Gigabyte Z490 AORUS PRO AX LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard Z490AORUSPROAX

Take your computing experience to the next level with the Gigabyte Z490 AORUS PRO LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard. Designed for gamers, enthusiasts, and content creators, this motherboard is powered by the Intel Z490 chipset and supports 10th generation Intel processors with the LGA 1200 socket. It takes full advantage of the PCIe 3.0 data bandwidth to deliver high performance for tasks such 3D rendering, video editing, and more. Up to 128GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM, reaching 5000 MHz when overclocked, can be installed across four memory slots. The ATX motherboard also features advanced cooling and supports up to two M.2 SSDs and six SATA III storage drives, which can be put into RAID 0, 1, 5, or 10 configuration. Its three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots are designed to support PCIe 4.0 CPUs and can accommodate 2-Way and Quad-GPU NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX configurations to maximize your system’s graphical capabilities for high frame rates, connecting 4K and 8K monitors, and faster video rendering times. Alternatively, the built-in HDMI port allows you to take advantage of integrated CPU graphics. Two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots are available alongside two Thunderbolt 3 headers for compatible expansion cards.

The USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports allow you to transfer data from compatible peripherals at up to 10 Gb/s. Enjoy fast network connections using the 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port and built-in 802.11ax Wi-fi, which can wirelessly transfer data at up to 2.4 Gb/s with compatible devices. The Z490 AORUS PRO also delivers vibrant 7.1-channel surround sound Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec. You can customize your computing experience using the addressable RGB headers to connect light strips, which can be synced with other Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0-compatible peripherals such as mice and keyboards using the desktop software or mobile app. Windows 10 64-bit is required to take advantage of all the motherboard’s features.

VOID SPLIT

Shards of the Void; Borders Disappear Fusing different materials and surface textures with negative space to form a juxtaposition and showcase a stylistic effect where the boundaries between components are not clearly defined. It creates a multi-dimensional design that seemingly cuts through space and time.

1. Intel WiFi 6 802.11ax 2T2R & BT5
2. Onboard Display HDMI
3. Rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C
4. Intel 2.5 GbE LAN
5. Advanced Thermal Design
   • Fins-Array II
   • Direct-Touch Heatpipe II
   • 5 W/mK LAIRD Thermal Conductivity Pad
   • 2X Enlarged M.2 Thermal Guard
6. 2 M.2 Connectors with Thermal Guards
   • NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4
7. AMP-UP Audio
   • ALC1220 Audio
   • Audio Noise Guard
   • High-End Audio Capacitor
   • Audiophile Grade WIMA Capacitors
8. RGB FUSION 2.0
   • Addressable LED Header2
   • RGB LED Header2

1. Direct 12 Phase Digital Power Design with DrMOS
   • PCIe 4.0 Ready Mid-Loss PCB
   • 55A DrMOS
   • Premium Choke and Capacitor
   • 6 Layer PCB
   • 2X Copper PCB
2. Solid Pin Power Connectors
   • 24 Pin ATX Power Connector
   • 8+4 Pin CPU Power Connector
3. Supports 10th Gen. Intel Core Processors
4. Dual Channel DDR4, 4 DIMMs with Ultra Durable Memory Armor
5. Front USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C for Connecting Devices
6. Ultra Durable PCIe Armor
   • Running 1 x16 or 2 x8
   • RGB LED Header2
7. Q-FLASH Onboard Button

ULTIMATE POWER DESIGN

Z490 AORUS PRO AX motherboard uses an 12+1 phases digital CPU power design which includes both digital PWM Controller and DrMOS. These 100% digital controller and additional 8+4 Solid-pin CPU Power Connectors offer incredible precision in delivering power to the motherboard’s most power-hungry and energy-sensitive components, allowing enthusiasts to get the absolute maximum performance from the new Intel 10-core CPU.

Cleaner and more efficient power delivery to the CPU with better thermal performance ensure stability under high CPU frequencies and heavy loading.

• Digital PWM Controller to deliver appropriate voltage to the CPU.
• Direct 12 Phases DrMos without PWM Doublers, each power phase connects directly to the CPU, With capability to handle 660 Amps current in total.
• Tantalum Capacitors Array to improve Transient response and minimize oscillation.
• 8+4 Solid Pin CPU Power Connectors

1. Digital PWM
2. Driver MOSFET
3. Tantalum Capacitor
4. CPU Power Connector

Power Efficiency & Voltage Ripple Graph

Improved Transient Response

By using brand new VRM design and Tantalum Polymer Capacitor Array, Z490 AORUS motherboard transient response and stability is highly improved under overclocking and heavy loading condition.

GIGABYTE’s exclusive 2X Copper PCBs design provides sufficient power trace paths between components to handle greater than normal power loads and to remove heat from the critical CPU power delivery area. This is essential to ensure the motherboard is able to handle the increased power loading that is necessary when overclocking.

UNPARALLELED PERFORMANCE

With the best quality components and GIGABYTE R&D design capability, the Z490 AORUS is a true beast among motherboards.

Support for DDR4 XMP Up to 4800MHz and Beyond

AORUS is offering a tested and proven platform that ensures proper compatibility with profiles up to 4800MHz and beyond. All users need to do to attain this performance boost is to ensure that their memory module is XMP capable and that the XMP function is activated and enabled on their AORUS motherboard.

Shielded Memory Routing

All memory routing is under the PCB inner layer shielded by a large ground layer to protect from external interference.

Memory Layout – Daisy Chain Design

With the optimized daisy-chain routing, the Z490 AORUS motherboard provides a proven speed of up to DDR4-5000+ MHz with high-density Memory module. Optimized daisy-chained routing eliminates the stub effect, pushes the one DIMM per channel in dual channel interleaving mode to hit higher memory frequencies, providing professional gamers a denser and faster system memory experience.

Performance may vary in circumstances. Please refer to the QVL list for detail support information.

Single 32GB Support

The maximum memory capacity on the Z490 motherboard is 128GB. After Intel updated the memory reference code, a single slot can support up to 32GB. Therefore with populated 2 DIMM per channel on both channel, total memory capacity is 128GB, which was only available on High End Desktop (HEDT) platforms. For users who always run out of memory capacity, there is more bandwidth now for memory-intensive application such as rendering and video editing.

1. 2X PCIe 4.0 Slot

   Reinforced PCIe 4.0 x16 or x8/x8 with lower impedance.

2. M.2 PCIe 4.0 Slot

   M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot with lower impedance.

3. PCIe 4.0 Turbo B-Clock

   External clock generator for PCIe 4.0 overclocking.

4. PCIe 4.0 Switches

   Switch PCIe 4.0 x16 into PCIe 4.0 x8/x8.

5. PCIe 4.0 Re-driver

   Boost & strengthen PCIe 4.0 signals to longer lengths.

Triple NVMe M.2 PCIe SSDs in RAID 0 Support

Extreme Performance with Gen3 x4 NVMe PCIe SSDs

Z490 AORUS motherboards offer the industry’s best compatibility in terms of NVMe storage for users who demand high capacity and seek the best performance. AORUS’ unique design can be configured in RAID for record speeds of up to 3551 MB/s (Sequential Read), making AORUS the obvious choice for the ultimate PC.

Triple PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2

AORUS Gaming Motherboards are focused on delivering M.2 technology to enthusiasts who want to maximize their system’s potential.

ADVANCED THERMAL SOLUTION

Unthrottled performance is guaranteed by the enhanced thermal solution that incorporates Fins-Array II, Heatpipe II and Thermal Guards II. The comprehensive solution delivers excellent heat dissipation. The Z490 AORUS PRO AX stays cool on VRMs and M.2 SSD even on full loading, making it most suitable for enthusiasts, overclockers and professional gamers.

1.Direct-Touch Heatpipe II
With an extra large 8mm heatpipe and made from a new manufacturing process that narrows the gap between the heatpipe and heatsink, the new Direct-Touch Heatpipe greatly help transfers heat on the MOSFET.

2.2X M.2 Thermal Guard II
Enlarged double-sided M.2 heatsink prevents high-speed, large capacity PCIe 3.0 SSDs with double side flash from throttling due to overheating.

3.Fins-Array II
Fins-Array II use a new louvered stacked-fins design which not only increases surface area by 300% compared to traditional heatsinks but also improves thermal efficiency with better airflow and heat exchange.

4.LAIRD 5 W/mK Thermal Pad
By using 1.5mm thicker 5 W/mK thermal conductivity pads, it can transfer 4x more heat compared to traditional thermal pads in the same time.
Fins-Array II
Fins-Array II uses brand new louvered stacked fins technology which is usually only used on industrial equipment that need compact heat exchangers. It has a special secondary fins structure that enhances heat transfer performance.

Louver Directed Flow
Heat flow that goes through fins will enter from the leading edge of the louver and is then directed by other louvers or fins. This louver directed flow can greatly improve heat transfer performance. Circulation Zone
Because of pressure difference and flow separation, a circulation zone will be formed between louvered fins. This circulation will cause flow entrain and eject in the vortice form which improves thermal efficiency.

Direct-Touch Heatpipe II

With an extra large 8mm heat pipe and made from a new manufacturing process to narrow the gap between the heat pipe and heatsink, new Direct-Touch Heatpipe II greatly helps transfer heat on MOSFETs.

AORUS M.2 Thermal Guard II

With durability in mind, GIGABYTE provides a thermal solution for M.2 SSD devices. The M.2 Thermal Guard prevents throttling and bottlenecks from high speed M.2 SSDs as it helps to dissipate heat before it becomes an issue.

Thermal Throttling As Temperature Rises

Smart Fan 5

With Smart Fan 5 users can ensure that their gaming PC can maintain its performance while staying cool. Smart Fan 5 allows users to interchange their fan headers to reflect different thermal sensors at different locations on the motherboard. Not only that, with Smart Fan 5 more hybrid fan headers that support both PWM and Voltage mode fans have been introduced to make the motherboard more liquid cooling friendly.

• 8 Fan / Water Pump Connectors
• 7 Temperature Sensors
• 2 External Temperature Sensors
• All Hybrid Fan Headers
• Interoperable Fans and Sensors
• Supports High Current Fans up to 24W(2A x 12V) with Over-Current Protection
• Intuitive UI for Fan Control

Different models have a different number of fan pin headers and temperature sensors. Smart Fan 5 function may vary by model.

Hybrid Fan Pin Headers

Assume complete control over your liquid cooling setup! Smart Fan 5 receives up-to-the-second information on flow-rate and water-temperature through the Hybrid Fan Pin Headers or external thermistor sensorsgiving you absolute mastery over your PC.

• All Hybrid Fan Headers can automatically detect the type of cooling device whether it be fan or pump with different PWM or Voltage mode.

New Smart Fan 5 Software

Choose from different modes, Quiet to Full Speed, to match your system usage preferences. For each fan or pump, you can use the intuitive fan curve to define trigger thresholds and corresponding fan speeds.

Next Generation Connectivity

A high-end product needs to be future-proof so your system stays up-to-date with the latest technology. Z490 AORUS provides all next generation network, storage, and WIFI connectivity to keep you up to speed.

Intel 2.5GbE LAN Onboard

2X Faster than ever

Adoption of 2.5G LAN provide up to 2.5 GbE network connectivity, with at least two times faster transfer speeds compared to general 1GbE networking. It’s perfectly suit for gamers and streamer with ultimate and smooth online experience. It also backward compatible with Multi-Gig(10/100/1000/2500Mbps) RJ-45 ethernet.

New Introduce Intel WiFi 6 802.11ax + BT 5 Module

Intel Wireless solution supports 802.11ax, enables gigabit wireless performance, provides smooth video streaming, better gaming experience, few dropped connections and speeds up to 2.4Gbps. Moreover, Bluetooth 5 provides 4X range over BT 4.2 and with faster transmission.

Benefit of WiFi 6:

1. 5.5X throughput than 802.11ac 1×1
2. 4X better network capacity, no traffic jams especially in those dense area with lots of devices
3. Network efficiency increase for better user experience

AORUS Antenna Supports Dual Band with Better WIFI Signal

• All new antenna supported dual band 802.11ax/ac 2.4GHz & 5GHz.
  better signal strength compared to traditional antenna design
• AORUS Antenna with smart antenna function for the best WIFI signal transmitting
• Multiple angle tilt and magnetic base for the best signal strength direction and location

AUDIO SOLUTION WITH DTS IMMERSIVE SOUND EXPERIENCE

Hi-Res Audio

Hi-Res Audio certified, meaning that the product is capable of reproducing frequencies up to 40kHz or above which ensures user with the best audio quality at all times.

ALC1220-VB Immersive Gaming ViBes

All New Realtek High-End HD Audio Codec

ALC1220 120dB(A) SNR HD Audio with Smart Headphone Amp automatically detects impedance of your head-worn audio device, preventing issues such as low volume and distortion.
With the new VB series audio controller, stream your voice to the world vibrantly with both front/rear microphone SNR up to 110/114dB(A).

DTS :X Ultra

Recreates an authentic, spatially accurate 3D audio experience for gaming over any headphones or speakers. Supports channel-based, scene based and object-based audio. Provides out-of-the-box calibration for a range of headphones and speakers. Provides post-processing enhancements and device level tuning for DTS codecs.

DTS Sound Unbound leverage Microsoft Spatial, enabling the the most believable, 3D audio experience for games. Immersion through DTS Headphone:X means in the sonic landscape, stationary and moving sounds can be heard from above, below or around the listener. Sounds pass around the listener with amazing externalization and accurate localization.

DEFINITIVE AESTHETICS

Multi-Zone Light Show Design

Now offering more LED customizations than ever, users can truly adapt their PC to represent their lifestyle. With full RGB support and a redesigned RGB Fusion 2.0 application, the user has complete control over the LEDs which surround the motherboard.

With an integrated intuitive user interface, the RGB Fusion 2.0 provides you a better solution for customizing the lighting effects across all supported devices. From motherboards, graphics cards to the peripheral products, you can personalize your gaming rig with your own style and show off your build by sharing the profiles. In addition, the new gaming mode makes the lighting effects interactive with selected games to bring you the most immersive gaming experience.

GIGABYTE RGB Fusion APP

Don’t just make your PC shine, make it a work of art that friends will envy. With the GIGABYTE RGB Fusion mobile app users can watch as they control the lighting within their gaming PC. This gives users ease of access as they try and adjust colors and speeds for different modes, all this can be achieved away from the keyboard and monitor of their PC.

ULTRA DURABLE

GIGABYTE is reputable for its product durability and high quality manufacturing process. Needless to say, we use the best components we can find for the Z490 AORUS motherboard and reinforce every slot to make each of them solid and durable.

Ultra Durable PCIe Armor

Industry Leading Ultra Durable PCIe Armor

The innovative one piece stainless steel shielding design from GIGABYTE reinforces the PCIe connectors to provide the extra strength required to support heavy graphics cards.