ASUS Prime Z390-A motherboard: LGA1151 ATX board for 8th and 9th Gen Intel

The ASUS Prime Z390-A is an ATX motherboard for Intel's 8th and 9th generation Core processors. It uses the Z390 chipset and the LGA1151 socket, and it is built for desktop PCs that need fast storage, a good set of ports and room to overclock.

Socket and chipset

LGA1151 describes the socket shape, and the Z390 chipset is one of the Intel boards that allows overclocking on unlocked processors. ASUS lists support for 8th and 9th generation Core chips. Earlier generations that also use the LGA1151 name are not interchangeable, so match the exact processor to the board before buying. The board uses DDR4 memory.

Overclocking and memory

ASUS promotes 5-Way Optimization, which it says overclocks a processor using smart prediction and thermal telemetry, and which also tunes fan behaviour. OptiMem II is ASUS's term for careful routing of traces and vias and ground-layer work to preserve signal integrity for memory overclocking. Overclocking results vary between individual chips, so such features raise the odds of stable settings rather than guarantee them.

Storage and ports

The listing mentions dual M.2 slots for NVMe or SATA solid-state drives, plus USB 3.1 Gen2, which ASUS associates with the highest transfer speeds on the board. A Gigabit LAN port is provided, and video output includes DisplayPort and HDMI, so the board can use a processor's integrated graphics without a separate graphics card.

Protection features

ASUS groups its safeguards as 5X Protection III. They include Safe Slot Core, LAN Guard and overvoltage protection, which the brand says supports longevity and reliability. Safe Slot Core is a patent-pending design for reinforced PCIe slots, intended to prevent damage from heavy graphics cards.

Fan control, audio and lighting

FanXpert 4 handles fan control for system cooling. The board's audio uses a Realtek ALC887 codec and provides 8-channel HD audio. Aura Sync RGB with addressable headers lets you control lighting from compatible strips and components. For managed environments, the description lists manageability features: WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME and PXE.

Size and weight

The listing gives dimensions of 12.9 x 2.7 x 10.4 inches and a weight of 2.2 lb (about 1 kg). ATX is the standard full-size motherboard format, which fits most mid-tower and full-tower cases.

Who it suits

It suits builders putting together or upgrading a desktop around an 8th or 9th generation Intel Core processor, and anyone who wants dual M.2 storage and overclocking headroom in a conventional ATX layout.

What to check before you buy

• Processor compatibility: confirm the exact CPU model is supported, and whether the board needs a firmware update first.
• Memory: check the supported DDR4 speeds and capacity in the manual.
• Case: confirm it accepts ATX boards.
• Storage: check which M.2 slots share bandwidth with SATA ports.
• Cooler and graphics: make sure the cooler fits the LGA1151 socket and the graphics card suits the PCIe slot.
• Operating system: check driver availability for the version you plan to run.

The short version

• An ATX motherboard for 8th and 9th generation Intel Core processors, using the LGA1151 socket and Z390 chipset.
• DDR4 memory, dual M.2, USB 3.1 Gen2, DisplayPort, HDMI and Gigabit LAN.
• 5-Way Optimization, OptiMem II and FanXpert 4 for tuning and cooling.
• 5X Protection III with Safe Slot Core fortified PCIe slots.
• Realtek ALC887 8-channel audio and Aura Sync RGB headers.

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