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ASRock Z690 Aqua Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£1,010Avg. price in US:~$1,400CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:E-ATX

ASRock Z690 Aqua Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

8.6

Overall score

Score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

90%

8.6

Technical Score

10%

8.4

User score

â–²Better than 88% of motherboards
8.6

Technical Score

Technical score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Score components

19%

8.8

Memory

16%

9.3

Platform & Features

16%

8.0

Storage

15%

9.6

Network

13%

6.9

Ports & USB

8%

7.9

Expansion

8%

9.3

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

â–²Better than 87% of motherboards
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User reviews

30%

7.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(205)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(5)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–²Better than 70% of motherboards
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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Verdict

The ASRock Z690 Aqua is a limited-edition flagship E-ATX motherboard featuring an integrated custom-designed liquid cooling monoblock that covers both the CPU and the 20-phase 105A SPS Dr.MOS VRM. It supports 12th Gen Intel Core processors and DDR5 memory up to 6400MHz+(OC), offering advanced connectivity with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, Marvell 10GbE, and Killer 2.5GbE networking alongside Wi-Fi 6E. Main pros include its exceptional thermal performance for extreme overclocking, a built-in informational OLED status display, and premium audio via the ESS Sabre 9218 DAC. However, notable cons include the lack of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot (limited to three PCIe 4.0 slots), its extremely high price point, and the specialized requirement for a custom water-cooling loop.

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASRock Z690 Aqua

Technical Score
Technical score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Score components:

19%

8.8

Memory

16%

9.3

Platform & Features

16%

8.0

Storage

15%

9.6

Network

13%

6.9

Ports & USB

8%

7.9

Expansion

8%

9.3

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

8.6
ASRock Z690 Aqua has a technical score of 8.6 points, which is higher than that of 87.4% of products in this category.
User score
User score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User reviews

30%

7.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(205)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(5)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.4
ASRock Z690 Aqua has a user score of 8.37 points, which is higher than that of 69.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Popularity:
ASRock Z690 Aqua has a popularity score of 7.8 points, which is higher than that of 69.7% of products in this category.
7.8
ASRock Z690 Aqua has a popularity score of 7.8 points, which is higher than that of 69.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components:

60%

8.6

Overall score

40%

5.2

Price

7.6
ASRock Z690 Aqua has a value-for-money score of 7.6 points, which is higher than that of 54.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
Asrock
CPU socket
LGA 1700
CPU socket
LGA 1700
â–² Better than 55% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1700 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.6% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z690
Chipset
Intel Z690
â–² Better than 69% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z690 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 68.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.8% of motherboards.
Form factor
E-ATX
Form factor
E-ATX
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
This motherboard has the E-ATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 92% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.8% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
DDR memory version
DDR5
â–² Better than 64% of models
This motherboard uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.7% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
192 GB
Maximum memory capacity
192 GB
â–² Better than 72% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 10.5% of motherboards.
requires BIOS update for full capacity
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
6,400 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
6,400 MT/s
â–² Better than 73% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 6,400 MT/s, which is higher than that of 72.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.4% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
N. of M.2 sockets
3
â–² Better than 65% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.2% of motherboards and equal to 18.8% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
â–² Better than 67% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 67.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
2
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
2
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.2% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.5% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
runs at x1 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
â–² Better than 63% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 62.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.4% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.2% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
20
Total USB ports (including headers)
20
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 20 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 91.3% of motherboards and equal to 2.9% of motherboards.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
â–² Better than 84% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 84.2% of motherboards and equal to 12.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
4
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
4
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 4 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 95.6% of motherboards and equal to 2.8% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
10 Gbps
LAN speed
10 Gbps
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is higher than that of 95.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% of motherboards.
also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
LAN controller
Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Killer E3100G
LAN controller
Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Killer E3100G
★ Better than 99% of models
This motherboard uses the Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Killer E3100G LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 99% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.1% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
2
N. of RJ45 ports
2
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
â–² Better than 72% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 72.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
â–² Better than 65% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 65.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.9% of motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
130 dB
Audio SNR
130 dB
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 130 dB, which is higher than that of 97.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on front panel.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
20
VRM phases
20
★ Better than 93% of models
This motherboard has 20 VRM phases, which is more than 93.4% of motherboards and equal to 0.5% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
N. of fan headers
8
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Pump header max current
3 A
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.1% of motherboards.
Show more

ASRock Z690 Aqua vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Killer E3100G
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    2
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This motherboard has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1700
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    20
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (20 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    20 vs 10
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    3
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    LAN speed
    10 Gbps
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
    10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    2
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1700
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    POST codes shown on OLED panel.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    Onboard reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This motherboard has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 50% more maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    192 GB
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (192 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    requires BIOS update for full capacity
    192 GB vs 128 GB
  • 35.2% higher maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    6,400 MT/s
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (6400 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    6,400 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    3
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    8
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
    8 vs 4
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    2
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    2
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 5 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    20
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    20 vs 15
  • 3 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    4
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    supports 4 ports total
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    2
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 0
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers (USB-C)
    2
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 0
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Killer E3100G
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    LAN speed
    10 Gbps
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
    10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 15 dB higher audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    130 dB
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (130 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    130 dB vs 115 dB
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    20
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (20 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    20 vs 10
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    8
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    3
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    Pump header max current
    3 A
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z690
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 2x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 6.31x more expensive
    ASRock Z690 Aqua is more expensive than the average motherboard (£1,010 vs £160).
    £1,010 vs £160
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    E-ATX
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (E-ATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    E-ATX vs ATX
  • 1 fewer RJ45 ports
    N. of RJ45 ports
    2
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.2
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.2 vs 5.4
  • 61 mm wider
    Width
    305 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    305 mm vs 244 mm
  • 6.31x more expensive
    ASRock Z690 Aqua is more expensive than the average motherboard (£1,010 vs £160).
    £1,010 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z690
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    E-ATX
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (E-ATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    E-ATX vs ATX
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    4x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (4x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    4x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 2x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x1 mode
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 1 fewer RJ45 ports
    N. of RJ45 ports
    2
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.2
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.2 vs 5.4
  • 61 mm wider
    Width
    305 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    305 mm vs 244 mm

Graphic comparison of ASRock Z690 Aqua and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
205 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
5 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASRock Z690 Aqua?

  • High-performance custom monoblock that effectively cools both the CPU and VRMs
  • Stunning aesthetic with silver/chrome shrouds and subtle, tasteful RGB lighting
  • Robust 20-phase 105A VRM design ideal for extreme overclocking
  • Excellent connectivity including dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, 10GbE, and Wi-Fi 6E
  • Includes premium accessories like a digital water leak pressure gauge
  • Built-in OLED status display and physical OC buttons for enthusiasts

What customers dislike about ASRock Z690 Aqua?

  • Lacks a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, which is disappointing at its flagship price point
  • Limited to only three M.2 sockets compared to four or five on rival boards
  • Extremely high MSRP, making it an 'absurd' investment for most casual users
  • Lack of integrated water flow or temperature sensors for the loop
  • Monoblock design prevents the use of 3rd party cooling solutions without significant modification
  • Limited production run of only 500 units makes availability scarce

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Compare ASRock Z690 Aqua with other products in the Motherboards category

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