ASRock Z690 AQUA BIOS 3.01

Key Features:

- Supports 12th Gen Intel Core Processors (LGA1700)
- 20 Phase SPS Dr.MOS Power Design
- Supports DDR5 6400MHz (OC)
- 2 PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x1
- Graphics Output Options: HDMI, 2 Thunderbolt Type-C
- Realtek ALC1220 7.1 CH HD Audio Codec, ESS SABRE 9218 DAC,
- WIMA Audio Caps, Nahimic Audio
- 8 SATA3
- 1 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4)
- 2 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4 & SATA3)
- 2 Thunderbolt 4/USB4 Type-C
- 2 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Front Type-C
- 2 Rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A
- 8 USB 3.2 Gen1 (4 Rear, 4 Front)
- AQUANTIA / Marvell 10G LAN, Killer E3100 2.5G LAN
- Killer AX1675 802.11ax (WiFi 6E) + Bluetooth
- Status OLED + Polychrome SYNC

ASRock instant flash Method 1:

- Save the BIOS files on a device such as USB disk (FAT32 format), hard disk (FAT32 format) and floppy drive.
- Press [F2] during POST to get into BIOS setup menu.
- Select the Instant Flash utility under [Tool] menu to execute it.
- ASRock Instant Flash will automatically detect all devices and only list those BIOS versions which are suitable for your motherboard.
- Select the suitable BIOS version and flash.

ASRock instant flash Method 2:

- Save the BIOS files on a device such as USB disk (FAT32 format), hard disk (FAT32 format) and floppy drive.
- Press [F6] when you see this (or similar) page.
- Select the suitable BIOS version and flash.

ASRock DOS BIOS Upgrade:

- Create a bootable system USB pen drive.
- Download an updated ASRock BIOS file (WinZip format with .zip file extension) from the web site, unzip the BIOS file and save all files to the drive you created in step 1.
- Boot from the disk you created in step 2.
- At the "A:" prompt, type BIOSfile.exe, then press [Enter]. For example: A:H87Pro~1.exe [Enter] then you will see program is finding model name; after finish please press any key to reboot.
- After system restart, it will auto update BIOS, please DO Not power off during UEFI update.
- After finishing upgrading the BIOS, it shows "Press Enter". Please press “Enter” then reboot.
- After system restart, press [F2] to enter the BIOS setup utility during boot up. In Exit menu, please select "Load Default Settings" and press [Enter] to continue.
- Select "Exit Saving Changes" and press [Enter] to exit the BIOS setup utility.
- Now, system is booting up with new BIOS.

ASRock Windows BIOS Upgrade:

- Download the BIOS package (WinZip format with .zip file extension). And close all programs.
- Unzip and save all files to the same directory of any storage location accessible by the host system. And you should see BIOSfilename.EXE.
- Click BIOSfilename.exe
- It shows a dialog icon to remind that "You need to restart the system before updating BIOS, do you want to restart now". Click "Yes".
- After system restart, it will auto update BIOS. Please DO Not power off during UEFI update.
- After finishing upgrading the BIOS, it shows "Press Enter". Please press “Enter” then reboot.
- After system restart, press [F2] to enter the BIOS setup utility during boot up. In Exit menu, please select "Load Default Settings" and press [Enter] to continue.
- Select "Exit Saving Changes" and press [Enter] to exit the BIOS setup utility.
- Now, system is booting up with new BIOS.

About OS Independent BIOS:

Although installing a newer BIOS version might add new features, update various components, or improve the device’s usability, this process is very risky, so the upgrade is recommended to be performed only when it is really needed.

In addition to that, this task should be performed by someone who has the knowledge to successfully complete the installation; regular users may fulfill it at their own risk.

When it comes to applying a new version without taking into account the computer’s operating system, the most commonly used method to flash the BIOS is by creating a bootable USB or CD containing the update file, and running it from DOS.

Still, regardless of the method used or whether the upgrade is performed by a regular or power user, it’s recommended that the new BIOS be applied in a steady power environment such as the one ensured by a UPS unit.

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a very important software that loads the currently installed OS, and tests all of the system’s hardware components – so make sure you flash it correctly.

Bear in mind that failing to perform a successful installation could seriously damage your device, and the faulty BIOS resulted from the process might even render it unusable.

So, if this release includes useful changes, hit the download button, get the package, and update your BIOS version. Otherwise, check with our website as often as possible, so that you don’t miss the release that you need.

  It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available.

Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver. This will help if you installed an incorrect or mismatched driver. Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer.