Motherboard Z390 Series Feature Manual
E14844 First Edition November 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 About this guide........................................................................................................... 6 Armoury Crate.............................................................................................................. 7 Downloading and installing Armoury Crate................................................... 8 Highlights............................................................................................................ 9 Tools...............................
Network Monitor............................................................................................... 34 Top 5 Applications....................................................................................... 34 App Group Usage....................................................................................... 34 Network Usage............................................................................................ 35 Wi-Fi Analyzer............................................................
Sonic Radar III............................................................................................................ 61 Preview Mode................................................................................................... 61 Edit Mode.......................................................................................................... 62 Settings............................................................................................................. 63 Games.........................
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.
Armoury Crate Armoury Crate is a unified motherboard software center for downloading and updating your drivers and utilities for your motherboard. The Armoury Crate Highlights section also provides various news and stories from ROG at a glance. Armoury Crate is only supported on Windows® 10 RS3 or later. Menu Click the menu icon to show or hide the side menu titles. Highlights Displays news and stories from ROG. Tools Scans your system and provides the latest drivers and utilities for you to download.
Downloading and installing Armoury Crate On the first boot up of your PC with the supported OS, the system will prompt you with an option to download and install the Armoury Crate app. If the prompt does not appear or you have canceled the installation, you can still follow the steps below to install the Armoury Crate app: 8 1. Install or update your Windows® OS to Windows® 10 RS3 2. Launch the 3. Click Install, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete.
Highlights Displays news, stories, and on-going events from ROG. You can also browse through various wallpapers and download them. Tools Scans your system and provides the latest drivers and utilities for you to download. You can also view the manuals, documents, and individual kits for your system.
Downloading drivers for your motherboard Armoury Crate can detect and download drivers or driver updates for your system. 1. In the Tools page, click on the Driver tab. The available drivers will be displayed. 2. Check and select the items that you would like to install. 3. Click Download & Install and follow the onscreen instructions to complete. Downloading utilities for your motherboard Armoury Crate can detect and download utilities or utility updates for your system. 10 1.
User Center Log in to your ASUS account to manage, edit your profile, and register your product. You can also enter events and view your activities here.
Product Registration 12 ASUS Z390 Series Feature Manual
Inbox Check your personal messages from ASUS and view your event information. Settings Adjust settings for Armoury Crate and view software information.
AI Suite 3 The AI Suite 3 main menu gives you easy-access controls and insight to what’s going on with your computer - allowing you to optimize performance settings while at the same time ensuring system stability. The AI Suite main menu includes is a quick-access menu bar that allows you to swiftly launch any of the integrated ASUS utilities. Click the icon on the left to launch the menu bar.
AI Suite 3 mini-menu The AI Suite 3 mini-menu appears on the desktop and can be conveniently accessed and moved around. The AI Suite 3 mini-menu allows you to quickly access the important features in the AI Suite 3.
Using AI Overclocking By dynamically estimating a minimum CPU voltage for your target frequency, the AI Overclocking feature helps you find the optimum operating point for your CPU without the need to enter the BIOS. This function is only enabled when using an unlocked CPU. 1. In the Dual Intelligent Processors 5 page, click the AI Overclocking icon. 2. A summary page will appear, click the Start AI Overclocking button.
3. When prompted, click Yes to restart the computer and start AI Overclocking. 4. After the system restarts, the AI Overclocking results will be shown. Click Back to return to AI Suite 3. Refer to the Appendix for more overclocking scenarios.
TPU Insight The Turbo Processing Unit (TPU) Insight provides AI Suite 3 with the intelligence needed to automatically fine-tune voltages, monitor system stats, and adjust overclocking. This overclocking tool has been updated with AI Overclocking prediction values to allow for easy experimentation with different settings.
Graphics Cards Click or to adjust the GPU Clock and Memory Clock frequency Click to load the saved profile Click to save the changes to a profile ASUS Z390 Series Feature Manual Click to apply the changes Click to undo the changes 19
Turbo App Turbo App allows you to customize the system performance of your applications. When an application is on the Turbo App List, you can drag and drop the application to change the priority of the selected application. Click to refresh the list of running applications Click to toggle the Turbo App function ON or OFF Click to assign a specific application (.
EPU Guidance Energy Processing Unit (EPU) Guidance enables system-wide power-saving and automatically optimizes consumption to maximize power savings. The system-wide energy optimization also reduces fan noise and extends the lifespan of your hardware components. The new Temperature Regulation feature allows you to set a threshold for the system to balance temperatures and performance.
Fan Xpert 4 Fan Xpert 4 provides customizable fan settings for a cooler and quieter computing environment. With its Auto Tuning feature, Fan Xpert 4 automatically tweaks the settings of the CPU and chassis fans to achieve their best cooling performance. Fan Xpert 4 also supports hardware level PWM/DC combo mode for the CPU, chassis fans, and fans connected to the fan extension card. You can also reduce the CPU fan speed below the default minimum for a noiseless operation during light loads.
DIGI+ Power Control ASUS DIGI+ Power Control features the revolutionary and innovative digital VRM and DRAM Voltage controllers. These controllers offer ultra-precise memory and voltage tuning for optimal system efficiency, stability, and performance. • The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU and DRAM specification. • Ensure that the cooling modules are properly installed in your motherboard to monitor the thermal conditions.
CPU Current Capability This item allows you to set the shut off current limit for external voltage regulator. A higher setting will allow the voltage regulator to supply more current while a lower setting will cause the voltage regulator to shut off the system when the supplied current is higher than the set value. CPU Power Duty Control CPU power duty control adjusts the duty cycle of each VRM phase based upon current and/or temperature.
Adjusting the GPU Power Click to undo the changes Click to apply the changes CPU Graphics Power Phase Control Increase the phase number under a heavy system load to get more transient and better thermal performance. Reduce the phase number under a light system load to increase the VRM efficiency. CPU Graphics VRM Switching Frequency Enables spread spectrum to enhance system stability. CPU Graphics Load-line Calibration It allows you to adjust the voltage range to control the CPU Graphics Loadline.
PC Cleaner PC Cleaner allows you to clean the system junk files by scanning and deleting selected files.
EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard’s software, drivers and BIOS easily. With this utility, you can also manually update the BIOS and select the boot logo that displays during POST.
System Information This utility allows you to get detailed information of the motherboard, CPU, and memory settings. Click to view the motherboard, processor, or SPD information.
USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback allows you to check and save the latest BIOS version to a USB storage device. The downloaded BIOS file can be used to update your system’s BIOS. Use this utility to quickly check for the latest available BIOS and set the BIOS download schedule. Scheduling the BIOS download 1. In the Download Setting field, tick Schedule (days), then select the number of days for the BIOS download schedule. 2. Click Apply to save the BIOS download schedule.
Downloading the latest BIOS to a USB storage device Before you start downloading, ensure that you have installed the USB storage device to your computer’s USB port that supports USB BIOS Flashback. Refer to section Rear I/O connection of your motherboard’s user manual for more details. 1. From the USB BIOS Flashback screen, Click Check for New BIOS Update. Wait for the system to check the latest BIOS version. 2.
GameFirst V GameFirst V is a network management software that features packet-prioritized profiles (Smart, Auto, Game, Media Streaming, File Sharing, and User Defined) facilitating different scenarios. You can also manually allocate bandwidth and adjust priority settings of each application to run faster and smoother. Application Displays the current profile, network preference settings, and the network speed for each type of scenario.
Status Overlay The status overlay allows you to monitor the network traffic and quickly switch between different mode settings Click to open the tabs for different functions Switch to full mode Categorizing apps into different groups All the apps using network bandwidth are automatically placed into different groups, and the network bandwidth of all the apps in a group can be controlled together at the same time. To categorize an app into a different group from its default group: 1.
2. Click on the icon next to the app that you would like to edit. 3. From the drop-down menu, select a group for this app. 4. Click Apply to complete.
Network Monitor Network Monitor displays detailed network usage that your system is currently using. Top 5 Applications Displays the top 5 bandwidth consuming applications currently used. App Group Usage Displays the individual downloading and uploading bandwidth of currently used applications.
Network Usage Displays the total downloading and uploading bandwidth of the currently used applications. You may also toggle and display the downloading and uploading bandwidth of each connection. Wi-Fi Analyzer Displays the network traffic for each channel to help you select a smooth path.
Network Information Displays information about the physical network card such as speed, physical address, IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. ROG First Discover and match ROG routers to turn on its QoS feature with just a click to achieve ultra-fast experiences in games.
LiveDash LiveDash allows you to adjust the information displayed on the onboard OLED panel or select different animation effects. LiveDash OLED Hardware monitor This mode displays the checked items that you would like to display on the OLED panel.
Image or Animation This mode allows you to display a custom image or animation on the OLED panel.
Custom Banner This mode allows you to add custom strings with preset ROG logos to create custom banners.
LiveDash Settings Click the icon on the top right corner to access the LiveDash Settings and turn the LiveDash OLED on or off when the system is in different states.
AIO Cooler Hardware monitor This mode displays the checked items that you would like to display on the OLED panel on your AIO cooler.
Image or Animation This mode allows you to display a custom image or animation on the OLED panel.
Custom Banner This mode allows you to add custom strings with preset ROG logos to create custom banners.
Music EQ This mode allows you to display an EQ visualization synchronized with your audio output.
MemTweakIt MemTweakIt is a software that you can use to view all levels of memory timings. You can validate your MemTweakIt settings to generate a memory efficiency score that you can share and compare with other users on the ROG website. MemTweakIt functions depends on the chipset of the motherboard. Each chipset has different options. Validating and saving your MemTweakIt settings online 1. Click the Validate button, then enter your ASUS account ID and password. 2.
Validating and saving your MemTweakIt settings manually 1. Click the Validate button, then click Save Validation File. 2 Key in a file name for your configuration file and click Submit, then click validation web page. 3. In the MemTweakIt - Validation File Upload window, enter your ASUS account ID and password. 4. Click Browse, locate the saved .cvf file and click Open. 5. Click Submit to send your configuration for validation. Your configuration will be displayed on the MemTweakIt webpage.
Overwolf Overwolf is the Appstore for PC gamers that adds epic overlay apps to your favorite games to help you enjoy your gaming experience even more. Overwolf dock The Overwolf dock appears on the desktop and can be conveniently accessed and moved around. The Overwolf dock allows you to quickly access the apps in the Overwolf. Open settings Minimize the dock Show more apps. The docked apps can be changed by dragging the app icons. ASUS Z390 Series Feature Manual Shows the docked apps.
RAMCache III RAMCache III provides a user-friendly and transparent solution to increase your PC overall performance by utilizing the system memory (DRAM) that is not in use. RAMCache III allocates a cache of RAM between the computer hard disk and the applications, then reads your performance needs in real time regarding the applications you are currently using and the disk I/O demands.
Creating a RAMCache using Smart mode Smart Mode will automatically allocate RAM cache from all disks. 1. Drag the slider to select the cache size. 2. Click Start to create the cache.
DRAM Information This section lets you monitor your system DIMM information and configuration.
Memory Check This feature lets you check the health status of the DIMM resources that you are using to cache your data. Any unhealthy section in the DIMM will be represented by a red square. Click to start memory check You must activate the DRAM CACHE function first before you can utilize MEMORY CHECK.
ROG CPU-Z This utility gathers information about the main devices installed in your system and displays it in an ROG custom layout. ROG CPU-Z provides you with information and the status of your CPU, motherboard, memory, graphics card, and other components installed on your system. You can generate a report about your system info and send or post it on the CPU-Z website.
Sonic Studio III Sonic Studio III is an audio suite that offers basic and advanced controls that will help customize lots of audio options. Customize audio effects through the Sonic Studio Basic Mode, Sonic Studio Advanced Mode, and Record Studio, then save all the settings made to cloud or your computer. Sonic Studio III supports Realtek® Audio Driver. Sonic Studio Basic Mode Access all Sonic Studio’s audio effects and profiles in the Basic Mode tab. The default device’s volume may also be adjusted.
Audio profiles This item allows you to select an audio profile and adjust it to your listening experience. Music profile: This profile is customized for stereo or 5.1 music. Movie profile: This profile is customized for video and movie contents. Gaming profile: This profile is customized for stereo or multi-channel video games, and particularly First Person Shooters. Communication profile: This profile is customized for improved communication.
Sonic Studio Advanced Mode Advanced mode allows you to adjust all the applications that have played or are currently playing an audio stream, and also gives you an overview of all available output devices. You may adjust the profile and device to play the audio for each application individually. Switching to Advanced mode will disable Basic Mode. Device Manager list This list displays all available output devices. Default device Check this box to set a device as the default audio output device.
Device routing This item allows you to customize playback of audio streams on different devices. You may enable or disable this function by clicking on the ON or OFF button. This will allow Sonic Studio 3 to easily assign different audio outputs to the front and rear panel. Sonic Studio effects This item allows you to set different music profiles for each audio stream. You may enable or disable this function by clicking on the ON or OFF button.
10-band Equalizer Adjust the sliders of the 10-band Equalizer to customize your own audio settings for a specific device. Custom EQ You may adjust each slider to customize the audio settings for the device. Reset Click this reset to Flat for all frequencies.
Record Studio On my voice switch Turn all ON MY VOICE effects ON or OFF. Noise Reduction Check this box to enable Noise Reduction. This item removes the remaining voice on top of your voice or your friend’s voice. Volume Stabilizer Check this box to enable Volume Stabilizer on your voice or on incoming voice to maintain constant and clear communication. Acoustic Echo Cancellation Check this box to enable Acoustic Echo Cancellation. This item removes the echo which appears in noisy environments.
Casting Enhancer Turn Casting Enhancer ON or OFF. The Casting Enhancer feature supports the following software: • XSplit Broadcaster • XSplit Gamecaster • OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) • Bandicam • Overwolf Specifications are subject to change without notice. Please refer to ASUS website for the latest specifications. Casting Enhancer popup Show a popup confirmation message when Casting Enhancer detects a new recording.
Settings The Settings menu allows you to automatically or manually save and read Sonic Studio III settings, change the language of your Sonic Studio III, and display the version number of your Sonic Studio III.
Sonic Radar III Sonic Radar III is designed for First Person Shooting (FPS) games and shows the precise direction and intensity of where a sound is coming from. It features a simple and friendly user-interface and also features sound enhancers to amplify desired sound effects. Preview Mode Preview Mode allows you to test Sonic Radar and its overlays using the Audio Player test sound. The test sound is recorded in a multi-channel video game, click the Play button to play the test sound.
Edit Mode Edit Mode allows you to customize the Signal, Radar, and 3D Pointer HUDs. You can adjust the color style, opacity, and size of each HUD by selecting the HUD that you wish to customize, or drag and drop the HUD to reposition it.
Settings Games The Games tab displays all applications which support the Sonic Radar III overlay, and allows you to enable or disable the overlay for each application. Sonic Radar III certifies a huge list of games, allowing full compatibility of the overlay on numerous softwares. Certified applications are enabled by default when you launch them the first time. Other compatible applications appear at the bottom of the list.
Macros The Macros tab allows you to configure hotkeys to quickly access Sonic Radar III features. Enable or disable hotkeys when using an application 64 Click to enable the default settings Title Function Display Radar Overlay Hide or show the Radar in the overlay. Display the Radar Signals Overlay Hide or show the Radar Signals in the overlay. Display the 3D Pointer Hide or show the 3D arrow in the overlay.
Display The Display tab allows you to adjust the settings of the visual appearance of the overlay. 3D Pointer Anti Aliasing This setting allows you to adjust how pixelated the 3D pointer will be. Number of Sectors This setting allows you to select the amount of sectors (4-16 sectors) you want in the radar. The more sectors you display, the more accurate the Radar becomes.
Audio Engine The Audio Engine tab allows you to adjust settings related to the audio content of your application. Dynamic Range This setting allows you to select how precise your Sonic Radar should be. Choose a low value if you wish to display only the most important audio elements in your application. Release Time(s) This setting allows you to set how long the sectors and 3D Pointer should be displayed after the sound has stopped.
General The General settings tab allows you to select the language of your Sonic Radar III and displays the version number and legal information. Select the language of your Sonic Radar III Help menu Click on the button to view information on the different HUDs and their functions.
ASUS Z390 Series Feature Manual
Appendix How to overclock your system using AI overclocking Overclocking your system means dipping into untapped potential for better performance. The idea of pushing your CPU past the stock defaults in pursuit of lofty gains is tempting for anyone, but the process can be daunting for beginners.
After applying that config, you can set AI Overclocking to keep training, and it will continue monitoring system vitals like temperature, power draw, and fan speeds to assess the effectiveness of your cooling. If your Cooler Score changes, AI adjusts the overclock accordingly. This safeguard ensures your system remains stable through seasonable temperature changes, component upgrades, and dust buildup that can affect cooling efficiency.
The first step is loading the UEFI defaults by pressing F5, and then F10 to save and reboot. This establishes a stable baseline so that AI OC can evaluate your system. Next, boot into the operating system and run a stress test. You can use Blender, Prime95, Aida64, ROG RealBench, the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility, or anything else that loads up the CPU.
It’s worth noting that AI Overclocking does not adjust the AVX instruction offset due to limitations associated with this parameter. AVX workloads generate more heat and typically require lower clock speeds, so if you run software that uses those instructions, we recommend manually adjusting the offset value to compensate. The same algorithm that sets the all-core frequency also predicts the maximum stable AVX frequency, so it’s easy to check the prediction and modify the offset appropriately.
