The Intel Z690 Motherboard Overview (DDR5): Over 50+ New Models
by Gavin Bonshor on November 9, 2021 9:00 AM ESTChoosing The Right Z690 (DDR5) Motherboard
When it comes to selecting one of the 50+ Z690 motherboards with support for the latest DDR5 memory, users are spoilt for choice. Compared with the previous generation, Intel has improved upon a lot of things. The trade-however is that vendors will offering models either with the latest DDR5 memory support or with DDR4 memory, but never both. The DDR4 models offer a more affordable upgrade path, especially if users are upgrading from a system with a kit of DDR4, however as we saw in our review, under specific circumstances, DDR5 offers more performance. A lot of vendors have done one of either two things: offer the same board with either DDR4 or DDR5, or split the lines entirely.
The big improvement with Z690 is the PCIe 4.0 x8 link to the processor. This enables double the bandwidth for connecting hardware, which is a bonus as the chipset now supports PCIe 4.0 connectivity for storage and other add-in cards. Intel has added native USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C support, with vendors now capable of putting up to four of these on any given board. The Z690 chipset now includes a Wi-Fi 6E MAC as well.
Some vendors have opted to include five PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots on its premium models, with the majority opting for three and four depending on the specifications of the PCIe slots. The Z690 chipset allows for up to eight SATA ports natively, and although some premium models do use all of them, the vast majority only include six. Only one model has a U.2 port, which is EVGA's Z690 Dark K|NGP|N edition model.
Regardless of what needs or requirements a user has for a new system, Z690 has the latest and greatest of everything in the motherboard space at the moment. This includes networking, USB connectivity, even Thunderbolt 4 on some models. Below is a list of features with the corresponding model which has said feature. This is to make selecting a new Z690 (with DDR5) easier based on specific features:
| Choosing the Right Z690 Motherboard | |||
| If You Need | Then The Options Are | Size | Price |
| 10 Gigabit Ethernet | ASRock Z690 Aqua | E-ATX | TBC |
| ASRock Z690 Aqua OC | E-ATX | TBC | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme Glacial | E-ATX | $2000 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme | E-ATX | $1100 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula | ATX | $800 | |
| ASUS ProArt Z690 Creator WIFI | ATX | $480 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce | E-ATX | TBC | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme | E-ATX | $900 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Master | ATX | $470 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aero D | ATX | TBC | |
| 4 or more M.2 Slots | ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme Glacial | E-ATX | $2000 |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme | E-ATX | $1100 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula | ATX | $800 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero | ATX | $600 | |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming WIFI | ATX | $400 | |
| ASUS ProArt Z690 Creator WIFI | ATX | $480 | |
| ASUS Prime Z690-A | ATX | $300 | |
| Biostar Z690 Valkyrie | ATX | $600 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce | E-ATX | TBC | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme | E-ATX | $900 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Master | ATX | $470 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Pro | ATX | $330 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Ultra | ATX | $370 | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Ace | ATX | $600 | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Unify | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Unify X | ATX | $500 | |
| MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WIFI | ATX | $400 | |
| MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MPG Z690 Force WIFI | ATX | $390 | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WIFI | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Torpedo EK X | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Torpedo | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI Pro Z690-A WIFI | ATX | $250 | |
| MSI Pro Z690-A | ATX | $230 | |
| 8 or more SATA Ports | ASRock Z690 Aqua | E-ATX | TBC |
| ASRock Z690 Aqua OC | E-ATX | TBC | |
| ASUS ProArt Z690 Creator WIFI | ATX | $480 | |
| Biostar Z690 Valkyrie | ATX | $600 | |
| EVGA Z690 Dark K|NGP|N | ? | TBC | |
| EVGA Z690 Classified | ATX | TBC | |
| 5 or more USB 3.2 G2 Type-A | ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme Glacial | E-ATX | $2000 |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme | E-ATX | $1100 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula | ATX | $800 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex | ATX | $720 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero | ATX | $600 | |
| ASUS ProArt Z690 Creator WIFI | ATX | $480 | |
| Biostar Z690 Valkyrie | ATX | $600 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce | E-ATX | TBC | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme | E-ATX | $900 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Master | ATX | $470 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aero D | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Ace | ATX | $600 | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Unify | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Unify X | ATX | $500 | |
| MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WIFI | ATX | $400 | |
| MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MPG Z690 Force WIFI | ATX | $390 | |
| Thunderbolt 4 | ASRock Z690 Aqua | E-ATX | TBC |
| ASRock Z690 Aqua OC | E-ATX | TBC | |
| ASRock Z690 Taichi | ATX | $590 | |
| ASRock Z690 Taichi Razer Edition | ATX | TBC | |
| ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 | ITX | TBC | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme Glacial | E-ATX | $2000 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme | E-ATX | $1100 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula | ATX | $800 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero | ATX | $600 | |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WIFI | ITX | $440 | |
| ASUS ProArt Z690 Creator WIFI | ATX | $480 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce | E-ATX | TBC | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme | E-ATX | $900 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aero D | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Ace | ATX | $600 | |
| BIOS Flashback Button | ASRock Z690 Aqua | E-ATX | TBC |
| ASRock Z690 Aqua OC | E-ATX | TBC | |
| ASRock Z690 Taichi | ATX | $590 | |
| ASRock Z690 Taichi Razer Edition | ATX | TBC | |
| ASRock Z690 PG Velocita | ATX | $470 | |
| ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4/D5 | ATX | TBC | |
| ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 | ITX | TBC | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme Glacial | E-ATX | $2000 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme | E-ATX | $1100 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex | ATX | $720 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula | ATX | $800 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero | ATX | $600 | |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WIFI | ITX | $440 | |
| ASUS ProArt Z690 Creator WIFI | ATX | $480 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce | E-ATX | TBC | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme | E-ATX | $900 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Master | ATX | $470 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Tachyon | E-ATX | TBC | |
| GIGABYTE Z690I Aorus Ultra | ITX | $290 | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Ace | ATX | $600 | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Unify | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Unify X | ATX | $500 | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WIFI | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Torpedo EK X | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Torpedo | ATX | TBC | |
| MSI Pro Z690-A WIFI | ATX | $250 | |
| MSI Pro Z690-A | ATX | $230 | |
| E-ATX | ASRock Z690 Aqua | E-ATX | TBC |
| ASRock Z690 Aqua OC | E-ATX | TBC | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme Glacial | E-ATX | $2000 | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme | E-ATX | $1100 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce | E-ATX | TBC | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Xtreme | E-ATX | $900 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Tachyon | E-ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Godlike | E-ATX | TBC | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Ace | E-ATX | $600 | |
| Micro-ATX | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WIFI | mATX | TBC |
| Mini-ITX | ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 | ITX | TBC |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WIFI | ITX | $440 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690I Aorus Ultra | ITX | $290 | |
| MSI MEG Z690I Unify | ITX | $400 | |
In previous chipset overviews, we've highlighted the differences in what boards come with which HD audio codec to drive the onboard audio. With the Z690 models, some models still aren't listing which codec they are using, which is disappointing. ASUS is the odd one out as it is using its SupremeFX version of the corresponding Realtek ALC HD audio codecs across its models, whereas GIGABYTE even has its Z690 Aorus Xtreme WaterForce and Xtreme models that are driven by an ESS Sabre DAC as the main source of audio processing power.
Some models are using the latest Realtek 4000 series HD codecs, but at this time, Realtek hasn't officially unveiled the specifications. The only difference between the Realtek ALC4080 and ALC1220 codec is how it connects to the motherboard.
As some models have yet to specify which audio codec it is using (mostly MSI), we will list below what we know so far:
| Z690 (DDR5) Motherboard Audio | |
| Codec | Boards |
| Realtek ALC1220 | Almost Everything, Except The Following |
| Realtek ALC4082 | ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme Glacial |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula | |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Ace | |
| Realtek ALC4080 | ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WIFI | |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F Gaming WIFI | |
| ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WIFI | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Pro | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Ultra | |
| GIGABYTE Z690I Aorus Ultra | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Unify | |
| MSI MEG Z690 Unify X | |
| MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WIFI | |
| MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X | |
| MSI MPG Z690 Force WIFI | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Torpedo EK X | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Torpedo | |
| Realtek ALC897 | ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4/D5 |
| MSI Pro Z690-A WIFI | |
| MSI Pro Z690-A | |
Wi-Fi 6E
One of the main updates to the Z690 chipset is an integrated Wi-Fi 6E MAC, which a lot of vendors have chosen to use. The Wi-Fi 6E CNVi is designed to allow users to use the new 6 GHz Wi-Fi band with non-overlapping channels. This is only available on routers with 6 GHz band capability; otherwise, it's nearly identical to Wi-Fi 6 with the aforementioned benefit to reduce congestion with multiple devices connected to a router. As most models are using Wi-Fi 6E, we thought it would be easier to list what board isn't, whether that be Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 5, or non-inclusive of any form of CNVi.
| Z690 Wi-Fi 6/5 Or No Support | |
| Wireless Interface | Boards |
| Wi-Fi 6E | All except the following |
| Wi-Fi 6 | ASUS Prime Z690-P WIFI |
| Colorful iGame Z690 Ultra D5 | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Pro | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Ultra | |
| GIGABYTE Z690I Aorus Ultra | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Aero G | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 UD AX | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WIFI | |
| Wi-Fi 5 | GIGABYTE Z690 UD AC |
| None | ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4/D5 |
| ASUS Prime Z690-A | |
| ASUS Prime Z690-P | |
| Biostar Z690 Valkyrie? | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X | |
| GIGABYTE Z690 UD | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Torpedo EK X | |
| MSI MAG Z690 Torpedo | |
As we receive updates from vendors with more information, we will endeavor to keep this Z690 overview updated and as often as possible.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
126 Comments
View All Comments
DanNeely - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Good point. I thought Intel was pushing hard for 12vo with the 6xx series, but it seems to be completely MIA.Silver5urfer - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Can I ask why ? What does ATX12VO provide to a consumer ?It doesn't make your mobo cheap, it doesn't make your mobo less complicated, it does not make your system run cooler, it doesn't make ADL consume less power, It doesn't even make any sense.
ATX12VO was created because of that trash policies set by policing state of California about some nonsensical rubbish. Servers and Data centers can get away with modular high density PSUs because of fully standardized set and they also get 3M liquid cooling. This is consumer market and here we have people wishing for backwards in technology.
meacupla - Thursday, November 11, 2021 - link
A lot of people had the same sentiment about EU RoHS restrictions, and yet, it was implemented worldwide.With that attitude, the same can be said about energy star, and 80plus certifications. It adds cost to the product, yet it offers not a thing to the consumer.
Not everything is about you.
We need to do everything we can to cut down power consumption, and ATX12VO standardization across the entire industry is very low hanging fruit.
Stop being so selfish, there's literally only one habitable planet we have right now.
Oxford Guy - Thursday, November 11, 2021 - link
80 Plus offered plenty to consumers. Less power use means quieter PSUs.The knock on 80 Plus was unrealistically easy testing. Despite that, it helped raise the efficiency of PSUs. Along with better efficiency, ripple, holdout time, voltage consistency, and other factors improved — as enthusiasts began to pay more attention to PSU quality.
I don’t doubt that 80 Plus also helped a lot of non-enthusiasts/amateurs by keeping them away from ultra-cheap PSUs that catch fire. Having a high-profile certification that those PSUs can’t reach helped to steer those customers away.
yacoub35 - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
That white metal trim running tight around the molex power connector on the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula must make it an absolutely nightmare to plug/unplug the main power cable to the board.Ranguvar - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Correction:"Previously with 11th gen (Rocket Lake), Intel upheaved it from a PCIe 3.0 x4 uplink on Z490 to a PCIe 3.0 x4 uplink on Z590."
This should say "to a PCIe 3.0 x8 uplink on Z590".
OFelix - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Correct. And whilst we are correcting that sentence - "upheaved" ????This first page really needs to be read by an AnandTech editor.
What's that? They don't any editors? :-(
OFelix - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
"Z490 Motherboard Audio" ... presumably Z690?mode_13h - Friday, November 12, 2021 - link
I caught that, as well. Even the word "upheaved" is itself somewhat noteworthy. Plenty of better alternatives: "upgraded", "widened", "expanded", "increased", "enlarged", etc.GeoffreyA - Saturday, November 13, 2021 - link
While "upheaved" is likely an error, it's not far off from the words of today. Unfortunately, the English language is on a downgrade, and it's just going to get worse and worse. The language's genius is not tuned to the over-economical forms we're finding today; and a lot of it seems to be coming from tech. Upthis, upthat. My favourite, though, is leverage. A big, scary word that companies are fond of, and which escaped its programming, game development roots. Soon, we'll be leveraging the kettle to make tea. How about using?