ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming Z490 (WiFi 6)-Brand New

The ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming motherboard is a high-performance, compact motherboard designed for gamers, enthusiasts, and PC builders looking to maximize performance while maintaining a small footprint. Built on the Intel Z490 chipset and designed for Intel’s 10th Gen Core processors, this Mini-ITX motherboard brings the power of a full-sized ATX board into a much smaller form factor. Ideal for small-form-factor (SFF) builds or high-performance compact gaming rigs, it offers all the premium features you’d expect from the Republic of Gamers (ROG) series, including cutting-edge cooling, extensive connectivity, and advanced overclocking support.

Performance and Overclocking Features  

The ASUS ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming is built to handle high-performance computing, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or doing heavy multitasking. Here are its key performance-focused features:

Overclocking Support:

• 8+2 Power Stages: The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) on this board is designed to handle power-hungry Intel Core i9 processors, featuring 8+2 power stages with premium capacitors and ProCool II connectors for a stable power supply during overclocking.
• Memory Overclocking: The Z490-I Gaming supports high-frequency DDR4 RAM (up to 4800 MHz when overclocked), making it ideal for enthusiasts who want to maximize memory performance.
• AI Overclocking: ASUS’ AI Overclocking technology automatically tunes the CPU for maximum performance by analyzing your system’s cooling and power delivery capabilities.
• Advanced Cooling Options: The motherboard comes with a range of cooling options, including a dedicated M.2 heatsink, VRM heatsinks, and ample fan headers (including support for PWM and DC fans). The built-in AI Cooling feature helps automate fan speed adjustments to optimize system temperatures and acoustic performance.

Connectivity and Networking

The ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming offers a robust connectivity suite designed for gamers and content creators who need fast, stable connections for their gaming, streaming, and productivity needs.

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Enjoy the fastest and most reliable wireless connection available with Wi-Fi 6, which offers improved speeds, higher capacity, and better efficiency in crowded networks.
• 2.5Gb Ethernet: The Realtek RTL8125B chipset delivers 2.5Gbps Ethernet for ultra-fast wired networking, which is ideal for lag-free gaming and smooth content creation.
• Bluetooth 5.1: With Bluetooth 5.1 support, you can connect wireless peripherals such as headsets, mice, keyboards, and other devices with excellent range and stability.

USB Ports:

• The motherboard provides a variety of USB ports, including 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C for fast data transfers, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports for a broad range of devices and peripherals.

Storage Options

• 2 x M.2 Slots (NVMe/SATA): With two M.2 slots, the Z490-I Gaming supports ultra-fast NVMe SSDs for primary storage. The first M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds, while the second slot is a combined PCIe 3.0 x2 and SATA interface for additional storage options.
• SATA 6Gb/s Ports: There are four SATA 6Gb/s ports for traditional hard drives or SATA-based SSDs, providing ample storage expansion.

Audio and Sound Quality

The ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming motherboard is designed to deliver exceptional audio quality with its SupremeFX S1220A high-definition audio codec. This board uses premium capacitors and an integrated ESS Sabre DAC to ensure pristine sound quality for immersive gaming and content creation. In addition to the high-end DAC, Sonic Studio III and DTS Sound Unbound provide enhanced audio features like 7.1-channel surround sound and advanced audio customization, making it perfect for audiophiles and competitive gamers.

Aesthetic Design and Customization

• RGB Lighting: The ROG Strix Z490-I Gaming features customizable RGB lighting through Aura Sync, allowing users to personalize their system’s lighting and synchronize it with compatible devices and components.
• Heatsink and Thermal Design: The compact form factor of the Mini-ITX board doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice cooling. The motherboard is equipped with extensive heatsinks for the VRM and M.2 drives, ensuring thermal performance is maintained even under heavy load.

Software Support

ASUS provides a suite of software tools to enhance the user experience:

• AI Suite 3: Provides centralized control over performance, fan settings, and power consumption.
• Armoury Crate: A unified software interface for system control, RGB customization, and more.
• Sonic Studio III: Audio tuning and customization software for fine-tuning your sound experience.
• ROG CPU-Z: Overclocking and system monitoring utility designed for ROG users.