The Best Z690 Motherboards

When it comes to communication between computer hardware, there needs to be a passage that connects them while ensuring that the platform does not limit the speed at which the components communicate. Motherboards are the ground on which all the PC components are attached. The release of the 12th Generation Intel processors left space for a new motherboard; thus, manufacturers formed the Z690 chipset, but how would you know that you are about to buy the best Z690 motherboard. You need to consider thousands of things when looking for a motherboard. It should be powerful enough to handle the 12th Gen Intel processor’s blazing speed, DDR5 RAM DIMM slot with no cap, and PCIe interface for the latest generation of GPUs. The release of the RTX 4000 series is just around the corner, and as gamers, you need to be sure that it will work with no limitation to its processing power.

Z690 ones have been introduced recently, so evaluating their components to ensure long-lasting, reliable operation is possible. Robust capacitors, PCB, copper tracing, layout, and connectivity are factors that make up the best z590 motherboard. Gaming puts hardware under stress due to the massive calculations required to make the in-game world possible with realistic physics. The latest generation of CPU and RAM are now overclocking capable, and you need the best motherboard for gaming to squeeze every possible performance from the hardware to get the best fps. Before 12th Gen Intel processors, AMD Ryzen combined with the best B550 motherboard was a budget solution for gamers. If you were looking for higher performance, the best X570 motherboard does the job. However, now team blue has a massive lead over AMD in performance. Currently, there is no better option than the Z690 for gaming performance.

Our top picks

Quick Shopping Tips:

First, let’s set the base level knowledge through the shopping tips mentioned below.

PCIe Slot Version: We always mention the importance of having the latest PCIe slot on your motherboard. It provides better bandwidth for the GPU to utilize. Higher bandwidth will always lower any potential bottleneck that can lead to gaming performance degradation via frame drops. Z490 features the latest PCIe 5.0 slots. The RTX 4000 series is expected to utilize the PCIe 5.0 protocol for performance.

VRM: The voltage regulating module is critical to CPU and RAM overclocking. Even if there is no overclocking, a solid-built VRM will make the motherboard last longer and perform reliability. Typically it’s written as 8+2 means that there are 8VRM modules for CPU overclocking and 2VRM modules for RAM overclocking.

RAM: It plays a vital role in the performance of the PC. A slow and fast RAM can put a difference of 20-30fps in gaming. The latest generation of RAM is DDR5 and Z690 supports it. After compatibility comes to the ability of the motherboard to overclock RAM, not every motherboard can provide enough power for overclocking, so keep an eye on the max spec supported RAM frequency.

Connectivity: Motherboard is the hub for all the peripherals and devices. It should be able to connect to the internet seamlessly for an uninterrupted online gaming experience. There should be enough USB ports with the latest generation to support all the peripheral connections such as a VR Headset, mouse, keyboard, mic, webcam, control consoles, USB headphones, etc.

The Best Z690 Motherboards: First look

The Best Z690 Motherboards: In-depth Review

We thought we should start our list with the mightiest of them all. ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme is a massive EATX motherboard for creators and professionals. It has gained enormous respect in the tech enthusiast community as the best Z690 motherboard. Aesthetically, the motherboard is a treat to watch, its Anime Matrix led, and Aura Sync RGB on the edge of the motherboard makes it ideal for side glass chassis. Users can use the featured 2-inch live dash OLED panel to display PC stats, custom GIFs, and valuable BIOS update stats. It’s an AI-based motherboard that optimizes audio, LAN, CPU, and RAM performance.

Asus has built a masterpiece capable of achieving mind-boggling frequencies with 24+1 voltage regulating modules. The high number of VRMs for the CPU provides stability and low-temperature operation. Its large heatsink with integrated I/O panel and three heatsinks for M.2 drives make it ideal for 24hour operation. The comprehensive connectivity options in this Z690 motherboard include Thunderbolt 4, dual LAN connection, optical audio, USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and an HDMI port. Users can overclock memory modules to 6400MHz+ with this motherboard. The two PCIe x16 ports are Nvidia SLI enabled for video game editors. Its five M.2 slots make it an overall powerhouse for gamers or professionals.

MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is the best one in its class as it comes with superior features. It lies in the upper-mid range motherboard category. It is powerful enough to support the latest 12th Gen Intel Processor. The two 8-pin connectors allow 300W of power to the CPU, which is essential for i9-12900KS, which takes 241W for operation. The balanced features make it the best overall z690 motherboard on our list. Its 18+1+1 VRM design provides a smooth power supply through 75A capable power stages, ensuring that the individual VRM remains cool. The premium 8-layer PCB ensures no signal interference, and performance remains unaffected.

There are five M.2 slots for high-speed data storage, out of which four are PCIe 4.0 supported by the CPU and Z690 lanes, and one is PCIe 3.0 utilizing lanes from the Intel Z690 motherboard chipset. The wireless WiFi-6E and BT5.2 modules are pre-installed in the M.2 slot, which gives the advantage of replacing or upgrading with the latest technology. It features a USB3.2 Gen2x2 20Gbps Type-C for rapid data transfer rates. It has a post-code display which is ideal for hardware matching. As far as RAM is considered, this motherboard can take it to 6666MHz, which is incredible for this price range.

Gigabyte has been known to produce reliable products with high-end features. Gigabyte Z690 AORUS MASTER is a power-packed E-ATX available at a very reasonable price. With the support of LGA1700, it is the best flagship Z690 motherboard. The first thing you will notice right out of the box are the massive and sleek-looking heatsinks. The VRM heatsink is fin-based, the best design for better airflow enhancing heat transfer. Its 19+1+2, 105A power stage VRM needs an advanced cooling system for stability. This item thus delivers the ultimate efficiency that every PC user demands. It comes with a carbon backplate for improved support and 2x copper PCB for uninterrupted signals.

Gaming can be harsh on the CPU to ensure that it is well utilized while gaming and in performance mode. Gigabyte has hybrid core optimization, which works through P-Core and E-Core activation. With comprehensive connectivity and a CMOS/Flash button on the backplate, it is the best Z690 motherboard. It supports an XMP profile ideal for Intel CPUs with a memory module capable of reaching 6400MHz frequency. This motherboard can overclock a native DDR5 RAM providing lower CAS latency at a lower cost. Slots are reinforced with an SMD claw and anti–plate bending for a frequent swap of RAM to improve reliability. The PCIe slots are reinforced to provide secure GPU locking and anti-bending characteristics.

We have always commended Asus for launching the TUF series. They are reasonably priced with features that are no less than any high-end motherboard. ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-PLUS WiFI is no exception to the TUF series reputation. It has the reputation of being stable, reliable, and durable. Essentials have been kept while overkill components are left out, which makes it the best enthusiast Z690 motherboard. Considering the stability and availability of DDR4 RAMs, this motherboard features 5333MHz overclockable four DIMM slots with dual-channel infrastructure and XMP-ready specs. Since most users will be looking to run a single GPU, it features a PCIe 5.0 slot for the latest-gen support.

Gamers tend to play online streams to share with friends and netizens. Connection to the internet needs to be solid; therefore, Asus included the WiFi 6, a reliable Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet, and a TUF LANGuard to protect LAN from any power surges that may come from the LAN port. The ability to cancel noise with AI is a premium feature that every gamer needs on their Intel Z690 motherboard. Thunderbolt 4 header, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, and four M.2 slots provide comprehensive connectivity required for storage and peripherals. The subtle RGB and well-heatsinked components make it aesthetically pleasing and TUF-looking.

Gigabyte Elite series is for gamers looking for minimalist looks and hardware that can provide an exhilarating gaming experience. GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ELITE AX is appropriately optimized to provide high-end gaming performance that is not overkilled for games like CyberPunk 2077 or Fortnite. Online games are becoming popular, and you can quickly achieve 200+FPS with this best budget Z690 motherboard. The motherboard supports a dual display with HDMI and DP ports for super chat and gaming simultaneously without a GPU. 70A power stages with 16+1+2 VRM design are powerful enough for smooth power to the latest Intel 12th Gen CPUs with built-in GPU and RAM.

The package comes with a silver and black aesthetic that easily blends in with any color chassis. It includes a Hi-Res compatible audio chipset, but there are no 7.1 surround sound analog ports. However, you can use an optical cable for 7.1. The detailed connectivity of this board also included WiFi-6, BT 5.2, 17 USB ports, and four M.2 drive slots. One of the M.2 slots uses a CPU lane for connection, and two utilize a z690 motherboard chipset for communication. It allows load management on the CPU and chipset. However, Intel Optane is available for the M.2 slots powered by chipset lanes.

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Formula is a motherboard that will leave your friends admiring your build. Its superior white aesthetics make it the best looking Z690 motherboard. This motherboard looks good, but it is also meant for extreme gaming performance and overclocking. The VRM is cooled in collaboration with EK’s robust liquid cooling solutions. Premium AI-based cooling, networking, noise-cancellation, and overclocking make it ideal for plug-and-play scenarios. The support for PCIe 5.0 on two x16 slots makes it suitable for the latest generation dual configuration GPUs. There is one M.2 slot that is PCIe 5.0 compatible for blazing-fast data transfer.

Asus has kept the power requirement of the latest Intel Gen processors in check by including 2x8-pin connectors. The support for the newest generation of DDR5 RAM makes it ideal for overclocking enthusiasts entering the subsequent-gen memory modules. As a gamer, your audio quality will remain top-notch with the premium SupremeFX audio codec on this Intel z690 motherboard. To improve immersion, RGB lighting on the IO plate and chipset zone further enhances the game immersion. USB ports on this motherboard ensure high-speed connectivity via Thunderbolt 4 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. Overall it’s a user-friendly DIY motherboard with a post-code display and flexes keys for flawless assembly.

If you are searching for luxury in your PC built with 24K gold aesthetics, then MSI MEG Z690 Ace is the correct motherboard. It’s a record-holding motherboard that took the Intels 12 Gen 12900KS to an insane clock speed of 7450MHz; achieving such a milestone requires a powerful 19+1+2 VRM that can overclock the CPU to its utmost potential and as the best DDR5 Z690 motherboard to reach 6666MHz on RAM, which is highest on our list. 105A power stages and titanium chokes provide an uninterrupted power supply, while the massive heatsinks backed by Heatpipe keep them cool. It’s meant for test benches.

This motherboard’s toughness is ensured to reinforce all the PCIe x16 slots and advanced SMT process that welds slots to the 8-layer server-grade PCB. 2oz copper tracing enhances data delivery and reduces heat production, ensuring that it remains the best z690 motherboard for gaming. The aluminum backplate ensures that the motherboard MOSFETs remain excellent for long-lasting operation. The RAMs are not only made fast but are also protected by a backplate that reduces any bending caused by frequent RAM switching. There is also a thermocouple insertion hole at the back of the CPU socket for direct temperature measurement when LN2 is used.

We wanted to end our list with a motherboard ideal for gamers with a mid-range budget but who want an enthusiast-level performance. ASUS ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING looks tough and performs under more demanding situations. Its two 8-pin connectors supply power to the CPU backed by premium alloy chokes and durable capacitors. Due to its all-around PCIe 5.0 support, we labeled it the best gaming Z690 motherboard. Its eight-layered PCB and the copper tracing dissipate the heat properly from the board, and the PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot has a unique combo heatsink that cools the drive even under low airflow.

To ensure that your game immersion remains outstanding, they have featured a high-end ROG SupremeFX audio on this Z690 motherboard for high-fidelity sound quality. The push-button for releasing the PCIe slot is a handy tool for frequent card switching. It includes a post-code display if you are an enthusiast overclocker and looking for which component is not letting your PC post. ROG font on the I/O Zone with RGB compatible with Asus Aura makes it an aesthetic addition to your PC case. The ports on the IO panels include USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (Type-C) and USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C/A) for high-speed peripheral connectivity.

Final Words

Without a doubt, the new PCIe 5.0 technology is way ahead of its time. The massive bandwidth will remain unutilized by most hardware components currently. However, when selecting the best Z690 motherboard, you should consider it in your list of important specs. Faster bandwidth available for communication will provide less bottleneck between hardware, thus avoiding abrupt frame drops. GPUs are currently utilizing PCIe 4.0 protocol for gaming, but there is news on the release of the RTX 4000 series, and it is potentially going to be PCIe 5.0 based. At the end of 2021, information about PCIe 5.0 based M.2 SSD drives were circulating the internet, and now they are available in the market with a hefty price tag. Z690 can support older versions of PCIe, ensuring backward compatibility, but when it comes to DDR RAM, if your motherboard supports DDR5, then you cannot install a DDR4 on it due to the slot difference.

We have featured a motherboard with PCIe 5.0 M.2 and GPU slots with DDR4 RAMs for a more straightforward build. DDR4 is pretty popular and available at a decent price tag. If you want to save some money to buy that AAA game, it is better to go for a DDR4-based motherboard with PCIe 5 slots. Sound in gaming plays a vital role in immersion, and sound engineers put immense effort into making the experience involved. Be sure that your motherboard supports high fidelity sound quality and that the chipset has impedance-based amplification for a better sound experience. Gaming can lead to heat build-up on VRM, CPU, SSD, GPU, and Chipset; this heat must be removed to ensure the components bear no thermal throttling. Motherboards come with massive heatsinks that cover chipset, VRM, and M.2 slots. There should be enough connectivity to support and monitor the cooling system attached to your PC. Overall, a balanced motherboard is better than an overkill motherboard for gamers.

Frequently Asked Questions