The Intel Z690 Motherboard Overview (DDR5): Over 50+ New Models
by Gavin Bonshor on November 9, 2021 9:00 AM ESTGIGABYTE Z690I Aorus Ultra
Providing options for small form factor users, there is always a large gap between the number of ATX and smaller form factors at any given chipset launch. The GIGABYTE Z690I Aorus Ultra is the smaller sibling of the ATX sized Z690 Ultra, and as such, follows a similar principle in terms of its controller set and aesthetic. Along the right-hand side of the PCB creating an underglow effect is a strip of RGB LEDs, while the board has a black and silver theme with a grey and black patterned PCB. GIGABYTE is also advertising a 10-phase design for the CPU, with the latest 105 A premium power stages.
As this is a mini-ITX sized motherboard, the Aorus Z690I Ultra has just one full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, with dual PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots. For conventional storage, GIGABYTE includes just two SATA ports, with support for RAID 0, and 1 array. Located to the right-hand side of the LGA1700 socket is a pair of memory slots, which can support up to DDR5-6200, with a combined capacity of up to 64 GB.
Looking at rear panel connectivity, GIGABYTE includes one USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C, three USB 3.2 G2 Type-A, two USB 3.2 G1 Type-A, and two USB 2.0 ports. Users looking to use Intel's integrated graphics can do so via one HDMI and one DisplayPort video output pairing, while onboard audio support consists of two 3.5 mm audio jacks powered by a Realtek ALC4080 HD audio codec. Finishing off the rear panel is a single Intel I225-V 2.5 GbE controller and Intel AX201 Wi-Fi 6 CNVi pairing, while GIGABYTE also includes a small Q-Flash BIOS Flashback button.
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Dahak - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Will there be a list of DDR4 only board as well?Ryan Smith - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
Yes, we're also putting together a guide for DDR4 boards.jh20001 - Wednesday, December 1, 2021 - link
Any news on the DDR4 story? Would be nice to know what model is the best for performance/features in the eyes of others.Flunk - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Intel's actually released a compelling new chipset? I'm surprised to see DDR5 and PCIe 5 support, but USB 4 seems to be notably absent, despite there being no reason at all to omit it. Intel is finally one-upping AMD after a few years of playing #2.Exotica - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Thunderbolt4 is usb4 capable…CharonPDX - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Yep, the only thing USB4 adds over "USB 3.2 2x2" is Thunderbolt support. Therefore any Thunderbolt 4 device is automatically USB4. In fact, essentially any board with "Thunderbolt 3" along with USB 3.2 2x2 basically get "USB4" status for free.DigitalFreak - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
USB 3.2 2x2 is 20 Gbps. USB 4 is 40 Gbps.12345 - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
That's why they mentioned TB3. 40Gbps support is also optional for USB4.12345 - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
DP 2.0 is mandatory for USB4 so TB3 support isn't good enough.KarlKastor - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
That is only the name. The question is, with what speed you can run USB devices.