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 Taichi review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£310CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:ATX

ASRock Z690 Taichi Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 13 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASRock Z690 Taichi
8.0/10

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

40%

8.2

Technical score

20%

8.5

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

7.0

Sentiment score

10%

7.8

User score

â–²Better than 86% of motherboards
8.2

Value for money

Value for money
8.2/ 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 78% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–²Better than 78%
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Score components

19%

7.8

Memory

16%

9.6

Platform

16%

7.9

Storage

15%

9.3

Network

13%

6.2

Ports

8%

6.1

Expansion

8%

9.3

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

â–²Better than 87%
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

9.4

Popularity

Grades by review (13)
6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 7 video reviews, each 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.
â–²Better than 68%
7.8

User score

User score
7.8/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models

70%

7.8

Rating

30%

7.7

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 58%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 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 (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 Taichi

Based on 6 · 7

Reviewers praise the excellent power delivery and performance, but knock the weak storage options, high price and poor availability.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASRock Z690 Taichi

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Score components:

19%

7.8

Memory

16%

9.6

Platform

16%

7.9

Storage

15%

9.3

Network

13%

6.2

Ports

8%

6.1

Expansion

8%

9.3

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

8.2
Reviews score
8.5
User score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.2/ 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 78% of models
Score components:

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

8.2
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
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + USB4 / Thunderbolt.
Show more
What reviewers say
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
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.1% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
requires BIOS update for full capacity
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
3
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.1% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
?
N. of SATA 3 connectors
7
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 7 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 84.8% of motherboards and equal to 0.7% 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
2
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.1% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
lane split supported
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.7% 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)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 71.3% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
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 12.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 84.7% of motherboards and equal to 10.9% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
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.
header only 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.
also includes 1GbE secondary port
LAN controller
Intel I219-V + Killer E3100G
This motherboard has a Intel I219-V + Killer E3100G LAN controller, which is faster than 69.5% of Motherboards and equal to 0.4% of Motherboards.
dual LAN
N. of RJ45 ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% 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.
with ESS DAC.
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 front panel.
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
20
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
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
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
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
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 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

ASRock Z690 Taichi vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    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.
    lane split supported
    2 vs 0
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • More VRM phases
    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
    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
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    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
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    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
  • 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 68% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (13)
    6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 7 video reviews, each 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.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • More BIOS update methods
    This motherboard offers more BIOS update methods than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, internet flash vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app).
    UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, internet flash vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • 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.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS 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 M.2 sockets
    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
  • 3 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (7 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    7 vs 4
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    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.
    lane split supported
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    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
    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
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    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.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    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 total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    includes internal USB-C header.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    17 vs 15
  • 2 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
    USB4 via Thunderbolt 4.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V + Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    dual LAN
    Intel I219-V + Killer E3100G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
    Bluetooth 5.3.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    with ESS DAC.
    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
  • More VRM phases
    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
    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
    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
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    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
  • 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
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 2.07x more expensive
    ASRock Z690 Taichi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£310 vs £150).
    £310 vs £150
  • 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
  • 6.7% lower sentiment score
    7.0 vs 7.5
  • 2.07x more expensive
    ASRock Z690 Taichi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£310 vs £150).
    £310 vs £150
  • 6.7% lower sentiment score
    7.0 vs 7.5
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • 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
  • 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
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

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

9.0
ThinkComputers
≈ estimated
30/05/2022
Hands-on review · testing and features
Verdict
ASRock Z690 Taichi is another strong Z690 board with a solid VRM and good looks, though a few layout choices are odd.
9.0
Funkykit
≈ estimated
16/03/2022
Hands-on review · benchmarks and build quality
Verdict
ASRock Z690 Taichi is an excellent board that covers everything enthusiasts need, with strong performance and build quality.
9.0
LevelUP Gaming & Tech
≈ estimated
04/03/2022
Hands-on review · VRM temperature tests and connectivity
Verdict
ASRock Z690 Taichi suits buyers who want top-tier features, though its M.2 slots and price are drawbacks.
9.0
PC Crazy
≈ estimated
04/01/2022
Hands-on review · benchmarks and board layout
Verdict
ASRock Z690 Taichi offers high-end performance, strong power design and striking looks; the reviewer has always been happy with Taichi boards.
8.0
Level1Techs
≈ estimated
25/12/2021
Hands-on review · thermal test and platform notes
Verdict
ASRock Z690 Taichi has fine thermals for a 12900K build, but Linux support and an outdated BIOS are caveats.
8.0
Tech YES City
≈ estimated
23/11/2021
Hands-on review · overclock, memory and BIOS tests
Verdict
ASRock Z690 Taichi is a very solid board, but its price is hard to justify; it would be a good buy at a lower price.
8.0
Gear Seekers
≈ estimated
08/12/2021
Overview · unboxing and first observations
Verdict
ASRock Z690 Taichi looks like a pretty solid board, though a few choices, such as the port and slot setup, seem odd.
Brand video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.3
pcgamer.com
✓ explicit
30/11/2021
Lab test · Premium Z690 board
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Taichi is a mature, premium board with strong power and dual Thunderbolt 4, but its three M.2 slots and high price are hard to justify.
8.0
pcinq.com
≈ estimated
30/11/2021
Hands-on test · Overclocking and ports
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Taichi is a well-equipped overclocking board with dual Thunderbolt 4 and split PCIe 5.0 slots, but its third M.2 slot runs slower.
7.0
club386.com
≈ estimated
12/01/2022
Lab test · Performance and power
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Taichi is an efficient, strong overclocker with Thunderbolt 4, but its three M.2 slots and light rear USB hold it back.
6.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
01/02/2022
Lab test · BIOS and power
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Taichi is a strong overclocking board with a good BIOS and 105-amp power, but its unusual rear audio placement and price hold it back.
7.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
22/11/2021
Lab test · Benchmarks and power
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Taichi performs mid-pack among Z690 boards, with 105A power and two Lightning USB ports, but only three M.2 slots hold it back.
10
hwlegend.tech
✓ explicit
18/06/2022
Lab test · Storage and audio
Verdict
The ASRock Z690 Taichi is a strong Alder Lake board with fast front USB and high-quality audio, though its SATA speeds match older boards.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASRock Z690 Taichi

  • Robust 20-phase power delivery system (105A) ideal for extreme overclocking
  • Dual Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Type-C ports with 40Gb/s transfer speeds
  • High-quality audio solution featuring ESS SABRE 9218 DAC and WIMA capacitors
  • Excellent BIOS interface that is user-friendly for both novices and advanced overclockers
  • Premium build quality with a unique 'gear' aesthetic and metal backplate for structural rigidity
  • Comprehensive connectivity including WiFi 6E, 2.5G LAN, and a dedicated 'independent' SATA/USB port for security
  • Includes helpful accessories like a graphics card holder and additional VRM cooling fans

What customers don't like about ASRock Z690 Taichi

  • High price point compared to some better-equipped competitors
  • Limited number of M.2 slots (only 3) for a high-end motherboard in this price bracket
  • Low count of USB Type-A ports on the rear I/O (six total)
  • Questionable layout choices, specifically awkward placement of CPU fan headers and rear audio jacks
  • Lacks native support for older LGA1200 coolers, requiring an LGA1700-specific mounting kit
  • Incremental update feel rather than a substantial overhaul from previous generations

Verdict

The ASRock Z690 Taichi is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors on the LGA1700 socket, featuring a robust 20-phase SPS Dr.MOS power design for superior overclocking stability. Key specifications include support for up to 192GB of dual-channel DDR5 memory at speeds exceeding 6400+(OC), dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, and comprehensive connectivity with two Thunderbolt 4 ports (40 Gbps) and Wi-Fi 6E. Main pros include its premium build quality with a 2oz copper 8-layer PCB, an exceptional BIOS for enthusiast tweakers, and unique 'Lightning Gaming' ports for lower peripheral latency. However, notable cons include its high retail price compared to rivals, a relatively low count of only three M.2 storage slots, and awkward placement of some fan and audio headers.

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