E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
E14498 First Edition August 2018 Copyright © 2018 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Safety information....................................................................................................... vi About this guide......................................................................................................... vii PRIME Z390-A specifications summary.................................................................... ix Package contents......................................................................................................
Chapter 3: BIOS Setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS............................................................................................. 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program................................................................................... 3-2 3.2.1 EZ Mode...................................................................................... 3-3 3.2.1 Advanced Mode........................................................................... 3-4 3.2.3 QFan Control...................................
Chapter 4: 4.1 RAID Support RAID configurations................................................................................... 4-1 4.1.1 RAID definitions........................................................................... 4-1 Appendix Notices ..................................................................................................................... A-1 ASUS contact information.......................................................................................
Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product Introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
PRIME Z390-A specifications summary Intel® Socket 1151 for Intel® Core™ 9000 series, 8th Generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors CPU Supports 14nm CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0* * Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU type. ** Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list. Chipset Memory Intel® Z390 Chipset 4 x DIMM, max.
PRIME Z390-A specifications summary Intel® CPU support with Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (RAID 0 & RAID 1) - PCIEX16_1 slot supports up to 3 Intel® PCIe NVME SSDs via a Hyper M.2 X16 series Card* -P CIEX16_2 slot supports up to 2 Intel® PCIe NVME SSDs via a Hyper M.2 X16 series Card* Intel® Z390 Chipset support with Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10) Storage -1xM .2_1 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2242/2260/2280/2280 storage devices support (both SATA & PCIE mode)** -1xM .
PRIME Z390-A specifications summary 5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5 - 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU Insight, EPU Guidance, DIGI+ VRM, Fan Expert 4, and Turbo App - DIGI+ VRM: Digital 8+1phase power design with Dr.
PRIME Z390-A specifications summary ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution - ASUS Fan Xpert 4 -S tylish Fanless Design: MOS Heat-sink with dual thermal pads design, PCH and M.2 Heatsink 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 1 x HDMI port 1 x DP port 2 x USB 2.0 ports Back I/O Ports 2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports [blue] 4 x USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (3 x Type-A [teal blue] and 1 x TypeC™ ports) 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 5 x Audio jacks 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 front panel TypeC™ connector 1 x USB 3.
PRIME Z390-A specifications summary BIOS 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, SM BIOS 3.1, ACPI 6.1, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last Modified log, F9 Search, F12 PrintScreen, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 3.
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard 1 x PRIME Z390-A motherboard Cables 3 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables 1 x SLI™ HB Bridge (2-WAY-M) 1 x ASUS Q-Shield Accessories 1 x Q-connector 1 x M.2 screw package 1 x CPU FAN Holder Application DVD 1 x motherboard support DVD Documentation 1 x User guide If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. xiv E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
Installation tools and components Intel® LGA1151 CPU Intel® LGA1151 compatible CPU Fan PC chassis SATA hard disk drive 1 bag of screws Phillips (cross) screwdriver DIMM Power supply unit 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 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
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Product Introduction Product Introduction 1.1 Motherboard overview 1.1.1 Before you proceed 1 Chapter 1 Chapter 1: Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
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 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
Layout contents ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.indb 3 Page 1-20 1-4 Chapter 1 Connectors/Jumpers/Buttons and switches/Slots 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V) 2. LGA1151 CPU Socket 3. Fan and pump connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin W_PUMP+; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2; 4-pin M.2_FAN) 4. AURA RGB headers (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2) 5. DDR4 DIMM slots 6. Power-on button (PWR_SW) 7. MemOK! II switch (MemOK!_II) 8. USB 3.
1.1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Chapter 1 This motherboard supports the Intel® Socket 1151 for Intel® Core™ 9000 series, 8th Generation Core™ i7/ i5/ i3, Pentium® and Celeron® processors, with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support dual-channel (4 DIMM) DDR4 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1150, LGA1155, and LGA1156 sockets in the LGA1151 socket.
1.1.4 System memory Chapter 1 The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 4 (DDR4) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots. A DDR4 module is notched differently from a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 module. DO NOT install a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module to the DDR4 slot. Recommended memory configurations ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
Memory configurations You may install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB and 16 GB unbuffered and non‑ECC DDR4 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Chapter 1 • The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.
1.1.5 Expansion slots Slot No. Chapter 1 Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 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 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
PCIe operating mode VGA Configuration Chapter 1 PCIEX16_1 PCIEX16_2 Single VGA/PCIe card x16 (Recommend for single VGA) N/A Dual VGA/PCIe 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. The PCIe x16_3 is set at x2 mode by default. Hyper M.
1.1.6 Onboard buttons and switches 1. Chapter 1 Onboard buttons and switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance. Power-on button (PWR_SW) The motherboard comes with a power-on button that allows you to power up or wake up the system.
2. MemOK! II switch (MemOK!_II) Chapter 1 Installing DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure. The switch is enabled by default, allowing memory re-training when the motherboard is unresponsive due to memory problems. The Mem_LED will light up while re-training, and turn off when the re-training is complete. • Refer to section 1.1.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the Mem_LED. • The DRAM LED also lights up when the DIMM is not properly installed.
1.1.7 1. Jumper Clear RTC RAM jumper (2-pin CLRTC) Chapter 1 This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
2. CPU Over Voltage jumper (3-pin CPU_OV) Chapter 1 The CPU Over Voltage jumper allows you to set a higher CPU voltage for a flexible overclocking system, depending on the type of the installed CPU. To gain more CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 2-3. To go back to its default CPU voltage setting, insert the jumper to pins 1-2. 1-12 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
1.1.8 1. Onboard LEDs Q LEDs (BOOT_LED, VGA_LED, DRAM_LED, CPU_LED) Chapter 1 Q LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and booting devices) in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found, the corresponding LED remains lit until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitive way to locate the root problem within seconds. The Q LEDs provide the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting.
1.1.9 Internal connectors 1. Intel® Z390 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_12; SATA6G_34; SATA6G_56) Chapter 1 These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 Gb/s signal cables. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z390 chipset. • The PCIe x16_3 slot shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56. The PCIe x16_3 is set at x2 mode by default.
2. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) Chapter 1 This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports HD Audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector. We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability. 3. USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C™ front panel connector (U31G1_C5) This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.
4. USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector (20-1 pin U31G1_78) Chapter 1 This connector allows you to connect a USB 3.1 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 front or rear panel ports. With an installed USB 3.1 Gen 1 module, you can enjoy all the benefits of USB 3.1 Gen 1 including faster data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s, faster charging time for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward compatibility with USB 2.0. The USB 3.1 Gen 1 module is purchased separately.
5. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB_E12; USB_E34; USB_1112) Chapter 1 These connectors are for the USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. This USB connector complies with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 MBps connection speed. Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 6.
7. Fan and pump connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 5-pin EXT_FAN; 4-pin W_PUMP+; 4-pin AIO_PUMP; 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2; 4-pin M.2_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Chapter 1 The EXT_FAN connector is only for the fan extension card. For more details on the fan extension card, please refer to the To install Fan Extension Card section in this guide.
8. Node connector (12-1 pin NODE) Chapter 1 This connector allow you to connect a compatible PSU. Visit www.asus.com for more information about the devices and the latest compatibility list. 9. TPM connector (14-1 pin TPM) This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely stores keys, digital certificates, passwords and data. A TPM system also helps enhance network security, protect digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.
10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. Chapter 1 • For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 350 W.
11. System panel connector (20-3 pin PANEL) Chapter 1 This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. • System power LED (2-pin or 3-1 pin PLED) The 2-pin or 3-1 pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HDD_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED.
12. M.2 sockets (M.2_1 (Socket 3); M.2_2 (Socket 3)) These sockets allow you to install M.2 SSD modules. Chapter 1 • M.2_1 socket supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA mode M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 PCIe and SATA storage devices. • M.2_2 socket supports PCIe 3.0 x4 M Key design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 PCIe storage devices. • These sockets support IRST (Intel® Rapid Storage Technology). • When the M.2_1(Socket 3) is operating in SATA mode, SATA port 1 (SATA6G_1) will be disabled.
13. AURA RGB headers (4-pin RGB_HEADER1-2) Chapter 1 These connectors are for RGB LED strips. The RGB header supports 5050 RGB multi-color LED strips (12V/G/R/B), with a maximum power rating of 3A (12V), and no longer than 3 m. Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
14. Thunderbolt header (5-pin TB_HEADER) This connector is for the add-on Thunderbolt I/O card that supports Intel’s Thunderbolt Technology, allowing you to connect up to six Thunderbolt-enabled devices and a DisplayPort-enabled display in a daisy-chain configuration. Chapter 1 The add-on Thunderbolt I/O card and Thunderbolt cables are purchased separately. 15. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM) This connector is for a serial (COM) port.
16. LED connector (8-pin LED1_CON) Chapter 1 This LED connector is for connecting LED strips on your back I/O cover. ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
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Chapter 2: Basic Installation Basic Installation 2.1 Building your PC system 2 The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are the same for all models. CPU installation • Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1151 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1151 socket.
Chapter 2 2.1.2 Cooling system installation Apply Thermal Interface Material to the CPU cooling system and CPU before you install the cooling system, if necessary. 2-2 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
Chapter 2 To install a CPU heatsink and fan assembly ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
To install an AIO cooler Chapter 2 AIO_PUMP CPU_FAN CPU_OPT 2-4 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
Motherboard installation 1. Place the motherboard into the chassis, ensuring that its rear I/O ports are aligned to the chassis’ rear I/O panel. 2. Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Chapter 2 2.1.3 DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
2.1.4 DIMM installation Chapter 2 To remove a DIMM 2-6 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
ATX power connection Chapter 2 2.1.5 Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug, or connect both the 8-pin and 4-pin power plugs. ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
2.1.6 SATA device connection OR Chapter 2 OR 2-8 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
2.1.7 Front I/O connector To install USB 3.1 Gen 1 front panel connector To install USB 3.1 Gen 1 connector USB 3.1 Gen 1 Chapter 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 This connector will only fit in one orientation. Push the connector until it clicks into place. To install USB 2.0 connector To install front panel audio connector AAFP USB 2.0 ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
2.1.8 Expansion card installation To install PCIe x16 cards Chapter 2 To install PCIe x1 cards 2-10 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
Chapter 2 To install FAN EXTENSION CARD • The illustrations in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are the same for all models. • The FAN Extension card is purchased separately. ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
To install ThunderboltEX 3 card C USB 3.1 TYPE 3 THUNDERBOLT USB 3.1 TYPE ort IN A MINI DisplayP Chapter 2 C USB 3.1 TYPE 3 THUNDERBOLT USB 3.1 TYPE ort IN A MINI DisplayP • The illustrations in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps are the same for all models. • The ThunderboltEX 3 card is purchased separately. 2-12 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
M.2 installation For type 22110 M.2 on M.2_2 socket 1 1 1 2 3 For type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 M.2 on M.2_2 socket 2 1 2 1 3 6 1 3 4 4 5 6 1 7 8 8 3 6 5 2 1 Chapter 2 2.1.9 4 6 4 8 8 7 6 6 5 5 The M.2 is purchased separately. ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
2.1.10 ASUS fan holder installation To install the ASUS fan holder and fan Chapter 2 When using high performance settings whilst overclocking, ensure to install the fan holder for additional fan(s). • You may install 12V (1A, 12W), 40mm x 40mm fans or 50mm x 50mm fans. • Ensure to the use the bundled screws that came with your fans. • Fans are purchased separately. 2-14 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.2.1 Rear I/O connection Chapter 2 2.2 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 mouse/keyboard combo port 2. USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port 3 3. DisplayPort 4. USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports 1 and 2 5. LAN (RJ-45) port* 6. USB 2.0 Type-A ports 13 and 14 7. USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C™ port C4 8. HDMI port 9. Intel® USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports 9 and 10 10. Optical S/PDIF OUT port 11.
* LAN ports LED indications ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED Activity Link LED Speed LED Status Description Status Description OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection LAN port ** Audio 2, 4, 5.1 or 7.1-channel configuration 4-channel 5.1-channel 7.
2.2.2 Audio I/O connections Audio I/O ports Chapter 2 Connect to Headphone and Mic Connect to Stereo Speakers Connect to 2-channel Speakers ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
Connect to 4-channel Speakers Connect to 5.1-channel Speakers Chapter 2 Connect to 7.1-channel Speakers 2-18 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
2.3 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Ensure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector. 5. Turn on the devices in the following order: Monitor b. External storage devices (starting with the last device on the chain) c.
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Chapter 3: BIOS Setup BIOS Setup 3.1 Knowing BIOS 3 The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unified Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboardonly BIOS controls to enable a more flexible and convenient mouse input. You can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as your operating system. The term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specified.
3.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screen include navigation keys and brief onscreen help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup, press or during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press or , POST continues with its routines. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously.
3.2.1 EZ Mode The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance, mode and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, select Advanced Mode or press the hotkey for the advanced BIOS settings. The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the Setup Mode item in section Boot menu for details.
3.2.1 Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the Setup Mode item in section Boot menu for details.
Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration. Main For changing the basic system configuration Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Monitor For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the fan settings.
Search (F9) This button allows you to search for BIOS items by entering its name, enter the item name to find the related item listing. AURA (F4) This button allows you to turn the RGB LED lighting or functional LED on or off. [All On]: All LEDs (Aura or Functional) will be enabled. [Aura Only]: Aura LEDs will be enabled and functional LEDs will be disabled. [Aura Off]: Aura LEDs will be disabled, however functional LEDs will still be enabled.
EZ Tuning Wizard This button above the menu bar allows you to view and configure the RAID settings of your system. Refer to section 3.2.5 EZ Tuning Wizard for more information. Last Modified button Chapter 3 This button shows the items that you last modified and saved in BIOS Setup. ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
3.2.3 QFan Control The QFan Control allows you to set a fan profile or manually configure the operating speed of your CPU and chassis fans. Click to select a fan to be configured Select a profile to apply to your fans Click to activate PWM Mode Click to activate DC Mode Click to apply the fan setting Chapter 3 Click to undo the changes Click to go back to main menu Select to manually configure your fans 3-8 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
Configuring fans manually Select Manual from the list of profiles to manually configure your fans’ operating speed. Speed points Select to manually configure your fans 1. Select the fan that you want to configure and to view its current status. 2. Click and drag the speed points to adjust the fans’ operating speed. 3. Click Apply to save the changes then click Exit (ESC). ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
3.2.4 AI OC Guide • The screenshot shown in this section is for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • This function is only enabled when using an unlocked CPU. The AI OC Guide allows you to enable the Ai Overclocking feature, or view a quick guide of the Ai Overclocking feature which highlights the recommended setup procedure and descriptions of the AI Overclocking. Clicking on Enable AI will enable Ai Overclocking.
3.2.5 EZ Tuning Wizard EZ Tuning Wizard allows you to easily set RAID in your system using this feature. Creating RAID To create RAID: 1. Click EZ Tuning Wizard from the BIOS screen to open EZ Tuning Wizard screen. 2. Click Yes to enable RAID. Ensure that your HDDs have no existing RAID volumes. • Ensure to connect your HDDs to Intel® SATA connectors. Select the port that you want to set to [RAID] mode, PCIE or SATA, then click Next. Chapter 3 3. • ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
4. Select the type of storage for your RAID, Easy Backup or Super Speed, then click Next. a. For Easy Backup, click Next then select from Easy Backup (RAID 1) or Easy Backup (RAID 10). Chapter 3 You can only select Easy Backup (RAID 10) if you connect four (4) HDDs. b. For Super Speed, click Next then select from Super Speed (RAID 0) or Super Speed (RAID 5). 5. After selecting the type of RAID, click Next then click Yes to continue the RAID setup. 6.
3.3 My Favorites My Favorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items. ASUS PRIME Z390-A E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.indb 13 Chapter 3 My Favorites comes with several performance, power saving, and fast boot related items by default. You can personalize this screen by adding or removing items.
Adding items to My Favorites To add BIOS items: 1. Press on your keyboard or click MyFavorites(F3) from the BIOS screen to open Setup Tree Map screen. 2. On the Setup Tree Map screen, select the BIOS items that you want to save in My Favorites screen. Main menu panel Selected shortcut items Submenu panel Delete all favorite items Recover to default favorite items 3. Select an item from main menu panel, then click the submenu that you want to save as or press on your keyboard.
3.4 Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings. Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. 3.5 • If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 2.3.
The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner to [XMP I], [XMP II], or [Manual]. BCLK Frequency This item allows you to set the BCLK (base clock) frequency to enhance the system performance. Use the <+> or <-> to adjust the value. We recommend you to set the value based on the CPU specification, as high BCLK frequencies may damage the CPU permanently.
3.6 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. 3.6.1 Platform Misc Configuration The items in this menu allow you to change the ASPM for PCH and SA PCI Express. 3.6.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.
3.6.4 PCH Configuration The items in this menu allow you to adjust the PCH PCI Express speed. PCI Express Configuration This item allows you to configure the PCI Express slots. PCIe Speed This item allows your system to automatically select the PCI Express port speed. Configuration options: [Auto] [Gen1] [Gen2] [Gen3] 3.6.5 PCH Storage Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices.
3.6.6 PCH-FW Configuration This item allows you to configure the firmware TPM. 3.6.7 Thunderbolt(TM) Configuration The items in this menu allow you to configure Thunderbolt settings. 3.6.8 Onboard Devices Configuration The items in this menu allow you to switch between PCIe Lanes and configure onboard devices. HD Audio This item allows you to enable or disable the High Definition Audio.
3.6.9 APM Configuration The items in this menu allow you to set system wake and sleep settings. ErP Ready This item allows you to switch off some power at S4+S5 or S5 to get the system ready for ErP requirement. When set to [Enabled], all other PME options are switched off. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enable(S4+S5)] [Enable(S5)] 3.6.
3.7 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. Q-fan Configuration Q-fan Tuning Click this item to automatically detect the lowest speed and configure the minimum duty cycle for each fan. WATER PUMP+ / AIO PUMP Control 3.8 [Disabled] Disable the Water Pump control feature. [Auto] Detects the type of water pump installed and automatically switches the control modes.
CSM (Compatibility Support Module) This item allows you to configure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully support the various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility. Launch CSM [Auto] The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the addon devices. [Enabled] For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices or the Windows® UEFI mode.
Boot Option Priorities These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. • To access Windows® OS in Safe Mode, press after POST (Windows® 8 not supported). • To select the boot device during system startup, press when the ASUS Logo appears. Boot Override These items displays the available devices.
3.9.2 Secure Erase SSD speeds may lower over time as with any storage medium due to data processing. Secure Erase completely and safely cleans your SSD, restoring it to factory performance levels. Secure Erase is only available in AHCI mode. Ensure to set the SATA mode to AHCI. Click Advanced > PCH Storage Configuration > SATA Mode Selection > AHCI. To launch Secure Erase, click Tool > Secure Erase on the Advanced mode menu. Check the ASUS support site for a full list of SSDs tested with Secure Erase.
3.9.3 ASUS User Profile This item allows you to save and load multiple BIOS settings profiles. Load Profile This item allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile number that saved your BIOS settings, press , and then select Yes. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure! • We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/ CPU configuration and BIOS version.
3.10 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu. Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press , a confirmation window appears. Select OK to load the default values.
3.11 Updating BIOS The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility,and performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS. Inappropriate BIOS updating may result to system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the instructions in this chapter to update your BIOS when necessary. Visit http://www.asus.
3.11.2 ASUS EZ Flash 3 ASUS EZ Flash 3 allows you to download and update to the latest BIOS through the Internet without having to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility. Updating through the Internet varies per region and Internet conditions. Check your local Internet connection before updating through the Internet. To update the BIOS by USB: Chapter 3 1. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press . 2.
• This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details. To update the BIOS by Internet: Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program.
3.11.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file. The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at https://www.asus.
Chapter 4: RAID Support RAID Support 4.1 RAID configurations 4 The motherboard comes with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology that supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 configuration. For more information on configuring your RAID sets, please refer to the RAID Configuration Guide which you can find at https://www.asus.com/support. 4.1.1 RAID definitions RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks.
Chapter 4 4-2 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
Appendix Appendix Appendix 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 with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Compliance Statement of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) Appendix This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada licence exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
REACH Appendix Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling.
Appendix English ASUSTeK Computer Inc. hereby declares that this device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of related Directives. Full text of EU declaration of conformity is available at: www.asus.com/support Français AsusTek Computer Inc. déclare par la présente que cet appareil est conforme aux critères essentiels et autres clauses pertinentes des directives concernées.
Appendix ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address Telephone Fax Web site Technical Support Telephone Fax Online support 4F, No. 150, Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei 112, Taiwan +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2890-7798 www.asus.com +86-21-38429911 +86-21-5866-8722, ext. 9101# http://qr.asus.com/techserv ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America) Address 48720 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA 94538, USA Telephone +1-510-739-3777 Fax +1-510-608-4555 Web site http://www.asus.
Appendix A-6 E14498_PRIME Z390-A_UM.
