ASUS Z490 ROG MAXIMUS XII APEX Motherboard

PERFORMANCE PUSHED TO THE APEX

Introducing the ASUS Maximus XII APEX, this outstanding motherboard is the premiere overclocking platform for extreme OC enthusiasts looking to unlock the full potential of the latest generation Intel Core processors. Its optimized layout, enhanced power delivery, improved control and striking design combined with a myriad of customization options will appeal to overclockers, gamers, and PC builders alike.

AN ENTHUSIASTS DREAM

The Overclocker’s Tookit with hardware-level controls will aid your overclocking experience. They’re quick and easy time-savers designed to help you break more records.

POWER DELIVERY ENHANCEMENTS

Modern CPU architectures up the ante for motherboard power design by transitioning from deep power saving modes to full load almost instantaneously. Our latest VRM architecture rises to the challenge by utilizing teamed power stages to rapidly swing current, while maintaining exemplary thermal performance.

COMPREHENSIVE COOLING ZONE

Enjoy comprehensive control over fans and water pumps, via either Fan Expert 4 or our UEFI. Whether you're cooling with air or water, Auto-Tuning mode intelligently configures all parameters with a single click. There's also an Extreme Quiet mode, which reduces all fan speeds to below the default minimum — keeping your system whisper-quiet when performing light tasks.

MULTIPLE TEMPERATURE SOURCES

Each header can be set to monitor and react to three user-configurable thermal sensors for workload-based cooling. And all settings can be easily managed by Fan Xpert 4 or UEFI.

EXTREME COOLING FOR AN EXTREME MOTHERBOARD

A comprehensive cooling solution features carefully-designed heatsinks with the perfect balance of surface mass and air flow. With the addition of fan headers, the onboard cooling of Maximus XII Apex has more than enough capacity for specialization, maintaining system stability under any condition.

OPTIMEM III

Boasting proprietary memory trace layout tweaks that improve signal integrity and mitigate noise, ASUS OptiMem III is more compatible with 3600 MHz+ memory kits, allowing them to run at higher frequencies. You can opt to optimize memory for high frequency settings, or low latency settings. Stack Maximus XII Apex with your favorite modules and maximize throughput of the new 10th Generation Intel® Core™ Comet Lake-S processor for applications that demand massive bandwidth.

MAXIMUS COMPATIBILITY

ROG Maximus XII Apex features three M.2 slots wired directly to the Z490 PCH. Two slots support both SATA and PCIe 3.0 x4 modes, and the other slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 for NVMe. Additional Intel® Optane™ memory recognizes, remembers, and speeds up access to most frequently used files, applications, and games for faster, more responsive performance.

OVERCLOCKING INTELLIGENCE

Take care of complex tuning with just one click. ASUS 5-Way Optimization is a system-wide tuning utility that overclocks the processor and tunes fan speeds to ensure the best balance between cooling and acoustics. The automated CPU tuning feature of 5-Way Optimization leverages the same on-board intelligence as AI Overclocking, but goes further by running a Prime95 based stress test to deliver a result that's well-tuned from the beginning.

DISPLAY YOUR OWN CUSTOM LOGO

ROG Maximus XII Extreme motherboards is equipped with LiveDash, a built-in 2” OLED panel that displays useful information and customisable graphics. During the power-on, self-test (POST) phase, OLED shows key progress stats in simple language, using traditional POST codes. Then, during normal operation, the panel shows a choice of CPU frequency, device temperatures, fan speeds or information from the Water-Cooling Zone. You're also able to customise the default OLED GIF, so it'll display your own image or animation.

Specifications

• CPU
  Build in Intel® Socket 1200 for 10th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors
  Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0**
  * Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list
  **Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 support depends on the CPU types.
• Chipset
  Build in Intel® Z490
• Memory
  Intel® 10th Gen Processors
  2 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 4800(O.C.)/4700(O.C)/4600(O.C)/4500(O.C)/4400(O.C)/4266(O.C.)/4133(O.C.)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3333(O.C.)/3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2933(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2133 MHz Memory *
  Dual Channel Memory Architecture
  Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
  * Double Capcity DRAM support depends on the DRAM models
• Multi-GPU Support
  Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way SLI® Technology
  Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology
• Expansion Slots
  Intel® 10th Gen Processors
  2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (Single at x16, dual at x8/x8)
  Intel® Z490 Chipset
  1 x PCIe 3.0 x4
  1 x PCIe 3.0 x1
• Storage
  Intel® Z490 Chipset :
  1 x ROG DIMM.2 Module supports 2 M.2 Socket 3 , with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*1
  1 x M.2_1 socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*2
  6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s)*3
  Support Raid 0, 1, 5
  ASMedia® SATA 6Gb/s controller :
  2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s),
  Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
• LAN
  Intel® I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s)
  Anti-surge LANGuard
• Wireless Data Network
  Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  Wi-Fi Intel® Wi-Fi 6
  Supports channel bandwidth: HT20/HT40/HT80/HT160. Up to 1.73Gbps transfer speed
  2 x 2 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) with MU-MIMO supports dual frequency band 2.4/5GHz
• Bluetooth
  Bluetooth v5.1*
  *BT 5.1 function will be ready in Windows 10 build 19041 or later.
• Audio
  ROG SupremeFX 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC S1220A
  - Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
  - High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording input
  - Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback
  Audio Feature :
  - SupremeFX Shielding™ Technology
  - Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
  Premium Japan-made audio capacitors provides warm, natural, and immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity
• USB Ports
  Rear USB Port ( Total 10 )
  5 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port(s)(4 + Type-A +1 + Type-C)
  5 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s)
  Front USB Port ( Total 8 )
  1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector port(s)
  2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s)
  5 x USB 2.0 port(s)
• ROG Exclusive Features
  Condensation detection
  Clear CMOS button
  ROG CPU-Z
  ROG CloneDrive
  Slow Mode
  Overwolf
  ReTry Button
  Safe Boot Button
  Start Button
  Reset Button
  LN2 Mode
  Extreme Engine Digi+ :
  - Infineon TDA21472 Power Stage
  - MicroFine Alloy Chokes
  - 10K Black Metallic Capacitors
  Mem TweakIt
  ROG Extreme OC kit :
  - OptiMem III
  Double Power :
  - Dual 8 -pin CPU
  ProbeIt
  UEFI BIOS features :
  - O.C. Profile
  - GPU.DIMM Post
  - Tweakers' Paradise
  - ROG SSD Secure Erase
  - Graphic Card Information Preview
  Extreme Tweaker
  ROG Patented Pre-mounted I/O Shield
  ROG Exclusive Software
  - RAMCache III
• Special Features
  ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 3 - SMART DIGI+ Power Control :
  - 5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ VRM, Fan Expert 4, and Turbo App
  AI Overclocking
  Fan Xpert4
  - Fan Xpert 4 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors selection for optimized system cooling control
  - Advanced fan and liquid controls for ultimate cooling and quietness
  ASUS 5X Protection III :
  - ASUS SafeSlot Core: Fortified PCIe Slot prevents damage
  - ASUS LANGuard: Protects against LAN surges, lightning strikes and static-electricity discharges!
  - ASUS Overvoltage Protection: World-class circuit-protecting power design
  SafeDIMM slot
  AURA :
  - Aura Lighting Control
  - Aura RGB Strip Headers
  - Aura Lighting Effects Synchronization with compatible ASUS ROG devices
  - Addressable Gen 2 Header
  ASUS Exclusive Features :
  - USB BIOS FlashBack™
  - MemOK! II
  - AI Suite 3
  - Anti-Surge
  - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
  - ASUS NODE : hardware control interface
  - BIOS FlashBack™ Button
  - Clear CMOS Button
  ASUS Q-Design :
  - ASUS Q-Code
  - ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED, HDD LED)
  - ASUS Q-Slot
  - ASUS Q-DIMM
  - ASUS Q-Connector
  Gaming Aesthetics :
  - AURA-RGB Lighting
  DIY Friendly Design
  - ProCool II
  - SafeSlot
  - Digi+ VRM
  - DRAM Overcurrent Protection
  - Highly Durable components
  - ESD Guards
  Armoury Crate
• Software Features
  ROG Exclusive Software
  - Mem Tweakit
  - RAMCache III
  - ROG CPU-Z
  - Overwolf
  - BullGuard Internet Security (1-year full version)
  ASUS Exclusive Software Features
  Armoury Crate
  - Aura Creator
  - Aura Sync
  AI Suite 3:
  - 5-Way Optimization with AI Overclocking
  TPU
  EPU
  DIGI+ Power contorl
  - EZ update
  - Fan Xpert 4
  - Turbo APP
  - WinRAR
  UEFI BIOS
  - AI Overclocking Guide
  - ASUS EZ DIY
  - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
  - ASUS EZ Flash 3
  -FlexKey
  
• ASUS Special Features
  ROG Extreme OC kit
  - EZ PLUG
  - FlexKey button
  - LN2 Mode
  - Probelt
  - ReTry button
  - Safe boot button
  - Start button
  - Slow Mode
  Extreme Engine Digi+
  - 10K Black Metallic Capacitors
  - Infineon TDA21472 Power Stage
  - MicroFine Alloy Choke
  ASUS Q-Design
  - ASUS Q-Code
  - ASUS Q-Connector
  - ASUS Q-DIMM
  - ASUS Q-LED (CPU [red], DRAM [yellow], VGA [white], Boot Device [yellow green])
  - ASUS Q-Slot
  ASUS Thermal Solution
  - Aluminum M.2 heatsink cover
  ASUS EZ DIY
  - BIOS Flashback™ button
  - Clear CMOS button
  - Procool II
  - Pre-mounted I/O shield
  - SafeSlot
  AURA Sync
  - Standard RGB header(s)
  - Addressable Gen 2 RGB header(s)
  Dual BIOS
  
• Back I/O Ports
  1 x PS/2 keyboard (purple)
  1 x PS/2 mouse (green)
  1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
  4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (red)
  1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (black)Type-C,
  5 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (blue)
  1 x Optical S/PDIF out
  1 x Clear CMOS button(s)
  1 x USB BIOS FlashBack™ Button(s)
  1 x ASUS Wi-Fi GO! module (Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth v5.0
  5 x Gold-plated audio jacks
• Internal I/O Ports
  1 x W_IN header
  1 x W_OUT header
  1 x W_FLOW header
  1 x Node Connector(s)
  2 x Aura Addressable Strip Header(s)
  1 x ReTry jumper
  3 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 5 USB 2.0 port(s)
  1 x S/PDIF out header(s)
  2 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connectors
  1 x 4-pin EZ_PLUG Power connector(s)
  1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
  1 x Clear CMOS button(s)
  1 x LN2 Mode jumper(s)
  1 x Safe Boot button
  1 x ReTry button
  1 x System panel connector
  1 x W_Pump+ Header
  1 x AIO PUMP Header
  1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector
  1 x DIMM.2 Slot supports 2 M.2 drives (2242-22110)
  2 x 4-pin Full Speed Fan connectors
  3 x onboard LED ON/OFF jumper(s)
  1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s)
  1 x Start button
  1 x Q-Code
  1 x RGB Header
  1 x FS Mode switch
• Accessories
  1 x Supporting DVD
  1 x ROG big sticker
  1 x Q-Connector
  1 x M.2 screw kit (long screw and mount)
  2 x M.2 screw kit (short screw and mount)
  1 x Wi-Fi Antenna(s)
  1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm)
  1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED
  User manual
  1 x ROG coaster(s)
  1 x Customizable Name Plate Accessory Pack
  1 x ROG Thank you card
  1 x ROG DIMM.2 with heatsink
  1 x M.2 Pad for ROG DIMM.2
• BIOS
  2 x 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI3.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 3.0, ACPI 6.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 EZ Tuning Wizard, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last Modified log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut functions and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information.
  
• Manageability
  WOL by PME, PXE
  
  
• Operating System
  Windows® 10 64-bit
• Form Factor
  ATX Form Factor
  12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )
• Note
  *1When DIMM.2_1 is operating in SATA Mode, SATA6G_2 will be disabled.
  *2 When DIMM.2_2 is populated, SATA6G_5&6 will be disabled.
  *3 M.2_1 shares bandwidth with PCIe x4 slot, when M.2_1 is populated a x2 device, PCIe x4 slot will running at x1 mode, when M.2_1 is populated a x4 device, PCIe x4 slot will be disabled