ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 Motherboard User Manual

1. Introduction

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 motherboard is engineered for high-performance gaming systems, featuring a distinctive white and silver aesthetic. It is designed to support powerful 13th Generation Intel Core processors with boosted power delivery and optimized cooling solutions. This motherboard integrates advanced features such as Wi-Fi 6E and PCI Express 5.0, ensuring superfast data transfer speeds and ample storage capabilities. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your motherboard to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Figure 1.1: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 motherboard alongside its retail packaging, showcasing its design and included WiFi antenna.

2. Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the stability and performance of your system. Follow these guidelines for setting up your ASUS ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 motherboard.

2.1. Package Contents

Before beginning installation, verify that all components are present in the box.

Figure 2.1: Contents typically found in the motherboard packaging, including the motherboard, WiFi 6E antenna, manual, ROG sticker sheet, ROG keychain, and SATA cables.

2.2. Key Components Overview

Familiarize yourself with the main components and connectors on the motherboard.

Figure 2.2: An annotated diagram highlighting key features such as the Intel LGA 1700 socket, 16+1 power stages, 4 DIMM DDR4 slots, 4 M.2 slots, and PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot.

• Intel LGA 1700 Socket: Ready for 13th Gen Intel Core processors and 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron Processors.
• Robust Power Solution: Features 16+1 power stages rated for 70A per stage with dual ProCool II power connectors, high-quality alloy chokes, and durable capacitors.
• Ample M.2 Support: Includes one PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot with a heatsink and backplate, and three additional PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with heatsinks for high-speed storage.
• PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot: Provides enhanced durability for heavy graphics cards.

2.3. Connectivity Options

The motherboard offers extensive connectivity for various peripherals and network access.

Figure 2.3: Detailed view of the motherboard's rear I/O panel and internal headers, indicating various USB ports, display outputs, and network connections.

• USB Ports: Includes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (rear I/O and front-panel connector with PD 3.0 up to 30W), USB 3.2 Gen 2, and Gen 1 ports.
• Display Outputs: HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4.
• Networking: On-board WiFi 6E (802.11ax) and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard.
• Audio: 5x Audio Jacks and 1x Optical S/PDIF OUT.
• Storage: 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports.

Figure 2.4: The included WiFi 6E antenna connected to the rear I/O panel, providing enhanced wireless connectivity.

Figure 2.5: Close-up of the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C front-panel connector with PD 3.0 support up to 30W.

3. Operating Your Motherboard

Once installed, the motherboard's features can be configured and optimized through its UEFI BIOS and dedicated software.

3.1. UEFI BIOS

The intuitive UEFI BIOS dashboard allows for comprehensive system configuration, including integrated MemTest86 for memory diagnostics.

Figure 3.1: A view of the UEFI BIOS Utility in Advanced Mode, providing extensive options for system tuning and configuration.

3.2. Intelligent Control Features

ASUS-exclusive AI technologies simplify setup and enhance performance:

• AI Overclocking: Automatically optimizes CPU performance.
• AI Cooling II: Manages system cooling for optimal thermal performance and noise levels.
• AI Networking: Prioritizes network traffic for smoother gaming and streaming.
• Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation: Enhances audio clarity for communication.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and stable operation of your motherboard and connected components.

• Keep it Clean: Regularly clean dust from the motherboard and components using compressed air. Ensure proper airflow within your PC case.
• Driver and BIOS Updates: Periodically check the ASUS support website for the latest drivers and BIOS updates. Updating these can improve system stability, performance, and compatibility.
• Thermal Management: Ensure all heatsinks (VRM, Chipset, M.2) are free from obstructions and making proper contact. The motherboard features optimized VRM thermals with massive heatsinks and high-conductivity thermal pads.
• Cable Management: Proper cable management improves airflow and reduces dust accumulation.

Figure 4.1: Overview of the motherboard's comprehensive cooling design, including integrated I/O & VRM heatsink, AIO Pump Header, 4x M.2 Slots with Heatsinks, Chipset Heatsink, and multiple 4-pin PWM Fan Headers.

5. Troubleshooting

This section provides solutions to common issues you might encounter.

• No Display/Boot:
  • Check all power connections (24-pin ATX, 8-pin CPU, GPU power).
  • Reseat RAM modules. Try one stick at a time in different slots.
  • Use the Q-LED indicators on the motherboard to diagnose boot issues (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT LEDs).
  • If a BIOS update is needed for your CPU, use the BIOS FlashBack button without a CPU or RAM installed.
• System Instability/Crashes:
  • Ensure all drivers are up to date.
  • Check CPU and GPU temperatures.
  • Run memory diagnostics (e.g., MemTest86, integrated into BIOS).
  • Reset BIOS settings to default using the Clear CMOS button.
• Peripheral Not Detected:
  • Try different USB ports.
  • Ensure the device has necessary drivers installed.
  • Check BIOS settings for USB port enablement.
• PCIe Slot Q-Release: This feature simplifies removing graphics cards from the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot. Press the large button near the slot to release the retention clip.

Figure 5.1: The PCIe Slot Q-Release button, designed for easy removal of graphics cards.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official ASUS support channels.

• Official ASUS Support: Visit the ASUS Store or their official website for product registration, driver downloads, FAQs, and contact information for technical assistance.
• Product Registration: Register your product to receive updates and support.
• Extended Protection Plans: Additional protection plans may be available for purchase from authorized retailers.