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GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£430
  • Avg. price in US: ~$330
  • CPU socket: LGA 1700
  • Chipset: Intel Z690
  • Form factor: E-ATX

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

8.8

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%

8.9

Technical Score

10.0%

8.7

User score

Excellent
8.9

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%

9.3

Memory

16.0%

9.6

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.1

Storage

15.0%

9.6

Network

13.0%

8.9

Ports & USB

8.0%

5.8

Expansion

8.0%

9.3

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.9

Audio

Excellent
8.7

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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

9.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(195)
amazon
4.3
(128)
amazon
3.2
(7)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(195)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 9.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    8.9

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    10

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    7.8

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    10

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

Verdict

The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master is an E-ATX high-end motherboard designed for 12th Gen Intel Core processors, featuring a robust direct 19+1+2 phase VRM with 105A power stages and an advanced Fins-Array III thermal solution with NanoCarbon coating. It supports dual-channel DDR5 memory up to 6400MHz (OC), a primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and extensive storage options including five M.2 slots (four PCIe 4.0) and six SATA 6Gb/s ports. Key pros include its overbuilt power delivery for extreme overclocking, elite networking with Marvell 10GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E, and a premium ESS Sabre ES9118 DAC for high-fidelity audio. Notable cons include its large E-ATX footprint which may limit case compatibility, the use of the older Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec compared to newer 4080 solutions, and the high entry cost of the DDR5 platform.

Technical Specifications of GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master

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%

9.3

Memory

16.0%

9.6

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.1

Storage

15.0%

9.6

Network

13.0%

8.9

Ports & USB

8.0%

5.8

Expansion

8.0%

9.3

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.9

Audio

8.9
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has a technical score of 8.86 points, which is higher than that of 95.1% 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%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

9.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(195)
amazon
4.3
(128)
amazon
3.2
(7)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(195)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.7
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has a user score of 8.73 points, which is higher than that of 76.9% 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.
9.1
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has a popularity of 9.1 points, which is higher than 77.4% 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%

8.8

Overall score

40.0%

8.3

Price

8.7
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.7 points, which is higher than 91.6% 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

Gigabyte
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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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

4
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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

?
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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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

6,400 MT/s
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master supports memory speeds up to 6400 MT/s, which is higher than that of 72.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.3% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

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

Importance: HIGH

4x
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master offers 4x for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 87.6% 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

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

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
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

1
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.6% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% 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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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

2
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.4% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

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

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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

11
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 11 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 91.4% of motherboards and equal to 1.5% 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

?
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

2
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 2 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 84.3% of motherboards and equal to 12.3% 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

3
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 3 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 84.6% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

1
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 18.1% of motherboards.
header only excluded.
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

10 Gbps
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master supports LAN speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is higher than that of 95.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% 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

Marvell AQtion AQC113C
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master uses the Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 96.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% 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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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-VB
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master uses the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 80% of motherboards and equal to that of 4% of motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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

125 dB
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has an audio SNR of 125 dB, which is higher than that of 97% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% of motherboards.
via ESS DAC.
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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
Smart Headphone Amp.
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

2
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.6% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% 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

19+1+2
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 19+1+2 VRM phases, which is more than 95.8% 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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

10
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has 10 fan headers, which is more than 98.1% of motherboards and equal to 1.4% 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
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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

2 A
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 43.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 33.4% of motherboards.
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GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master vs the average motherboard

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

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.5 vs 2
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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

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

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.5 vs 1
  • 3 more rear USB ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (11 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

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (11 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.11 vs 8
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 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

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
  • More VRM phases
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (19+1+2 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

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (19+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.19+1+2 vs 10
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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.
    header only excluded.
    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

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
  • Newer CPU socket
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 39.1% higher maximum RAM speed
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (6,400 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 3 more rear USB ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (11 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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 rear USB-C ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
  • 2 more total USB-C connections
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 2 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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.
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 10 dB higher audio SNR
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (125 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • More VRM phases
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (19+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 5 more fan headers
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more fan headers than the average motherboard (10 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (4x 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
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    other video outputs only
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (4x 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

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (4x 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.4x vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 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

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.2 vs 5
  • 2.69x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master is more expensive than the average motherboard (£430 vs £160).
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master is more expensive than the average motherboard (£430 vs £160).£430 vs £160
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of PS/2 ports on the motherboard rear I/O.
    When it matters: When you want support for older keyboards or mice.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master 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 HDMI outputs
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    other video outputs only
    What it is: The number of HDMI outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to use integrated graphics with one or more HDMI displays.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 2.0 ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many basic USB peripherals.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.0 vs 2
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio

Graphic comparison of GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
195 Reviews
amazon
4.3
128 Reviews
amazon
3.2
7 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
195 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master?

  • Exceptional power delivery with a 19+1+2 phase VRM design for stable overclocking
  • Excellent networking options including onboard 10GbE Aquantia LAN and WiFi 6E
  • Abundant storage expansion with 5x M.2 slots (4x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 3.0)
  • Superior thermal management featuring a massive finned VRM heatsink and nano-carbon backplate
  • Premium onboard audio with ESS Sabre 9118 DAC and high-quality WIMA capacitors
  • High-speed connectivity including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C ports
  • Helpful physical diagnostic tools like a debug LED panel and onboard power button

What customers dislike about GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master?

  • High price point compared to previous generations and some mid-range competitors
  • Large E-ATX form factor may not fit in standard ATX cases
  • Initial BIOS stability issues reported, including freezes and M.2 recognition bugs
  • BIOS interface lacks some advanced enthusiast features like PWM switching frequency control
  • Aggressive default VRM and voltage settings can lead to higher power draw and temperatures out of the box
  • Primary M.2 heatsink size may interfere with SSDs that have pre-installed coolers
  • Lacks native Thunderbolt 4 support (requires a separate add-in card)

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