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ROG STRIX
Z490-A
GAMING

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Summary of Contents for Asus ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING

  • Page 1 ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Safety information ....................... v About this guide ......................vi ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING specifications summary .......... vii Connectors with shared bandwidth ................. xi Package contents ...................... xii Installation tools and components ................. xiii Chapter 1: Product Introduction Before you proceed ................... 1-1 Motherboard layout ..................
  • Page 4 Appendix Notices ........................A-1 ASUS contact information ..................A-6...
  • Page 5: Safety Information

    Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
  • Page 6: About This Guide

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS website The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.
  • Page 7: Rog Strix Z490-A Gaming Specifications Summary

    * 10 Gen Intel ® Core™ i9/i7 CPUs support 2933/2800/2666/2400/2133 natively. Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists). 1 x DisplayPort 1.4* 1 x HDMI™ 1.4b Graphics * Support DisplayPort 1.4 with max. resolution of 4096 x 2304 @60Hz. Please refer to www.intel.com for any update.
  • Page 8 ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING specifications summary Front USB (Total 7 ports) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 front panel connector (supports USB Type-C ® 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header supports additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports...
  • Page 9 Aura Feature - Standard RGB headers - Addressable Gen 2 RGB header ASUS Q-Design - ASUS Q-DIMM - ASUS Q-LED (CPU [red], DRAM [yellow], VGA [white], Boot Device [yellow green]) - ASUS Q-Slot Special Features ASUS Thermal Solution - Aluminum M.2 heatsink ASUS EZ DIY - BIOS FlashBack™...
  • Page 10 Windows 10 - 64 bit Operating System ® ATX Form Factor Form Factor 12 inch x 9.6 inch (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) Specifications are subject to change without notice. Please refer to the ASUS website for the latest specifications.
  • Page 11: Connectors With Shared Bandwidth

    Connectors with shared bandwidth Configuration PCIEX16_1 PCIEX16_2 PCIEX16_3 Configuration M.2_1 SATA6G_2 M.2_1 shares bandwidth with SATA6G_2. When M.2_1 is populated SATA6G_2 will be disabled.
  • Page 12: Package Contents

    Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard 1 x ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING motherboard 1 x Addressable RGB extension cable 1 x RGB extension cable Cables 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x Thermistor cable pack...
  • Page 13: Installation Tools And Components

    Installation tools and components Phillips (cross) screwdriver PC chassis Power supply unit Intel LGA 1200 CPU Intel LGA 1200 compatible CPU Fan ® ® DDR4 DIMM SATA hard disk drive SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional) M.2 SSD module (optional) 1 Bag of screws The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.
  • Page 15: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 16: Motherboard Layout

    Motherboard layout Chapter 1: Product Introduction...
  • Page 17 1-19 16. Front Panel Audio header 1-19 17. M.2 slot (Key E) 1-20 18. System Panel header 1-21 19. Thermal Sensor header 1-22 20. Thunderbolt header 1-23 21. Q-LEDs 1-24 22. 8-pin Power Plug LED 1-24 ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 18: Cpu Socket

    Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/ transit-related.
  • Page 19: Dimm Slots

    (Double Data Rate 4) memory modules. A DDR4 memory module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot. Recommended memory configurations ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 20 (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the vendor to get the correct memory modules. • Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL. Chapter 1: Product Introduction...
  • Page 21: Expansion Slots

    Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. Please refer to the following tables for the recommended VGA configuration and Hyper M.2 configuration. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 22 Recommended VGA configuration Slot Description Single VGA Dual VGA Triple VGA PCIe 3.0 x16_1 PCIe 3.0 x16_2 PCIe 3.0 x16_3 • We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ mode. • Ensure to connect the 8-pin and 4-pin power plugs when running CrossFireX™ mode.
  • Page 23: Fan And Pump Headers

    For water cooling kits, connect the pump connector to the AIO_PUMP header. Header Max. Current Max. Power Default Speed Shared Control CPU_FAN Q-Fan Controlled CPU_OPT Q-Fan Controlled CHA_FAN1 Q-Fan Controlled CHA_FAN2 Q-Fan Controlled VRM_HS_FAN Q-Fan Controlled AIO_PUMP Full-Speed M.2_FAN Q-Fan Controlled ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 24: Vrm Heatsink Fan Header

    VRM Heatsink Fan header The VRM Heatsink fan header is for connecting the VRM Heatsink fan on the integrated heatsink. You may also install a VRM fan to a fan holder and connect it to the VRM Heatsink header to cool the VRM when the VRM’s temperature becomes too high.
  • Page 25: Power Connectors

    • If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with 1000W power or above to ensure the system stability. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 1-11...
  • Page 26: Slot

    M.2 slot The M.2 slot allows you to install M.2 SSD modules. • M.2_1 slots support PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA mode Key M design and type 2242 / 2260/ 2280 / 22110 storage devices. • M.2_2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 mode Key M design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 storage devices.
  • Page 27: Sata 6Gb/S Port

    • When M.2_1 is operating in SATA device, SATA6G_2 will be disabled. • Before creating a RAID set, refer to the RAID Configuration Guide. You can download the RAID Configuration Guide from the ASUS website. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 1-13...
  • Page 28: Usb 3.2 Gen 1 Front Panel Connector

    USB 3.2 Gen 1 Front Panel connector The USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector allows you to connect a USB 3.2 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector provides data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 module is purchased separately.
  • Page 29: Usb 2.0 Header

    2.0 ports. The USB 2.0 header provides data transfer speeds of up to 480 MB/s connection speed. DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 1-15...
  • Page 30: Aura Addressable Gen2 Header

    AURA Addressable Gen2 header The Addressable Gen2 header allows you to connect individually addressable RGB WS2812B LED strips or WS2812B based LED strips. The Addressable Gen2 header supports WS2812B addressable RGB LED strips (5V/ Data/Ground), with a maximum power rating of 3A (5V), and the addressable headers on this board can handle a combined maximum of 500 LEDs.
  • Page 31: Aura Rgb Header

    RGB LED strip is connected in the correct orientation, and the 12V connector is aligned with the 12V header on the motherboard. • The LED strip will only light up when the system is powered on. • The LED strip is purchased separately. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 1-17...
  • Page 32: Clear Cmos Header

    Clear CMOS header The Clear CMOS header allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in the CMOS, which contains the date, time, system passwords, and system setup parameters. To erase the RTC RAM: Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. Short-circuit pin 1-2 with a metal object or jumper cap for about 5-10 seconds.
  • Page 33: Cpu Over Voltage Jumper

    HD Audio. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this header. We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 1-19...
  • Page 34: Slot (Key E)

    M.2 slot (Key E) The M.2 Wi-Fi slot allows you to install an M.2 Wi-Fi module (E-key, type 2230). The M.2 Wi-Fi module is purchased separately. Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1-20...
  • Page 35: System Panel Header

    The 2-pin connector allows you to connect the chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to the connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced, the signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion event. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 1-21...
  • Page 36: Thermal Sensor Header

    Thermal Sensor header The Thermal Sensor header allows you to connect a sensor to monitor the temperature of the devices and the critical components inside the motherboard. Connect the thermal sensor and place it on the device or the motherboard’s component to detect its temperature.
  • Page 37: Thunderbolt Header

    The Thunderbolt header allows you to connect an add-on Thunderbolt I/O card that supports Intel’s Thunderbolt Technology, allowing you to connect up to six Thunderbolt-enabled devices and a DisplayPort-enabled display in a daisy-chain configuration. The add-on Thunderbolt I/O card and Thunderbolt cables are purchased separately. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 1-23...
  • Page 38: Q-Leds

    Q-LEDs The Q-LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA, and booting devices) during the motherboard booting process. If an error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved. The Q-LEDs provide the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting.
  • Page 39: Building Your Pc System

    NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1155, LGA1156, and LGA1151 sockets on the LGA1200 socket. • ASUS will not cover damages resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, incorrect CPU orientation/placement, or other damages resulting from negligence by the user. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 40 Chapter 2: Basic Installation...
  • Page 41: Cooling System Installation

    2.1.2 Cooling system installation Apply Thermal Interface Material to the CPU cooling system and CPU before you install the cooling system, if necessary. To install a CPU heatsink and fan assembly ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 42 To install an AIO cooler If you wish to install an AiO cooler, we recommend installing the AiO cooler after installing the motherboard into the chassis. AIO_PUMP CPU_FAN CPU_OPT Chapter 2: Basic Installation...
  • Page 43: Dimm Installation

    2.1.3 DIMM installation To remove a DIMM ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 44: Installation

    2.1.4 M.2 installation • The M.2 rubber pad is optional for when installing a single sided M.2 storage device. Ensure to install the OPTIONAL bundled M.2 rubber pad before installing your single sided M.2 storage device. • DO NOT install the bundled M.2 rubber pads when installing a double- sided M.2 storage device.
  • Page 45 The M.2 is purchased separately. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 46: Additional Cooling Kit Installation

    2.1.5 Additional cooling kit installation STRIX Z490-A GAMING When using high performance settings whilst overclocking, ensure to install the fan holder for additional fan(s). • You may install 12V (1A, 12W), 40mm x 40mm fans or 50mm x 50mm fans. •...
  • Page 47: Motherboard Installation

    Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis’ rear I/O panel. Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. DO NOT over tighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING...
  • Page 48: Atx Power Connection

    2.1.7 ATX power connection • DO NOT connect the 4-pin power plug only, the motherboard may overheat under heavy usage. • Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug, or connect both the 8-pin and 4-pin power plugs. Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2-10...
  • Page 49: Sata Device Connection

    2.1.8 SATA device connection ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 2-11...
  • Page 50: Front I/O Connector

    2.1.9 Front I/O connector To install the front panel connector To install USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ® connector USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C ® connector This connector will only fit in one orientation. Push the connector until it clicks into place. To install USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector To install USB 2.0 connector USB 3.2 Gen 1...
  • Page 51: Expansion Card Installation

    2.1.10 Expansion card installation To install PCIe x16 cards To install PCIe x4 cards To install PCIe x1 cards ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 2-13...
  • Page 52 To install ThunderboltEX 3-TR card 6-pin PCIe power connector USB Type-C ® port connects to Thunderbolt devices MiniDP in port connects to DP out port on the motherboard or a VGA card USB 2.0 header Thunderbolt header Ensure to install the ThunderboltEX 3-TR card to a PCIe slot from PCH. •...
  • Page 53: M.2 Wi-Fi Module And Antenna Installation

    The I/O port layout may vary with models, but the Wi-Fi antenna installation procedure is the same for all models. • The M.2 Wi-Fi module and antenna are purchased separately. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 2-15...
  • Page 54: Bios Update Utility

    • Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process and results to the system’s failure to boot up, please contact your local ASUS Service Center. Chapter 2: Basic Installation...
  • Page 55: Motherboard Rear And Audio Connections

    Due to the design of the Intel chipset, all USB devices connected to the USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports are controlled by the xHCI controller. Some legacy USB devices must update their firmware for better compatibility. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 2-17...
  • Page 56: Audio I/O Connections

    * Audio 2, 4, 5.1 or 7.1-channel configuration Headset Port 4-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel 2-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Side Speaker Out Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In...
  • Page 57 Connect to 2-channel Speakers Connect to 4-channel Speakers Connect to 5.1-channel Speakers ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 2-19...
  • Page 58 Connect to 7.1-channel Speakers Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2-20...
  • Page 59: Starting Up For The First Time

    While the system is ON, press the power button for less than four seconds to put the system on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Press the power button for more than four seconds to let the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING 2-21...
  • Page 60 Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2-22...
  • Page 61: Chapter 3: Bios And Raid Support

    Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard- only BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. You can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system.
  • Page 62: Bios Setup Program

    BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screen include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press <Delete> or <F2> during the Power-On Self Test (POST).
  • Page 63: Asus Ez Flash 3

    ASUS EZ Flash 3 The ASUS EZ Flash 3 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey <F5>.
  • Page 64: Asus Crashfree Bios 3

    The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at https://www.asus.com/support/ and save it to a USB flash drive.
  • Page 65: Raid Configurations

    RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 configuration. For more information on configuring your RAID sets, please refer to the RAID Configuration Guide which you can find at https://www.asus.com/support. RAID definitions RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks.
  • Page 66 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup...
  • Page 67 Appendix Notices FCC Compliance Information Responsible Party: Asus Computer International Address: 48720 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA 94538, USA Phone / Fax No: (510)739-3777 / (510)608-4555 This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 68 Compliance Statement of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada licence exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
  • Page 69 ASUS products sold in Vietnam, on or after September 23, 2011,meet the requirements of the Vietnam Circular 30/2011/TT-BCT. Các sản phẩm ASUS bán tại Việt Nam, vào ngày 23 tháng 9 năm2011 trở về sau, đều phải đáp ứng các yêu cầu của Thông tư 30/2011/TT-BCT của Việt Nam.
  • Page 70 ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials.
  • Page 71 доступний на: www.asus.com/support Cijeli tekst EU izjave o sukladnosti dostupan je na: www.asus.com/support Türkçe AsusTek Computer Inc., bu aygıtın temel gereksinimlerle ve ilişkili Čeština Společnost ASUSTeK Computer Inc. tímto prohlašuje, že Yönergelerin diğer ilgili koşullarıyla uyumlu olduğunu beyan eder.
  • Page 72 +1-510-739-3777 +1-510-608-4555 Web site http://www.asus.com/us/ Technical Support Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Online support http://qr.asus.com/techserv ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Harkort Str. 21-23, 40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-959931 Web site http://www.asus.com/de Online contact http://eu-rma.asus.com/sales Technical Support Telephone +49-2102-5789555 Support Fax...

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