Comprehensive review of the GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA gaming motherboard with DDR5 support

Description

Key Features of the GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA

Testing the GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA has been an exciting experience, especially given its robust specifications and design tailored toward high-performance gaming and productivity tasks. The Intel LGA 1700 socket compatibility ensures it supports 12th Gen Intel Core processors, which means you’re getting the best of Intel’s latest advancements. Pair that with dual-channel DDR5 memory support, and you have a motherboard that’s future-proofed for demanding workloads.

The 16+1+2 phases VRM design with a 105A power stage and tantalum polymer capacitors really caught my attention. When pushing the CPU during intense gaming or simulations, the power delivery remained stable, ensuring consistent performance. Its thermal design isn’t just there for show either; the fully covered thermal solution with Thermal Guards III and Fins Array II practically eliminates overheating concerns. I found it particularly satisfying seeing the PCIe 5.0 support in action, which opens up unparalleled data transfer speeds for GPUs and storage.

Build Quality and Design

One of the things I immediately noticed is how premium this motherboard feels. The 13.18 x 10.62-inch frame is not only solid, but the layout is extremely user-friendly for PC builders like myself. I didn’t have to fumble around while installing it inside my ATX case. The RGB Fusion 2.0 lighting system added an aesthetic touch to my rig without being overbearing, and the ability to sync the lighting with RGB LED strips provided by other devices was a huge bonus.

The Smart Fan 6 technology, which includes multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers, was shockingly intuitive. I could fine-tune the cooling setup effortlessly, and the system dynamically adjusted based on workloads. If you’re someone who hates noisy fans as much as I do, you’ll appreciate this feature.

Key Benefits

• Future-proof DDR5 support for high-speed memory upgrades.
• WiFi 6 compatibility ensures seamless and fast wireless connectivity.
• Quad M.2 slots are perfect for those who need fast storage options, especially for gaming or editing workflows.
• The inclusion of Q-Flash Plus allowed me to update the BIOS without needing to install a CPU or GPU—a serious time saver.

Audio Performance and Networking

The Hi-Fi audio system featuring ALC4080 and WIMA audio capacitors was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t expect much from onboard audio, but the sound quality, whether for games or music, was crisp and immersive. For competitive gaming, where directional sound is crucial, the clarity made a noticeable difference for me.

On the networking side, the inclusion of 2.5GbE LAN and WiFi 6 (802.11ax) ensured I had zero lag during online sessions. I tested the connection with heavy downloads running in the background, and the speeds remained consistent. The dual connectivity options make it versatile for both wired and wireless setups.

Areas of Concern

While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using this motherboard, there are some shortcomings worth mentioning for potential buyers:

• No backward compatibility with older DDR4 memory, which might be an issue if you’re upgrading an older system.
• The BIOS interface, while functional, could be more intuitive for beginners.
• The price point is on the higher side, especially if you’re not planning to utilize all its advanced features.

Competitive Options

When comparing the GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA to other high-end motherboards like the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E or the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi, there are noticeable differences. The ASUS board offers slightly better overclocking support, while MSI excels in user-friendly BIOS and software. However, the GIGABYTE model edges out competitors when it comes to thermal performance, M.2 configuration options, and audio quality.

For anyone who prioritizes connectivity and future-proof technology like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, this product stands out. That said, ASUS might be a better fit if you’re focused solely on squeezing every bit of performance out of your CPU.

Price to Quality Ratio

The GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS ULTRA is undoubtedly an investment, but it delivers excellent value for its price. The sheer number of features, from next-gen connectivity to advanced cooling, makes it a solid choice for gaming enthusiasts and professionals alike. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, the combination of performance and build quality makes it worth every penny if you’re serious about your PC setup.

For anyone considering a premium motherboard, this one checks almost all the boxes while offering a unique balance of performance, durability, and aesthetics. Would I recommend it? Definitely, but only if you’re ready to embrace the latest tech and don’t mind the steep entry cost.

Additional information