ASUS Intel Z690 PRIME Z690-A PCIe 5.0 ATX Motherboard

NEXT GENERATION TECH FOR YOUR PC 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.

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. Prime Z690-A Intel® Z690 (LGA 1700) ATX motherboard features PCIe® 5.0, four M.2 slots, DDR5, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C®, front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Thunderbolt™ 4 support and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet. It also features AI Overclocking, AI Cooling and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation. Prime Z690-A caters to daily users and all builders looking for well-rounded specs and a range of options for performance tuning via intuitive software and firmware.

1. Support for the latest 12th Generation Intel® Processors.
2. Dual Channel Memory. DDR5 6000(OC) with support for Optimem II.
3. 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.
4. Expansion Slots
• 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot. | • 1 x PCIe 3.0 x 4 |  • 2 x PCIe 3.0 x 1. |  • 1 x PCIe 3.0 x 16 (Max @ x4).

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.

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.

A NEW INNOVATION FOR COOLINGTwo M.2 heatsinks take care of the three M.2 slots, warding off throttling that can occur with M.2 storage during sustained transfers. 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. 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.

DDR5 Performance EnhancementPrime 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.

ASUS OptiMem IIRevisions 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 optimem ii• Improved memory stability and compatibility.
• Allows lower memory latencies at equivalent voltages.
• Improved memory frequency margin.

Four M.2 Slots (Up to 64 Gbps)Prime 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.
*Actual transmission speeds will be lower than the theoretical maximum speed.

Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation & realtek codecThis 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.

Prime 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.

INTUITIVE MANAGEMENT SOFTWAREArmoury 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.