GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£330Avg. price in US:~$350CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:ATX

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

8.7

Overall score

Score
8.7/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

90%

8.7

Technical Score

10%

8.8

User score

â–²Better than 89% of motherboards
8.7

Technical Score

Technical score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

19%

7.8

Memory

16%

9.2

Platform & Features

16%

9.4

Storage

15%

9.1

Network

13%

8.6

Ports & USB

8%

6.9

Expansion

8%

9.1

Power & Cooling

5%

8.8

Audio

â–²Better than 88% of motherboards
8.8

User score

User score
8.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.8

User reviews

30%

9.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(458)
amazon
4.1
(37)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(144)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(37)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–²Better than 82% of motherboards
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Verdict

The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra is a high-performance ATX motherboard designed for 12th Gen Intel Core processors, featuring a robust 16+1+2 phase direct digital VRM with 105A power stages and an advanced Fins-Array II thermal design for stable overclocking. It supports dual-channel DDR5 memory up to 6200MHz (OC), PCIe 5.0 connectivity for next-gen graphics cards, and offers expansive storage via four NVMe PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with enlarged thermal guards. Key pros include its exceptional rear I/O with 13 USB ports (including USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C), integrated Wi-Fi 6, 2.5GbE LAN, and high-fidelity ALC4080 audio. However, some users have noted cons such as the lack of PCIe 5.0 support on any of the M.2 slots, the absence of a dedicated rear Clear CMOS button, and reported BIOS stability issues during early 13th Gen transitions.

Technical Specifications of motherboard GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra

Technical Score
Technical score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

19%

7.8

Memory

16%

9.2

Platform & Features

16%

9.4

Storage

15%

9.1

Network

13%

8.6

Ports & USB

8%

6.9

Expansion

8%

9.1

Power & Cooling

5%

8.8

Audio

8.7
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra has a technical score of 8.7 points, which is higher than that of 88% of products in this category.
User score
User score
8.8/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.8

User reviews

30%

9.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(458)
amazon
4.1
(37)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(144)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(37)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.8
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra has a user score of 8.82 points, which is higher than that of 82.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
9.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra has a popularity score of 9 points, which is higher than that of 83% of products in this category.
9.0
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra has a popularity score of 9 points, which is higher than that of 83% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
8.7/ 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
Score components:

60%

8.7

Overall score

40%

8.8

Price

8.7
GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra has a value-for-money score of 8.7 points, which is higher than that of 85.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
Gigabyte
CPU socket
LGA 1700
CPU socket
LGA 1700
This motherboard uses the LGA 1700 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.6% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z690
Chipset
Intel Z690
This motherboard 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
ATX
Form factor
ATX
This motherboard has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.7% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
requires BIOS update for full capacity
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
6,200 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
6,200 MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 6,200 MT/s, which is higher than that of 72.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
4
N. of M.2 sockets
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
3x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
3x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2/SATA
This motherboard offers 3x PCIe 4.0x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 78.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.1% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
This motherboard 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
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
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
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x4
This motherboard uses x16/x4/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 88.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.7% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
13
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
13
This motherboard has 13 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 98.4% of motherboards and equal to 0.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
23
Total USB ports (including headers)
23
This motherboard has 23 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 98.5% of motherboards and equal to 0.9% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 18% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I225-V
LAN controller
Intel I225-V
This motherboard uses the Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 90.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
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
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 60.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4080
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4080
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 90.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.5% of motherboards.
Audio channels
2
Audio channels
2
This motherboard offers 2 audio channels, which is fewer than 99.4% of motherboards and equal to 0.6% of motherboards.
stereo rear output; surround via S/PDIF.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Audio SNR
120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Smart Headphone Amp.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
This motherboard has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.6% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
also has optical S/PDIF out
Show more
VRM phases
16+1+2
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
N. of CPU power connectors
2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
N. of fan headers
8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Pump header max current
2 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    4
    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
  • 5 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    13
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (13 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    13 vs 8
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    This motherboard 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
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    4
    This motherboard 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 advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Intel I225-V
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    1
    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
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC4080
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    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
  • 10.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.8/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra
    the average motherboard
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra has a higher user score than the average motherboard (8.82 vs 8.000).
    8.82 vs 8
  • 17.5% better value for money
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.71 vs 7.4).
    8.71 vs 7.41
  • 43.3% more popular
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra is more popular than the average motherboard (8.98 vs 6.3).
    8.98 vs 6.26
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1700
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes onboard power button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    Onboard reset button
    yes
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    This motherboard has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 31% higher maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    6,200 MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (6200 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    6,200 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    4
    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
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    6
    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
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    1
    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
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x4/x4
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 5 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    13
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (13 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    13 vs 8
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    4
    This motherboard 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
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    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
  • 8 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    23
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (23 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    23 vs 15
  • 2 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    N. of USB4 / Thunderbolt headers (USB-C)
    2
    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
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    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 2x2 Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    2
    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
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    4 vs 2
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Intel I225-V
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
    Bluetooth 5.2.
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC4080
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    120 dB
    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
    VRM phases
    16+1+2
    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
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    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
    N. of fan headers
    8
    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
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 61 mm shorter
    Height
    244 mm
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    244 mm vs 305 mm
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z690
    This motherboard 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
  • Fewer audio channels
    Audio channels
    2.0
    This motherboard has fewer audio channels than the average motherboard (2 vs 7.1). The average motherboard has 7.1 audio channel/s.
    stereo rear output; surround via S/PDIF.
    2.0 vs 7.1
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    2
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    also has optical S/PDIF out
    2 vs 5
  • 2.06x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra is more expensive than the average motherboard (£330 vs £160).
    £330 vs £160
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    3x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2/SATA
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4x4/x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    3x PCIe 4.0x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    This motherboard 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
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    0
    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 HDMI outputs
    N. of HDMI outputs
    0
    This motherboard has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 2.06x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra is more expensive than the average motherboard (£330 vs £160).
    £330 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z690
    This motherboard 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
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    3x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2/SATA
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4x4/x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    3x PCIe 4.0x4/x2, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    0
    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 PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    This motherboard 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 HDMI outputs
    N. of HDMI outputs
    0
    This motherboard has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.2
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.2 vs 5.4
  • Fewer audio channels
    Audio channels
    2.0
    This motherboard has fewer audio channels than the average motherboard (2 vs 7.1). The average motherboard has 7.1 audio channel/s.
    stereo rear output; surround via S/PDIF.
    2.0 vs 7.1
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    2
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    also has optical S/PDIF out
    2 vs 5
  • No rear microphone input
    Dedicated microphone input (rear, 3.5mm)
    no
    This motherboard does not have a dedicated rear microphone input, while the average motherboard does. 96.7% of motherboards include a dedicated rear microphone input.
    rear audio uses combo jack

Graphic comparison of GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra?

  • Excellent value for a Z690 DDR5 motherboard compared to competitors
  • Robust thermal design with 'Fins-Array II' heatsinks that keep VRMs and M.2 SSDs cool
  • Copious amount of rear I/O connectivity, including 13 total USB ports and a 20Gbps Type-C port
  • Features four M.2 slots for high-speed storage expansion
  • Includes convenient hardware extras like diagnostic LEDs, a power button, and a Q-Flash Plus button for BIOS updates without a CPU
  • Solid 105A power stage VRM design capable of handling high-end Intel i9 processors

What customers dislike about GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Ultra?

  • Reported system instability and PCIe 4.0/5.0 riser cable compatibility issues (largely affecting the Z690I ITX version, leading to a recall/replacement program)
  • Finicky BIOS and reported memory overclocking difficulties with certain DDR5 kits
  • Lack of integrated RGB lighting on the board itself, though headers are provided
  • Physical design quirks, such as using different screw sizes for different M.2 heatsinks and lacking an included screwdriver
  • Slightly higher idle power consumption compared to some peer Z690 boards
  • Limited onboard audio connections (only two analog jacks and SPDIF) compared to high-end alternatives

Video reviews

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

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