Asus PRIME-X299-A-II Intel Motherboard

Overview
Make your memory go faster
The X299 platform delivers ample bandwidth on multiple fronts. Its quad-channel memory controller supports up to 256 GB of DDR4 memory across eight slots. With optimized trace layout, the Prime X299-A II can hit memory speeds up to DDR4 4266 MHz or beyond.

Multi-GPU support
Fully loaded takes on a new meaning when you have over 44 PCI Express lanes stemming from the CPU. Those lanes can be split in an x16/x16/x8 configuration spanning the board's trio of PCIe x16 slots, allowing you to load up on GPUs to accelerate an increasingly diverse array of work.

M.2
Achieve speed with onboard M.2
Professional applications require fast solid-state storage, which is why the Prime X299-A II is equipped with three M.2 slots that are compatible with the latest NVMe SSDs. All slots support longer 110 mm drives, and they can be configured into bootable RAID arrays connected directly to the CPU via Intel VROC technology.

VROC
Upgrade your RAID
Use onboard M.2 slots and ASUS Hyper M.2 x16 Card V2* to take advantage of Intel's Virtual RAID on CPU (VROC)** by connecting the three M.2 drives in RAID configurations. With VROC, your RAID arrays are easily configured to be bootable, and traditional DMI bottlenecks are eliminated so that your storage is not held back by other traffic.

 
USB 3.2 Gen 2 front-panel connector
Future-proof connectivity
Plenty of USB ports are provided to support high-end rigs loaded with peripherals, including a front-panel header with faster USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity for compatible cases.

Intel Ethernet
More throughput, less CPU usage and great gaming experiences
The latest Intel I219-V Ethernet has the advantage of reducing CPU overhead and offering exceptionally high TCP and UDP throughput for faster, smoother data transfer.

LANGuard
Pumped-up throughput. 2.5X higher surge tolerance.
ASUS LANGuard is a hardware-level networking protection that employs signal-coupling technology and premium anti-EMI surface-mounted capacitors to ensure a more reliable connection and better throughput.

Turbo LAN
Network-optimization software for customizable packet prioritization
Turbo LAN with cFosSpeed traffic-shaping technology allows you to configure application priority via an intuitive interface and reduces network lag.

Cool to the core
Effective cooling is extremely important, even at stock speeds. That is why the Prime X299-A II allows consolidated cooling control of the entire system, even for the most hardcore rigs. It comes equipped with onboard heatsinks, an array of fan headers, and options for water pump or AIO headers.

M.2 Heatsinks
Two M.2 slots are covered by heatsinks to combat temperature-induced throttling that can affect performance during heavy, sustained storage loads.

Backplate
A reinforced backplate improves the stability of the board, and the included thermal pad efficiently directs heat away from the VRM and other components.

Cooler by design
Prime X299-A II features the most comprehensive cooling controls ever, configurable via FanXpert 4 or the UEFI BIOS.

Multiple temperature sources
Each header can dynamically reference three thermal sensors, and via Fan Xpert 4 you can even map the temperature of supported ASUS graphics cards to optimize cooling for GPU- and CPU-intensive tasks.

Dual pump headers
A dedicated header that supplies over 3A for high-performance PWM or DC water pumps, plus a second dedicated header for AIOs.

Smart protection
A dedicated integrated circuit that protects each fan header from overheating and overcurrent.

4-pin PWM/DC fan
Each onboard header supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.

Tune it your way
Comprehensive controls form the foundation of the ASUS Prime series. The Prime X299-A II packs flexible tools to tune every aspect of your system to deliver the performance that you desire.

AI Overclocking
ASUS AI Overclocking makes automatic tuning faster and smarter than ever before. Available in Windows or directly through the UEFI, it profiles the CPU and cooling to predict the optimal configuration for each individual system.

5-way Optimization
One click takes care of all that complex tuning. ASUS 5-Way Optimization makes your PC smart. It dynamically optimizes essential aspects of the system, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailored for your rig.

CPU performance boost
The Turbo Processing Unit (TPU) is the intelligence behind our automated system-tuning utility, offering the ability to fine-tune voltages, monitor system stats, and adjust overclock parameters for optimal performance.

All-around energy efficiency
With the Energy Processing Unit (EPU), you'll enjoy system-wide power savings. The EPU automatically optimizes power consumption and maximizes savings with the Away mode.

Flexible cooling controls for air or liquid
With Prime X299-A II, you have comprehensive control over fans via FanXpert 4 or UEFI. Whether you are 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 quiet as a whisper when performing light tasks.

Precise digital power control
The Digi+ voltage-regulator module (VRM) delivers real-time control over voltage drop, switching frequency and power-efficiency settings, allowing you to fine-tune CPU voltage regulation for ultimate stability and performance.

Optimize per-core performance for every app
The latest X-series processors from Intel feature per-core tuning, and the ASUS Turbo Core app makes use of this feature by enabling you to assign applications to specific processor cores, allowing you to prioritize compute power where it's needed the most.

UEFI BIOS
The renowned UEFI BIOS provides everything you need to configure, tweak, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for newcomers to PC DIY, as well as comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.

Advanced tuning for serious tweaker
When you're ready for a deeper dive into the configuration of your system, delve into the UEFI's Advanced mode and take complete control. Each section is intuitively organized, and a built-in search feature makes it easy to find the options you need. Advanced functions are coded with the intelligence to adapt to your settings, and when you're ready to take charge, parameters have the granularity to dial in performance just the way you want.

Prediction
AI Overclocking monitors system vitals such as temperature, fan speed, and power draw to estimate overclocking performance.

AI Overclocking Guide
The AI Overclocking Guide allows you to enable AI Overclocking or to view a quick guide.

Search Function
Quickly and easily find the option or setting that you're looking for.

ASUS User Profile
Port configuration settings between different BIOS versions or share them with friends.

Breeze setup with ease
Designed to simplify setup, EZ mode presents all the vital settings and stats on one single page. With guided wizards, drag-and-drop functionality, and one-click application of important settings, your rig will be up and running in no time.

AI Overclocking
Enable AI Overclocking intelligence via shortcut

Intuitive Graphical Fan Control
Fine-tune individual fans simply by dragging a curve with the mouse.

EZ XMP
Improve DRAM performance with one click.

Aura On/Off mode (Stealth)
Easily enable or disable Aura RGB lighting or every onboard LED, for a subdued aesthetic touch.

Little things make a big difference
We pay careful attention to all the little details that improve your overall experience, from integrating a flashing utility directly into the UEFI to simplifying firmware updates or displaying your system vital signs. Prime X299-A II provides the tools you need to personalize your build and stay on top of things.

Pre-mounted I/O Shield
Set up without slip-ups
Form meets function in the pre-mounted I/O shield that we pioneered with the ROG series. Now available on Prime X299-A II, this feature streamlines the installation process for budding builders and savvy enthusiasts alike.

FlexKey
A multi-purpose button
The FlexKey maps the rarely used Reset button on the front-panel of your chassis to a different function. Instead of leaving the button set to a dated function, you can reassign it to change performance profiles, boot directly into the UEFI, toggle Aura Sync lighting, and much more.

BIOS FlashBack™
Update your BIOS without CPU and DRAM
The Prime X299-A II supports USB BIOS FlashBack™, which can perform low-level firmware updates using only a power supply and a USB stick with the required file.

ASUS Node
A header to keep ahead
ASUS Node is a proprietary bi-directional interface that allows ASUS motherboards to communicate with other system components, opening up a wealth of new options for system builders.​

Realtek codec and unique design features for pristine, powerful audio
 
Prime X299-A II utilizes a unique audio codec designed in close collaboration with Realtek — the Realtek S1220A. It also features an unprecedented 120dB signal-to-noise ratio for the stereo line-out and a 113dB SNR for the line-in, providing pristine audio quality. Additionally, a new impedance-sensing circuit automatically adjusts the gain to ensure optimal volume range for your headphones.

Flawless audio that immerses you in the game
Power pre-regulator
Reduces power-input noise to ensure consistent performance.
 
Audio shielding
Separates analog/digital signal domains, significantly reducing multi-lateral interference.
 
Separate layer for left and right tracks
Ensures minimal crosstalk between audio paths.
 
Integrated amplifier
Capable of driving high-impedance headphones, without rolling-off high or low frequencies.
 
De-pop circuit
Reduces start-up popping noise to all audio outputs.
 
Premium Japanese audio
Premium parts provide an immersive sound signature, with exceptional fidelity.

Aura Sync
Outshine the competition
A well-tuned enthusiast system deserves a matching aesthetic. ASUS Aura offers full RGB lighting control with a variety of functional presets for the built-in RGB LEDs and they can all be synced with an ever-growing portfolio of Aura-capable ASUS hardware. The board has dual headers for standard 4-pin RGB strips*, plus two more for the new Addressable Gen 2 RGB strips** and devices.

Addressable Gen 2 RGB header
Prime X299-A II has an addressable Gen 2 RGB header, which is now capable of detecting the number of LEDs on second-gen addressable RGB devices, allowing the software to automatically tailor lighting effects to specific devices. The new headers also offer backward-compatibility with existing Aura RGB gear.

Armoury Crate
Armoury Crate is a new software utility designed to give you centralized control of supported products. From a single intuitive interface, Armoury Crate allows you to easily customize RGB lighting and effects for every compatible device in your arsenal. The software also provides control of settings for ASUS products, including keyboard and mouse preferences. Armoury Crate even features dedicated product registration and highlight to help you stay in touch with the ASUS community.

Intel Optane memory ready
Intel Optane™ is a revolutionary non-volatile memory technology supported by Prime X299-A II. Intel Optane memory modules accelerate attached storage to reduce boot and load times, so everything feels faster and more responsive.

Intel X299 chipset
The Intel X299 chipset supports LGA 2066-socket Intel Core X-Series Processors. It provides improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. Additionally, X299 provides a maximum 10 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 8 SATA 6 Gbps ports and up to 32 Gbps M.2 support for faster data retrieval.

Intel® Core™ X-series processors for LGA 2066 socket
Intel Core X-series processors (6-core and above): 4-channel (8-DIMM), over 44 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes.

Features

Intel LGA 2066 socket: Ready for the latest Intel® Core™ X-series processors
AI Overclocking: Quickly optimizes your CPU performance based on the CPU and cooler, achieving results that are extremely close to manual tuning by experts
Robust power design: 12 IR3555 power stages, ProCool II connectors, alloy chokes and ultra-durable capacitors for stable power delivery
M.2 heatsink: Ultra-efficient heatsink reduces M.2 SSD temperatures by up to 20° C for unthrottled transfer speeds and enhanced reliability
Next-gen connectivity: Intel Optane memory ready, Intel® VROC support, dual M.2 support, and USB 3.2 Gen Type-C™

Specifications
 

CPU
Intel® Socket 2066 Core™ X-Series Processors
 

Chipset
Intel® X299
 

Memory
(Intel® Core™ i9 10000 X-Series CPU)
8 x DIMM, Max. 256GB, DDR4 4266(O.C.)/4133(O.C.)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3800(O.C.)/3733(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3333(O.C.)/3300(O.C.)/3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2933/2800/2666/2400/2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
(Intel® Core™ i9 9000/7000 and i7 9000 X-Series CPU)
8 x DIMM, Max. 256GB, DDR4 4266(O.C.)/4133(O.C.)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3800(O.C.)/3733(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.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
 

Multi-GPU Support
Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI® Technology
Supports NVIDIA® 3-Way SLI® Technology
Supports NVIDIA® 2-Way SLI® Technology
Supports AMD Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
 

Expansion Slots
48-Lane CPU-
3 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16, x16/x16, x16/x16/x8)
2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 *1
 

44-Lane CPU-
3 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16, x16/x16, x16/x16/x8)
2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 *1
 

28-Lane CPU-
2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16, x16/x8) *2
2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 *1
1 x M.2 Socket 1 with E key, type 2230 for WIFI/BT devices support PCIE/USB mode*
 

Storage
Intel® X299 Chipset :
1 x M.2 x4 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*3
1 x M.2 x4 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*4
8 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s)*5
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology supports
 

(Intel® Core™ i9 10000 X-Series CPU) :
2 x M.2 x4 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise supports
 

(Intel® Core™ i9 9000/7000 and i7 9000 X-Series CPU) :
1 x M.2 x4 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
Support Raid 0, 1, 5, 10
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology 15 support
Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready *6
 

LAN
Intel® I219V, 1 x Gigabit LAN
ASUS Turbo LAN Utility
ASUS LAN Guard
 

Audio
Realtek® S1220A 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
Power pre-regulator reduces power input noise to ensure consistent performance
Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
Internal audio Amplifier to enhance the highest quality sound for headphone and speakers
 Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
 

Audio Feature :
DTS X®:Ultra
Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
Audio Shielding: Ensures precision analog/digital separation and greatly reduced multi-lateral interference
Dedicated audio PCB layers: Separate layers for left and right channels to guard the quality of the sensitive audio signals
Premium Japanese-made audio capacitors: Provide warm, natural and immersive sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity
Unique de-pop circuit: Reduces start-up popping noise to audio outputs
 

USB Ports
ASMedia® USB 3.2 Gen 2 controller : *1
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector port(s)
 

ASMedia® USB 3.2 Gen 2 controller : *1
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) port(s) (2 at back panel, , Type-A + USB Type-CTM)
 

Intel® X299 Chipset :
8 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s) (4 at back panel, , 4 at mid-board)
 

Intel® X299 Chipset :
6 x USB 2.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, , 4 at mid-board)
 

Special Features
OC Design - ASUS PRO Clock II Technology
 

5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent Processors 5
5-Way Optimization tuning key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ VRM, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo Core App
 

AI Overclocking
ASUS 5X Protection III :
ASUS SafeSlot Core: Fortified PCIe Slot prevents damage
ASUS LANGuard: Protects against LAN surges, lightning strikes and staticelectricity discharges!
ASUS Overvoltage Protection: Worldclass circuitprotecting power design
ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O: 3X corrosion-resistance for greater durability!
ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection - Short circuit damage prevention
ASUS ESD Guards - Enhanced ESD protection
ASUS SafeSlot - Protect your graphics card Investment
 

AURA :
Aura RGB Strip Headers
 Aura Lighting Effects Synchronization with compatible ASUS ROG devices
 Addressable Gen 2 Header
 

ASUS Exclusive Features :
USB BIOS FlashBack™
AI Suite 3
Ai Charger
Onboard Button : Power
ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
Turbo LAN
Armoury Crate
Pre-mounted I/O Shield
ASUS NODE: hardware control interface
BIOS FlashBack™ Button
 

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution :
 Stylish Fanless Design with M.2 Heat-sink solution
 ASUS Fan Xpert 4
 

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
 

Intel® Virtual RAID on CPU (VROC) ready
DIY Friendly Design
ProCool II
SafeSlot
 

Back I/O Ports
1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
2 x USB 2.0 (one port can be switched to USB BIOS FlashBack™)
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
5 x Audio jack(s)
1 x USB BIOS FlashBack™ Button(s)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) ports (Type-A + USB Type-CTM)
 

Internal I/O Ports
1 x AAFP connector
2 x Aura RGB Strip Headers
1 x Addressable Gen 2 header(s)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 front panel TypeC™ connector
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s)
2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
2 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x COM port(s) connector(s)
8 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
1 x M.2_FAN connector
1 x VROC_HW_Key
1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s)
2 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
1 x W_PUMP+ connector
1 x AIO_PUMP connector
1 x Thunderbolt header (5-pin) for ASUS ThunderboltEX series support
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
2 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
1 x System panel(s) (Q-Connector) (Chassis intrusion header is inbuilt)
1 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
1 x Power-on button(s)
1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
1 x Node Connector(s)
1 x CPU_OV jumper
1 x Q-Code
 

Accessories
User's manual
1 x Vertical M.2 bracket set
1 x ASUS Fan Holder
4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
2 x M.2 Screw Package
1 x Supporting DVD
1 x Q-Connector
1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm)
1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED
 

BIOS
128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, SM BIOS 3.1, ACPI 6.1, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, F11 AI OC Guide, F6 Qfan Control, F3 My Favorites, Last Modified log, F9 Search, F12 PrintScreen, F4 AURA ON/OFF and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information
 

Manageability
WfM 2.0, DMI 3.0, WOL by PME, PXE
 

Support Disc
Drivers
ASUS Utilities
EZ Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
 

Operating System
Windows® 10 64-bit
 

Form Factor
ATX Form Factor
12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )