Description
The Prime X299-A II caters to users with serious pursuits: Those who prefer to put their high-core-count processors to more productive use. This high-end desktop board combines cutting-edge performance with our signature features, including an enhanced VRM tailored for running the CPU performance at stock speeds, intuitive cooling control, next-gen connectivity, and extensive customization.
Get the most out of all your cores
Intel®’s high-end desktop platform raises the stakes with updated Intel Core™ X-Series Processors that boast cores, cache, and bandwidth. The Prime X299-A II is ready for the additional processing power that plows through CPU-intensive tasks, and the extra bandwidth allows you to add more GPUs and NVMe SSDs to accelerate a wide range of work.
POWER
Robust Power Design
The LGA 2066 socket is compatible with Intel Core X-Series Processors with up to 18 cores, over 44 PCI Express® lanes, and 165-watt thermal design power (TDP). Those specs require serious power, so the Prime X299-A II is equipped with an enhanced power solution that includes 12 power stages that line up neatly along the top edge of the PCB.
- ProCool II connector
ProCool II connectors ensure a snug and reliable connection to the EPS 12V power lines. The second-generation features upgrades of metal amour and solid pins for better heat dissipation, as well as a warning LED-display with a BIOS POST message to indicate an improper connection. - PowIRstage MOSFETS
Prime X299-A II VRM is comprised of 12 IR3555 PowIRstages®, each rated to handle 60 amps - Microfine Alloy choke
Each PowIRstage is accompanied by a high-permeability alloy-core choke rated to handle 45 amps.
MEMORY
The X299 platform delivers ample bandwidth on multiple fronts. Its quad-channel memory controller supports up to 256GB of DDR4 memory across eight slots. With optimized trace layout, the Prime X299-A II cab 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.
- CPU over 44 Lane 3-Way/ 2-Way
- CPU 28 Lane 2-Way
SafeSlot
Protect your Graphics Card Investment
Each PCI Express slot is bolstered with reinforced walls and a stronger connection to the PCB, which helps it withstand the weight of heavier graphics coolers and protects your investment.
STORAGE
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.
* ASUS Hyper M.2 x16 Card V2 is a separate purchase.
** Additional purchase of Intel VROC hardware key required for RAID 1, 5 or 10.
CONNECTIVITY
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.
HEATSINKS
- 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
- Dual pump headers
- Smart protection
- 4-pin PWM/DC fan
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.
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.
- CPU Potential
A proprietary algorithm evaluates the capabilities of your CPU - Cooling Capability
Onboard intelligence watches system vitals such as temperature, fan speed, and power draw to gauge cooling performance
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.
- An automated tuning utility that optimizes overclocking and cooling profiles for your unique system configuration.
- Fans stay quiet as a whisper for everyday computing, and deliver optimal airflow when the system is crunching through CPU or GPU-intensive tasks.
- All-new stress test that allows users to optimize and overclock for CPU or memory-centric workloads.
- TPU
- EPU
- Fan Xpert4
- Digi+ VRM Control
- Turbo Core App
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.
DIY Friendly
- 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.
AUDIO
Exclusive Codec
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.
DTS:X® Ultra adds a spatial audio feature to boost headphones and speakers for an enhanced gaming, VR, and extended reality experience. DTS:X Ultra supports sound based on channels, scenes, and objects to allow for deeper sonic immersion in enabled content. It also provides post-processing enhancements and device-level tuning for DTS® codecs.
Crystal Sound 3
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.
PERSONALIZATION
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.
* The Aura RGB-strip header supports standard 5050 RGB LED strips with a maximum power rating of 3A (12V). For maximum brightness, strip length should not exceed 3m.
** The addressable RGB header supports WS2812B addressable RGB LED strips (5V/Data/Ground), with a max power rating of 3A (5V) and a max of 60 LEDs.
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
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.
