Asus ROG STRIX Z490-A GAMING

Third Party Review

Author: Sorin Serban

The ROG Strix Z490-A Gaming is equipped with the most up-to-date connection, allowing you to enjoy super-smooth online experiences and lightning-fast file transfers. You will have a significant edge over opponents since you will be able to pick up even the slightest auditory cues, providing you with a truly immersive gaming experience. The Intel Z490-A platform, as the name implies, is a 10th Generation platform based on the Z490 chipset. The Intel LGA1200 socket is the starting point for board requirements, and it is compatible with all 10th Generation CPUs, including the Core i3, i5, i7, and i9. Temperature and fan control options are available in the monitor area, while the tools menu provides the ability to flash the BIOS, secure wipe your SSDs, and create profiles.

Who should be interested in this board?

This motherboard is an excellent choice to create a visually appealing gaming setup. In addition to sporting an entirely new white and silver color scheme, its design represents the colorful essence of the ROG Strix gaming notebook. ROG Strix Z490-A Video gaming is developed to fulfill the needs of 10th Generation Intel Core processors through increased power shipment and enhanced cooling style and AI improvements, and user-friendly control panels.

What sets this board apart?

The Z490-A Gaming has a 12+2 phase voltage regulator, which can be powered by either the ATX12V (4-pin) or the EPS12V (8-pin) headers: When overclocking, the additional 4-pin connector allows users to surpass the 42A current restriction of eight pins (four power, four ground) that is imposed by the motherboard.

The I/O has many networking capabilities; the LAN port is an Intel 2.5 Gigabit LAN connection. There are several USB connections to choose from as well. ASUS has included a pair of display ports apt of 4K UHD. The motherboard has an HDMI 1.4b; thus, it is restricted to 30Hz at 4K. The little button is used to update the BIOS using “USB Flashback,” making it simple to update the BIOS and troubleshoot.

These motherboards have a silver and black color scheme. Overall, it’s a clean and tidy design, using a silver thermal heat sink to conceal the component complexity and density beneath the board’s surface.

In addition to an M.2 Key-E slot for adding a wireless networking adapter, the Z490-A does not come pre-installed with wireless networking functionality onboard. It does, however, come equipped with a powerful wired Ethernet controller. Using this motherboard, Intel demonstrated how very durable their chipset architecture is. The Z490-A has a 12+2 DrMOS power architecture, which Asus provides. The components are cooled by a trio of rather large metal heatsinks arranged around the LGA1200 processor socket. These heatsinks are finished in a basic polished-metal style. The sheen has a high-quality, industrial appearance, which adds to its overall appeal.

What should users know about it?

Thanks to its increased power delivery and enhanced cooling capabilities, the AROG Strix Z490-A Gaming lets you get the most out of your gaming setup. Intelligent controls make it simple to handle overclocking, cooling, and networking settings, providing you with everything you need to experience top-tier gaming performance while keeping your system cool and quiet. Power-efficient high-side and low-side drivers are combined in the ROG Strix Z490-A Gaming, giving both the power and efficiency that the newest Intel CPUs require. Other features on this motherboard are:

• Powered by the TurboV Processing Unit (TPU), AI Suite 3 is equipped with the intelligence it needs to alter voltages, monitor system statistics automatically, and adjust overclocking settings.
• Both the SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4 modes are supported by one of the two M.2 slots, whereas The other slot only supports PCIe 3.0 x4 for NVMe. Together, they offer the most efficient and adaptable M.2 interface presently on the market.
• OptiMem II technology enhances trace layout to minimize vias and crosstalk dramatically, improving memory stability and compatibility. As a result, memory kits have higher frequency margins, thanks to the improved trace architecture.
• Four memory slots are available for the ROG Strix Z490-A Gaming, accommodating 128GB DDR4 memory.

The takeaway

In addition to being one of the best in the market, the Digi+ voltage-regulator module (VRM) also ensures extremely clean and smooth power delivery to the CPU. The ProCool II socket is manufactured to exacting standards to assure flush contact with the power supply lines. It is encased in metal armor to optimize heat dissipation performance—the reduced impedance of the connection aids in preventing hotspots and improving dependability. Power is controlled digitally, and an array of power stages guarantee that the ROG Strix Z490-A Gaming has the brawn to handle the newest Intel processors.