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NZXT N5 Z690 Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£200Avg. price in US:~$240CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:ATX

NZXT N5 Z690 Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

8.0

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 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
â–² Better than 75% of models
Score components

90%

8.0

Technical Score

10%

7.9

User score

â–²Better than 75% of motherboards
8.0

Technical Score

Technical score
8.0/ 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
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

8.9

Platform & Features

16%

9.2

Storage

15%

9.2

Network

13%

5.8

Ports & USB

8%

8.8

Expansion

8%

7.3

Power & Cooling

5%

6.2

Audio

â–²Better than 76% of motherboards
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User reviews

30%

7.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(75)
amazon
4.0
(35)
amazon
4.5
(19)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(24)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–¼Worse than 68% of motherboards
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Verdict

The NZXT N5 Z690 is an ATX motherboard designed for 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, featuring an 8+1 DrMOS power phase design and a minimalist, non-shrouded PCB aesthetic in black or white. Key specifications include support for up to 128GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory (overclockable to 5000+ MHz), a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed GPUs, and impressive storage expansion with four M.2 slots and four SATA ports. Main pros include built-in Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.2, an integrated I/O shield for easier installation, and seamless integration with the NZXT CAM software for fan and RGB control. However, notable cons include a relatively basic 50A VRM setup that limits heavy overclocking, a dated Realtek ALC897 audio codec, and a limited selection of high-speed rear USB ports compared to similarly priced competitors.

Technical Specifications of motherboard NZXT N5 Z690

Technical Score
Technical score
8.0/ 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
â–² Better than 76% of models
Score components:

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

8.9

Platform & Features

16%

9.2

Storage

15%

9.2

Network

13%

5.8

Ports & USB

8%

8.8

Expansion

8%

7.3

Power & Cooling

5%

6.2

Audio

8.0
NZXT N5 Z690 has a technical score of 8 points, which is higher than that of 75.8% of products in this category.
User score
User score
7.9/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

User reviews

30%

7.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(75)
amazon
4.0
(35)
amazon
4.5
(19)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(24)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.9
NZXT N5 Z690 has a user score of 7.88 points, which is lower than that of 67.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
7.3/ 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
â–² Better than 63% of models
Popularity:
NZXT N5 Z690 has a popularity score of 7.3 points, which is higher than that of 62.9% of products in this category.
7.3
NZXT N5 Z690 has a popularity score of 7.3 points, which is higher than that of 62.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
8.4/ 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 77% of models
Score components:

60%

8.0

Overall score

40%

9.5

Price

8.4
NZXT N5 Z690 has a value-for-money score of 8.4 points, which is higher than that of 76.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
Nzxt
CPU socket
LGA 1700
CPU socket
LGA 1700
â–² Better than 55% of models
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
â–² Better than 32% of models
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
â–² Better than 69% of models
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
â–² Better than 48% of models
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
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >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
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 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.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
5,000 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
5,000 MT/s
â–² Better than 57% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 5,000 MT/s, which is higher than that of 57% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
4
N. of M.2 sockets
4
â–² Better than 84% of models
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
2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
â–² Better than 77% of models
This motherboard offers 2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 76.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.1% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
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
â–² Better than 40% of models
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
â–² Better than 69% of models
Market range: <0 – >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
1
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.5% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 40% of models
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/x4/x1
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x1
â–² Better than 78% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x4/x1 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 77.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.9% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
?
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.2% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
16
Total USB ports (including headers)
16
â–² Better than 61% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 16 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 61.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.1% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
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
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
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)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >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
Realtek RTL8125B
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125B
â–² Better than 70% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek RTL8125B LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 70.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
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
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
â–² Better than 72% of models
This motherboard 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
Realtek ALC897
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 29.2% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
full 7.1 needs front panel audio.
Audio SNR
97 dB
Audio SNR
97 dB
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 97 dB, which is lower than that of 65.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 17% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
Headphone amp support
no
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 59.3% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
3
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
3
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 50.4% of motherboards and equal to 38.1% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
8+1
VRM phases
8+1
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
This motherboard has 8+1 VRM phases, which is fewer than 64.4% of motherboards and equal to 1.2% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >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
6
N. of fan headers
6
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
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
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 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.
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NZXT N5 Z690 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    4
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >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
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >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
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1700
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    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
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8125B
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >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
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard 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 vs 0
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1700
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    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
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    4
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >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
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >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
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    2
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x4/x1
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x4/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard 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 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard 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.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0 – >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.
    20Gbps Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <0 – >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.
    20Gbps Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    2
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    16
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    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 advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8125B
    â–² Better than 70% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >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
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z690
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    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
  • 18 dB lower audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    97 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (97 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    97 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    3
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    3 vs 5
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 25% more expensive
    NZXT N5 Z690 is more expensive than the average motherboard (£200 vs £160).
    £200 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z690
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    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
  • No automatic overclocking
    Automatic overclocking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This motherboard does not support automatic overclocking, while the average motherboard does. 74.2% of motherboards support automatic overclocking.
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    4x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (4x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    4x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.2
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    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
  • 18 dB lower audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    97 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (97 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    97 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 2 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    3
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    3 vs 5
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    Optical S/PDIF out (TOSLINK)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.8% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • Fewer VRM phases
    VRM phases
    8+1
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    8+1 vs 10

Graphic comparison of NZXT N5 Z690 and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
75 Reviews
amazon
4.0
35 Reviews
amazon
4.5
19 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
24 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about NZXT N5 Z690?

  • Clean, minimalist aesthetic that fits well in themed builds
  • Excellent storage options with four M.2 slots, unusual for its price point
  • User-friendly installation features, including a built-in I/O shield and well-placed headers
  • Includes modern connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN
  • Compatible with NZXT CAM software for intuitive fan and lighting control
  • More affordable than the flagship N7 model while maintaining similar core performance

What customers dislike about NZXT N5 Z690?

  • Limited to DDR4 memory, lacking support for the newer DDR5 standard
  • Fewer USB ports compared to competitors, particularly lacking USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps)
  • Power delivery (VRM) is less robust than premium boards, making it less ideal for heavy i9 overclocking
  • Uses a dated mid-range audio codec (Realtek ALC897)
  • Limited number of internal USB 2.0 and RGB headers, which may require additional controllers
  • Missing some enthusiast features like a metal shroud or Thunderbolt 4 support

Video reviews

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

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