The ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-A Gaming is similar to previously review Z490-E Gaming layout and looks stylish to understated, but it is only when you strip the board down that you realize the layout is exactly the same.
ROG Strix Z490-A Gaming use silver and black colors theme on its motherboards. Overall, it’s a clean and tidy design with the use of Silver thermal Heat sink hiding the component complexity and density that sits beneath.
The I/O is well equipped with ample networking, the LAN port is the Intel 2.5 Gigabit LAN connection, as well as ample USB including Type-C and 10Gbps ports. ASUS has added a pair of display ports capable of 4K UHD including DisplayPort 1.2 which can do 4K at 60Hz, though the HDMI port is only HDMI 1.4b so is limited to 30Hz at 4K. The small button is to update bios by using “USB Flashback” and makes it easy for user to update bios and troubleshooting.
SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel Realtek High Definition Audio CODEC S1220A
The Z490-A Gaming features 12+2 phase voltage regulator, which remains fed by both ATX12V (4-pin) and EPS12V (8-pin) headers: The extra 4-pin connector allows users to exceed the 42A current limit of eight pins (four power, four ground) when overclocking.
The CPU VRM heatsink is formed from two heatsink blocks and using thermal pads.
The PWM controller used is the Digi+ which operates in a channel mode, all channels give an effective phase count of 12+2. There are 12 phases for the VCore and 2 for the iGPU.
An Digi+ ASP1900B a ultra low quiescent single loop 8-phase output PWM Controller operating in a 7+1 configuration.
ON Semiconductor: The NCP302045 integrates a MOSFET driver, high-side MOSFET and low-side MOSFET into a single package.
Capable of Average Currents up to 45 A and peak at 75A.
ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-A Gaming
429
Pros
- Intel 2.5Gbe LAN
- High Quality Component
- USB BIOS Flashback
- Good Performance
Cons
- No wireless
- Trouble to access first M.2 slot
- Expensive
