With Thunderbolt 4, PCIe® 5.0, and Polymo lighting, the ROG Strix Z890-A delivers lightning-fast data transfers, exceptional connectivity and a customizable aesthetic that can be subtle or bold. This motherboard delivers the power and speed essential for elite gaming and the demands of advanced AI PC applications. ASUS AI INTELLIGENCE ASUS AI ADVISOR Using AI technology to understand natural-language questions or scenario descriptions, ASUS AI Advisor allows users to explore the functionality and advanced features of ASUS motherboards in a simple and straightforward way. * Availability of ASUS AI Advisor may vary by region. AI OVERCLOCKING ASUS AI Overclocking profiles the CPU and cooling to predict the optimal configuration and push the system to its limits. AI COOLING II Balance the thermals and acoustics of any build with a single click. AI NETWORKING II AI Networking II combines intelligent technologies to continuously optimize network performance, provide trustworthy and seamless connectivity, and unleash the full speed of WiFi 7*. *Features may vary by model. Performance OVERCLOCKING NPU BOOST The integrated NPU in Intel® Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) efficiently accelerates AI workflows and NPU Boost lets you do more with it. This BIOS feature overclocks the NPU with just one click, increasing performance by up to 24%. * The overclocking performance may vary depending on the CPU series and motherboard used. ** Testing was conducted with an Intel Arrow Lake QS Q2HA Ultra 9 285K processor, ROG Maximus Z890 Extreme motherboard, GeForce RTX 4090 24GB graphics card, and XPG Lancer DDR5 memory modules (model AX5U6000C4016G). Performance MEMORY DDR5 DOMINATION Enhanced signal routing can push enthusiast-grade kits well beyond the 8 GT/s threshold on the Strix Z890-A. DIMM FIT DIMM Fit is an ASUS-exclusive BIOS feature that precisely analyzes individual memory modules to optimize performance and pinpoint potential issues. AEMP III ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile III (AEMP III) is an advanced firmware feature that empowers users to achieve unparalleled memory performance with cutting-edge CUDIMM memory. DIMM FLEX DIMM Flex provides enthusiasts with a powerful new way to overclock their DDR5 memory modules. Power solution ROG STRIX ULTIMATE POWER DESIGN 16(90A)+1(90A)+2(90A)+2(80A) Power Stages Performance COOLING M.2 BACKPLATE An integrated backplate helps ensure that high-performance drives can deliver peak performance, even when airflow is restricted. M.2 HEATSINKS Heatsinks cover every slot to help keep onboard NVME SSDs at optimal temperatures for consistent performance and reliability. VRM HEATSINK ARRAY Two thick heatsinks covering the power delivery section provide strategic airflow channels for increased heat dissipation while empowering high-performance Intel® Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) CPU FAN HEADERS A dedicated pair of PWM/DC fan headers provides easy access to CPU coolers. AIO PUMP FAN HEADER A dedicated PWM/DC header connects self-contained water-cooling setups. 4-PIN FAN HEADERS The Strix Z890-A features five chassis fan headers, each supporting auto-detection of PWM or DC fans. Leading Connectivity WIFI 7 The revolutionary WiFi 7 is up to 4.8X times faster than standard WiFi 6*, thanks to tech like 320 MHz channels** on the 6GHz band and 4K QAM*. Multi-Link Operation (MLO) provides a more stable WiFi connection and lower latency, unlocking the realms of the unknown in gaming, streaming and industrial IoT. * WiFi 7 features require onboard WiFi chipset, WiFi AP, and WiFi 7-supported operating systems to support the corresponding features. 320 MHz channels in the 6 GHz band may be unavailable in some regions/countries due to regulatory restrictions. ** Specifications vary by model. ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna Dual transceivers support the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands to enable faster throughput, with directional sensitivity to improve signal quality and cover greater distances. Disclaimer: The availability of WiFi 7 160 GHz and 320 GHz varies according to regional regulations. Wireless Signal Reception Improvement Versus previous-generation antenna Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet Onboard Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet gives your wired connection a boost, with speeds that are 2.5 times faster than standard Ethernet connections for speedy file transfers, low-latency gaming, and high-res video streaming. PCIE 5.0 The Strix Z890-A offers end-to-end PCIe 5.0 support, and the topmost x16 expansion slot is protected with a SafeSlot retention bracket to bear