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Contents Safety information...v About this guide...vi ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX specifications summary vii Package contents...xiii Installation tools and components xiv Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard layout 1-2 Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC... Audio I/O connections 2-27 2.4 Starting up for the first time 2-30 2.5 Turning off the computer 2-30 Chapter 3: BIOS and RAID Support 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-2 3.3 ASUS EZ Flash 3 3-3 3.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 3-4 3.5 RAID configurations 3-5 iii
Contents Safety information...v About this guide...vi ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX specifications summary vii Package contents...xiii Installation tools and components xiv Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard layout 1-2 Chapter 2: Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC... Audio I/O connections 2-27 2.4 Starting up for the first time 2-30 2.5 Turning off the computer 2-30 Chapter 3: BIOS and RAID Support 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-2 3.3 ASUS EZ Flash 3 3-3 3.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 3-4 3.5 RAID configurations 3-5 iii
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...PCIEX16(G5)_2, PCIEX16(G5)_1 will run x8 only. ** Supports Intel® Optane Memory H Series on the next page) vii ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion Slots Storage Intel® Socket LGA1700 for 12th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and... Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0** * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list. ** Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 support depends on the CPU types. Intel® Z690 Chipset 2 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR5 6600(OC) / 6400(OC) / 6200(OC) /...
...PCIEX16(G5)_2, PCIEX16(G5)_1 will run x8 only. ** Supports Intel® Optane Memory H Series on the next page) vii ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion Slots Storage Intel® Socket LGA1700 for 12th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and... Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0** * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list. ** Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 support depends on the CPU types. Intel® Z690 Chipset 2 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR5 6600(OC) / 6400(OC) / 6200(OC) /...
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... port (continued on the next page) viii Supports up to 32-Bit/384 kHz playback Audio Features - ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX specifications summary Ethernet Wireless & Bluetooth USB Audio Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet ASUS LANGuard Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) Supports 2.4/5/6GHz frequency band* Bluetooth...9 ports) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connector (supports USB Type-C®) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers support additional 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4080 -
... port (continued on the next page) viii Supports up to 32-Bit/384 kHz playback Audio Features - ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX specifications summary Ethernet Wireless & Bluetooth USB Audio Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet ASUS LANGuard Wi-Fi 6E 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) Supports 2.4/5/6GHz frequency band* Bluetooth...9 ports) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connector (supports USB Type-C®) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers support additional 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4080 -
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... 27W. Start button - Q-Connector - Q-LED (CPU [red], DRAM [yellow], VGA [white], Boot Device [yellow green]) - Q-Slot ASUS Thermal Solution - BIOS FlashBack™ button - CPU Socket lever protector - Pre-mounted I/O shield - FlexKey button - ReTry button - Safe boot.... 3A, PPS:3.3-21V max. 3A - ASUS HYDRANODE - 3 x Chassis fan support* (CHA_FAN1P, CHA_FAN2P, CHA_FAN3P) * Visit ASUS Website for the latest compatibility list. (continued on the next page) x VRM heatsink design ASUS EZ DIY - ProCool II - ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX specifications summary Special Features Extreme OC Kit -...
... 27W. Start button - Q-Connector - Q-LED (CPU [red], DRAM [yellow], VGA [white], Boot Device [yellow green]) - Q-Slot ASUS Thermal Solution - BIOS FlashBack™ button - CPU Socket lever protector - Pre-mounted I/O shield - FlexKey button - ReTry button - Safe boot.... 3A, PPS:3.3-21V max. 3A - ASUS HYDRANODE - 3 x Chassis fan support* (CHA_FAN1P, CHA_FAN2P, CHA_FAN3P) * Visit ASUS Website for the latest compatibility list. (continued on the next page) x VRM heatsink design ASUS EZ DIY - ProCool II - ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX specifications summary Special Features Extreme OC Kit -...
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... AI Overclocking TPU EPU DIGI+ Power Control Turbo app MyAsus WinRAR UEFI BIOS AI Overclocking Guide ASUS EZ DIY - Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer + Sonic Suite Companion - AURA Sync - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode MemTest86 2 x 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS WOL by PME... 11 64-bit Windows® 10 64-bit ATX Form Factor 12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm ) xi Fan Xpert 4 - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - GameFirst VI - DTS® Sound Unbound - ASUS EZ Flash 3 - ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX specifications summary Software Features BIOS Manageability Operating System Form Factor...
... AI Overclocking TPU EPU DIGI+ Power Control Turbo app MyAsus WinRAR UEFI BIOS AI Overclocking Guide ASUS EZ DIY - Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer + Sonic Suite Companion - AURA Sync - ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode MemTest86 2 x 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS WOL by PME... 11 64-bit Windows® 10 64-bit ATX Form Factor 12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm ) xi Fan Xpert 4 - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - GameFirst VI - DTS® Sound Unbound - ASUS EZ Flash 3 - ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX specifications summary Software Features BIOS Manageability Operating System Form Factor...
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... Heatsink PCIe 5.0 M.2 Card ROG True Voltician Miscellaneous Installation Media Documentation 1 x ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX motherboard 1 x ARGB RGB extension cable 1 x RGB extension cable 6 x SATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x 3-in-1 Thermistor cables pack 1 x ROG DIMM.2 with heatsink 1 x M.2 pad for ROG DIMM.2 2 x M.2 screw package for ROG DIMM.2 1 x PCIe 5.0 M.2 Card 1 x M.2 screw package for PCIe 5.0 M.2 Card 1 x ROG True Voltician 4 x Cables for ROG True Voltician 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi moving...
... Heatsink PCIe 5.0 M.2 Card ROG True Voltician Miscellaneous Installation Media Documentation 1 x ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX motherboard 1 x ARGB RGB extension cable 1 x RGB extension cable 6 x SATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x 3-in-1 Thermistor cables pack 1 x ROG DIMM.2 with heatsink 1 x M.2 pad for ROG DIMM.2 2 x M.2 screw package for ROG DIMM.2 1 x PCIe 5.0 M.2 Card 1 x M.2 screw package for PCIe 5.0 M.2 Card 1 x ROG True Voltician 4 x Cables for ROG True Voltician 1 x ASUS Wi-Fi moving...
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...Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Full-Speed Full-Speed Full Speed Full Speed Shared Control A A - 4. When an ASUS HYDRANODE fan is fully inserted into the header. Current 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 3A Max. Fan and Pump headers The ... Header CPU_FAN CPU_OPT CHA_FAN1P CHA_FAN2P CHA_FAN3P FS_FAN1 FS_FAN2 AIO_PUMP W_PUMP+ Max. For AIO Cooler, connect the pump connector to the AIO_PUMP header. ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 1-9 Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. Do not place jumper caps on the fan headers! • ...
...Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Q-Fan Controlled Full-Speed Full-Speed Full Speed Full Speed Shared Control A A - 4. When an ASUS HYDRANODE fan is fully inserted into the header. Current 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 1A 3A Max. Fan and Pump headers The ... Header CPU_FAN CPU_OPT CHA_FAN1P CHA_FAN2P CHA_FAN3P FS_FAN1 FS_FAN2 AIO_PUMP W_PUMP+ Max. For AIO Cooler, connect the pump connector to the AIO_PUMP header. ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 1-9 Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. Do not place jumper caps on the fan headers! • ...
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ReTry button The ReTry button is specially designed for ASUS-authorized technicians only. Please ensure the RSVD switch is rendered useless. Press this switch to Enabled may result in quick succession to Disabled. Chapter 1 25. 24. Setting this button to force the system to reboot while retaining the same settings to be retried in damages to your system. RSVD switch and header The RSVD switch and header is reserved for overclockers and is most useful during the booting process where the Reset button is set to achieve a successful POST. ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 1-25
ReTry button The ReTry button is specially designed for ASUS-authorized technicians only. Please ensure the RSVD switch is rendered useless. Press this switch to Enabled may result in quick succession to Disabled. Chapter 1 25. 24. Setting this button to force the system to reboot while retaining the same settings to be retried in damages to your system. RSVD switch and header The RSVD switch and header is reserved for overclockers and is most useful during the booting process where the Reset button is set to achieve a successful POST. ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 1-25
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...go of the load lever immediately after releasing it may vary with models, but the installation steps are for reference only. Chapter 2 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX Take caution when lifting the load lever, ensure to your PC system 2 The diagrams in this section are the same for all models... Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1151, and LGA1200 sockets on the LGA1700 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.
...go of the load lever immediately after releasing it may vary with models, but the installation steps are for reference only. Chapter 2 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX Take caution when lifting the load lever, ensure to your PC system 2 The diagrams in this section are the same for all models... Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1151, and LGA1200 sockets on the LGA1700 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.
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...cooling system to an Intel® 600 series motherboard. • Additional holes for LGA1200 compatible cooling systems is also available on ASUS' Intel® 600 series motherboards, however we still strongly advise you consult with your cooling system vendor on the compatibility and... functionality of the cooling system and ASUS motherboard. • If you wish to install an AIO cooler, we recommend installing the AIO cooler after installing the motherboard into the chassis. Chapter 2 AIO_PUMP CPU_FAN CPU_OPT ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 2-5
...cooling system to an Intel® 600 series motherboard. • Additional holes for LGA1200 compatible cooling systems is also available on ASUS' Intel® 600 series motherboards, however we still strongly advise you consult with your cooling system vendor on the compatibility and... functionality of the cooling system and ASUS motherboard. • If you wish to install an AIO cooler, we recommend installing the AIO cooler after installing the motherboard into the chassis. Chapter 2 AIO_PUMP CPU_FAN CPU_OPT ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 2-5
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2.1.8 Front I/O connector To install ASUS Q-Connector To install USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C® connector USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C® 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 Chapter 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 To install front panel audio connector USB 2.0 AAFP ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 2-15
2.1.8 Front I/O connector To install ASUS Q-Connector To install USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C® connector USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C® 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 Chapter 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 To install front panel audio connector USB 2.0 AAFP ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 2-15
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... https://www.asus.com/support, or by scanning the QR code. 5. Peel the plastic films off the thermal pad (A), secure the cover to configure your RAID sets, please refer to the RAID Configuration Guide which you removed earlier (B), then install the PCIe 5.0 M.2 card into the PCIEX16(G5)_2 slot (C). Chapter 2 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 2-19...
... https://www.asus.com/support, or by scanning the QR code. 5. Peel the plastic films off the thermal pad (A), secure the cover to configure your RAID sets, please refer to the RAID Configuration Guide which you removed earlier (B), then install the PCIe 5.0 M.2 card into the PCIEX16(G5)_2 slot (C). Chapter 2 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 2-19...
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The I/O port layout may vary with models, but the Wi-Fi moving antenna installation procedure is at the back of the chassis. 2.1.11 Wi-Fi moving antenna installation Installing the ASUS Wi-Fi moving antenna Connect the bundled ASUS Wi-Fi moving antenna is securely installed to the Wi-Fi ports at least 20 cm away from all models. ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 2-23 Chapter 2 • Ensure that the ASUS Wi-Fi moving antenna connector to the Wi-Fi ports. • Ensure that the antenna is the same for reference only. The illustration above is for all persons.
The I/O port layout may vary with models, but the Wi-Fi moving antenna installation procedure is at the back of the chassis. 2.1.11 Wi-Fi moving antenna installation Installing the ASUS Wi-Fi moving antenna Connect the bundled ASUS Wi-Fi moving antenna is securely installed to the Wi-Fi ports at least 20 cm away from all models. ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 2-23 Chapter 2 • Ensure that the ASUS Wi-Fi moving antenna connector to the Wi-Fi ports. • Ensure that the antenna is the same for reference only. The illustration above is for all persons.
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Chapter 2 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 2-25 For more information on using the BIOS FlashBack™ feature, please refer to https://www.asus.com/support/, or by scanning the QR code below.
Chapter 2 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 2-25 For more information on using the BIOS FlashBack™ feature, please refer to https://www.asus.com/support/, or by scanning the QR code below.
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... message appears on BIOS and RAID configurations, please refer to www.asus.com/ support. 3.1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that requires further BIOS settings or update. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 3-1 We strongly recommend that are needed for settings and options...
... message appears on BIOS and RAID configurations, please refer to www.asus.com/ support. 3.1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that requires further BIOS settings or update. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 3-1 We strongly recommend that are needed for settings and options...
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... Flash 3 feature allows you to select ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility and press . 3. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey . Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS ... 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to the Drive field. 4. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 3-3 Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process. Ensure...
... Flash 3 feature allows you to select ASUS EZ Flash 3 Utility and press . 3. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey . Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS ... 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to the Drive field. 4. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 3-3 Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to perform the BIOS update process. Ensure...
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... which you get all applications to the surviving drive as a single drive but at https://www.asus.com/support, or by scanning the QR code. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for this setup. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 3-5 Two hard disks perform the same work as it contains a complete copy of data from one...
... which you get all applications to the surviving drive as a single drive but at https://www.asus.com/support, or by scanning the QR code. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for this setup. Chapter 3 ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX 3-5 Two hard disks perform the same work as it contains a complete copy of data from one...
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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 ...guarantee that may cause harmful interference to the following measures: - Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for satisfying RF exposure compliance. Appendix ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX A-5 Operation is connected. - However, there is encouraged to try to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a particular installation. If this transmitter ...
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 ...guarantee that may cause harmful interference to the following measures: - Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for satisfying RF exposure compliance. Appendix ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX A-5 Operation is connected. - However, there is encouraged to try to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a particular installation. If this transmitter ...
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... dBm For the standard EN 300 440, if this device is available at https://www.asus.com/support/. TA2020/6750 APPROVED Complies with this device operates in 5725-5875 MHz, it will be considered as a receiver category 2. ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX A-9 Full text of UKCA declaration of Conformity ASUSTek Computer Inc. Appendix * The actual Wi...
... dBm For the standard EN 300 440, if this device is available at https://www.asus.com/support/. TA2020/6750 APPROVED Complies with this device operates in 5725-5875 MHz, it will be considered as a receiver category 2. ROG MAXIMUS Z690 APEX A-9 Full text of UKCA declaration of Conformity ASUSTek Computer Inc. Appendix * The actual Wi...