ASUS PRIME Z490-A Motherboard Quick Start Guide
Your guide to installing and setting up your ASUS PRIME Z490-A motherboard.
Motherboard Layout
Familiarize yourself with the motherboard layout, identifying key components such as the CPU socket (LGA1200), DDR4 DIMM slots (A1, A2, B1, B2), PCIe slots (PCIEX16, PCIEX1), M.2 slots, and SATA ports.
Step 1: Install the CPU
Action: Install the CPU.
Description: Open the CPU socket lever. Align the CPU's triangle indicator with the corresponding mark on the socket. Gently place the CPU into the socket. Close the lever to secure the CPU.
Step 2: Install the CPU Fan
Action: Install the CPU fan/cooler.
Description: Apply thermal paste to the CPU if not pre-applied. Mount the CPU cooler's bracket according to its specific instructions. Secure the heatsink onto the CPU and connect the fan cable to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
Step 3: Install Memory Modules
Action: Install memory modules (RAM).
Description: Open the clips on the DIMM slots. Align the notch on the memory module with the key in the slot. Press down firmly on both ends of the module until the clips snap into place. For dual-channel performance, install modules in the recommended slots (e.g., A2 and B2, or A1 and B1 as per manual).
Step 4: Install Storage Devices
Action: Install storage devices (M.2 SSDs and SATA drives).
Description: For M.2 SSDs, insert the drive into the M.2 slot at an angle and secure it with the provided screw. For SATA drives, connect them to the motherboard's SATA ports using SATA data cables, and connect SATA power cables from the power supply.
Step 5: Install Expansion Card(s)
Action: Install expansion cards (e.g., graphics card, sound card).
Description: Remove the appropriate expansion slot cover from the computer case. Open the retention clip on the desired PCIe slot. Align the expansion card with the slot and press down firmly until it is seated and the clip locks.
Step 6: Install System Panel Connectors
Action: Connect system panel connectors from the case to the motherboard.
Description: Connect the small cables from your computer case (e.g., Power SW, Reset SW, HDD LED, Power LED) to the corresponding pins on the motherboard's front panel header. Refer to the motherboard manual for exact pinouts, paying attention to polarity for LEDs.
Step 7: Install ATX Power Connectors
Action: Connect ATX power connectors.
Description: Connect the main 24-pin ATX power connector from the power supply unit (PSU) to the motherboard. Connect the 4-pin or 8-pin CPU power connector to the corresponding socket near the CPU.
Step 8: Connect Input/Output Devices
Action: Connect input/output devices.
Description: Connect your monitor to the motherboard's video output ports (HDMI™ or DisplayPort) or a dedicated graphics card. Connect your keyboard, mouse, speakers, and network cable to the appropriate ports on the rear I/O panel.
Step 9: Power On and Install OS/Drivers
Action: Power on the system and install the operating system and drivers.
Description: Connect the power cord and turn on the computer. Access the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing DEL or F2 during boot) to configure settings or boot from your OS installation media (e.g., USB drive) to install the operating system and necessary drivers.
Important Notices
Australia Statement Notice
From 1 January 2012, updated warranties apply to all ASUS products, consistent with the Australian Consumer Law. For the latest product warranty details, please visit http://www.asus.com/support/. ASUS products come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. For assistance, please call ASUS Customer Service 1300 2787 88 or visit http://www.asus.com/support/.
India E-waste (Management) Rule 2016
This product complies with the "India E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016" and prohibits the use of lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in concentrations exceeding 0.1% by weight in homogenous materials and 0.01% by weight in homogenous materials for cadmium, except for the exemptions listed in Schedule III of the Rule.
Regional Notice for Turkey
AEEE Yönetmeliğine Uygundur.
