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 Tachyon review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£350CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:E-ATX

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Tachyon 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 Tachyon
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

40%

7.6

Technical score

20%

7.6

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

7.6

User score

â–²Better than 71% of motherboards
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

â–²Better than 59%
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

19%

6.0

Memory

16%

9.6

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

8.4

Network

13%

6.4

Ports

8%

5.7

Expansion

8%

9.0

Power & Cooling

5%

9.3

Audio

â–²Better than 78%
7.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models

7.6

Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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.
â–¼Worse than 61%
7.6

User score

User score
7.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models

7.6

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.4

Rating

30%

6.4

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 61%
?

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-tachyon
  • gigabyte-z690-aorus-tachyon
  • gigabyte-z690-aorus-tachyon
  • gigabyte-z690-aorus-tachyon
gigabyte-z690-aorus-tachyon
gigabyte-z690-aorus-tachyon
gigabyte-z690-aorus-tachyon
gigabyte-z690-aorus-tachyon
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.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Tachyon

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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components:

19%

6.0

Memory

16%

9.6

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

8.4

Network

13%

6.4

Ports

8%

5.7

Expansion

8%

9.0

Power & Cooling

5%

9.3

Audio

7.6
Reviews score
7.6
User score
7.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

8.7

Price

7.9
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
E-ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI.
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
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.1% of motherboards and equal to 21.8% 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.
higher limit with high-density DIMMs
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
4,800 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 51.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.1% 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, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2/SATA, which is faster than 78.4% 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 RST support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.1% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
lane split supported
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
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, which is more generous than 62.6% of Motherboards and the same as 12.4% 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)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
16
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 16 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 61.3% of motherboards and equal to 10% 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.
header only excluded.
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
Intel I225-V
This motherboard has a Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is faster than 90.1% of Motherboards and equal to 4.2% 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
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than 71.5% of Motherboards and the same as 16.7% of Motherboards.
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.
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.
headphone amp on rear port.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
15+1+2
This motherboard has 15+1+2 VRM phases, which is more than 86.8% of motherboards and equal to 0.1% 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
8
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% 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 Tachyon 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
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    lane split supported
    2 vs 0
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 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.
    header only excluded.
    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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • Supports ECC memory
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • 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
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    lane split supported
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x8 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x8 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x8 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 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.
    header only excluded.
    1 vs 0
  • 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.
    20Gbps 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
  • 1 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (16 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    16 vs 15
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 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
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (15+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    15+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
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • 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.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 2.33x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Tachyon is more expensive than the average motherboard (£350 vs £150).
    £350 vs £150
  • 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, 2x PCIe 4x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4x4/x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2/SATA 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
  • 2.33x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Tachyon is more expensive than the average motherboard (£350 vs £150).
    £350 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 2x PCIe 4x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4x4/x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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 DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 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

Video reviews

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

7.0
Dain A.
≈ estimated
25/02/2023
Hands-on test · memory training and BIOS flashing
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Tachyon is kept only because a BIOS update made memory training work.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
25/03/2022
Lab test · Overclocking board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Tachyon is built for extreme overclocking, with buttons for recovery and voltage test points, but its two RAM slots cap memory at 64GB.
8.0
en.overclocking.com
≈ estimated
13/06/2022
Lab test · Extreme overclocking board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Tachyon is a dedicated overclocking board whose recovery buttons and voltage test points help with extreme testing, though its bundle is sparse.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Tachyon

  • World-class overclocking capabilities with a specialized 2-DIMM memory layout and robust 15-phase 105A VRM
  • Extensive onboard physical controls for enthusiasts, including OC buttons, voltage measurement points, and dip-switches
  • Excellent thermal performance with massive heatsinks that keep VRM temperatures low even under heavy loads
  • Rich storage options featuring four M.2 sockets (Gen4 x4) and six SATA ports
  • Strong connectivity suite including WiFi 6E, 2.5 Gbps LAN, and a rare PS/2 port for legacy peripheral support during extreme benching
  • Competitive pricing relative to other flagship extreme overclocking motherboards like the ASUS Apex or EVGA Kingpin

What customers don't like about GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Tachyon

  • Steep learning curve and complex BIOS layout that can be intimidating for average users or beginner overclockers
  • Limited rear I/O USB connectivity, specifically lacking a high number of USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports compared to general-purpose flagship boards
  • Default BIOS settings, such as Load-Line Calibration (LLC), can be overly aggressive and may apply higher-than-expected voltages
  • Lack of integrated RGB lighting elements, which may be a drawback for users seeking a more flashy aesthetic
  • Official BIOS support can be slow to address specific enthusiast features, sometimes requiring community-sourced 'XOC' versions for full functionality

Verdict

The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Tachyon is an E-ATX motherboard purpose-built for extreme overclocking, featuring a robust 15+1+2 phase direct VRM design with 105A power stages and a specialized two-slot DDR5 memory layout supporting speeds over 7000MHz. Its primary strengths include an extensive onboard 'Overclocking Kit' with physical buttons for ratio and voltage control, dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, and comprehensive connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN. While it excels in performance, its main drawbacks are a steep learning curve for its BIOS, a limited two-DIMM memory capacity of 64GB, and the lack of high-speed USB 3.2 Gen2 or Thunderbolt 4 ports compared to other flagship boards.

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