Asus Prime Z690-A LGA1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Asus Prime Z690-A - Description

LGA1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Asus Prime Z690-A ATX motherboard is built for Intel® 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors with the LGA1700 socket, offering next-gen performance and connectivity. It supports DDR5 memory and PCIe® 5.0, features a robust 16+1 DrMOS power design with ProCool sockets and durable components for stable power delivery, and includes AI-based tools for intelligent overclocking, cooling, and noise cancellation. For thermal management, it comes equipped with large VRM and M.2 heatsinks, a backplate with Q-Latch, hybrid fan headers, and Fan Xpert 4 software. Connectivity highlights include Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C®, front-panel USB-C, Thunderbolt™ 4 header support, and four PCIe® 4.0 M.2 slots, while Aura Sync RGB lighting adds customization options.

Performance:

The Asus Prime Z690-A motherboard delivers strong performance with support for Intel® LGA1700 processors, including 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Core™, Pentium® Gold, and Celeron® CPUs. It features a 16+1 DrMOS power design for reliable power delivery, four DDR5 DIMM slots with speeds up to 6000 MHz (OC) and OptiMem II technology for improved stability, and multiple expansion options including a PCIe® 5.0 x16 SafeSlot, additional PCIe® 3.0 slots, and four M.2 storage slots—two supporting 22110 PCIe 4.0 x4, one 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4, and one 2280 compatible with both PCIe 4.0 x4 and SATA modes.

Cooling:

The Asus Prime Z690-A motherboard is equipped with comprehensive cooling solutions, including CPU fan headers, VRM heatsinks, and a chipset heatsink for efficient thermal management. It also provides two M.2 heatsinks covering three M.2 slots, along with multiple headers such as AIO pump, W_PUMP+, and CHA fan headers to support custom cooling setups and maintain stable system performance.

Personalization:

The Asus Prime Z690-A motherboard offers extensive personalization features, including Aura Sync RGB lighting with multiple headers (two Addressable Gen 2, one standard RGB, and an additional Addressable Gen 2) for customizable illumination. For audio, it integrates Crystal Sound 3 with a Realtek® S1220A codec and DTS:X® Ultra support, while two-way AI noise cancelation ensures clear and immersive sound for gaming, music, and communication.

Connectivity:

The Asus Prime Z690-A motherboard delivers versatile connectivity with HDMI® and DisplayPort outputs, multiple USB options including four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C®, three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (two Type-A, one Type-C®), a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® connector, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 header, and two USB 2.0 headers. It also features Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet, five audio jacks, four SATA 6Gb/s ports, and a Thunderbolt™ header, ensuring high-speed data transfer, fast networking, and flexible device compatibility.

Flexibility:

The ASUS Prime series emphasizes user control and adaptability, and the Prime Z690-A is no exception. It comes with a suite of tools that let you fine-tune every aspect of your system, allowing you to tailor performance to your specific usage—whether for productivity, gaming, or creative work.

5-Way Opitmization:

ASUS 5-Way Optimization brings intelligent system tuning by automatically adjusting key settings for optimal performance. It handles complex tasks like overclocking, cooling, and power management, and generates custom overclocking profiles based on your hardware configuration.

CPU Performance Boost:

The integrated TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) acts as a smart tuning tool that dynamically adjusts voltages, monitors system performance, and optimizes overclocking settings to extract maximum CPU performance with stability.

All-Around Energy Efficiency:

The Energy Processing Unit (EPU) enhances power efficiency by automatically managing power consumption across system components. It includes Away mode, which minimizes energy use by disabling unused I/O controllers—ideal for reducing power draw during idle periods.

Flexible Air- and Liquid-Cooling Controls:

Fan Xpert 4 gives you full control over fans, water pumps, and all-in-one (AiO) coolers. With an Auto-Tuning feature, it configures fan curves with a single click. The Extreme Quiet mode allows fan speeds to drop below standard minimums, ensuring near-silent operation during light usage. Cooling settings can also be managed directly through the UEFI BIOS.

Precise Digital Power Control:

Equipped with a Digi+ VRM, the motherboard delivers precise, real-time voltage regulation, reducing voltage droop and enabling fine adjustments to switching frequency and efficiency settings. This results in enhanced system stability and performance, especially when pushing the CPU beyond stock settings.

App-Specific Optimization:

With Turbo App, users can customize system behavior based on specific applications. This includes setting CPU overclocking profiles, applying dedicated fan curves, prioritizing network traffic, and adjusting audio settings—all tailored to individual apps, ensuring your system performs exactly how you need it to.

ASUS AI Overclocking:

ASUS AI Overclocking is a smart utility that analyzes your CPU and cooling setup to automatically determine the best voltage and frequency settings for optimal performance. Accessible through the AI Suite software in Windows or directly in the UEFI BIOS, it features a user-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels. Beginners can use the auto-tuning option, while experienced users have access to a range of advanced manual settings for fine-grained control.

AI Overclocking Guide:

The AI Overclocking Guide offers step-by-step instructions and detailed insights for manual tuning. Pressing the F11 key during system startup brings up this helpful guide, making it easier to understand and adjust overclocking parameters with confidence.

Core Group Loading:

For processors with high core counts, AI Overclocking organizes CPU cores into groups and displays relevant data accordingly. This enables adaptive tuning based on core group status and provides estimated target frequencies and voltages to assist in precise manual overclocking.

AI Overclocking in AI Suite:

Through AI Suite software, onboard AI intelligence delivers automated overclocking with full customization options. The Easy Optimization feature allows users to fine-tune performance directly from Windows, offering both simplicity and flexibility.

AI Cooling:

ASUS AI Cooling intelligently manages all connected fans on the motherboard, dynamically adjusting speeds based on system load and temperature. This ensures efficient cooling during heavy workloads while maintaining quiet operation under light usage.

UEFI BIOS:

The acclaimed ASUS UEFI BIOS offers a complete suite of tools for system configuration, tuning, and optimization. It features beginner-friendly options for easy setup and in-depth advanced settings for enthusiasts who want full control over their hardware.

Advanced Tuning for Serious Tweakers:

The UEFI BIOS includes an intuitive Advanced mode that gives users full command over system parameters. A built-in search function simplifies navigation, while comprehensive tuning options allow for precise adjustments to maximize performance and stability.

Quick and Simple Setup:

EZ mode provides a streamlined interface that displays essential system stats and settings. It includes guided setup wizards, drag-and-drop functionality, and one-click application of critical configurations, helping users get their system up and running quickly and efficiently.

Cooling:

The Prime Z690 series is designed with robust thermal solutions, including multiple heatsinks and hybrid fan headers, ensuring stable operation even under heavy workloads.

Heatsinks:

M.2 Heatsink:

Two dedicated M.2 heatsinks cover three of the four M.2 slots, preventing thermal throttling during prolonged data transfers and maintaining consistent SSD performance.

VRM Heatsink and Thermal Pads:

The Prime Z690-A features significantly larger VRM heatsinks compared to previous-generation Z590 boards. Combined with high-quality thermal pads, they efficiently dissipate heat from power stages and chokes for improved thermal performance.

M.2 Backplate:

An integrated M.2 backplate helps maintain peak drive performance, even in low-airflow environments. It includes the Q-Latch mechanism, allowing you to install or remove M.2 SSDs without screws—making upgrades fast and tool-free.

Cooler by Design:

The Prime Z690 series features advanced cooling architecture with full control via Fan Xpert 4 or the UEFI BIOS. Fan headers can monitor up to three temperature sources, including GPU temperatures from ASUS graphics cards, enabling synchronized cooling for CPU and GPU. Dual pump headers support both high-current water pumps (over 3A) and AIO coolers. Additional protections include overcurrent and overheating safeguards for fan headers, along with 4-pin PWM/DC fan connectors that auto-detect fan types for seamless integration.

Performance:

The Prime Z690 series is built to harness the full potential of 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel® processors, with enhanced core support and expanded bandwidth. ASUS Z690 motherboards deliver the essential foundation for daily productivity and high-performance tasks, featuring stable power delivery, intelligent thermal management, and versatile data transfer options.

Robust Power Design:

Consistent and clean power delivery is critical for maximizing the performance of modern high-core-count CPUs. The PRIME Z690-A is specifically designed to meet the demanding power requirements of the latest Intel processors.

ProCool Connectors:

ASUS ProCool power connectors enhance the link between the PSU and motherboard using 8+8 pin connectors that deliver 12V power directly to the CPU. These connectors use solid-pin design, which supports higher current loads compared to traditional hollow pins, improving conductivity and durability.

16 + 1 DrMOS:

The motherboard’s 16+1 DrMOS power stages form a high-efficiency VRM that delivers precise power to the CPU, ensuring excellent stability, responsiveness, and overclocking headroom for the latest Intel Core processors.

Memory:

DDR5 Performance Enhancement:

The Prime Z690-A boosts DDR5 performance by offering overclocking capabilities not only for high-end memory kits but also for entry-level DDR5 modules equipped with a locked power management IC (PMIC), helping users maximize memory performance regardless of their kit’s tier.

ASUS OptiMem II:

Enhanced PCB trace routing ensures optimal signal integrity for the latest Intel processors. ASUS OptiMem II technology strategically routes memory signals across different board layers to minimize vias and crosstalk, while incorporating shielding zones to further reduce interference—resulting in improved memory stability and higher overclocking potential.

Storage:

Four M.2 slots (up to 64 Gbps):

PRIME Z690-A 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.

Connectivity:

PCIe® 5.0 Slot:

Supporting the PCIe 5.0 interface from 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel® processors, this motherboard doubles the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0—delivering up to 128 Gbps in bidirectional throughput. PCIe 5.0 also improves signal integrity, includes backward-compatible CEM slots for add-in cards, and maintains compatibility with older PCIe devices.

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C®:

Multiple high-speed USB ports accommodate modern multi-peripheral setups. The rear and front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C® connectors support data transfer rates of up to 20 Gbps, ensuring rapid file transfers and seamless connectivity with compatible devices.

Thunderbolt™ 4 Support:

The Prime Z690-A includes a dedicated Thunderbolt™ 4 header. When paired with the ASUS ThunderboltEX 4 add-on card (Intel-certified), it enables bi-directional speeds of up to 40 Gbps over a single cable. The connection supports daisy-chaining multiple devices, driving displays up to 8K resolution, and delivering up to 100 watts of power for fast charging of connected devices.

Intel® 2.5 Gb Ethernet:

Powered by the Intel® Ethernet Connection I225-V, this high-speed networking solution reduces CPU utilization while providing exceptional TCP and UDP throughput—ideal for large file transfers, low-latency gaming, and smooth streaming.

LANGuard:

ASUS LANGuard is a hardware-based network protection system that uses advanced signal isolation and premium anti-EMI surface-mounted capacitors. This technology enhances signal stability, protects against surges, and ensures a more consistent and reliable wired connection.

Customization:

The Prime Z690 series enhances the user experience with thoughtful refinements—featuring premium audio components for crystal-clear sound and intuitive RGB lighting controls. These features allow you to personalize both the look and feel of your build, delivering a uniquely tailored computing experience with professional-grade audio and customizable illumination via Aura Sync.

Audio:

Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation:

This intelligent feature uses an extensive deep-learning database to filter out background noise from both outgoing microphone input and incoming audio. It effectively removes distractions like keyboard taps, mouse clicks, and ambient sounds while preserving vocal clarity—ensuring clear, professional-grade communication during gaming, streaming, or video calls.

Exclusive Codec:

Co-developed with Realtek, the S1220A audio codec delivers exceptional audio fidelity with a remarkable 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for stereo line-out and 113 dB SNR for line-in. An integrated impedance-sensing circuit automatically adjusts gain levels to optimize volume and audio quality based on the connected headphones.

Crystal Sounds 3:

The Crystal Sound 3 audio solution on the Prime Z690-A ensures high-fidelity, immersive audio through multiple advanced design elements. A dedicated power pre-regulator reduces noise on the power input for cleaner signal output. Audio shielding separates analog and digital circuits to minimize interference, while independent left and right audio traces prevent crosstalk. The onboard amplifier supports high-impedance headphones without sacrificing detail or dynamics. A de-pop circuit eliminates audible pops during startup, and premium-grade audio capacitors deliver rich, clear, and accurate sound reproduction.

Personalization:

Aura Sync:

A high-performance PC deserves a matching visual style. ASUS Aura Sync provides complete control over RGB lighting, offering a wide range of customizable effects for onboard LEDs and connected RGB strips or accessories. Lighting can be synchronized seamlessly with other Aura-enabled devices—from motherboards and graphics cards to coolers and peripherals—creating a unified, dynamic look across your entire setup.

Addressable Gen 2 RGB Header:

Equipped with three addressable Gen 2 RGB headers, the motherboard can automatically detect the number of LEDs in connected second-generation addressable RGB devices. This allows Aura Sync software to adjust lighting effects precisely to match each device’s LED count. The headers are also backward-compatible with first-generation Aura RGB gear, ensuring flexibility across your existing lighting ecosystem.

Armoury Crate:

Armoury Crate is a unified software platform that simplifies control over compatible ASUS devices. From one intuitive dashboard, you can manage RGB lighting, system settings, and performance profiles for a wide and expanding range of ASUS products. It supports customization of peripherals like keyboards and mice, and includes features such as product registration, firmware updates, and news alerts—keeping you connected to the latest from the ASUS ecosystem.

DIY Friendly:

Q-Latch:

The innovative Q-Latch system simplifies M.2 SSD installation and removal by eliminating the need for screws or tools. Using a secure flip-lock mechanism, it allows you to easily mount or release an M.2 drive with just a simple click—making upgrades faster and more convenient.

SafeSlot & SafeDIMM:

With PCIe 5.0 offering double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, ASUS enhanced the manufacturing process for SafeSlot using advanced SMT (surface-mount technology) to ensure maximum durability and signal integrity. SafeSlot is a reinforced PCIe slot with a metal housing that firmly secures your graphics card, protecting against sag and damage. Meanwhile, SafeDIMM features strengthened retention brackets that support and safeguard DDR5 memory modules, allowing for confident, secure installation.

FlexKey:

FlexKey is a front-panel header that lets you reassign the function of your chassis’s reset button. You can customize it to instantly launch Aura lighting effects, open the UEFI BIOS (via DirectKey), or retain its original reset function—adding convenient, personalized control right at your fingertips.

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