GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA

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87%
93%
Performance
91%
Thermal Management
88%
Overclocking Stability
92%
Power Delivery
90%
Connectivity (Wi-Fi, LAN)
75%
BIOS and Firmware
89%
Build Quality
94%
Compatibility with Intel 12th/13th Gen
87%
M.2 Slots and Storage Options
85%
Value for Money
80%
Software and Utility Experience
83%
Size and Form Factor
More

Overview

The GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA is a high-performance motherboard designed to support Intel's 12th and 13th generation processors. As part of GIGABYTE’s premium AORUS line, this motherboard offers future-proofing features like DDR5 memory support and PCIe 5.0. It’s engineered to handle demanding gaming and creative workloads, thanks to its robust cooling solutions and solid power delivery. With support for advanced connectivity options, it ensures your system is ready for top-tier performance and speed.

Features & Benefits

This motherboard’s 16+1+2 phase power design ensures stable overclocking for those pushing their systems to the limit. PCIe 5.0 and quad M.2 slots offer blazing fast storage speeds, while Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN ensure seamless networking for both gaming and professional tasks. Thermal management is a highlight, with advanced features like Fins Array II and Thermal Guards III, keeping the system cool during intense workloads. These features combine to deliver exceptional performance for power users.

Best For

The Z690 AORUS ULTRA is ideal for gamers looking to build a high-end PC with Intel’s latest processors, as well as content creators who demand fast storage and reliable connectivity for tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. It also suits PC enthusiasts interested in overclocking and pushing their hardware to extreme limits. If you want to maximize your system’s performance and future-proof it with cutting-edge features, this motherboard is a great choice.

User Feedback

Many users appreciate the Z690 AORUS ULTRA for its powerful thermal management and ability to handle high-end components with ease. The 16+1+2 phase power design is especially praised for its stability during overclocking. However, some users report occasional issues with BIOS updates, though these seem to be isolated. On the plus side, the motherboard’s comprehensive connectivity options and performance make it a top choice for those looking for a future-proof, reliable platform.

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Pros

  • This motherboard offers excellent power delivery, ensuring stable performance even during intense overclocking.
  • The DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support makes it future-proof, especially for high-performance gaming and content creation.
  • Connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN provide fast, reliable networking for demanding tasks.
  • The quad M.2 slots allow for fast storage, making it ideal for users who need quick data access.
  • Thermal management is impressive, with advanced solutions like Fins Array II and Thermal Guards III keeping temperatures low.
  • The 16+1+2 phase power design ensures solid overclocking potential, catering to PC enthusiasts looking for extreme performance.

Cons

  • Some users report occasional BIOS update challenges, which may require troubleshooting for optimal performance.
  • While its advanced features are great for high-end setups, the motherboard may be overkill for casual users.
  • Its size and complexity may not be suitable for compact builds or first-time builders unfamiliar with premium components.
  • The price point may be too high for users not looking to leverage all its advanced features, such as PCIe 5.0 or DDR5.
  • The motherboard’s weight may be considered heavy for those looking for lightweight or portable solutions.
  • While the thermal solutions are good, some users mentioned the system can get noisy under load.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple global platforms and languages, the GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA receives high praise for its performance and advanced features. This assessment reflects authentic feedback, filtering out any spam, bot-driven, or exaggerated reviews. While users highlight strengths such as its robust power delivery and cutting-edge connectivity, some have noted occasional BIOS update challenges. The following ratings showcase key aspects of this motherboard, incorporating both its strengths and user-reported pain points.

Performance
93%
Users praise the exceptional performance of this motherboard, especially for gaming and heavy-duty tasks. The combination of the latest Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPU support, DDR5 memory, and PCIe 5.0 provides a smooth and powerful experience, making it ideal for high-end builds.
A few users have reported that while performance is top-notch, the motherboard can occasionally struggle with fine-tuning for specific configurations. This is mostly an issue with users who are seeking extremely high overclocking capabilities.
Thermal Management
91%
The advanced thermal solutions, including Fins Array II and Thermal Guards III, keep the motherboard cool even during intense gaming sessions. Users often mention the impressive heat dissipation that ensures stability and performance during long hours of use.
However, some users did note that the cooling system may not be sufficient for extreme overclocking without additional external cooling solutions. Those pushing the limits of their system may need extra fans or cooling hardware.
Overclocking Stability
88%
Many buyers are pleased with how stable the motherboard is during overclocking, thanks to its 16+1+2 phase power design. This makes it a great choice for users who are looking to push their hardware for maximum performance.
However, some buyers noted that while stable under most conditions, the overclocking process can be complex for first-time users. A few experienced occasional instability when pushing the system to its absolute limits, requiring some manual adjustments.
Power Delivery
92%
The 16+1+2 power phase design offers reliable and efficient power delivery, which is often highlighted in reviews. Users report that this ensures consistent performance even under load, preventing thermal throttling during demanding tasks.
That said, a small number of users mentioned that power delivery under extreme workloads can still lead to some minor inconsistencies. This issue was particularly noticed by users who combined the motherboard with high-power components and aggressive overclocking settings.
Connectivity (Wi-Fi, LAN)
90%
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN is a significant plus for users who require high-speed internet connections. Many reviewers highlighted how these features enhanced their online gaming and content streaming experience, providing excellent network stability.
However, some users found the Wi-Fi performance to be slightly underwhelming when compared to other premium motherboards. In areas with weaker signals, there were occasional connectivity drops, especially on the 5GHz band.
BIOS and Firmware
75%
25%
When functioning properly, the BIOS offers a clean and intuitive interface, allowing users to easily tweak settings for overclocking and system performance. Many found the options available were more than enough for advanced users.
The main drawback in reviews was related to occasional issues with BIOS updates. Some users reported problems with flashing the BIOS, leading to system instability or even failure to boot after updates, which was frustrating for less experienced users.
Build Quality
89%
The build quality is generally appreciated, with a solid and durable construction. Users felt confident that the motherboard would last long under heavy use, and the premium components gave a sense of reliability and sturdiness.
However, a few users mentioned that the size of the motherboard might be an issue in cramped cases, as it is slightly larger than standard ATX boards. This could lead to fitment issues in smaller PC builds or tight spaces.
Compatibility with Intel 12th/13th Gen
94%
With full support for Intel’s latest 12th and 13th Gen processors, this motherboard ensures users can take advantage of the latest advancements in CPU architecture. Reviewers reported smooth compatibility and optimal performance when pairing it with Intel’s flagship chips.
A few users experienced some initial challenges with BIOS settings when installing the newest processors, but these issues were mostly resolved with subsequent updates. These minor compatibility hiccups are not uncommon with newly released hardware.
M.2 Slots and Storage Options
87%
The motherboard’s four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots offer ample space for high-speed storage, which users find very convenient for both gaming and content creation. Many noted that the fast read and write speeds contribute significantly to system responsiveness.
Some buyers found that while the slots themselves were plentiful, the motherboard could get a bit crowded with high-end storage devices installed, especially when additional cooling is needed for these components. This may limit expansion in some builds.
Value for Money
85%
Considering the performance and feature set, users find the price to be reasonable for what it offers. The support for cutting-edge technologies like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory makes it a strong contender in the high-end motherboard market.
However, some users feel the motherboard’s price point is on the high side compared to alternatives. While the features are impressive, those on a tighter budget may feel that some features could be overkill for their needs.
Software and Utility Experience
80%
20%
The included software suite is functional, offering users the ability to fine-tune settings and manage system performance. Many appreciated the ease of access to key settings for overclocking and fan control.
On the downside, some users mentioned that the software could be more polished. A few reported occasional glitches and crashes when trying to use advanced features, which detracted from an otherwise smooth experience.
Size and Form Factor
83%
The ATX form factor is well-suited for most standard PC builds, and users appreciate the spacious layout that accommodates larger components. The motherboard’s size ensures better airflow and cooling options in most cases.
However, the large size may cause fitment issues in smaller cases. Some users reported that they had to opt for larger chassis to accommodate this board, which could be an inconvenience for those working with more compact setups.

Suitable for:

The GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA is ideal for gamers and content creators looking for high-performance components in their PC builds. With its full support for Intel's 12th and 13th Gen processors, DDR5 memory, and PCIe 5.0, this motherboard offers exceptional performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks. Users seeking to build powerful systems for overclocking will also benefit from its stable 16+1+2 power phase design. Additionally, individuals who require fast storage and top-tier networking options, including Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN, will find this board particularly well-suited to their needs.

Not suitable for:

This motherboard may not be the best choice for those on a budget or users who don’t need the latest and greatest hardware. While it delivers excellent performance, its premium price tag may be overkill for casual users or individuals with simpler computing needs. Moreover, its size and complexity may not be suitable for small form-factor builds or for those without experience in configuring high-end motherboards. Users who are not interested in overclocking or don’t need PCIe 5.0 support might also find this product unnecessarily feature-heavy for their purposes.

Specifications

  • Socket: LGA 1700 socket for compatibility with Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPUs.
  • Chipset: Intel Z690 chipset providing advanced features for high-performance builds.
  • Memory: Supports DDR5 memory up to 6200 MHz for enhanced performance and future-proofing.
  • M.2 Slots: Four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for fast and flexible storage options.
  • PCIe: PCIe 5.0 support for next-gen graphics cards and faster data transfer speeds.
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for faster and more reliable wireless networking.
  • LAN: 2.5GbE LAN port offering high-speed wired networking capabilities.
  • Audio: Hi-Fi audio with ALC4080 and WIMA capacitors for premium sound quality.
  • Thermal Solution: Fins Array II and Thermal Guards III to keep components cool during high performance.
  • Power Phases: 16+1+2 phase power design for stable and efficient overclocking.
  • Form Factor: ATX form factor for easy integration into most PC cases.
  • Dimensions: 13.18 x 10.62 x 3.14 inches (L x W x H) for a standard ATX motherboard size.
  • Weight: Weighs 2.2 pounds for a solid and robust build.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors for high-performance gaming and content creation.
  • Cooling Features: Premium cooling solutions including heat sinks and thermal guards to manage high thermal loads.
  • USB Ports: Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports for fast peripheral connectivity.
  • Storage Expansion: Supports additional storage expansion via PCIe and SATA ports.
  • Display Outputs: Includes HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for integrated graphics support.
  • Software Support: Includes advanced BIOS and software utilities for easy system management and tuning.

FAQ

The GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA is a high-performance motherboard designed for Intel's 12th and 13th Gen CPUs. It supports DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and offers advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN. Additionally, it features a 16+1+2 phase power design for stable overclocking and advanced thermal solutions for optimal performance.

To install this motherboard, begin by placing it into a compatible ATX case, ensuring it aligns with the mounting holes. Install your Intel 12th or 13th Gen CPU into the LGA 1700 socket, followed by the DDR5 memory modules. Then, connect your storage drives, power supply, and peripherals. Refer to the manual for detailed instructions on connecting the power phases and thermal components for optimal performance.

This motherboard supports up to four M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 drives, providing extremely fast storage options. It also has SATA ports for traditional drives if additional storage is needed. The combination of PCIe 5.0 and M.2 slots ensures rapid read/write speeds, making it ideal for gamers and content creators who need fast access to large files.

No, this motherboard is only compatible with Intel's 12th and 13th Gen CPUs, as it uses the LGA 1700 socket. If you have an older Intel processor, you will need a different motherboard that supports the corresponding socket type.

The Z690 AORUS ULTRA features advanced thermal management solutions, including Fins Array II and Thermal Guards III, which efficiently dissipate heat. These features are especially beneficial during intense gaming or overclocking sessions, ensuring stable performance without overheating, which is a common issue with high-power components.

Yes, this motherboard is built with overclocking in mind. The 16+1+2 phase power design offers stable power delivery, allowing you to push your CPU and memory beyond standard speeds. However, ensure you have proper cooling solutions in place, as overclocking generates additional heat.

Yes, it supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which provides faster wireless speeds, better range, and improved reliability, especially in congested networks. This is a major advantage for gamers and content creators who rely on high-speed internet for gaming, streaming, and transferring large files.

Some users report occasional issues with BIOS updates, which can cause instability until updated correctly. Additionally, the motherboard's size may not be suitable for smaller cases, and the price may be considered high if you're not using all of its advanced features like PCIe 5.0 or DDR5 memory.

No, this motherboard is designed for high-end gaming PCs and enthusiasts looking for extreme performance, so it may not be the best choice for budget builds. If you're building a more affordable system, there are other motherboards with similar gaming features at a lower price point.

The GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA excels in connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 support and a 2.5GbE LAN port for high-speed internet access. Whether you're gaming online or transferring large files, this motherboard ensures fast, stable connections, which is especially valuable for gamers and content creators who need reliable performance.