Next Generation Technologies: ASUS Introduces Motherboards for Latest Intel Processors

Company Asus introduced the line high-performance motherboards based on the Z490 chipset. Models of various classes, created by the latest standards, are designed to fully reveal the potential of the latest 10th generation Intel Core processors. This is stated in the official message of the manufacturer, received by our editorial office.

The range includes products tailored specifically for gaming, overclocking, and professional work applications.

“Paired with the 10th generation Intel Core processors, ASUS motherboards based on the Intel Z490 chipset offer a number of innovative solutions, including an integrated Wi-Fi controller, many ports with USB 3.2 Gen2 interface, Optane memory support and integrated RAID support in the chipset arrays OptiMem III proprietary technology helps reduce crosstalk and improves signal integrity, and AI Overclocking technology helps increase the processor clock speed to extremely high values, “the description says.

ROG MAXIMUS XII Extreme

• The ROG MAXIMUS XII Extreme motherboard is an elite model in the Z490 line. ASUS notes that this is an obvious choice for those who use the flagship processor in the assembly, several video cards, very large amounts of memory, high-speed drives and the most advanced peripherals.

• MicroFine Alloy drums are helping to provide stable chipset power for the highest-performance processors of the 10th generation. In the motherboard, two 8-pin auxiliary 12 V processor connectors use special ProCool connectors. To maintain a high clock frequency for a long time, special thermal pads are used between the hot components and the heatsink array, and an aluminum plate is installed in the central part of the board to remove heat from NVMe drives (4 x M.2), while the elements of the cooling system do not occupy any from PCIe slots. In addition, ROG MAXIMUS XII Extreme implements OptiMem III technology in combination with the topology of serial connection of memory modules (Daisy Chain).

• ASUS engineers note that they wanted to make the 4800 MHz clock frequency a common thing, and give users the opportunity to achieve even higher performance during overclocking. ROG MAXIMUS XII Extreme without any additional modifications supports more than 80% of DDR4 memory modules with a frequency of 4600 MHz. For fans of extreme overclocking of the processor and RAM, there is an LCD display on which you can display POST codes.

• The board is equipped with four M.2 connectors, designed to create a high-speed storage system with a large amount of memory. Two slots are located on the DIMM.2 expansion card, equipped with its own radiators for cooling drives.

• The ROG MAXIMUS XII Extreme is also equipped with a whole range of connection ports, including the Type-C connector with the latest USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface, which provides data transfer speeds of up to 20 Gb / s. Nearby are three ports with a USB 3.2 Gen2 interface – one with a Type-C connector and two Type-A – with a maximum data transfer rate of 10 Gb / s. The Intel I225-V wired network controller complies with the 2.5G Ethernet standard, and the Aquantia 10GbE controller exceeds the capabilities of previous gigabit controllers, the description says. For those who prefer wireless connection, the flagship motherboard has a Wi-Fi 6 controller and support for Bluetooth 5.1.

ROG MAXIMUS XII Apex

• The six-layer ROG MAXIMUS XII Apex optimized for overclocking features the same 16-phase power subsystem as the older ROG MAXIMUS XII Extreme. Massive radiators are responsible for the removal of heat from the batteries. In order to provide sufficient power for overclocking the 10th generation Intel Core processor, in addition to the main 24-pin CPU power connector for the ATX form factor, there are two additional 8-pin connectors in the upper left corner of the ROG MAXIMUS XII Apex motherboard.

• OptiMem III technology allows you to overclock the clock frequency of RAM up to 5000 MHz and higher, and additional options for overclocking in the firmware of the motherboard are designed to help significantly exceed the originally declared values.

• The ROG MAXIMUS XII Apex board is endowed with a set of connectors for connecting fans, both standard and high power, as well as water cooling systems and various sensors. It is equipped with ProbeIt pads for voltage measurement and four DIP-switches with which you can control the process of loading the computer. Other important features for overclocking fans include a display that displays POST codes, a power button, and a programmable FlexKey button.

ROG MAXIMUS XII Formula

• The ROG MAXIMUS XII Formula is aimed at those who want to use water cooling for as many components as possible. ASUS says that it can be an excellent foundation for a self-assembled high-performance system with integrated CBO. The power subsystem is equipped with a CrossChill water block, developed in collaboration with EK Water Blocks. CrossChill EK III Hybrid Heatsink is called the most efficient cooling method for the power subsystem in ASUS motherboards. It allows the operating temperature of the power subsystem to be reduced to 50 ° C lower than with standard air cooling.

• This board also received a display for displaying POST codes and a power and reset button, allowing you to test self-assembly before connecting all the tubes of the water cooling system. It is also equipped with three M.2 slots – two on the front under the radiators and another located on the back. All slots support the ability to combine drives into a RAID array to create a high-speed storage system.

• Finally, the board received two network controllers (10Gb and 2.5Gb Ethernet), a Wi-Fi 6 module, support for Bluetooth 5.1 and many USB ports for connecting peripheral devices. In addition, it implements support for AI Cooling technology and AI Networking with GameFirst VI technology.

ROG MAXIMUS XII Hero (Wi-Fi)

• The popular Hero series motherboard continued. The ROG MAXIMUS XII Hero (Wi-Fi) model is equipped with three slots for connecting NVMe drives, each with its own heatsink. Network capabilities are represented by a 5Gb Ethernet port, an Intel Wi-Fi 6 adapter and an optional Gigabit Ethernet controller. AI Overclocking technology is designed to help determine the optimal voltage for overclocking the 10th generation processor with the touch of a button, and OptiMem III technology even allows you to overclock memory modules with the declared clock speed of 4800 MHz.

• This motherboard has connectors for connecting second-generation addressable LED strips.

ROG STRIX Z490-E and Z490-F Gaming

• The power system of these new boards is suitable for overclocking the 10th generation Intel Core processors. The ROG STRIX Z490-E Gaming uses a 16-phase processor power system (14 + 2), while the Z490-F uses a 14-phase (12 + 2) power system. A radiator with a heat pipe is used to cool it, while another radiator serves the Intel Z490 chipset. Both models received ProCool II power connectors with solid contacts and six-layer printed circuit boards.

• For added stability when overclocking, the fan included in the package can be installed on the radiator of the ROG STRIX Z490-E Gaming power system. According to ASUS, if desired, overclocking is carried out automatically using the AI ​​Overclocking function. Four DIMM slots use the Daisy Chain topology, allowing memory modules to operate at the highest frequencies: dual-module kits can reach 4600 MHz and higher.

• The base wire speed for the entire line of new ROG STRIX motherboards is 2.5 Gb / s thanks to Intel I225-V network controllers. The Z490-E also has built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth wireless interfaces, while the Z490-F has an M.2 slot with an E-Key in which you can install the optional Wi-Fi module. For modern SSDs, there is a pair of M.2 connectors with radiators.

• On the rear panels are USB ports, in addition to which there are internal connectors, including a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (for model Z490-E). If you need a Thunderbolt 3 interface with a bandwidth of up to 40 Gb / s, you can install the optional ThunderboltEX 3-TR controller.

ROG STRIX Z490-I Gaming

• The compact circuit board of this model is made eight-layer, which, according to ASUS, improves signal transmission and promotes passive cooling of components. The processor power system is made according to the 8 + 2 scheme and uses active cooling, which will be useful when overclocking components in a small computer case.

• Memory slots support the operation of modules at very high frequencies – up to 4800 MHz and higher. Like the larger models of the series, the Z490-I allows you to install two solid state drives in the M.2 connectors, which are equipped with radiators. Despite the large size of this board, it is equipped with 13 USB ports, represented by both external and internal connectors. On its rear panel, in particular, there are three Type-A connectors and one USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C.

ROG STRIX Z490-H Gaming

• The Z490-H is suitable for any 10th generation Intel Core processor. DIMM-slots support memory modules with a frequency of up to 4600 MHz.

• According to the description, the three PCIe x16 slots are reinforced with metal elements (SafeSlot technology). One of the two main M.2 connectors has a heatsink. The third M.2 connector (with E-Key) is for the optional Wi-Fi 6 wireless module. There is also a 2.5 Gb / s network connector.

• Z490-H supports intelligent overclocking and network connection technology, offers six connectors for connecting fans and a separate connector for a maintenance-free CBO pump, as well as a connector for a temperature sensor. Intelligent cooling is designed to help keep your computer at a low temperature with minimal noise. There are also three backlight connectors on the board, one of which supports second-generation addressable backlight.

ROG STRIX Z490-A Gaming

• The snow-white Z490-A motherboard, very similar in capabilities to the STRIX Z490-H model described above. Minor differences relate to the set of USB ports on the rear panel. In addition, it has a connector for connecting the front USB-C port, since a modern case made in white is likely to have one.

ROG STRIX Z490-G Gaming (Wi-Fi)

• This motherboard, endowed with gaming features, is aimed at fans of the compact micro-ATX form factor. Despite its smaller size compared to the ATX format models, it has four DIMM slots and a highly efficient 12 + 2 processor power system.

• I got a 2.5 Gb / s network controller and an optional Wi-Fi adapter 6. There are a couple of PCIe x16 slots and one PCIe x1 slot for installing expansion cards, and two M.2 slots for NVMe drives. The first M.2 slot is equipped with a radiator.

TUF Gaming Z490-Plus (Wi-Fi)

• The TUF Gaming Z490-Plus motherboard, available with and without a wireless module, has been improved over its predecessors in the TUF series. It uses a six-layer printed circuit board, and the processor power system is based on DrMOS power modules according to the 12 + 2 scheme. Among the advantages of this model, ASUS engineers also include TUF capacitors with increased heat resistance and a ProCool power connector with reduced resistance.

• One of the two available PCIe x16 slots has a metal-reinforced structure, and one of the two M.2 slots is equipped with a radiator.

• The rear panel has USB 3.2 Gen2 ports with Type-A and Type-C connectors, and the internal connector allows you to connect a USB 3.2 Gen2 port on the front panel of the computer case. Another internal connector is for the ThunderboltEX 3-TR controller. The Gigabit Ethernet port present on the interface panel is based on the Intel controller and is protected against electrostatic discharges using TUF LANGuard technology.

• TUF Gaming Z490-Plus is available in a version with a wireless adapter that supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. The built-in audio system is based on the Realtek S1200A codec and supports DTS Custom virtual surround sound technology, which is able to optimize sound for games of different genres, whether it’s shooters, races or MOBA arenas.

• Two zones of LED backlighting along the right edge of the board are controlled using the Aura app. They can be supplemented with external illumination, for which there are three corresponding connectors, one of which is compatible with the second-generation addressable backlight.

ProArt Z490-Creator 10G

• ProArt Z490-Creator 10G is prepared for professional content creators. It is equipped with two Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB-C connectors) based on the Intel Titan Ridge controller – each throughput reaches 40 Gb / s. Users also have access to all the usual advantages of the Thunderbolt interface: connecting high-speed peripherals, including up to 12 devices in series, and outputting a video signal via DisplayPort 1.4 protocol. Near the Thunderbolt ports there are two DisplayPort inputs, with which the user can transfer 3 video streams from a discrete video card via Thunderbolt cables.

• On the back of the board are four USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A sockets (each with a bandwidth of 10 Gb / s) and two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A sockets (5 Gb / s). The 2.5G Ethernet connector, located next to the USB ports, is supplemented by the 10G optimnet controller included with the device. Using such a high-speed connection to a wired network, you can instantly transfer a terabyte of data to a central media server or other network storage.

• The ProArt Z490-Creator 10G board is endowed with a large number of video outputs, but the 3D artists and game developers on which it is oriented will most likely rely on a discrete graphics card, possibly not just one, ASUS says. Therefore, it supports the installation of three at once: PCIe x16 slots will work in this mode in high-speed x8 / x8 / x4.

Prime Z490-A

• The power supply system of this motherboard consists of DrMOS power modules connected according to the 12 + 2 scheme. The six-layer design of the printed circuit board with an increased thickness of the copper conductive paths promotes passive cooling of the power elements. You can install up to 128 GB of memory in DIMM slots. At the same time, compatible DDR4 module pairs are capable of operating at frequencies up to 4600 MHz.

• Two M.2 slots allow you to install drives up to 110 mm long. There is also a third M.2 connector – with an E-Key. It is designed to install a CNVi-compatible Wi-Fi module if a wired connection to an existing 2.5G Ethernet network port is insufficient. Also on the Z490-A motherboard there is an internal connector for Thunderbolt 3 controllers.

• The audio system of the Z490-A uses the Realtek S1220A audio codec (signal-to-noise ratio – 120 dB). Supported technology DTS: X Ultra, which creates the effect of surround sound in films and games.

Prime Z490-P

• Prime Z490-P is the most affordable model in the entire Prime Z490 line, therefore its processor power system is made according to the 10 + 1 scheme. Support for memory at frequencies up to 4600 MHz provides compatibility with various DDR4 kits.

• The model received two built-in M.2 connectors, and if necessary, they can be supplemented with hard drives – there are four SATA 6 Gb / s connectors for this. In addition, there is an M.2 connector with an E-Key for installing a Wi-Fi 6 CNVi wireless adapter and an internal Thunderbolt 3 connector for connecting an ASUS ThunderboltEX 3-TR expansion card.

• The main PCIe x16 graphics slot is reinforced with metal elements (SafeSlot Core + technology). The board itself is equipped with a modest backlight, but you can connect an additional one using three connectors, two of which are ordinary four-pin, and a third, three-pin, for addressable second-generation backlight. A list of the main technical characteristics of the model is completed by the Gigabit Ethernet controller and the ALC887 audio codec – both chips are manufactured by Realtek.

Prime Z490M-Plus

• Workhorse in a compact form factor. The processor power system, built on the basis of DrMOS power modules according to the 8 + 1 scheme and cooled by radiators, provides stable current to the 10th generation Intel Core processor. The board supports a wide range of values ​​for the memory frequency multiplier, allowing you to raise it to 4400 MHz.

• The available interfaces include Gigabit Ethernet (based on the Intel controller) and USB 3.2 Gen2 (with two types of connectors: Type-A and Type-C). There are five SATA ports and two M.2 slots for connecting drives. Also on the back of the board you can find three video outputs (DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI), allowing you to use the integrated graphics core in the Intel processor.

More details about all the boards and their detailed specifications can be found on the official website of the manufacturer.

In conclusion, ASUS noted that the Intel Z490 chipset is not the only option for the 10th generation Intel Core processors. Others are getting ready.

“Soon, a whole range of ASUS and ROG motherboards with H470, B460 and H410 chipsets will be available for lovers of self-assembly, among which there are options for a variety of tasks and for any wallet.”

The company will tell you more about other new products later.

Read also: “We’re ready to pay money”: Fans ask Electronic Arts not to stop supporting Star Wars: Battlefront II.

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