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......vi About this guide...vii PRIME Z390-A specifications summary ix Package contents...xiv Installation tools and components xv Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Motherboard overview 1-1 1.1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.1.2 Motherboard layout 1-2 1.1.3 Central Processing ... 2-2 2.1.3 Motherboard installation 2-5 2.1.4 DIMM installation 2-6 2.1.5 ATX power connection 2-7 2.1.6 SATA device connection 2-8 2.1.7 Front I/O connector 2-9 2.1.8 Expansion card installation 2-10 2.1.9 M.2 installation 2-13 2.1.10 ASUS fan holder installation 2-14 2.2 Motherboard rear and ...
......vi About this guide...vii PRIME Z390-A specifications summary ix Package contents...xiv Installation tools and components xv Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Motherboard overview 1-1 1.1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.1.2 Motherboard layout 1-2 1.1.3 Central Processing ... 2-2 2.1.3 Motherboard installation 2-5 2.1.4 DIMM installation 2-6 2.1.5 ATX power connection 2-7 2.1.6 SATA device connection 2-8 2.1.7 Front I/O connector 2-9 2.1.8 Expansion card installation 2-10 2.1.9 M.2 installation 2-13 2.1.10 ASUS fan holder installation 2-14 2.2 Motherboard rear and ...
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...Seek professional assistance before the signal cables are using the product, ensure all power cables are not damaged. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on a stable surface. • If you are connected. Do not place the product in environments with the package. ... that came with ambient temperatures between 0°C and 40°C. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. • Your motherboard should only be used in any damage, contact your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you...
...Seek professional assistance before the signal cables are using the product, ensure all power cables are not damaged. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on a stable surface. • If you are connected. Do not place the product in environments with the package. ... that came with ambient temperatures between 0°C and 40°C. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. • Your motherboard should only be used in any damage, contact your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you...
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... are not part of the BIOS parameters are also provided. • Chapter 4: RAID Support This chapter describes the RAID configurations. ASUS website The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: Basic Installation This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that may have to perform when installing system components...
... are not part of the BIOS parameters are also provided. • Chapter 4: RAID Support This chapter describes the RAID configurations. ASUS website The ASUS website (www.asus.com) provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: Basic Installation This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that may have to perform when installing system components...
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Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation 1 x PRIME Z390-A motherboard 3 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables 1 x SLI™ HB Bridge (2-WAY-M) 1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x Q-connector 1 x M.2 screw package 1 x CPU FAN Holder 1 x Motherboard support DVD 1 x User guide If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. xiv
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation 1 x PRIME Z390-A motherboard 3 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables 1 x SLI™ HB Bridge (2-WAY-M) 1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x Q-connector 1 x M.2 screw package 1 x CPU FAN Holder 1 x Motherboard support DVD 1 x User guide If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. xiv
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xv Installation tools and components Intel® LGA1151 compatible CPU Fan Intel® LGA1151 CPU PC chassis SATA hard disk drive Phillips (cross) screwdriver Power supply unit 1 bag of screws DIMM SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional) M.2 SSD module (optional) The tools and components above are not included in the motherboard package.
xv Installation tools and components Intel® LGA1151 compatible CPU Fan Intel® LGA1151 CPU PC chassis SATA hard disk drive Phillips (cross) screwdriver Power supply unit 1 bag of screws DIMM SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional) M.2 SSD module (optional) The tools and components above are not included in the motherboard package.
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ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-1 Chapter 1 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Product Introduction 1 1.1 Motherboard overview 1.1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before touching any component. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a ...or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever you uninstall any component, ...
ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-1 Chapter 1 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Product Introduction 1 1.1 Motherboard overview 1.1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before touching any component. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a ...or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever you uninstall any component, ...
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1.1.2 Motherboard layout Chapter 1 Refer to 1.1.9 Internal connectors and 2.2.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1.2 Motherboard layout Chapter 1 Refer to 1.1.9 Internal connectors and 2.2.1 Rear I/O connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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... PnP cap is missing, or if you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support dual-channel (4 DIMM) DDR4 memory and... 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. Chapter 1 Ensure that the PnP cap is shipment/ transit-related. • Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will shoulder the cost of the PnP cap. 1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150, LGA1155, and LGA1156 sockets...
... PnP cap is missing, or if you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support dual-channel (4 DIMM) DDR4 memory and... 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. Chapter 1 Ensure that the PnP cap is shipment/ transit-related. • Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will shoulder the cost of the PnP cap. 1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150, LGA1155, and LGA1156 sockets...
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DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot. A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. Recommended memory configurations ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-5 Chapter 1 1.1.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.
DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot. A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. Recommended memory configurations ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-5 Chapter 1 1.1.4 System memory The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.
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Chapter 1 Slot No. Slot Description 1 PCIe 3.0 x1_1 slot 2 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot 3 PCIe 3.0 x1_2 slot 4 PCIe 3.0 x16_2 slot 5 PCIe 3.0 x1_3 slot 6 PCIe 3.0 x16_3 slot ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-7 1.1.5 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.
Chapter 1 Slot No. Slot Description 1 PCIe 3.0 x1_1 slot 2 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot 3 PCIe 3.0 x1_2 slot 4 PCIe 3.0 x16_2 slot 5 PCIe 3.0 x1_3 slot 6 PCIe 3.0 x16_3 slot ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-7 1.1.5 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.
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... card x8 x8 • We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI® mode. • Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-2 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. • The PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56.
... card x8 x8 • We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI® mode. • Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-2 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. • The PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56.
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... continually change settings to a power source indicating that allows you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-9 The LED near the button also lights up the system. This is plugged to enhance system performance. 1. Power-on button (PWR_SW) The...
... continually change settings to a power source indicating that allows you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or installing any motherboard component. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-9 The LED near the button also lights up the system. This is plugged to enhance system performance. 1. Power-on button (PWR_SW) The...
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...next set the MemOK! II function. 1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction The switch is enabled by default, allowing memory re-training when the motherboard is unresponsive due to the latest BIOS version from doing anything before using the MemOK! II switch does not function under Windows® OS.... II switch (MemOK!_II) Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) at www.asus.com. • We recommend that you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after...
...next set the MemOK! II function. 1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction The switch is enabled by default, allowing memory re-training when the motherboard is unresponsive due to the latest BIOS version from doing anything before using the MemOK! II switch does not function under Windows® OS.... II switch (MemOK!_II) Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) at www.asus.com. • We recommend that you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after...
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... within seconds. When the re-training is solved. Memory LED (Mem_LED) The Mem_LED will turn off. Chapter 1 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs 1. II function is in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found, the corresponding LED remains lit until the problem is complete, the Mem_LED will light up and remain lit... design provides an intuitive way to case. 2. Q LEDs (BOOT_LED, VGA_LED, DRAM_LED, CPU_LED) Q LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and booting devices) in use. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-13
... within seconds. When the re-training is solved. Memory LED (Mem_LED) The Mem_LED will turn off. Chapter 1 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs 1. II function is in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found, the corresponding LED remains lit until the problem is complete, the Mem_LED will light up and remain lit... design provides an intuitive way to case. 2. Q LEDs (BOOT_LED, VGA_LED, DRAM_LED, CPU_LED) Q LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and booting devices) in use. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-13
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... 3.1 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-15 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C™ front panel connector (U31G1_C5) This connector allows you can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.1 Gen 1 including faster data transfer speeds of the motherboard's high-definition audio capability. 3. Connect one end of the front panel...
... 3.1 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-15 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C™ front panel connector (U31G1_C5) This connector allows you can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.1 Gen 1 including faster data transfer speeds of the motherboard's high-definition audio capability. 3. Connect one end of the front panel...
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USB_E34; ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-17 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. Doing so will damage the motherboard! Never connect a 1394 cable to 480 MBps connection speed. Connect the USB module cable to this connector, then install the module...
USB_E34; ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-17 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. Doing so will damage the motherboard! Never connect a 1394 cable to 480 MBps connection speed. Connect the USB module cable to this connector, then install the module...
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...AIO_PUMP; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2; 4-pin M.2_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the W_PUMP+ connector. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. 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... to connect the fan cables to the To install Fan Extension Card section in this guide. For more details on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Header CPU_FAN CPU_OPT CHA_FAN1 CHA_FAN2 AIO_PUMP W_PUMP+ M.2...
...AIO_PUMP; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2; 4-pin M.2_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the W_PUMP+ connector. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. 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... to connect the fan cables to the To install Fan Extension Card section in this guide. For more details on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Header CPU_FAN CPU_OPT CHA_FAN1 CHA_FAN2 AIO_PUMP W_PUMP+ M.2...
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Chapter 1 13. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. • Actual lighting and color will only light up , check if the RGB LED extension cable and the RGB LED strip is ... LED strips (12V/G/R/B), with the 12V header on the motherboard. • The LED strip will vary with LED strips. • If your LED strip does not light up when the system is operating. • The LED strips are for RGB LED strips. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-23 AURA RGB headers (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2) These connectors are...
Chapter 1 13. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. • Actual lighting and color will only light up , check if the RGB LED extension cable and the RGB LED strip is ... LED strips (12V/G/R/B), with the 12V header on the motherboard. • The LED strip will vary with LED strips. • If your LED strip does not light up when the system is operating. • The LED strips are for RGB LED strips. ASUS PRIME Z390-A 1-23 AURA RGB headers (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2) These connectors are...
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DO NOT install a CPU designed for all models. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are for LGA1151 socket only. Chapter 2 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 2-1 CPU installation • Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for reference only. Chapter 2: Basic Installation Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2 2.1.1 The diagrams ...
DO NOT install a CPU designed for all models. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are for LGA1151 socket only. Chapter 2 ASUS PRIME Z390-A 2-1 CPU installation • Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for reference only. Chapter 2: Basic Installation Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2 2.1.1 The diagrams ...