Motherboard ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING
E16235 First Edition February 2020 Copyright © 2020 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........................................................................................................ v About this guide.......................................................................................................... vi ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING specifications summary........................................... vii Connectors with shared bandwidth.......................................................................... xi Package contents................................
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.
ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING specifications summary Intel® Socket LGA 1200 for 10th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® processors* Supports Intel® 14 nm CPU CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0** * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list. ** Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 support depends on the CPU types. Chipset Intel® Z490 Chipset 4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 4600(O.C) / 4500(O.C) / 4400(O.C) / 4266(O.C.) / 4133(O.C.) / 4000(O.C.
ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING specifications summary Rear USB (Total 8 ports) 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (3 x Type-A + 1 x USB Type-C®) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports USB 2 x USB 2.0 ports (2 x Type-A) Front USB (Total 7 ports) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 front panel connector (supports USB Type-C®) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header supports additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.
ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING specifications summary Power related 1 x 24-pin Main Power connector 1 x 8-pin +12V Power connector 1 x 4-pin +12V Power connector Storage related 2 x M.2 slots (Key M) 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports USB 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 front panel connector (supports USB Type-C®) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header supports additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports Internal I/O connectors 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.
ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING specifications summary ROG Exclusive Software - RAMCache III - ROG CPU-Z - GameFirst VI - Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer - Sonic Radar III - DTS® Sound Unbound - Overwolf - Anti-virus software ASUS Exclusive Software Features Armoury Crate - Aura Creator - Aura Sync AI Suite 3 Software Features - 5-way Optimization with AI Overclocking TPU EPU DIGI+ VRM Fan Xpert 4 Turbo app - EZ update WinRAR UEFI BIOS AI Overclocking Guide ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS
Connectors with shared bandwidth A C C B A B Configuration A 1 2 PCIEX16_1 x16 x8 PCIEX16_2 - x8 Configuration B M.2_2 SATA_56 Configuration C M.2_1 SATA_2 1 2 x4 x2 - V 1 2 SATA Mode PCIe Mode Disabled Enabled • When M.2_1 is operating in SATA device, SATA6G_2 will be disabled • M.2_2 shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56. When M.2_2 is populated SATA6G_56 will be disabled..
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard 1 x ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING motherboard 1 x Addressable RGB extension cable 1 x RGB extension cable Cables 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cables 1 x Thermistor cable pack 1 x Cable ties pack 1 x M.2 Rubber Package Miscellaneous 1 x M.2 SSD screw package 1 x M.
Installation tools and components Phillips (cross) screwdriver PC chassis Power supply unit Intel® LGA 1200 CPU Intel® LGA 1200 compatible CPU Fan DDR4 DIMM SATA hard disk drive SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card (optional) M.2 SSD module (optional) 1 Bag of screws The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.
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Product Introduction Product Introduction 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.
ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING Page 1-4 1-5 1-7 1-9 1-10 1-11 1-12 1-13 1-14 1-15 1-16 1-17 1-18 1-19 1-19 1-20 1-21 1-22 1-23 1-24 1-25 Chapter 1 Layout contents 1. CPU socket 2. DIMM slots 3. Expansion slots 4. Fan and Pump headers 5. VRM Heatsink Fan header 6. Power connectors 7. M.2 slot 8. SATA 6GB/s port 9. USB 3.2 Gen 1 header and front panel connector 10. USB 2.0 header 11. AURA Addressable Gen2 LED header 12. AURA RGB header 13. Clear CMOS header 14. COM Port header 15. CPU Over Voltage jumper 16.
1. CPU socket The motherboard comes with a LGA1200 socket designed for 10th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® processors. Chapter 1 1-4 • Ensure that you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1200 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for other sockets on the LGA1200 socket. • The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU.
2. DIMM slots The motherboard comes with Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots designed for DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) memory modules. Chapter 1 A DDR4 memory 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.
Memory configurations You may install 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB unbuffered and non‑ECC DDR4 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Chapter 1 You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
3. Expansion slots 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. Please refer to the following tables for the recommended VGA configuration and Hyper M.2 configuration.
Recommended VGA configuration Chapter 1 Slot Description 2. PCIe 3.0 x16_1 4. PCIe 3.0 x16_2 Single VGA x16 N/A Dual VGA x8 x8 • We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI® mode. • Ensure to connect the 8-pin and 4-pin power plugs when running CrossFireX™ or SLI® mode. • Connect a chassis fan to the chassis fan connectors when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. Hyper M.2 X16 series card configuration 2. PCIe 3.
4. Fan and Pump headers Chapter 1 The Fan and Pump headers allow you to connect fans or pumps to cool the system. • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan headers. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan headers! • Ensure the cable is fully inserted into the header. For water cooling kits, connect the pump connector to the W_PUMP+ header.
5. VRM Heatsink fan header Chapter 1 The VRM Heatsink fan header is for connecting the VRM Heatsink fan on the integrated heatsink. You may also install a VRM fan to a fan holder and connect it to the VRM Heatsink header to cool the VRM when the VRM’s temperature becomes too high. Please refer to the Fan bracket installation section in Chapter 2 for more details on installing the fan bracket.
6. Power connectors Chapter 1 These Power connectors allow you to connect your motherboard to a power supply. The power supply plugs are designed to fit in only one orientation, find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the power supply plugs are fully inserted. Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug. • 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.
7. M.2 slot The M.2 slot allows you to install M.2 SSD modules. Chapter 1 • M.2_1 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA mode Key M design and type 2242 / 2260/ 2280 / 22110 storage devices. • M.2_2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 mode Key M design and type 2242 / 2260 / 2280 / 22110 storage devices. • When M.2_1 is operating in SATA mode, SATA6G_2 will be disabled. • M.2_2 shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56. When M.2_2 is populated SATA6G_56 will be disabled. • M.
8. SATA 6Gb/s ports Chapter 1 The SATA 6Gb/s ports allows you to connect SATA devices such as optical disc drives and hard disk drives via a SATA cable. If you installed SATA storage devices, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® Z490 chipset. • The slots are set to [AHCI] by default.
9. USB 3.2 Gen 1 header and front panel connector The USB 3.2 Gen 1 header or front panel connector allows you to connect a USB 3.2 Gen 1 module for additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The USB 3.2 Gen 1 header and front panel connector provide data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gb/s. Chapter 1 The USB 3.2 Gen 1 module is purchased separately.
10. USB 2.0 header Chapter 1 The USB 2.0 header allows you to connect a USB module for additional USB 2.0 ports. The USB 2.0 header provides data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mb/s connection speed. DO NOT connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.
11. AURA Addressable Gen2 header The Addressable Gen2 header allows you to connect individually addressable RGB WS2812B LED strips or WS2812B based LED strips. Chapter 1 The Addressable Gen2 header supports WS2812B addressable RGB LED strips (5V/ Data/Ground), with a maximum power rating of 3A (5V), and the addressable headers on this board can handle a combined maximum of 500 LEDs.
12. AURA RGB header Chapter 1 The AURA RGB header allows you to connect RGB LED strips. The AURA RGB header supports 5050 RGB multi-color LED strips (12V/G/R/B), with a maximum power rating of 3A (12V). Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the 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. • Actual lighting and color will vary with LED strip.
13. Clear CMOS header The Clear CMOS header allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in the CMOS, which contains the date, time, system passwords, and system setup parameters. Chapter 1 To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Short-circuit pin 1-2 with a metal object or jumper cap for about 5-10 seconds. 3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 4. Hold down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.
14. COM Port connector Chapter 1 The COM (Serial) Port connector allows you to connect a COM port module. Connect the COM port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening on the system chassis. The COM port module is purchased separately. 15. CPU Over Voltage jumper 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).
16. Front Panel Audio header The front panel audio header is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports HD Audio. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this header. Chapter 1 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.
17. M.2 slot (Key E) Chapter 1 The M.2 Wi-Fi slot allows you to install an M.2 Wi-Fi module (E-key, type 2230). The M.2 Wi-Fi module is purchased separately.
18. System Panel header The System Panel header supports several chassis-mounted functions. Chapter 1 • System Power LED header (PLED) The 2-pin header allows you to connect the System Power LED. The System Power LED lights up when the system is connected to a power source, or when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode. • Storage Device Activity LED header (HDLED) The 2-pin header allows you to connect the Storage Device Activity LED.
19. Thermal Sensor header Chapter 1 The Thermal Sensor header allows you to connect a sensor to monitor the temperature of the devices and the critical components inside the motherboard. Connect the thermal sensor and place it on the device or the motherboard’s component to detect its temperature. The thermal sensor is purchased separately.
20. Thunderbolt header Chapter 1 The Thunderbolt header allows you to connect an 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. The add-on Thunderbolt I/O card and Thunderbolt cables are purchased separately.
21. Q LEDs Chapter 1 The Q LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA, and booting devices) during the motherboard booting process. If an error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved. The Q LEDs provide the most probable cause of an error code as a starting point for troubleshooting. The actual cause may vary from case to case.
Chapter 1 1-26 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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 LGA1200 socket only. DO NOT install a CPU designed for LGA1155, LGA1156, and LGA1151 sockets on the LGA1200 socket.
Chapter 2 2-2 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
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.
To install an AIO cooler If you wish to install an AIO cooler, we recommend installing the AIO cooler after installing the motherboard into the chassis.
DIMM installation Chapter 2 2.1.
2.1.4 M.2 installation 1 1 2 1 Chapter 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 • This M.2 rubber pad is optional for when installing a single sided M.2 storage device. Ensure to install the bundled M.2 rubber pad before installing your single sided M.2 storage device. • DO NOT install the bundled M.2 rubber pads when installing a double-sided M.2 storage device. The rubber pad installed by default is compatible with double sided M.2 storage devices.
6 7 6 Chapter 2 10 9 10 10 8 9 10 8 12 12 11 12 The M.2 is purchased separately.
2.1.5 Fan bracket installation 2 4 1 4 3 Chapter 2 5 5 6 VRM_HS_FAN 7 8 When using high performance settings whilst overclocking, ensure to install a fan onto the MOS fan holder. 2-8 • The fan is purchased separately. • You may install 12V (1A, 12W), 40mm x 40mm fans. • You may adjust the height of the fan holder to your preference when installing the fan holder.
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 2.1.6 DO NOT over tighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
2.1.7 ATX power connection Chapter 2 OR 2-10 AND • DO NOT connect the 4-pin power plug only, the motherboard may overheat under heavy usage. • Ensure to connect the 8-pin power plug, or connect both the 8-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
2.1.
2.1.9 Front I/O connector To install front panel connector To install USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C® connector USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C® connector Chapter 2 This connector will only fit in one orientation. Push the connector until it clicks into place. To install USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector To install USB 2.0 connector USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 2.
2.1.
To install ThunderboltEX 3-TR card 6-pin PCIe power connector USB Type-C® port connects to Thunderbolt devices Chapter 2 MiniDP in port connects to DP out port on the motherboard or a VGA card USB 2.0 header Thunderbolt header Ensure to install the ThunderboltEX 3-TR card to a PCIe slot from PCH. 2-14 • Step 6 is optional, please connect a 6-pin PCIe power connector when you wish to use the USB Type-C® port Thunderbolt quick charge feature to charge a 5V or more device.
2.1.11 M.2 Wi-Fi module and antenna installation Installing the M.2 W-Fi Module 2 1 Chapter 2 4 3 5 ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING • Ensure that the ASUS 2x2 dual band Wi-Fi antenna is securely installed to the Wi-Fi ports. • Ensure that the antenna is at least 20 cm away from all persons. • The illustration to the left is for reference only. The I/O port layout may vary with models, but the Wi-Fi antenna installation procedure is the same for all models. • The M.
2.2 BIOS update utility BIOS FlashBack™ BIOS FlashBack™ allows you to easily update the BIOS without entering the existing BIOS or operating system. Simply insert a USB storage device to the USB port (the USB port hole marked in green on the I/O shield) then press the BIOS FlashBack™ button for three seconds to automatically update the BIOS. To use BIOS FlashBack™: 1. Insert a USB storage device to the BIOS FlashBack™ port. We recommend you to use a USB 2.
Motherboard rear and audio connections 2.3.1 Rear I/O connection Chapter 2 2.3 Rear panel connectors 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. DisplayPort USB 2.0 ports 12 and 13 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports 1 and 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports 3 Intel® I225-V Ethernet port HDMI™ port BIOS FlashBack™ button USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® port C4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports 9 and 10 Optical S/PDIF OUT port Gold-plated audio jacks* * Refer to the table on the next page for audio port definitions.
* Audio 2, 4, 5.1 or 7.1-channel configuration 4-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel Light Blue Lime Pink Orange Headset 2-channel Line In Line Out Mic In – Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In – Black – Rear Speaker Out Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Sub woofer Rear Speaker Out Side Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Sub woofer Rear Speaker Out Port 2.3.
Connect to 2-channel Speakers Chapter 2 Connect to 4-channel Speakers Connect to 5.
Connect to 7.
2.4 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.
Chapter 2 2-22 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
Chapter 3: BIOS and RAID Support BIOS and RAID Support 3 For more details on BIOS and RAID configurations, please refer to www.asus.com/ support. 3.1 Knowing BIOS 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.
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.
3.4 ASUS EZ Flash 3 The ASUS EZ Flash 3 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu or press hotkey . To update the BIOS: • This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.
3.5 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.
3.6 RAID configurations 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. RAID definitions RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks.
Chapter 3 3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS Setup
Appendix Appendix Notices FCC Compliance Information Responsible Party: Address: Phone / Fax No: Asus Computer International 48720 Kato Rd., Fremont, CA 94538, USA (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) 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.
Declaration of compliance for product environmental regulation ASUS follows the green design concept to design and manufacture our products, and makes sure that each stage of the product life cycle of ASUS product is in line with global environmental regulations. In addition, ASUS disclose the relevant information based on regulation requirements. Please refer to http://csr.asus.com/Compliance.
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling information in different regions. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste.
ROG STRIX Z490-F GAMING Română ASUSTeK Computer Inc. declară că acest dispozitiv se conformează cerinţelor esenţiale şi altor prevederi relevante ale directivelor conexe. Textul complet al declaraţiei de conformitate a Uniunii Europene se găseşte la: www.asus.com/support Srpski ASUSTeK Computer Inc. ovim izjavljuje da je ovaj uređaj u saglasnosti sa osnovnim zahtevima i drugim relevantnim odredbama povezanih Direktiva. Pun tekst EU deklaracije o usaglašenosti je dostupan da adresi: www.asus.
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.