Choosing The Right Z690 (DDR4) Motherboard

Choosing The Right Z690 (DDR4) Motherboard

Looking at selecting the right Z690 motherboard, there are 55+ models with support for DDR5 memory, and currently over 30+ with support for DDR4 to choose from. Our testing in our Intel 12th Gen Core i9-12900K review showed clear trade-offs in terms of performance between DDR5 and DDR4 memory at the rated JEDEC speeds for each platform, eg DDR4-3200 vs DDR5-4800. It is clear that DDR5 performs better in certain scenarios than DDR4, but DDR4 memory offers much better value overall at the current pricing levels. That's also only at JEDEC, and users with high speed DDR4 memory kits could use them forward in a new Z690 DDR4 system. That being said, DDR4 is now an ending standard, and DDR5 is the future.

On the offerings, some vendors offer the same model in either DDR5 or DDR4 flavors, making a simple swap in the design. All of the Z690 models a;sp benefit from the same core chipset advancements. This includes a new high-speed PCIe 4.0 x8 link to the processor. This enables double the bandwidth for connecting hardware, which is a bonus as the chipset now supports PCIe 4.0 connectivity for storage and other add-in cards. Intel has added native USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C support, with vendors now capable of putting up to four of these on any given board. The Z690 chipset now includes a Wi-Fi 6E MAC as well.

Aside from selecting which memory type to go for, the common theme from vendors is that its DDR5 enabled Z690 models are reserved for its flagship, premium, and mid-range models, whereas the DDR4 variants occupy both the mid-range and entry-level. This makes sense from a value standpoint, as it's likely that someone who might spend upwards of $400 on a Z690 motherboard will also want the latest DDR5 memory.

While lighter on some core fundamental features such as high-end 10 GbE networking and Thunderbolt 4, there are plenty of variables to make a well-informed purchase with. Some of the Z690 DDR4 models include four M.2 slots, some with eight SATA, and even a small handful with more than five USB 3.2 G2 Type-A ports on the rear panel. Whatever the variable, most models include USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C connectivity, either via rear panel or a front panel header, with the vast majority also opting for 2.5 GbE and either Wi-Fi 6 at the very least. Some models have been duplicated by vendors to either include Wi-Fi or not, which offers a small cost saving for those users who are adamant they don't want the wireless connectivity at all.

Regardless of what needs or specific requirements a user has for a new system, Z690 models with DDR4 support might not have top-tier networking, or any models representing a high-end or flagship offering, but there's plenty for users to like. This includes 2.5 GbE networking as pretty much the new normal, solid amounts of rear panel USB connectivity, and up to four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots on some of the pricier models. Below is a list of features with the corresponding model which has said feature. This is to make selecting a new Z690 (with DDR4) easier based on specific features:

In previous chipset overviews, we've highlighted the differences in what boards come with which HD audio codec to drive the onboard audio. With the Z690 models, some models still aren't listing which codec they are using, which is disappointing. ASUS is the odd one out as it is using its SupremeFX version of the corresponding Realtek ALC HD audio codecs across its more expensive models. The main theme throughout the Z690 models with DDR4 support is value.

The primary audio HD audio codec of choice for most vendors here is the Realtek ALC897. Some of the more premium models include the Realtek ALC1220 HD audio codec, while just three are using the latest ALC4080 HD audio codec. Realtek hasn't officially unveiled the specifications of the ALC4080, but the only difference between the Realtek ALC4080 and ALC1220 codec is how it connects to the motherboard.

As some models have yet to specify which audio codec it is using (mostly GIGABYTE and MSI), we will list below what we know so far:

Wi-Fi 6E

One of the main updates to the Z690 chipset is an integrated Wi-Fi 6E MAC, which a lot of vendors have chosen to use. The Wi-Fi 6E CNVi is designed to allow users to use the new 6 GHz Wi-Fi band with non-overlapping channels. This is only available on routers with 6 GHz band capability; otherwise, it's nearly identical to Wi-Fi 6 with the aforementioned benefit to reduce congestion with multiple devices connected to a router. As most models are using Wi-Fi 6E, we thought it would be easier to list what board isn't, whether that be Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 5, or non-inclusive of any form of CNVi.

As we receive updates from vendors with more information, we will endeavor to keep this Z690 overview updated and as often as possible. 

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