Users Manual English
Page 2
... by downloading it from https://www.asus.com/support/ or (2) for identification or explanation and to the source code of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. ("ASUS"). E15017 Revised Edition V2 November 2018 Copyright © 2018 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED...
... by downloading it from https://www.asus.com/support/ or (2) for identification or explanation and to the source code of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. ("ASUS"). E15017 Revised Edition V2 November 2018 Copyright © 2018 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED...
Users Manual English
Page 9
... Intel® Socket 1151 for Intel® Core™ 9000 series, 8th Generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8, x8/x4+x4, x8+x4+x4/x0) Intel® Z390 Chipset 3 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots - PCIEX16_1 slot supports up to www.asus.com for CPU support list. Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. Install a Hyper M.2 X16 series card and enable this card under BIOS settings. ** The PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth...
... Intel® Socket 1151 for Intel® Core™ 9000 series, 8th Generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors 2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (supports x16, x8/x8, x8/x4+x4, x8+x4+x4/x0) Intel® Z390 Chipset 3 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x1 slots - PCIEX16_1 slot supports up to www.asus.com for CPU support list. Supports HDMI 1.4b with max. Install a Hyper M.2 X16 series card and enable this card under BIOS settings. ** The PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth...
Users Manual English
Page 10
... Storage LAN Audio Intel® CPU support with SATA6G_2 port when using M.2 SATA devices. Ready for 8-Channel audio. 32-Bit/192kHz is only available under BIOS settings. ** The M.2_1 socket shares bandwidth with Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (RAID 0 & RAID 1) - PCIEX16_1 slot supports up popping noise to 3 Intel® PCIe NVME SSDs via a Hyper M.2 X16 series Card* Intel® Z390 Chipset support with Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10) - 1 x M .2_1 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE x4 mode) - 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports...
... Storage LAN Audio Intel® CPU support with SATA6G_2 port when using M.2 SATA devices. Ready for 8-Channel audio. 32-Bit/192kHz is only available under BIOS settings. ** The M.2_1 socket shares bandwidth with Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (RAID 0 & RAID 1) - PCIEX16_1 slot supports up popping noise to 3 Intel® PCIe NVME SSDs via a Hyper M.2 X16 series Card* Intel® Z390 Chipset support with Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10) - 1 x M .2_1 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE x4 mode) - 6 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports...
Users Manual English
Page 12
... 2.0 ports 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIe 3.0 x 4 modes) 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIe 3.0 x 4 mode) 1 x 4-pin CPU FAN connector 1 x 4-pin CPU_OPT fan connector 2 x 4-pin Chassis fan connectors 1 x M.2 FAN connector 1 x 4-pin AIO_PUMP connector 1 x 4-pin W_PUMP+ connector 1 x EXT_FAN header 1 x Thermal sensor connector 1 x 24-pin EATX power connector 1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector 2 x Aura RGB headers 1 x MemOK! PRIME Z390-A specifications summary ASUS...
... 2.0 ports 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIe 3.0 x 4 modes) 1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIe 3.0 x 4 mode) 1 x 4-pin CPU FAN connector 1 x 4-pin CPU_OPT fan connector 2 x 4-pin Chassis fan connectors 1 x M.2 FAN connector 1 x 4-pin AIO_PUMP connector 1 x 4-pin W_PUMP+ connector 1 x EXT_FAN header 1 x Thermal sensor connector 1 x 24-pin EATX power connector 1 x 8-pin EATX 12V power connector 2 x Aura RGB headers 1 x MemOK! PRIME Z390-A specifications summary ASUS...
Users Manual English
Page 19
...1-12 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-3 Chapter 1 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots 1. System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL) 13. USB_1112) 15. Node connector (12-1 pin NODE) 18. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM) 19. MemOK! Intel® Z390 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; M.2 sockets (M.2_1 (Socket 3); DDR4 DIMM slots 6. AURA RGB headers (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2) 5. II switch (MemOK!_II) 8. SATA6G_34; USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector (20-1 pin U31G1_78) 16. LGA1151 CPU Socket 3. Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC) 14. LED connector (8-pin...
...1-12 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-3 Chapter 1 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots 1. System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL) 13. USB_1112) 15. Node connector (12-1 pin NODE) 18. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM) 19. MemOK! Intel® Z390 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; M.2 sockets (M.2_1 (Socket 3); DDR4 DIMM slots 6. AURA RGB headers (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2) 5. II switch (MemOK!_II) 8. SATA6G_34; USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector (20-1 pin U31G1_78) 16. LGA1151 CPU Socket 3. Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC) 14. LED connector (8-pin...
Users Manual English
Page 27
... to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never place a metal object or jumper cap on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to enable C.P.R. You must turn ON the computer. 4. Chapter 1 To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU...
... to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never place a metal object or jumper cap on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to enable C.P.R. You must turn ON the computer. 4. Chapter 1 To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU...
Users Manual English
Page 31
.... ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-15 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C™ front panel connector (U31G1_C5) This connector allows you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector. The USB 3.1 Gen 1 module is for USB-chargeable devices, and optimized power efficiency. Connect one end of up to 5 Gb/s, faster charging time for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector to connect a USB 3.1 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. Chapter 1 2. We recommend that supports...
.... ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-15 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C™ front panel connector (U31G1_C5) This connector allows you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector. The USB 3.1 Gen 1 module is for USB-chargeable devices, and optimized power efficiency. Connect one end of up to 5 Gb/s, faster charging time for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector to connect a USB 3.1 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. Chapter 1 2. We recommend that supports...
Users Manual English
Page 33
...; ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-17 Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR) This connector is purchased separately. 6. Connect the USB module cable to this connector, then install the module to monitor the temperature of the system chassis. This USB connector complies with USB 2.0 specification that allows you to a slot opening at the back of your motherboard's critical components and connected devices. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB_E12; The USB 2.0 module is for the USB 2.0 ports. USB_1112) These connectors are for the thermistor cable that supports...
...; ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-17 Thermal sensor connector (2-pin T_SENSOR) This connector is purchased separately. 6. Connect the USB module cable to this connector, then install the module to monitor the temperature of the system chassis. This USB connector complies with USB 2.0 specification that allows you to a slot opening at the back of your motherboard's critical components and connected devices. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB_E12; The USB 2.0 module is for the USB 2.0 ports. USB_1112) These connectors are for the thermistor cable that supports...
Users Manual English
Page 34
...; 4-pin W_PUMP+; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2; 4-pin M.2_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. These are not jumpers! Power 12W 12W 12W 12W 12W 36W 12W Default Speed Q-Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Full-Speed Full-Speed Q-Fan Controlled Shared Control A A - 1-18 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. Current 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 3A 1A Max. The EXT_FAN connector is purchased separately. • W_PUMP+ function support...
...; 4-pin W_PUMP+; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2; 4-pin M.2_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. These are not jumpers! Power 12W 12W 12W 12W 12W 36W 12W Default Speed Q-Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Full-Speed Full-Speed Q-Fan Controlled Shared Control A A - 1-18 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. Current 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 3A 1A Max. The EXT_FAN connector is purchased separately. • W_PUMP+ function support...
Users Manual English
Page 61
... the devices in Chapter 3. 2.4 Turning off . 3. Press the power button for assistance. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 2-19 Ensure that is ON, press the power button for the first time 1. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Monitor b. After applying power, the system power LED on self tests (POST). Turn on , hold down the key to disabled No keyboard detected No memory detected No VGA detected Hardware component failure 7. External storage devices (starting...
... the devices in Chapter 3. 2.4 Turning off . 3. Press the power button for assistance. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 2-19 Ensure that is ON, press the power button for the first time 1. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Monitor b. After applying power, the system power LED on self tests (POST). Turn on , hold down the key to disabled No keyboard detected No memory detected No VGA detected Hardware component failure 7. External storage devices (starting...
Users Manual English
Page 63
... latest BIOS version for settings and options. We strongly recommend that are needed for this user manual refers to different BIOS release versions. Chapter 3 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 3-1 BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration that you to run the BIOS Setup. • You have installed a new system component that goes beyond the traditional keyboardonly BIOS controls to instability or boot failure. Please...
... latest BIOS version for settings and options. We strongly recommend that are needed for this user manual refers to different BIOS release versions. Chapter 3 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 3-1 BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration that you to run the BIOS Setup. • You have installed a new system component that goes beyond the traditional keyboardonly BIOS controls to instability or boot failure. Please...
Users Manual English
Page 65
... Boot menu for the advanced BIOS settings. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 3-3 Displays a quick overview of the system status Displays the system properties of the selected mode. To access the Advanced Mode, select Advanced Mode or press the hotkey for details. Click the button to manually tune the fans Loads optimized default settings Saves the changes and resets the system Click to go to Advanced mode Search on the FAQ Click to display boot devices Selects the boot device...
... Boot menu for the advanced BIOS settings. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 3-3 Displays a quick overview of the system status Displays the system properties of the selected mode. To access the Advanced Mode, select Advanced Mode or press the hotkey for details. Click the button to manually tune the fans Loads optimized default settings Saves the changes and resets the system Click to go to Advanced mode Search on the FAQ Click to display boot devices Selects the boot device...
Users Manual English
Page 68
... code, scan this button to turn the RGB LED lighting or functional LED on the screen. A configurable field is not userconfigurable. Search on FAQ Move your mouse over this QR code on your mobile device to connect to find the related item listing. You can change the settings. 3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup General help At the bottom of the menu screen is user-configurable, you to search for the BIOS setup program. To change...
... code, scan this button to turn the RGB LED lighting or functional LED on the screen. A configurable field is not userconfigurable. Search on FAQ Move your mouse over this QR code on your mobile device to connect to find the related item listing. You can change the settings. 3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup General help At the bottom of the menu screen is user-configurable, you to search for the BIOS setup program. To change...
Users Manual English
Page 77
... you to clear the BIOS password. Configuration options: [Auto] Loads the optimal settings for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button. • The Administrator or User Password items on the motherboard. See section 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for the system. [Manual] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. [XMP I ] and [XMP II] configuration option appears only when you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency. Chapter 3 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 3-15...
... you to clear the BIOS password. Configuration options: [Auto] Loads the optimal settings for information on how to erase the RTC RAM via the Clear CMOS button. • The Administrator or User Password items on the motherboard. See section 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection for the system. [Manual] Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. [XMP I ] and [XMP II] configuration option appears only when you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency. Chapter 3 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 3-15...
Users Manual English
Page 80
... Optane System Acceleration(RAID)] Set to [AHCI] when you to the corresponding SATA port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hot Plug These items appears only when the SATA Mode Selection is installed to enable or disable SATA Hot Plug Support. SMART Self Test SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitoring system that increases storage performance on Self Test) when an error occurs in this menu allow you to internally optimize the order of SATA devices. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] SATA Mode Selection This item...
... Optane System Acceleration(RAID)] Set to [AHCI] when you to the corresponding SATA port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hot Plug These items appears only when the SATA Mode Selection is installed to enable or disable SATA Hot Plug Support. SMART Self Test SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitoring system that increases storage performance on Self Test) when an error occurs in this menu allow you to internally optimize the order of SATA devices. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] SATA Mode Selection This item...
Users Manual English
Page 82
... PCI Subsystem Settings SR-IOV Support [Disabled] This option enables or disables Single Root IO Virtualization Support if the system has SRIOV capable PCIe devices. NVM Express devices do not support SMART information. When set system wake and sleep settings. USB Single Port Control This item allows you to switch off . Chapter 3 3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.6.11 USB Configuration The items in this menu display the SMART information of the connected devices. 3.6.14 HDD/SSD SMART Information The items in this menu allow you to change...
... PCI Subsystem Settings SR-IOV Support [Disabled] This option enables or disables Single Root IO Virtualization Support if the system has SRIOV capable PCIe devices. NVM Express devices do not support SMART information. When set system wake and sleep settings. USB Single Port Control This item allows you to switch off . Chapter 3 3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.6.11 USB Configuration The items in this menu display the SMART information of the connected devices. 3.6.14 HDD/SSD SMART Information The items in this menu allow you to change...
Users Manual English
Page 84
... fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode. Configuration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver first] Boot from PCI-E/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy only] This item allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch. Chapter 3 3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup Configuration options: [Legacy only] [UEFI driver first] Secure Boot This item allows you to configure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect the system from Network Devices [Legacy only...
... fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode. Configuration options: [Ignore] [Legacy only] [UEFI driver first] Boot from PCI-E/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy only] This item allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch. Chapter 3 3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup Configuration options: [Legacy only] [UEFI driver first] Secure Boot This item allows you to configure the Windows® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect the system from Network Devices [Legacy only...
Users Manual English
Page 85
Click an item to start booting from the available devices. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility This item allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 3. Chapter 3 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 3-23 For more details, refer to display the submenu. Select an item then press to section 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3. Setup Animator This item allows you press , a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or...
Click an item to start booting from the available devices. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility This item allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 3. Chapter 3 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 3-23 For more details, refer to display the submenu. Select an item then press to section 3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3. Setup Animator This item allows you press , a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or...
Users Manual English
Page 89
... 3 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 3-27 If there is no problem using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 3.11.1 EZ Update The EZ Update is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. Carefully follow the instructions in this motherboard. Visit http://www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this chapter to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network...
... 3 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 3-27 If there is no problem using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted. 3.11.1 EZ Update The EZ Update is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. Carefully follow the instructions in this motherboard. Visit http://www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this chapter to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • EZ Update requires an Internet connection either through a network...
Users Manual English
Page 92
... to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file to load default BIOS values. The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published on the system. 2. 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it to a USB flash drive. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file...
... to enter BIOS Setup to recover the BIOS setting. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file to load default BIOS values. The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published on the system. 2. 3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it to a USB flash drive. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file...
