless-steel back I/O panels bonded with chromium oxide have a lifespan that’s three times longer than ordinary panels.