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ASUS Prime Z490 A Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£240
  • Avg. price in US: ~$230
  • CPU socket: LGA 1200
  • Chipset: Intel Z490
  • Form factor: ATX

ASUS Prime Z490 A review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

7.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.9

Technical Score

10.0%

9.3

User score

Very good
6.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

7.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.0

Storage

15.0%

7.3

Network

13.0%

5.9

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.5

Expansion

8.0%

8.5

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.6

Audio

Good
9.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(684)
amazon
4.4
(359)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(710)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 6.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.0

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    5.5

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    5.5

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Asus Prime Z490-A is a professional-styled ATX motherboard designed for 10th Gen Intel Core processors, featuring a robust 12+2 DrMOS power stage design and a 6-layer PCB for stable performance. Key technical specifications include support for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds reaching 4600MHz (OC), dual M.2 slots with one dedicated heatsink, and high-speed connectivity via Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet and a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. Its main advantages are the user-friendly BIOS, efficient AI Overclocking and Cooling technologies, and a premium Realtek S1220A audio codec with DTS:X Ultra support. Notable drawbacks include the lack of built-in Wi-Fi (though an E-key slot is provided for expansion), the absence of PCIe 4.0 support for 10th Gen CPUs, and a monochrome aesthetic that some may find too plain compared to more flashier gaming alternatives.

Technical Specifications of ASUS Prime Z490 A

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

7.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.0

Storage

15.0%

7.3

Network

13.0%

5.9

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.5

Expansion

8.0%

8.5

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.6

Audio

6.9
ASUS Prime Z490 A has a technical score of 6.85 points, which is higher than that of 60.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.9

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(684)
amazon
4.4
(359)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(710)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.3
ASUS Prime Z490 A has a user score of 9.25 points, which is higher than that of 89.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
10
ASUS Prime Z490 A has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 79.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.3

Price

7.7
ASUS Prime Z490 A has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 60.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

Asus
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1200
ASUS Prime Z490 A uses the LGA 1200 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 61.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z490
ASUS Prime Z490 A uses the Intel Z490 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 56.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.9% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
ASUS Prime Z490 A has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
ASUS Prime Z490 A uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
ASUS Prime Z490 A supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
ASUS Prime Z490 A supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

4,800 MT/s
ASUS Prime Z490 A supports memory speeds up to 4800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 51.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 5% of motherboards.
speed varies by CPU generation
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

2
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.6% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
ASUS Prime Z490 A offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 61.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.9% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
ASUS Prime Z490 A supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASUS Prime Z490 A supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
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N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

3
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

?
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS Prime Z490 A supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

8
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.3% of motherboards and equal to 30.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

15
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 48.3% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

1
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

2
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

2.5 Gbps
ASUS Prime Z490 A supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel I225-V
ASUS Prime Z490 A uses the Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 86.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.7% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS Prime Z490 A does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

SupremeFX S1220A
ASUS Prime Z490 A uses the SupremeFX S1220A audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 86.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.5% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
ASUS Prime Z490 A offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
ASUS Prime Z490 A has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASUS Prime Z490 A supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

12+2
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 12+2 VRM phases, which is more than 62.1% of motherboards and equal to 2.6% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

7
ASUS Prime Z490 A has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.7% of motherboards and equal to 9.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS Prime Z490 A has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

1 A
ASUS Prime Z490 A supports up to 1 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 58.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 15.9% of motherboards.
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ASUS Prime Z490 A vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster USB-A ports for storage or accessories.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.3 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
    Pre-mounted I/O shield.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O shield comes pre-mounted on the motherboard instead of being installed separately.
    When it matters: When you want an easier motherboard installation process.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • Better audio codec
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1,220A vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
    What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1,220A vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.SupremeFX S1220A vs Realtek ALC898
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster rear USB-C connectivity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.3 vs 1
  • 2 more fan headers
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
    What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
    When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.7 vs 5
  • More VRM phases
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
    When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=12

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.12+2 vs 10
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Includes onboard power button
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • Better audio codec
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has better audio codec than the average motherboard (SupremeFX S1,220A vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 2 more fan headers
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • More VRM phases
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    ASUS Prime Z490 A does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • No TPM connector
    ASUS Prime Z490 A does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
    Firmware TPM/PTT only.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • Older HDMI version
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4b vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASUS Prime Z490 A does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 1 A lower pump header current limit
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (1 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No BIOS flashback support
    ASUS Prime Z490 A does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can update BIOS without needing a fully installed or supported CPU to boot first.
    When it matters: When you may need to update BIOS before the system can boot.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS Prime Z490 A does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASUS Prime Z490 A does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
    What it is: Shows whether the external Wi-Fi antenna is included with the motherboard package.
    When it matters: When the board has Wi-Fi and you want it ready to use right away.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Prime Z490 A does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more standard USB ports with faster transfer speeds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=4

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS Prime Z490 A has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of PS/2 ports on the motherboard rear I/O.
    When it matters: When you want support for older keyboards or mice.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS Prime Z490 A has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.0 vs 1
  • No TPM connector
    ASUS Prime Z490 A does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
    Firmware TPM/PTT only.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard has a header for connecting a separate TPM module.
    When it matters: When you want hardware TPM support through an add-on module.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS Prime Z490 A does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
  • 50% more expensive
    ASUS Prime Z490 A is more expensive than the average motherboard (£240 vs £160).
    ASUS Prime Z490 A is more expensive than the average motherboard (£240 vs £160).£240 vs £160
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
684 Reviews
amazon
4.4
359 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
710 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS Prime Z490 A?

  • Clean and user-friendly BIOS interface
  • Solid 12+2 DrMOS power stage design for stable performance
  • Aesthetic white/silver design preferred for professional or themed builds
  • Integrated I/O shield makes installation easier
  • Good connectivity options including 2.5G LAN and USB 3.2 Gen 2
  • Effective VRM cooling with large, well-spaced heatsinks
  • Includes a dedicated M.2 slot for adding a Wi-Fi module

What customers dislike about ASUS Prime Z490 A?

  • Known driver issues with the Intel I225-V 2.5G Ethernet controller
  • Secondary M.2 slot lacks an included heatsink
  • Higher price point compared to competitors with similar features
  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth out of the box
  • Limited RGB lighting may feel 'bland' to some gamers
  • Monitoring functionality can be inconsistent during heavy overclocking
  • PCIe 4.0 support is limited and requires an 11th Gen CPU to activate

Video reviews

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