The Intel Z690 Motherboard Overview (DDR5): Over 50+ New Models
by Gavin Bonshor on November 9, 2021 9:00 AM ESTGIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Elite AX & Elite
The Elite series is a part of GIGABYTE's Aorus gaming series and represents the bridge between its mid-range and entry-level models. The GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Elite AX and Z690 Aorus Elite both feature the same core feature set, while the AX model includes an additional Intel Wi-Fi 6 CNVi. Looking at the design, GIGABYTE has gone with a primarily black layout with a dark silver contrasting aesthetic. There is a small element of RGB LED lighting built into the rear panel cover, with a strip creating an underglow effect on the right-hand side of the board.
Dominating the lower section of the board are the PCIe slots, with one full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 and two full-length PCIe 3.0 x4 slots. Sandwiched in between and just above the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot are the board's M.2 slots, with a combined total of four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots. GIGABYTE also includes six SATA ports that support Intel RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays. For memory, there's a total of four memory slots with support for DDR5-6000 and a maximum combined capacity of 128 GB.
The GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Elite AX rear panel with Wi-Fi 6
On the rear panel of the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 model, GIGABYTE includes an Intel AX201 Wi-FI 6 CNVi, while the standard Elite omits this. Everything else is shared across both models including one USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C, two USB 3.2 G2 Type-A, three USB 3.2 G1 Type-A, and four USB 2.0 ports. The integrated audio offers two 3.5 mm audio jacks and S/PDIF optical output, while an HDMI and DisplayPort video output pairing allows users to utilize Intel's integrated graphics. Finishing off the rear panel is an Intel I225-V 2.5 GbE controller.
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Pneumothorax - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
These prices are insane. You need to add $300 tax on top of any ADL build for Z690/DDR5.Gasaraki88 - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
OMG... those mobo prices... wowOxford Guy - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
‘Video cards are insane so why not us?’TeddyBaeeer - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Gigabyte Z690i Aorus Ultra is NOT DDR5. It is ddr4 and your link goes to the ddr4 boardSamus - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Cheapest ITX board is $400-$440. Yikes.Oxford Guy - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
And some have tried to dismiss the apparent fact that inflation is a significant cause. Supply constraint doesn’t explain all of it nor does an increase in sedentary entertainment due to Covid.You’ve got your shrinkflation and your price inflation. Both are occuring.
zodiacsoulmate - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
The MSI Z690 Ace is E-ATX, not ATX.How do I know? i preordered it on the 4th, and newegg is showing availability on Dec 3rd… It is so much better than the HERO at 600 dollar
zodiacsoulmate - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
I thought thunderbolt port support displayport protocol? So will those thinderbolt 4 port without dp input port, output video from integrated GPU?zodiacsoulmate - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
Another error in the article, the ALC4082 should include MSI Z690 AceInjuis - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
The inflation just never stops, does it?