AI OVERCLOCKING
Tuning is now faster and smarter than ever before. ASUS AI Overclocking profiles the CPU and cooling to predict the optimal configuration and push the system to its limits. Predicted values can be engaged automatically or used as a launching ground for further experimentation.
![AI Overclocking lets you automatically optimize performance.](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/overclocking/aioc.gif)
![](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/overclocking/aioc.jpg)
PCIe 5.0
The top PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot is well-equipped for the increased size and bandwidth of next-gen graphics cards. Zippy storage options abound with four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, all featuring robust heatsinks to maximize performance.
![The Strix Z790-A PCIe 5.0 M.2 and expansion slot layout](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/pcie-5.0.png)
![ROG Strix Z790-A Gaming WiFi](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/power-base.png)
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POWER ARCHITECTURE
16 + 1 power stages rated to 70A each deliver ample current in order to drive 13th and 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors through any workload with ease.
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ALLOY CHOKES AND DURABLE CAPACITORS
High-end chokes and durable capacitors are engineered to resist extreme temperatures, enabling performance that exceeds industry standards.
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DUAL 8-PIN PROCOOL II POWER CONNECTORS
ProCool II connectors are precision-built to ensure flush contact with PSU power lines. A metal sheath improves heat dissipation and lowers electrical impedance.
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SIX-LAYER PCB
A multi-layered printed circuit board design quickly dissipates heat around the voltage regulators to improve overall system stability and provide the CPU with more overclocking headroom.
- DDR5 Domination
- AEMP II
DDR5 DOMINATION
ROG has a long legacy of flexing the fastest memory performance, and DDR5 is no outlier. Thanks to improved signal routing, now enthusiast-grade kits have been driven far beyond the 7 GT/s mark on the Strix Z790-A, and who knows how far future DIMMs can go? Seasoned veterans can test their mettle by tinkering with the extensive array of tuning options in the UEFI.
![The Strix Z790-A lets you overclock memory up to 7800+ MT/s.](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/ddr5.png)
AEMP II
ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile (AEMP) is an exclusive hardware and firmware solution to overclock generic memory modules. AEMP’s second version allows for automatic tuning of kits during system startup and leverages the PCB trace optimizations of the Strix Z790-A to push frequencies higher than ever before. AEMP II can even overclock mixed kits in a quad-DIMM arrangement, and the vast library of support now extends to nearly every DDR5 module that does not otherwise have XMP support.
![AEMP II settings are shown for a kit reaching up to DDR5-7800](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/AEMP-II.jpg)
- VRM
- M.2
- CPU
- Chassis
![Strix Z790-A VRM cooling design layout](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/cooling/vrm.png)
![](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/cooling/vrm-m.png)
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VRM HEATSINKS
Covering the power solution are two thick heatsinks with strategic airflow channels for increased heat dissipation while powering high-performance Intel 13th Gen processors.
![Strix Z790-A M.2 heatink layout](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/cooling/m.2.png)
![](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/cooling/m.2-m.png)
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M.2 BACKPLATE
An integrated backplate helps ensure that high-performance drives can deliver peak performance, even when airflow is restricted.
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M.2 HEATSINKS
Heatsinks cover every slot to help keep onboard NVME SSDs at optimal temperatures for consistent performance and reliability.
![Strix Z790-A](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/cooling/header-pd.png)
![Strix Z790-A fan header locations](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/cooling/header-cpu.png)
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CPU FAN HEADERS
Positioned near the top of the motherboard, a pair of PWM/DC fan headers give easy access for CPU coolers.
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AIO PUMP FAN HEADER
A dedicated PWM/DC header connects self-contained water-cooling setups.
![ROG Strix Z790-A](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/cooling/header-pd.png)
![Strix Z790-A chassis fan header locations](https://dlcdnwebimgs.asus.com/files/media/148160E0-2D0E-444D-8A18-D4F680CA1643/v1/img/performance/cooling/header-chassis.png)
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4-PIN FAN HEADERS
The Strix Z790-A features four chassis fan headers, each supporting auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.