Unleash 10th Gen Intel Power with ASUS Z490 Motherboards
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ASUS has unveiled its latest lineup of Z490 motherboards, engineered to maximize the potential of 10th Gen Intel Core processors. This new series offers a refreshed aesthetic and enhanced performance for gamers, tech enthusiasts, and professionals alike. Whether you’re a seasoned overclocker or simply seeking cutting-edge technology, ASUS and Republic of Gamers (ROG) have a Z490 motherboard tailored to your needs. Each board boasts innovative features designed to push clock speeds and overall system performance to new heights.
The 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs offer a compelling blend of core count and single-core clock speeds. The Z490 chipset complements these processors with advanced connectivity options, including integrated Wi-Fi controllers, abundant USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, Intel Optane Memory support, and chipset RAID. Every Z490 motherboard is optimized for faster RAM speeds than previous generations, and select ROG, ROG Strix, Prime Z490-A, and ProArt models feature ASUS’ exclusive OptiMem III technology for improved signal integrity and AI Overclocking for effortless performance tuning.
ROG Maximus XII Extreme: The Flagship
The Maximus XII Extreme sits at the pinnacle of the ASUS Z490 lineup. Built for high-end CPUs, multiple graphics cards, extensive storage, and a plethora of peripherals, the Extreme is designed for the most demanding users. MicroFine alloy chokes ensure stable power delivery to the 10th Gen Intel processors. To sustain power to these multi-core CPUs, the Extreme utilizes ProCool solid pins in dual 8-pin 12V power inputs and as part of the ATX connector. The 16+0 power stage design necessitates robust cooling, and the Maximus XII Extreme is equipped with high-conductivity thermal pads transferring heat to a large heatsink array. A monolithic aluminum backplate provides additional cooling for high-performance NVMe storage in the two onboard M.2 slots. This motherboard also incorporates the advanced OptiMem III design approach, featuring the new daisy-chain topology found in ASUS WS Z490 series motherboards.
The Maximus XII Extreme offers extensive M.2 storage options, ideal for large projects and demanding workloads.
The Extreme’s M.2 slots are ideal for creating massive, high-speed storage arrays. Two slots reside beneath the main heatsink in the middle of the board, while another two are integrated into the exclusive DIMM.2 card, which shrouds the drives for optimal thermal performance.
ROG Maximus XII Apex: Built for Breaking Records
The Maximus XII Apex continues its record-breaking legacy with a six-layer PCB optimized for overclocking, featuring a 16 power stage design shared with the Maximus XII Extreme. A massive heatsink sits atop the power components to ensure they stay cool under pressure. To maintain record-breaking performance from the 10th Gen CPUs, the Apex includes dual 8-pin power connectors in the upper-left corner, in addition to the standard 24-pin ATX connector. The OptiMem III design enables RAM speeds up to and beyond 5000 MHz, while a comprehensive suite of overclocking settings in the BIOS empowers users to push performance even further. The Apex offers headers for both standard and high-amperage fans, alongside dedicated headers for temperature sensors and liquid cooling control. Voltage read points are located along the right edge, next to DIP switches for overclocking sequence control. POST code displays and FlexKey buttons are positioned around the onboard control hub.
Maximus XII Formula: Liquid-Cooled Powerhouse
For those seeking a Z490 system with comprehensive liquid cooling, the Maximus XII Formula is an ideal choice. Its 16+0 power stage VRM is equipped with a CrossChill water block, designed in collaboration with renowned cooling specialists EKWB. The CrossChill EK III hybrid cooler is ASUS’ most efficient VRM cooler to date, capable of reducing temperatures by up to 50°C compared to standard air cooling. A POST code display and power/reset buttons located in the upper-right corner simplify system startup and diagnostics before installing a liquid cooling loop. Two M.2 slots sit beneath heatsinks on the front of the board, with a third on the rear, all configurable for RAID operation for maximum storage performance. The Formula boasts both 10Gb and 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and ample USB ports for all your peripherals. Users can also leverage AI Cooling and AI Networking with GameFirst VI technology.
ROG Maximus XII Hero (Wi-Fi): Balanced Performance
Returning for the Z490 generation, the Hero continues its legacy of balanced performance, ready to meet the demands of 10th Gen Intel CPUs. Its 14+2 power stage VRM ensures stable power delivery, while three NVMe storage devices can be connected directly to the board, each covered by its own heatsink. This Hero motherboard features 5Gb Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6, and an additional Gigabit Ethernet port. AI Overclocking can optimize clock speeds and voltage settings with a single click, while the OptiMem III design allows for RAM speeds up to 4800 MHz.
AI Overclocking and AI Cooling simplify performance tuning and system optimization on ROG Strix motherboards.
AI Overclocking provides an easy way to push CPU performance beyond stock settings. AI Cooling automatically balances cooling performance and noise levels. AI Networking with GameFirst VI ensures low ping times, even under heavy background network load. SupremeFX audio on ROG Strix motherboards features dual op-amps, impedance matching, and DTS Sound Unbound 3D emulation for immersive audio experiences.
ROG Strix Z490-E and Z490-F Gaming: Streamlined Power
The Strix-E features a 14+2 power stage design, while the Strix-F boasts a 12+2 configuration, ensuring smooth VRM performance on both motherboards. The main heatsink sits atop the power stages, complemented by a heat pipe and a secondary chipset heatsink. ProCool II auxiliary power connectors and a six-layer PCB ensure stable power delivery. For enhanced overclocking stability, the ROG Strix Z490-E Gaming has an optional fan mount for the VRM heatsink, with the option to utilize AI Overclocking. Four DIMM slots on both boards utilize a daisy-chain topology for optimal frequency potential and can drive RAM at 4600 MHz and beyond.
The ROG Strix Z490-E and Z490-F Gaming motherboards offer a blend of performance and features for discerning gamers.
The baseline Ethernet speed for ROG Strix is 2.5Gb, thanks to the all-new Intel I225-V controller. The Strix-E also includes integrated Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth, while the Strix-F can utilize the M.2 E-key slot for an optional Wi-Fi module. High-speed NVMe SSDs can take advantage of the two available M.2 slots, both shielded by heatsinks for consistent performance.
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