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BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£490
  • Avg. price in US: ~$580
  • CPU socket: LGA 1700
  • Chipset: Intel Z690
  • Form factor: ATX

BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

7.4

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%

7.7

Technical Score

10.0%

4.8

User score

Very good
7.7

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%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

8.9

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.8

Storage

15.0%

7.1

Network

13.0%

6.0

Ports & USB

8.0%

7.3

Expansion

8.0%

7.7

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.2

Audio

Very good
4.8

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%

6.2

User reviews

30.0%

1.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
(5)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.1
(6)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Poor
  • 8.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.5

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    10

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    5.8

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    10

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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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 Biostar Z690A Valkyrie is a flagship ATX motherboard featuring the Intel Z690 chipset and LGA 1700 socket, notably designed to support high-performance DDR4 memory up to 5000+ MHz (OC). It boasts a robust 20-phase (19+1) VRM with 105A Dr.MOS and active cooling via dual 25mm fans, alongside dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, four M.2 sockets (three at PCIe 4.0 x4), and 2.5 GbE LAN. Main pros include its overbuilt power delivery, excellent hardware build quality with an 8-layer PCB, and high-speed storage and PCIe 5.0 expandability. However, cons include its high power consumption under load, lack of integrated Wi-Fi (despite including antenna mounts), and a BIOS interface that some reviewers find less refined or feature-rich than those from major competitors.

Technical Specifications of BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie

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%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

8.9

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.8

Storage

15.0%

7.1

Network

13.0%

6.0

Ports & USB

8.0%

7.3

Expansion

8.0%

7.7

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.2

Audio

7.7
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has a technical score of 7.65 points, which is higher than that of 74.7% 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%

6.2

User reviews

30.0%

1.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
(5)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.1
(6)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

4.8
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has a user score of 4.85 points, which is lower than that of 98.7% 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.
1.7
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has a popularity of 1.7 points, which is lower than 72.7% 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%

7.4

Overall score

40.0%

7.9

Price

7.5
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is higher than 54% 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

Biostar
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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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.
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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

DDR4
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% 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

4
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% 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

128 GB
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% 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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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

5,000 MT/s
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie supports memory speeds up to 5000 MT/s, which is higher than that of 57.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% 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

4
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 4 M.2 sockets, which is more than 84% of motherboards and equal to 10.7% 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

3x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie offers 3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 76% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
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

8
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% 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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
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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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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

1
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.3% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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

x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 56.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.7% of motherboards.
Depends on slot/M.2 population.
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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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

8
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.3% of motherboards and equal to 30.7% 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

15
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 48.3% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% 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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 18.1% of motherboards.
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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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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

Realtek RTL8125B
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie uses the Realtek RTL8125B LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 58.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 17.3% of motherboards.
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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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

no
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% 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)

N/A
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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 ALC1220
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie uses the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 65.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 13% 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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
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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

19+1
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 19+1 VRM phases, which is more than 92.7% of motherboards and equal to 0.1% of motherboards.
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
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
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

5
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has 5 fan headers, which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 14.5% 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

no
BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not have a pump header. 77% 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

?
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BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.4 vs 2
  • 6 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (7 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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (7 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.7 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
  • Newer CPU socket
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
  • More VRM phases
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (19+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (19+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.19+1 vs 10
  • Integrated I/O shield
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated 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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    What it is: Shows whether the board includes a diagnostic POST code readout for boot troubleshooting.
    When it matters: When you troubleshoot boot issues and want clearer error information.

    Importance: LOW

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Newer CPU socket
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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 4.0x16 slots
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 6 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (7 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 1 more HDMI outputs
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • 1 more DisplayPort outputs
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • Better audio codec
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,220 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • More VRM phases
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (19+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • No automatic overclocking
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not support automatic overclocking, while the average motherboard does. 74% of motherboards support automatic overclocking.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    rear Type-A ports are Gen 2
  • Older HDMI version
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (2 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • More basic LAN controller
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • No pump header
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • More basic LAN controller
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C 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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.Realtek RTL8125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can update BIOS without needing a fully installed or supported CPU to boot first.
    When it matters: When you may need to update BIOS before the system can boot.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    rear Type-A ports are Gen 2
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more standard USB ports with faster transfer speeds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=4

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.0 vs 4
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
    What it is: Shows whether the external Wi-Fi antenna is included with the motherboard package.
    When it matters: When the board has Wi-Fi and you want it ready to use right away.

    Importance: LOW

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie 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
  • No pump header
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a 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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    What it is: The available ways to update the motherboard BIOS.
    When it matters: When you want easier BIOS maintenance and recovery.

    Importance: LOW

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    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

    BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.2
5 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.1
6 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie?

  • Excellent build quality with a reinforced backplate and tidy optical layout
  • Robust 20-phase VRM power design suitable for high-end overclocking
  • Support for modern standards including PCIe 5.0 and DDR4 up to 4000+ MHz (Gear 1)
  • Ample storage options with four M.2 slots and eight SATA ports
  • User-friendly UEFI/BIOS with extensive customization and dual BIOS functionality
  • Strong cooling system featuring active VRM heatsinks with small fans
  • Comprehensive rear I/O connectivity including 2.5 GbE and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C

What customers dislike about BIOSTAR Z690A Valkyrie?

  • Lacks integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules (only includes antenna ports)
  • High power consumption at stock settings leading to potential thermal throttling
  • Relatively high price compared to competitors with more features (e.g., modern audio codecs)
  • Misleading antenna preparation without an included adapter causes confusion
  • Initial BIOS versions had issues with memory stability and high default Vcore voltages
  • Absence of PCIe 1x slots and limited M.2 RAID support

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