OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£390CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:Mini-ITX

ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications, 7 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 50% of models
Score components

40%

6.3

Technical score

20%

8.5

Reviews score

20%

6.3

List score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

User scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▲Better than 50% of motherboards
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

▼Worse than 73%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 54% of models
Score components

19%

5.1

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

8.1

Network

13%

3.8

Ports

8%

4.7

Expansion

8%

5.8

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

▲Better than 54%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (7)
6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▲Better than 68%
?

User score

User score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
No ratings from across the web yet, so it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
No ratings from across the web yet
6.3

List score

List score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 62 lists (2%)
▲Better than 88%
  • asrock-z690-phantom-gaming-itx-tb4
  • asrock-z690-phantom-gaming-itx-tb4
asrock-z690-phantom-gaming-itx-tb4
asrock-z690-phantom-gaming-itx-tb4
Where to buy
    N/A~ £390
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4

Based on 6 · 1

Reviewers love the rear ports, strong power section and storage options, but criticize memory limits and the high cost.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 54% of models
Score components:

19%

5.1

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

8.1

Network

13%

3.8

Ports

8%

4.7

Expansion

8%

5.8

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

6.3
Reviews score
8.5
User score
?
List score
6.3
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

7.4
CPU socket
LGA 1700
This motherboard uses LGA 1700, which is more up-to-date than 54.7% of Motherboards and the same as 22.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z690
This motherboard uses Intel Z690, which is more capable than 68.4% of Motherboards and as capable as 3.7% of Motherboards.
Form factor
Mini-ITX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort + USB4 / Thunderbolt.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.1% of motherboards and equal to 21.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
6,400 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 6,400 MT/s, which is higher than that of 72.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.4% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of M.2 sockets
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 34.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, which is faster than 49.9% of Motherboards and the same as 3.1% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
3
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 3 SATA 3 connectors, which is fewer than 94% of motherboards and equal to 0.8% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.4% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
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.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16, which is less generous than 81% of Motherboards and the same as 16.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 63.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
11
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 11 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 88.7% of motherboards and equal to 3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
USB4 excluded.
Show more
What reviewers say
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer E3100G
This motherboard has a Killer E3100G LAN controller, which is faster than 49.1% of Motherboards and equal to 1.5% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than 71.5% of Motherboards and the same as 16.7% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220, which is higher-end than 65.5% of Motherboards and the same as 12.9% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
10+1
This motherboard has 10+1 VRM phases, which is more than 50.7% of motherboards and equal to 0.7% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
3
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 3 fan headers, which is fewer than 77.1% of motherboards and equal to 14.8% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 16.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 68% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.5 vs 7.3
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 36.2% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (6,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    6,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
    USB4 via Thunderbolt 4.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 4 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (11 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    11 vs 15
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 3 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    1 vs 4
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • 19.2% lower list score
    List score
    6.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 62 lists (2%)
    6.3 vs 7.8
  • 2.6x more expensive
    ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 is more expensive than the average motherboard (£390 vs £150).
    £390 vs £150
  • 3.9% worse value for money
    ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.41 vs 7.7).
    7.41 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    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.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 4 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (11 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    11 vs 15
  • 3 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    1 vs 4
  • 2.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    3 vs 5.5
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    1 vs 2

Video reviews

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

8.0
Vortez
≈ estimated
02/06/2022
First look · unboxing, feature tour and bundle
Verdict
ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 has a good balance of features for a mini-ITX board, though it is not cheap.
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
10/03/2022
Lab test · Lower-priced Mini-ITX
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 suits small builds needing Thunderbolt 4 and a strong power section, but its few ports and slots limit expansion.
9.6
impulsegamer.com
✓ explicit
26/06/2022
Hands-on test · Compact gaming board
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 is a well-built compact gaming board that overclocks to 5.2 GHz with fast storage, though two memory slots cap it at 64GB.
9.0
latestintech.com
≈ estimated
04/07/2022
Feature overview · Compact gaming board
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 is a small board with 11 power phases and Thunderbolt 4, suited to advanced gamers wanting overclocking headroom and fast networking.
9.0
guru3d.com
≈ estimated
01/03/2022
Lab test · Power and efficiency
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 is an attractive mini-ITX board with dual M.2 slots and a robust power section, but it only supports DDR5 memory.
8.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
27/06/2022
Hands-on review · Compact Z690 board
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 is a compact board with Thunderbolt 4 and two M.2 slots, suited to buyers who value ports over lights.
8.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
27/04/2022
Lab test · Mini-ITX Z690 board
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 is a compact board with PCIe 5.0 and Thunderbolt 4, performing close to full-size Z690 boards, though its price is high.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4

  • High-speed Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 connectivity (40Gbps)
  • Robust 105A VRM power delivery suitable for high-end CPUs like i9-12900K
  • Excellent CPU cooler compatibility for a Mini-ITX board due to slimmer heatsinks
  • Comprehensive I/O for its size, including Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gbps LAN, and HDMI 2.1
  • Responsive BIOS with convenient features like BIOS Flashback and Clear CMOS on the rear panel
  • Competitive pricing compared to other premium Z690 Mini-ITX options
  • Supports the latest PCIe 5.0 standard for graphics cards

What customers don't like about ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4

  • Wired networking (2.5Gbps) is slower than some high-end competitors offering 5Gbps or 10Gbps
  • Limited storage expansion with only three SATA ports and two M.2 slots (one on the back)
  • Lack of integrated RGB lighting may disappoint users seeking 'flashier' aesthetics
  • Mediocre audio quality implementation despite using the Realtek ALC1220 codec
  • Included Wi-Fi antenna reported by some users as poor quality or fragile
  • BIOS software (ASRock Polychrome/Tuning) can be clunky or lack certain advanced Windows-based controls
  • Difficult access to fan headers and power connectors, a common challenge in tight ITX layouts

Verdict

The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 is a high-end Mini-ITX motherboard featuring an LGA1700 socket for 12th to 14th Gen Intel Core processors, 11-phase 105A power delivery, and dual-channel DDR5 support up to 6400+ MHz. Its main characteristics include a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, integrated Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) connectivity, and advanced networking via Killer 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6E. Notable pros include its robust VRM design capable of handling i9 CPUs, exceptional I/O for its size, and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots (one on the rear). However, potential cons include limited storage with only three SATA ports, higher VRM temperatures under extreme overclocking without direct airflow, and the use of the older Realtek ALC1220 audio codec compared to some newer competitors.

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