The ASUS Prime Z690-A Intel Z690 motherboard is a high-end ATX motherboard designed to support the latest 12th Gen Intel processors. ASUS’s Prime series is known for its detailed engineering, and the Z690-A continues this tradition with a slew of features aimed at enthusiasts, gamers, and professional users.
Features
- Intel® LGA 1700 socket:Compatibility: Designed specifically for Intel’s 12th Gen processors, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.test
- Enhanced Power Solution:16+1 DrMOS Power Stages: Provides precise power to the CPU for stability under heavy workloads.ProCool Sockets: Enhanced power connectors that prevent overheating, ensuring a more reliable connection and power delivery.Alloy Chokes & Durable Capacitors: Increases efficiency, stability, and lifespan.
- AI Features:AI Overclocking: Uses smart prediction and thermal telemetry to push performance to its limits without manual intervention.AI Cooling: Automatic fan speed adjustment based on current system load and temperatures, ensuring a quiet and efficient cooling mechanism.Two-Way AI Noise-Cancellation: Cleans up both input and output audio, reducing background noise for clearer in-game communication or video conferencing.
- Comprehensive Cooling:M.2 Heatsinks: Protects M.2 slots from overheating, ensuring SSDs operate at peak performance during sustained data transfers.VRM Heatsinks & Thermal Pads: Larger than their predecessors on the Z590 boards, these work together for superior heat dissipation from the MOSFETs and chokes.Cooler by Design: Offers software-based and BIOS-based temperature control features, allowing for detailed fan curve adjustments.
- Next-Gen Connectivity:DDR5 Memory: Supports the latest DDR5 RAM, which offers faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and improved efficiency over DDR4.PCIe® 5.0: Doubles the data transfer speed of PCIe 4.0, supporting the latest graphics cards and SSDs.USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C® & Thunderbolt™ 4: High-speed data transfer and fast charging capabilities, ideal for external drives, peripherals, and modern devices.Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet: Faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet, offering smoother online experiences, whether gaming or streaming.
- ASUS 5-Way Optimization:Automated Tuning: Dynamically optimizes essential system aspects, simplifying the overclocking and cooling profiles for the user’s unique configuration.Stress Test Feature: Allows users to test the stability of their system under different workloads, useful for ensuring that the overclocked components are stable.
- DDR5 Performance Enhancement:Unlocked Power Limits: Special circuitry bypasses restrictions on DDR5 memory modules, allowing for higher voltage and frequency adjustments.ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile (AEMP): Simplifies memory overclocking by detecting memory chips on the board and suggesting optimized frequency, timing, and voltage profiles.
- Storage and Expansion:Four M.2 Slots: Provides extensive storage expansion options, with up to 64 Gbps transfer speed via PCIe® 4.0.PCIe® 5.0 Slot: Futureproof slot for high-end GPUs or other PCIe devices.
- Design & Aesthetics:Futuristic Design: A combination of black and white finishes with space-shuttle-inspired design elements creates a visually pleasing aesthetic suitable for showcase builds.
The ASUS Prime Z690-A is a feature-packed motherboard catering to a wide range of users, from hardcore gamers to professionals. Its combination of advanced AI features, extensive cooling mechanisms, and next-gen connectivity options make it a formidable choice for those building a high-end PC.
Pros:
- Performance: With robust power design, the motherboard is built to handle the cores and bandwidth of 12th Gen Intel processors efficiently.
- DDR5 Enhancement: The exclusive ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile (AEMP) and circuitry allow overclocking even on DDR5 memory modules with locked PMIC, unleashing higher performance.
- Extensive Storage Options: Four M.2 slots support high-speed data transfers, ensuring quicker boot-up and app load times.
- Advanced Connectivity: The inclusion of PCIe 5.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, Thunderbolt 4 support, and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet makes it a future-proof motherboard.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The motherboard’s design is both functional and visually pleasing, making it a great fit for transparent or open-case builds.
Cons:
- Price: Given the feature set, the ASUS Prime Z690-A might come with a premium price tag compared to more basic motherboards.
- Complexity for Beginners: With so many advanced features and tuning options, beginners might find the motherboard a bit overwhelming.
- Possible Overkill: For users with simple needs or those not planning to overclock or push their systems, this motherboard might offer more features than necessary.
Conclusion:
The ASUS Prime Z690-A Intel Z690 motherboard is a powerhouse designed for those who demand top-tier performance, connectivity, and customization. Its comprehensive feature set caters to gamers, professionals, and PC enthusiasts. While it might be a bit of an overkill for casual users or those on a tight budget, for those looking to build a top-notch system with future-proofing in mind, the ASUS Prime Z690-A is an excellent choice.
Specification Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | PRIME Z690-A |
| CPU | Intel® Socket LGA1700 for 12th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors |
| Chipset | Z690 |
| Memory | Max Memory Size: 192GB |
| Graphics | 1 x HDMI 2.1 |
| Storage | Supports 4 x M.2 slots and 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports |
| Ethernet | 1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet |
| USB | Rear USB: Total 8 ports Front USB: Total 7 ports |
| Special Features | Yes |
| Operating System | Windows® 11, Windows® 10 64-bit |
| Form Factor | ATX 30.5cm x 24.4cm |
