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EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£580
  • Avg. price in US: ~$830
  • CPU socket: LGA 1700
  • Chipset: Intel Z690
  • Form factor: E-ATX

EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

7.3

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%

7.3

Technical Score

10.0%

7.0

User score

Very good
7.3

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%

5.1

Memory

16.0%

8.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.0

Storage

15.0%

9.5

Network

13.0%

5.0

Ports & USB

8.0%

5.7

Expansion

8.0%

9.2

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.0

Audio

Very good
7.0

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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

3.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(39)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(43)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 8.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.8

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    7.8

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

Verdict

The EVGA Z690 DARK K|NGP|N is an E-ATX motherboard engineered for extreme overclocking, featuring a 21-phase VRM, a 10-layer PCB, and a unique 90-degree rotated LGA1700 socket to optimise airflow and trace lengths. It supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds exceeding 6600MHz via two DIMM slots and provides advanced connectivity with two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, three PCIe 4.0 M.2 NVMe sockets, dual 2.5GbE LAN, and Wi-Fi 6E. Main pros include its record-breaking overclocking potential, robust power delivery, triple BIOS support, and specialized tools like Probe-It headers and PCIe disable switches. However, notable cons include its high premium price, the lack of onboard video outputs for integrated graphics, and a limited number of just two RAM slots which restricts total memory capacity.

Technical Specifications of EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin

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%

5.1

Memory

16.0%

8.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.0

Storage

15.0%

9.5

Network

13.0%

5.0

Ports & USB

8.0%

5.7

Expansion

8.0%

9.2

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.0

Audio

7.3
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has a technical score of 7.33 points, which is higher than that of 68.4% 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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

3.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(39)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(43)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.0
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has a user score of 6.97 points, which is lower than that of 79.2% 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.
3.6
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has a popularity of 3.6 points, which is lower than 54.8% 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%

7.3

Overall score

40.0%

7.5

Price

7.3
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is higher than 46.1% 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

Evga
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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

E-ATX
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has the E-ATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 92% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.8% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

64 GB
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% of motherboards.
higher limit with high-density DIMMs
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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

3
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.4% of motherboards and equal to 18.6% 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin offers 3x PCIe 4.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 69.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
Show more
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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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, x8/x8
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin uses x16/x0, x8/x8 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 81.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.7% of motherboards.
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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
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

7
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has 7 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 59.8% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% 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

11
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has 11 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 89% of motherboards and equal to 3% 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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.
dual 2.5GbE ports
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

Intel I225-V
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin uses the Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 86.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.7% 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

2
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi 6E.
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)
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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 ALC1220
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

21
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has 21 VRM phases, which is more than 94.9% of motherboards and equal to 0.2% 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

8
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.2% 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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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EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.4 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (21 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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (21 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.21 vs 10
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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 RJ45 ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.2 vs 1
  • Newer CPU socket
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 43.5% higher maximum RAM speed
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 1 more U.2 sockets
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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 USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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 total USB-C connections
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (21 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 3 more fan headers
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No debug LED indicators
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.8% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    higher limit with high-density DIMMs
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4.0x4 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.
    Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 4 fewer total USB connections
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (11 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 1 fewer rear USB ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (7 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.7% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • No rear line-in
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin does not have rear line-in, while the average motherboard does. 95.5% of motherboards include rear line-in.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 33 mm wider
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin is wider than the average motherboard (277 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.2 vs 4
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    higher limit with high-density DIMMs
    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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 4 fewer total USB connections
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (11 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (11 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.11 vs 15
  • No integrated graphics support
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin 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
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.2 vs 4
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4.0x4 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.
    Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
    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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4.0x4 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 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer rear USB ports
    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (7 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

    EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (7 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.7 vs 8
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
39 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
43 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin?

  • World-class overclocking performance with specialized features like LN2 mode, BIOS switches, and PCIe disable toggles.
  • Extreme-grade power delivery featuring a 21-phase VRM that remains cool under heavy multi-threaded loads.
  • Unique rotated socket and memory layout (90 degrees) optimizes airflow and shortens signal traces for better stability.
  • Highly durable build quality with a thick aluminum backplate and sturdy 10-layer PCB.
  • Excellent diagnostic tools including a quad-digit POST indicator that displays real-time temperatures and voltages.
  • Premium physical accessories such as the PCB bench table/visual guide and Probe-It voltage leads.
  • Renowned customer service and warranty support from EVGA.

What customers dislike about EVGA Z690 Dark Kingpin?

  • Large E-ATX form factor and 90-degree angled connectors can make cable routing extremely difficult in many standard cases.
  • High retail price that is difficult to justify for casual users or those not interested in extreme overclocking.
  • Limited memory expandability with only two DIMM slots supporting a maximum of 64GB RAM.
  • Lacks modern premium connectivity features found on competitors, such as Thunderbolt 4 or 10GbE LAN.
  • Absence of onboard display outputs, rendering integrated graphics unusable without a dedicated GPU.
  • No onboard ARGB lighting compared to previous generations, which may disappoint users seeking a specific aesthetic.

Video reviews

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