The Intel Z690 Motherboard Overview (DDR4): Over 30+ New Models
by Gavin Bonshor on November 24, 2021 2:00 PM ESTGIGABYTE Z690 UD AX, UD AC & UD (DDR4)
Moving onto GIGABYTE's entry-level Z690 models with support for DDR4 memory, we have three near-identical representatives from its Ultra Durable series (UD). All three GIGABYTE Z690 UD DDR4 based models feature the same black and grey aesthetic, as well as the same core feature set. The only difference between the three comes in the level of wireless CNVi it includes.
- GIGABYTE Z690 UD AX DDR4 = Intel AX201 Wi-Fi 6 CNVi
- GIGABYTE Z690 UD AC DDR4 = Intel Wi-Fi AC 9560 CNVi
- GIGABYTE Z690 UD DDR4 = No CNVi
Other than the wireless networking configuration, all three GIGABYTE Z690 UD models are exactly the same.
Looking at the expansion slot support of all three models, GIGABYTE includes one full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one full-length PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, one full-length PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, with three smaller PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Storage options consist of three M.2 slots, with all three conforming to PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2, while a total of six SATA ports include support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays. The DDR4 versions of the Z690 UD AX, Z690 UD AC, and Z690 UD all come with four memory slots, with support for DDR4-5333, with a combined capacity of up to 128 GB.
As mentioned at the top of the page, the only difference between the three UD models is the level of Wi-Fi CNVi included, although the regular Z690 UD omits any form. Across all three models are one USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C, one USB 3.2 G2 Type-A, four USB 3.2 G1 Type-A, and four USB 2.0 ports. There are three 3.5 mm audio jacks powered by an unspecified Realtek HD audio codec, while GIGABYTE does include a DisplayPort and HDMI video output for users planning on using Intel's integrated graphics. All three models include one Realtek RTL8125 2.5 GbE controller, while a PS/2 combo port for legacy peripherals finishes off the modest rear panels.
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DigitalFreak - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WIFI D4 has a header and BIOS support for a TB4 add-in card. That's probably the best you're going to get on a Z690 DDR4 board.tamilgun - Monday, January 10, 2022 - link
i love intel system ..very good speedy systemhttps://tamilguns.net/
DigitalFreak - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WIFI D4 (DDR4) - " On the memory front, there are four memory slots, with support for DDR5-6400 and a combined capacity of 128 GB."That's what happens when you copy / paste. :-)
meacupla - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
I wonder if mobo makers will bother with DDR4/5 combo mobos this time around.Oxford Guy - Thursday, November 25, 2021 - link
I recall reading here that it's not possible to have an Alder Lake board with support for both RAM types. That is re-affirmed here with this less clear wording:'Intel's Alder Lake and Z690 combined actually offer support for both DDR5 and DDR4 memory. This means that those motherboard vendors either have to build their motherboards for one or the other, so it's Z690 with DDR5 or Z690 with DDR4, and no in-between.'
TheinsanegamerN - Sunday, November 28, 2021 - link
That's no different from skylake with ddr3/4, or phenom with ddr3/2. You can have both slots on one motherboard, but can only use one at a time. So will they make a board with two slots for both?Oxford Guy - Thursday, December 2, 2021 - link
The article here said hybrid boards aren’t going to happen. Intel either doesn’t want them or there is some other reason. That is what I remember reading. It doesn’t appear to be the same situation vis-a-vis one or more previous platforms where hybrid boards were made.stayfrosty - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
The ASRock Z690M Phantom Gaming 4 does not do x8/x8 unfortunately :( If both x16 slots are used they can only do x16/x4And so my search continues for a x8/x8 capable z690 ddr4 board that's actually available to buy in Europe :/
Spoelie - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
It's curious that I can't find anywhere in the MSI documentation any confirmation that the MSI Pro Z690-A WIFI DDR4 actually includes WIFI 6E support rather than 6 -- just looking at the spec sheet would let one suspect it is only supporting 6 (only mentioning 2.4 & 5ghz bands, not 6)timecop1818 - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
Why would anyone give a fuck about Wi-Fi on a desktop board. I'm more angry that Asus decided to remove Intel lan on ddr4 boards in favor of realtek shit. I'm talking about prime/etc series not the gaudy gaymer shit.