The Intel Z690 Motherboard Overview (DDR4): Over 30+ New Models
by Gavin Bonshor on November 24, 2021 2:00 PM ESTChoosing The Right Z690 (DDR4) Motherboard
Looking at selecting the right Z690 motherboard, there are 55+ models with support for DDR5 memory, and currently over 30+ with support for DDR4 to choose from. Our testing in our Intel 12th Gen Core i9-12900K review showed clear trade-offs in terms of performance between DDR5 and DDR4 memory at the rated JEDEC speeds for each platform, eg DDR4-3200 vs DDR5-4800. It is clear that DDR5 performs better in certain scenarios than DDR4, but DDR4 memory offers much better value overall at the current pricing levels. That's also only at JEDEC, and users with high speed DDR4 memory kits could use them forward in a new Z690 DDR4 system. That being said, DDR4 is now an ending standard, and DDR5 is the future.
On the offerings, some vendors offer the same model in either DDR5 or DDR4 flavors, making a simple swap in the design. All of the Z690 models a;sp benefit from the same core chipset advancements. This includes a new high-speed 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.
Aside from selecting which memory type to go for, the common theme from vendors is that its DDR5 enabled Z690 models are reserved for its flagship, premium, and mid-range models, whereas the DDR4 variants occupy both the mid-range and entry-level. This makes sense from a value standpoint, as it's likely that someone who might spend upwards of $400 on a Z690 motherboard will also want the latest DDR5 memory.
While lighter on some core fundamental features such as high-end 10 GbE networking and Thunderbolt 4, there are plenty of variables to make a well-informed purchase with. Some of the Z690 DDR4 models include four M.2 slots, some with eight SATA, and even a small handful with more than five USB 3.2 G2 Type-A ports on the rear panel. Whatever the variable, most models include USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C connectivity, either via rear panel or a front panel header, with the vast majority also opting for 2.5 GbE and either Wi-Fi 6 at the very least. Some models have been duplicated by vendors to either include Wi-Fi or not, which offers a small cost saving for those users who are adamant they don't want the wireless connectivity at all.
Regardless of what needs or specific requirements a user has for a new system, Z690 models with DDR4 support might not have top-tier networking, or any models representing a high-end or flagship offering, but there's plenty for users to like. This includes 2.5 GbE networking as pretty much the new normal, solid amounts of rear panel USB connectivity, and up to four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots on some of the pricier models. Below is a list of features with the corresponding model which has said feature. This is to make selecting a new Z690 (with DDR4) easier based on specific features:
Choosing the Right Z690 (DDR4) Motherboard | |||
If You Need | Then The Options Are | Size | Price |
10 or 5 Gigabit Ethernet | No Z690 DDR4 model has this | ||
4 or more M.2 Slots | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WIFI D4 | ATX | $350 |
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WIFI D4 | ATX | $290 | |
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus D4 | ATX | TBC | |
Biostar Z690A Valkyrie | ATX | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 | ATX | $270 | |
GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 | ATX | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Pro DDR4 | ATX | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z690 Aero G DDR4 | ATX | $290 | |
GIGABYTE Z690 Gaming X DDR4 | ATX | $230 | |
MSI MPG Z690 Edge WIFI DDR4 | ATX | $320 | |
8 or more SATA Ports | ASRock Z690 PG Riptide | ATX | TBC |
ASRock Z690 Extreme WIFI 6E | ATX | $290 | |
ASRock Z690 Extreme | ATX | $270 | |
ASRock Z690 Steel Legend WIFI 6E | ATX | TBC | |
ASRock Z690 Steel Legend | ATX | $250 | |
ASRock Z690 Pro RS | ATX | $190 | |
Biostar Z690A Valkyrie | ATX | TBC | |
Biostar Z690GTA | ATX | TBC | |
MSI MPG Z690 Edge WIFI | ATX | $320 | |
5 or more USB 3.2 G2 Type-A | Biostar Z690A Valkyrie | ATX | TBC |
Biostar Z690GTA | ATX | TBC | |
MSI MPG Z690 Edge WIFI | ATX | $320 | |
Thunderbolt 4 | No Z690 DDR4 model has this | ||
BIOS Flashback Button | ASRock Z690 PG Riptide | ATX | TBC |
ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4 DDR4 | ATX | $180 | |
ASRock Z690 Extreme WIFI 6E | ATX | $290 | |
ASRock Z690 Extreme | ATX | $270 | |
ASRock Z690 Steel Legend WIFI 6E | ATX | TBC | |
ASRock Z690 Steel Legend | ATX | $250 | |
ASRock Z690M-ITX/ax | ATX | TBC | |
ASRock Z690 Pro RS | ATX | $190 | |
GIGABYTE Z690I Aorus Ultra DDR4 | ITX | $290 | |
MSI MPG Z690 Edge WIFI | ATX | $320 | |
MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WIFI DDR4 | ATX | $300 | |
MSI Pro Z690-A WIFI DDR4 | ATX | $240 | |
MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4 | ATX | $220 | |
E-ATX | None | ||
Micro-ATX | ASRock Z690M Phantom Gaming 4 | mATX | TBC |
ASUS Prime Z690M Plus D4 | mATX | $190 | |
GIGABYTE Z690M Elite AX DDR4 | mATX | TBC | |
GIGABYTE Z690M Elite DDR4 | mATX | TBC | |
Mini-ITX | ASRock Z690M-ITX/ax | ITX | TBC |
GIGABYTE Z690I Aorus Ultra DDR4 | ITX | $290 |
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 more expensive models. The main theme throughout the Z690 models with DDR4 support is value.
The primary audio HD audio codec of choice for most vendors here is the Realtek ALC897. Some of the more premium models include the Realtek ALC1220 HD audio codec, while just three are using the latest ALC4080 HD audio codec. Realtek hasn't officially unveiled the specifications of the ALC4080, but 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 GIGABYTE and MSI), we will list below what we know so far:
Z690 (DDR4) Motherboard Audio | |
Codec | Boards |
Realtek ALC897 | Almost Everything, Except The Following |
Realtek ALC1220 | ASRock Z690 Extreme WIFI 6E |
ASRock Z690 Extreme | |
ASRock Z690 Steel Legend WIFI 6E | |
ASRock Z690 Steel Legend | |
Biostar Z690A Valkyrie | |
Biostar Z690GTA | |
Realtek ALC4080 | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WIFI D4 |
GIGABYTE Z690I Aorus Ultra DDR4 | |
MSI MPG Z690 Gaming Edge WIFI | |
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 | ASRock Z690 Extreme WIFI 6E |
ASRock Z690 Steel Legend WIFI 6E | |
ASRock Z690M-ITX/ax | |
MSI Pro Z690-A WIFI DDR4 | |
Wi-Fi 6 | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-A Gaming WIFI D4 |
ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus WIFI D4 | |
ASUS Prime Z690-P WIFI D4 | |
Colorful iGame Z690 Ultra DDR4 | |
GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 | |
GIGABYTE Z690M Aorus Elite AX DDR4 | |
GIGABYTE Z690I Aorus Ultra DDR4 | |
GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Pro DDR4 | |
GIGABYTE Z690 Aero G DDR4 | |
GIGABYTE Z690 UD AX DDR4 | |
MSI MPG Z690 Edge WIFI | |
MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WIFI DDR4 | |
Wi-Fi 5 | GIGABYTE Z690 UD AC DDR4 |
None | All except the above |
As we receive updates from vendors with more information, we will endeavor to keep this Z690 overview updated and as often as possible.
42 Comments
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meacupla - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
Those boards are probably still stuck in the Pacific.Mat-mat - Thursday, November 25, 2021 - link
Why not include the Z690 TORPEDO, Z690 ACE, Z690 FORCE, Z690 Taichi, Z690 AORUS XTREME and Z690M DS3H DDR4 (not yet released).By the way, love the fact that the Phantom Gaming 4 boards look no-nonsense in style, while it has DrMOS MOSFETs for VRM power delivery.
PlasticMouse - Thursday, November 25, 2021 - link
Small typo: Previously with 11th gen (Rocket Lake), Intel upheaved it from a PCIe 3.0 x4 uplink on Z490 to a PCIe 3.0 x4 (x8?) uplink on Z590. With Z690, the uplink is now fully-fledged PCIe 4.0 x8 lanes to interconnect things.GarBaGe - Thursday, November 25, 2021 - link
"Intel upheaved it from a PCIe 3.0 x4 uplink on Z490 to a PCIe 3.0 x4 uplink on Z590. With Z690, the uplink is now fully-fledged PCIe 4.0 x8 lanes to interconnect things."This is wrong. Probably just a typo, since the author uses a phrasing which suggests it is a typo.
Z490 has 4 links PCIe 3 from CPU to chipset.
Z590 has 8 links (not 4) PCIe 3 from CPU to chipset
Z690 has 8 links PCIe 4 from CPU to chipset.
My question to Intel: If Z690 is supposed to be your first PCIe 5 platform, why not use PCIe 5 from CPU to chipset instead of PCIe 4?
DazFG - Thursday, November 25, 2021 - link
what listing motherboards with diagnostic panels for overclockers, or how many power phases.cgull.at - Thursday, November 25, 2021 - link
This has been irritating me a bit for a while: "Over 30+ new models"That's redundant. It's like saying "More than more than 30 new models". Pick one or the other. Please?
T2daroy - Thursday, November 25, 2021 - link
I'm considering the MSI MPG Z690 Edge WIFI DDR4. What are your thoughts on this?quantumshadow44 - Thursday, November 25, 2021 - link
}}}While Intel states that it includes an integrated 2.5 GbE MAC/PHY, this is a little nonsensical, as wired ethernet still requires a MAC/PHY as an attached PCIe controller. This means regardless of whether a vendor is using a Gigabit, 2.5 GbE, or even 10 GbE, it connects the exact same way to the PCIe interface.Can someone explain to me why is it "nonsensical"? Thanks.
GreenReaper - Saturday, November 27, 2021 - link
I think the assertion is that the chipset doesn't contain anything to enable this. It's like "you could buy [a motherboard with] a PCIe-based 2.5Gbps Ethernet solution, and it could be from Intel, so we'll list it as a feature".Conversely, for 1Gbps, the Z690 spec sheet lists: "Intel® Integrated 10/100/1000 MAC: Support for the Intel® Ethernet Connection I219-V" - https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/produc...
If you read the datasheet for that it suggests that the I219-V basically turns one of the PCIe links to the PCH ("chipset") into a half-speed Gen1 2.5Gbps connection - but it's not actually the PCIe protocol, it sends Ethernet packets from the I219-V PHY to be handled by the PCH. It also works in SMBus mode at 10Mbps to provide functionality when the machine is a lower-power state.
There is a lot of wake-up functionality which means it has to be able to detect bit patterns, direct-addressed IPv4/6 wakeups, etc, but it relies on chipset features to otherwise process packets.
ScottSoapbox - Saturday, November 27, 2021 - link
"Intel upheaved it from a PCIe 3.0 x4 uplink on Z490 to a PCIe 3.0 x4 uplink on Z590."