The Intel Z690 Motherboard Overview (DDR4): Over 30+ New Models
by Gavin Bonshor on November 24, 2021 2:00 PM ESTMSI Pro Z690-A WIFI & Z690-A (DDR4)
The MSI Pro series of motherboards represent a more modest pathway to the Z690 chipset, with a lower entry-level price, more modest features when compared to the MPG series, but on a similar level to its MAG gaming-focused series. Both the MSI Pro Z690-A WIFI DDR4 and the Pro Z690-A DDR4 share the same aesthetic and core feature set, which includes a primarily black color theme with a professional-looking silver strip going along the rear panel cover. As the Pro series is aimed at professional users and functionality over style, MSI hasn't included integrated RGB LED lighting. The only difference between both models is the WIFI model includes a networking CNVi, while the standard Z690-A does not.
Looking at PCIe support, both models include one full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two full-length PCIe 3.0 slots but MSI hasn't shared the configuration, and a smaller PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. Storage options include three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, with one PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot and six SATA ports, which support RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays. In the top right-hand corner of the board are four memory slots that are capable of supporting up to DDR5-6400, with a maximum combined capacity of 128 GB.
Most of the input and output on the Pro Z690-A WIFI DDR4 and Pro Z690-A DDR4 is the same including one Intel I225-V 2.5 GbE controller, and the WIFI model does include an Intel AX210 Wi-Fi 6E CNVi. The rest includes one USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C, one USB 3.2 G2 Type-A, two USB 3.2 G1 Type-A, and four USB 2.0 ports. For integrated graphics, there's one HDMI 2.1 and one DisplayPort 1.4 video output pairing, while an unspecified HD audio codec controls six 3.5 mm audio jacks. Finishing off the rear panel is a PS/2 combo port for legacy peripherals and a small BIOS Flashback button.
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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.