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 Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:Mini-ITX

GIGABYTE Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

GIGABYTE Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 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
Score components

40%

6.4

Technical score

20%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

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%

6.4

User score

â–²Better than 50% of motherboards
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 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

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–¼Worse than 61%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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
Score components

19%

4.1

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform

16%

5.5

Storage

15%

8.0

Network

13%

5.9

Ports

8%

4.7

Expansion

8%

6.3

Power & Cooling

5%

9.4

Audio

â–²Better than 55%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
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
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.8.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
No expert tests yet
6.4

User score

User score
6.4/ 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

6.4

Mark 7.1 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

6.8

Rating

30%

7.8

Popularity

â–¼Worse 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-z690i-aorus-ultra-ddr4
gigabyte-z690i-aorus-ultra-ddr4
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 Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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
Score components:

19%

4.1

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform

16%

5.5

Storage

15%

8.0

Network

13%

5.9

Ports

8%

4.7

Expansion

8%

6.3

Power & Cooling

5%

9.4

Audio

6.4
Reviews score
7.8
User score
6.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 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:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.6
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
Mini-ITX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
2
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.1% of motherboards and equal to 21.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
3,200 MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MT/s, which is lower than that of 63.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 34.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 4.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 2x PCIe 4.0x4, which is faster than 55.7% of Motherboards and the same as 5.5% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 6.1% of motherboards and equal to 46.8% 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.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
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
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
0
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16, which is less generous than 81% of Motherboards and the same as 16.1% 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
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)
15
This motherboard has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 47.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
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
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
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
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
?
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
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than 60.3% of Motherboards and the same as 11.2% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4080
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC4080, which is higher-end than 90.4% of Motherboards and the same as 6.4% 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
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
3
This motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 11.3% of motherboards and equal to 39.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
10+2+1
This motherboard has 10+2+1 VRM phases, which is more than 60.1% of motherboards and equal to 0.8% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
4
This motherboard has 4 fan headers, which is fewer than 64.7% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 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 Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 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 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
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
    1 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.
    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
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC4080 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 (10+2+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    10+2+1 vs 10
  • 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
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 13.5% lower user score
    User score
    6.4/ 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

    6.4

    Mark 7.1 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    6.8

    Rating

    30%

    7.8

    Popularity

    6.4 vs 7.4
  • 73.3% more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £150).
    £260 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
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 31.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    3,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • 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 PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 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
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • No rear line-in
    This motherboard does not have rear line-in, while the average motherboard does. 94.9% of motherboards include rear line-in.
  • 1.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    4 vs 5.5
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    proprietary addressable header; adapter may be required
    1 vs 2

Video reviews

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

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4

  • One of the few Z690 Mini-ITX boards with DDR4 support, saving users from the 'DDR5 tax'.
  • Robust 10+2+1 phase VRM with a real finned heatsink for efficient cooling.
  • Comprehensive connectivity for its size, including 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.
  • Support for dual PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives despite the small form factor.
  • Premium audio experience provided by the Realtek ALC4080 codec.
  • Competitive pricing compared to high-end ITX alternatives from ASUS and MSI.

What customers don't like about GIGABYTE Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4

  • Major stability issues reported with PCIe 4.0/5.0 signals, leading to a massive recall and rebranding as 'Lite' (limited to PCIe 3.0).
  • Frequent WHEA (Windows Hardware Error Architecture) errors and system crashes under load.
  • Tall VRM and M.2 heatsinks cause significant compatibility issues with many popular CPU air coolers and AIOs.
  • Poor memory overclocking stability, with some users unable to post at XMP speeds above 3600MHz.
  • Noticeable coil whine reported by numerous users under certain load conditions.
  • Longer than average boot times and a verbose BIOS startup process.

Verdict

The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra DDR4 is a high-performance Mini-ITX motherboard designed for 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, featuring a robust direct 10+2+1 phase VRM with 105A power stages and support for dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 5333MHz (OC). Key characteristics include a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, dual NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots with advanced Thermal Guard III cooling, and high-speed connectivity via Intel 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6. Its primary pros are its exceptional power delivery for overclocking in a compact form factor, premium ALC4080 audio, and comprehensive thermal management using Fins-Array II and a 10-layer PCB. However, significant cons include reported PCIe Gen 4 instability issues often requiring a manual downshift to Gen 3 (which led to a manufacturer recall/replacement program), a lack of post-debug LEDs for troubleshooting, and potential coil whine in some units.

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