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ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • CPU socket: LGA 1200
  • Chipset: Intel Z490
  • Form factor: ATX

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

7.0

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%

6.8

Technical Score

10.0%

8.4

User score

Very good
6.8

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%

8.0

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.0

Storage

15.0%

7.3

Network

13.0%

5.1

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.8

Expansion

8.0%

8.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.6

Audio

Good
8.4

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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

6.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(152)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(151)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 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

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

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Strix Z490-A Gaming is a high-performance ATX motherboard designed for 10th Gen Intel Core processors, featuring an LGA 1200 socket and a robust 12+2 power stage VRM with ProCool II connectors for stable overclocking. It supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds reaching 4600MHz (OC) and includes dual M.2 slots (one with a dedicated heatsink), Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, and a pre-mounted I/O shield. Key pros include its striking silver-and-white cyberpunk aesthetic, AI-driven overclocking and cooling enhancements, and premium SupremeFX S1220A audio; however, it lacks built-in Wi-Fi and its HDMI port is limited to version 1.4b, capping 4K output at 30Hz.

Technical Specifications of ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming

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%

8.0

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.0

Storage

15.0%

7.3

Network

13.0%

5.1

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.8

Expansion

8.0%

8.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.6

Audio

6.8
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has a technical score of 6.81 points, which is higher than that of 59.4% 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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

6.4

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(152)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(151)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.4
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has a user score of 8.35 points, which is higher than that of 72.3% 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.
6.4
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has a popularity of 6.4 points, which is higher than 66.1% 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%

7.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

7.6
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 57% 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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.
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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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 63.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.3% 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
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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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
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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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
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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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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
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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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
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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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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

6
ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50.3% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming vs the average motherboard

  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x4 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need more mid-bandwidth expansion slots.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.1 vs 0
  • Better audio codec
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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
  • More VRM phases
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.12+2 vs 10
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    What it is: The number of internal USB4 or Thunderbolt headers on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to add high-speed front USB-C or Thunderbolt connections.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.1 vs 0
  • 1 more RGB headers
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    What it is: The number of 4-pin RGB headers available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect more standard RGB lighting devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • More VRM phases
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 1 more fan headers
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more fan headers than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No TPM connector
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 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.
  • Older HDMI version
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • 61 mm wider
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
  • 1 A lower pump header current limit
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 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/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    What it is: The number of 3-pin addressable RGB headers available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect more ARGB lighting devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.1 vs 2
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming 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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.0 vs 1
  • Older HDMI version
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    What it is: The HDMI standard supported by the motherboard video output.
    When it matters: When you plan to use integrated graphics with a monitor or TV.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: 2.1

    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.1.4 vs 2.1
  • 62.5% more expensive
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £160).
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £160).£260 vs £160
  • No TPM connector
    ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
    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 ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
Total
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
152 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
151 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming?

  • Distinctive white and silver cyberpunk-inspired aesthetics suitable for themed builds
  • Robust power delivery (VRM) capable of handling 10th Gen Intel CPUs under overclocking
  • Comprehensive rear I/O connectivity including USB-C and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
  • User-friendly BIOS with intuitive overclocking and tweaking dashboards
  • Includes helpful troubleshooting features like BIOS FlashBack and an integrated I/O shield
  • Solid networking support with Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet for high-speed wired connections

What customers dislike about ASUS ROG Strix Z490 A Gaming?

  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity out of the box
  • The 2.5 Gb Ethernet controller has been reported by some users to have stability or driver issues
  • HDMI output is limited to version 1.4b, supporting 4K at only 30Hz
  • Higher price point compared to entry-level Z490 options without offering significant extra features
  • Some internal connectors, such as the 8+4 pin CPU power, can be difficult to access in tight cases

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