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ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£550
  • Avg. price in US: ~$720
  • CPU socket: LGA 1700
  • Chipset: Intel Z690
  • Form factor: ATX

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

7.8

Technical Score

10.0%

6.1

User score

Very good
7.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

5.5

Memory

16.0%

8.7

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.5

Storage

15.0%

9.6

Network

13.0%

7.9

Ports & USB

8.0%

6.5

Expansion

8.0%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.7

Audio

Very good
6.1

User score

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 components:

70.0%

6.9

User reviews

30.0%

4.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(34)
amazon
3.4
(23)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.3
(28)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Good
  • 9.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.0

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    10

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    8.0

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    10

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best rankings

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

Verdict

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex is an ATX motherboard designed primarily for extreme overclocking, featuring a robust 24+0 power stage VRM with 105A power stages and a specialized two-slot DIMM layout to maximize DDR5 memory stability and speed. Key characteristics include PCIe 5.0 support, five M.2 slots (via onboard and bundled ROG Hyper M.2 card), Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet. Main pros are its industry-leading memory overclocking potential, extreme cooling features like the LN2 mode jumper and ProbeIt measurement points, and high-speed connectivity including USB 3.2 Gen 2x2. Cons include the lack of a four-slot RAM configuration which limits total memory capacity, a high premium price tag that may not offer value for non-overclockers, and the omission of video output ports like HDMI as it is tailored for dedicated GPUs.

Technical Specifications of ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

5.5

Memory

16.0%

8.7

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.5

Storage

15.0%

9.6

Network

13.0%

7.9

Ports & USB

8.0%

6.5

Expansion

8.0%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.7

Audio

7.8
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a technical score of 7.81 points, which is higher than that of 77.6% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

6.9

User reviews

30.0%

4.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(34)
amazon
3.4
(23)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.3
(28)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

6.1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a user score of 6.13 points, which is lower than that of 92.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
4.3
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a popularity of 4.3 points, which is higher than 50.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

7.6

Overall score

40.0%

7.6

Price

7.6
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 57% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

Asus
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1700
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex uses the LGA 1700 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.7% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z690
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex 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
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR5
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.3% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

2
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.6% of motherboards and equal to 21.4% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

96 GB
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports up to 96 GB of memory, which is less than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 2.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

6,600 MT/s
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports memory speeds up to 6600 MT/s, which is higher than that of 76.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

5
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 5 M.2 sockets, which is more than 94.7% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

?
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
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N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

2
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex 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
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

0
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.5% of motherboards and equal to 40.5% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

?
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
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Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

10
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.6% of motherboards and equal to 15.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

19
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 19 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 87.8% of motherboards and equal to 4.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

2
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 18.1% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

2.5 Gbps
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex 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
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC4080
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex uses the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 90.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.4% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

?
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

3
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has 3 fan headers, which is fewer than 76.7% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

3 A
ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 76.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.2% of motherboards.
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ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex vs the average motherboard

  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.5 vs 2
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex 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
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: DDR5

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster USB-A ports for storage or accessories.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.5 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.1 vs 0
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.10 vs 8
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
    What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
    When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
    Pre-mounted I/O shield.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O shield comes pre-mounted on the motherboard instead of being installed separately.
    When it matters: When you want an easier motherboard installation process.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Newer CPU socket
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Integrated I/O shield
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 43.5% higher maximum RAM speed
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (6,600 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 4 more total USB connections
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (19 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex 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.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 header/s.
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4,080 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex 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.

Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • No integrated graphics support
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No TPM connector
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 86.7% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
    Firmware TPM/PTT only.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
  • 25% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (96 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • 2 fewer fan headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • 61 mm wider
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=4

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.2 vs 4
  • No integrated graphics support
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can output video from CPUs that include integrated graphics.
    When it matters: When you want video output without installing a graphics card.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex 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
  • 25% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (96 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (96 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.96 GB vs 128 GB
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    What it is: The number of DisplayPort video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect compatible displays through the rear I/O.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
  • 3.44x more expensive
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex is more expensive than the average motherboard (£550 vs £160).
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex is more expensive than the average motherboard (£550 vs £160).£550 vs £160
  • 2 fewer fan headers
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
    What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
    When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.3 vs 5
  • 30.6% lower user score
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a lower user score than the average motherboard (6.13 vs 8.000).
    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.
    ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex has a lower user score than the average motherboard (6.13 vs 8.000).6.13 vs 8
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
34 Reviews
amazon
3.4
23 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.3
28 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex?

  • World-class overclocking performance for both CPU and DDR5 memory
  • Robust 24-phase power delivery system with 105A power stages
  • Extensive 'Overclocker's Toolkit' including LN2 mode, BCLK buttons, and voltage probe points
  • Innovative dual-slot memory layout that optimizes signal integrity for higher frequencies
  • Premium features like ROG True Voltician (USB oscilloscope) and Q-Release for easy GPU removal
  • Highly refined and user-friendly UEFI BIOS with extensive memory profiles
  • Exceptional build quality with Auto-Extreme Manufacturing and extensive heatsink coverage

What customers dislike about ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Apex?

  • Extremely high price point compared to competing boards
  • Limited to only two DIMM slots, restricting maximum RAM capacity to 64GB
  • Lacks a backplate, which is disappointing for a flagship-tier product
  • Overkill for standard users who do not intend to use liquid nitrogen or extreme cooling
  • No hardware RAID support for SATA drives according to some documentation
  • Inconsistent memory stability reported by some early batch users on forums
  • Minimal RGB lighting options within the BIOS itself

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