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

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£120CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:ATX

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 3 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite
7.9/10

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 84% of models
Score components

40%

7.6

Technical score

20%

8.6

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

7.6

Sentiment score

10%

8.8

User score

▲Better than 84% of motherboards
8.5

Value for money

Value for money
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

★Better than 93%
7.6

Technical score

Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components

19%

7.8

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

6.4

Network

13%

7.0

Ports

8%

5.7

Expansion

8%

8.7

Power & Cooling

5%

9.0

Audio

▲Better than 77%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
1 review, with a printed score. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▲Better than 78%
8.8

User score

User score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 71% of models

70%

8.8

Rating

30%

8.8

Popularity

▲Better than 71%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • gigabyte-z690-aorus-elite
  • gigabyte-z690-aorus-elite
  • gigabyte-z690-aorus-elite
  • gigabyte-z690-aorus-elite
  • gigabyte-z690-aorus-elite
gigabyte-z690-aorus-elite
gigabyte-z690-aorus-elite
gigabyte-z690-aorus-elite
gigabyte-z690-aorus-elite
gigabyte-z690-aorus-elite
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite

Based on 47 owners sharing their experience in online comments

36%positive17%mixed47%negative

Owners praise strong processor performance, overclocking headroom, and value, while BIOS, boot, and XMP stability problems are common.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report BIOS update problems, including settings reverting to defaults after saving, boards that won't boot into BIOS, and update failures that required a Q-Flash recovery.8
  • Owners say XMP memory profiles, including 3200 and 3600 kits, cause game crashes or fail to boot, and some have to lower memory speed manually to get stability.6
  • Boot failures and startup hardware errors6
  • Owners report random freezes, reboots and shutdowns during use, with some saying the problem continued for months.5
  • Owners report the main PCIe x16 slot runs at x8 or x4 instead of x16 by default, and one owner fixed it only after a BIOS update to F22.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite

Technical score
Technical score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components:

19%

7.8

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

6.4

Network

13%

7.0

Ports

8%

5.7

Expansion

8%

8.7

Power & Cooling

5%

9.0

Audio

7.6
Reviews score
8.6
User score
8.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components:

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

8.5
CPU socket
LGA 1700
This motherboard uses LGA 1700, which is more up-to-date than 54.7% of Motherboards and the same as 22.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z690
This motherboard uses Intel Z690, which is more capable than 68.4% of Motherboards and as capable as 3.7% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.1% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
6,000 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 6,000 MT/s, which is higher than that of 71.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.9% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
4
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 4 M.2 sockets, which is more than 84.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2/SATA, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2/SATA, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/x2, which is faster than 78.3% of Motherboards and the same as 0.1% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel VMD support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.4% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x4/x4, which is more generous than 88.1% of Motherboards and the same as 1.7% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.7% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 71.3% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 82.1% of motherboards and equal to 17.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
This motherboard has a Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller, which is slower than 64.6% of Motherboards and equal to 28.7% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220-VB
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220-VB, which is higher-end than 80.4% of Motherboards and the same as 3.8% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
surround needs jack retasking.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Smart Headphone Amp.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.8% of motherboards and equal to 10.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
16+1+2
This motherboard has 16+1+2 VRM phases, which is more than 89.8% of motherboards and equal to 1.3% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard 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
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16+1+2 vs 10
  • 2 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 17.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 78% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    1 review, with a printed score. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.6 vs 7.3
  • 18.9% higher user score
    User score
    8.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 71% of models

    70%

    8.8

    Rating

    30%

    8.8

    Popularity

    8.8 vs 7.4
  • 10.3% better value for money
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.49 vs 7.7).
    8.49 vs 7.7
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 27.7% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (6,000 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    6,000 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    17 vs 15
  • 2 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard 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.
    Gen 2 Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16+1+2 vs 10
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    3 vs 4
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4x4/x2/SATA, 2x PCIe 4x4/x2 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2/SATA, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/x2 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4).
    5.2 vs 5.4
  • 1 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 3
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4x4/x2/SATA, 2x PCIe 4x4/x2 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2/SATA, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/x2 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    3 vs 4
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4).
    5.2 vs 5.4
  • 1 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 3

Video reviews

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

9.0
GregoGeek | PC Gaming & Smartphones
≈ estimated
15/09/2024
Hands-on review · 4K editing and gaming tests
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite is an excellent choice for high-end builds, given its performance in editing and gaming.
9.0
ErCalvo Tech
≈ estimated
19/12/2021
Unboxing and review · features and first impressions
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite is an interesting model with good value for the price, though a few small drawbacks remain.
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
hwlegend.tech
✓ explicit
25/04/2022
Benchmark test · Intel Z690 board
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX posts strong SSD and fast USB results, with audio aimed at its target buyers.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite

  • Excellent value for a mid-range Z690 board with a solid set of features for the price.
  • Strong VRM design (16+1+2) that handles high-end CPUs like the i9-12900K and supports overclocking.
  • Ample connectivity options, including four M.2 slots with heatsinks and a large number of rear USB ports.
  • High-quality build with effective thermal solutions for MOSFETs and SSDs.
  • User-friendly BIOS features like Q-Flash Plus, which allows updating the BIOS without a CPU or RAM installed.
  • Good aesthetics with a clean, monochrome design that fits most builds.

What customers don't like about GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Elite

  • Reports of memory instability and difficulty running some high-speed XMP profiles, particularly with early BIOS versions.
  • Mandatory BIOS updates often required out-of-the-box for basic functionality like recognizing M.2 drives.
  • The Q-Flash Plus process can be finicky, sometimes requiring specific USB 2.0 drives and file renaming to work.
  • BIOS interface can feel less intuitive or 'strange' compared to competitors like ASUS or MSI.
  • Lacks integrated RGB lighting elements, which may be a turnoff for users wanting a flashy aesthetic.
  • Occasional issues with the Intel 2.5 GbE LAN chip reported by some users (e.g., dropouts or performance issues).

Verdict

The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite is a high-performance ATX motherboard featuring the LGA 1700 socket for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors, powered by a robust 16+1+2 phase digital VRM design with 70A power stages for stable overclocking. It offers cutting-edge connectivity with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, four NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with enlarged thermal guards, and a rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port providing 20Gbps speeds. Main pros include its extensive cooling through high-coverage MOSFET heatsinks, high-end ALC1220 audio with WIMA capacitors, and fast 2.5GbE LAN. However, notable cons include the lack of built-in Wi-Fi on the standard non-AX model and a limited number of rear audio jacks compared to higher-end enthusiast boards.

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