Z690 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.4)
Intel® Z690 Chipset
OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCE
DDR5
THERMAL
CONNECTIVITY
PERSONALIZATION
ULTRA DURABLE
Key Feature
Performance
Connectivity
1
16+1+2 Twin Hybrid Phases Digital Power Design*
- 60A DrMOS
- 6-Layer & 2X Copper PCB
* 8+8 phases parallel power design
2
Advanced Thermal Design
- Fully Covered MOSFET Heatsinks
- 6mm Heatpipe
- 7.5 W/mK Thermal Conductivity Pad
- Integrated IO Shield
3
Full PCI Express 5.0 Design
- 1*PCIe 5.0 x16 SMD Slot with Ultra Durable™ SMD PCIe 5.0 Armor
- PCIe EZ-Latch
4
Supports 13th and 12th Gen. Intel® Core™ Processors
5
Solid Pin Power Connectors
- 24 Pin ATX Power Connector
- 8+8 Pin CPU Power Connector
6
Dual Channel DDR5, 4*DIMMs
7
4*PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Connectors
- 1*PCIe 4.0 M.2 with Thermal Guard III
- 3*PCIe 4.0 M.2 with Enlarged Thermal Guard
- M.2 EZ-Latch Plus
8
Multi-Key
- Multiple function set by BIOS
- Reset/RGB Switch/Direct to BIOS/Safe Mode
1
Wi-Fi 6E with AORUS Antenna
2
2*USB3.2 Gen2
3
DisplayPort
4
HDMI
5
USB3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C®
6
3*USB3.2 Gen1
7
2.5G GbE LAN
8
Hi-Fi Audio
- High-End Audio Capacitor
- Audiophile Grade WIMA Capacitors
9
RGB FUSION
- 2*Addressable LED Header
- 2*RGB LED Header
10
Front USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C® for Connecting Devices
11
6*SATA 6G/s
12
Q-FLASH Plus Onboard Button
Twin Hybrid VRM Design
PCIe 5.0 DESIGN
Hybrid Cores Optimization
Unparalleled Performance
With technology moving so fast, GIGABYTE still keep up with the latest trends and provide our customers with advanced features and latest technology. GIGABYTE Z690 Series motherboards come with upgraded power solution, latest storage standards and outstanding connectivity to enable optimize performance for gaming.
To ensure maximum Turbo Boost and overclocking performance of Intel's new generation CPU, GIGABYTE GAMING series motherboard equip the best VRM design ever built with the highest quality components.
To unleash full potential of multi-cores CPU performance
For CPU integrated GPU performance and memory control
Provide stable power for CPU integrated PCIe & Memory controller
* 8+8 phases parallel power design
GIGABYTE get Z690 Motherboards ready to work with the upcoming PCIe 5.0 device which is expected to experience Twice bandwidth. To reach the high speed and maintain good signal integrity, Gigabyte R&D selects the low impedance PCB to make it work.
1.
PCIe 5.0 x16 SMD Slot
2.
6-Layer Low Signal Loss PCB
Ultra Durable™ SMD PCIe 5.0 Armor
GIGABYTE' exclusive stainless steel shielding design.
1. Double Locking Bracket
2. Signal Degradation
3. SMD Iron Claw
By means of multi-point stainless steel pins penetrating the PCB to increase the strength of the SMD slot to improve the Durability.
4. Tensile Strength
Hybrid Cores Optimization
With new Intel Hybrid technology, GIGABYTE exclusively creates two new "CPU Upgrade" in BIOS
profiles to meet different users’ scenarios by adjusting P-Core and E-Core activation and
voltage
policy.
GAMING
- • Deactivate all E-Core
- • Zero compromise on gaming performance
- • Up to 20% lower CPU package power
- • Up to 5°C lower CPU temperature
Max Performance
- • Activate all P-Core and E-Core
- • Maximize full multi-cores performance
XMP 7600+
Unlock DDR5 Voltage
Shielded Memory Routing
XMP3.0
XTREME MEMORY
GIGABYTE Z690 Motherboards feature the latest DDR5 architecture and XMP 3.0 capability. The new DDR5 memory technology brings 50% more bandwidth to the platform and increases the system performance drastically by implementing Unlocked Native DDR5 Voltage, Xtreme Memory Routing and reliable SMD slot. In addition to the hardware upgrades, the user friendly UI provides full functionality to overclock higher with exclusive DDR5 tuning capability.
DDR5 Overclocking Up to 7600 and Beyond*
AORUS is offering a tested and proven platform that has memory overclocking capability up to 7600 and beyond. For DDR5 XMP Memory, all users need to do to attain high memory performance boost is to ensure that their memory module is XMP capable and that the XMP function is activated and enabled on their AORUS motherboard.
*Memory overlocking and XMP profile support may vary depending on hardware configuration.
Please see the complete validated memory support list. Product features may vary by model.
Unlock DDR5 Voltage
DDR4
DDR4 voltage is managed by MB with wide range
Native DDR5
Secure Mode
MB provides fixed 5V to Native DDR5 memory and built-in PMIC outputs locked 1.1v to memory
IC.
GIGABYTE Exclusive DDR5 Circuit Design
Programmable Mode
GIGABYTE’s exclusive design unlocks Native DDR5 PMIC secure mode into programmable mode and
control
Native DDR5 voltage with wide range.
- • GIGABYTE exclusive circuit design unlocks Native DDR5 voltage control
- • Transforms Native DDR5 memory module to Overclocked DDR5 memory
- • Increases DDR5 memory overclocking performance and capability
- • Supports all PMIC vendors for maximum compatibility
* Memory overclocking capabiblity will vary based on users' hardware configuration
1.Shielded Memory Routing
All memory routing is under the PCB inner layer shielded by a large ground layer to protect from external interference.
2. Impedance Optimized Topology
By optimizing memory trace width, length and style from HPC simulation to actual implementation, overall impedance is lowered between CPU memory controller and memory modules to achieve higher DDR5 speed.
3. Low Signal Loss PCB
Server grade mid-loss or low-loss PCB material is chosen to lower signal loss inside PCB and maintain DDR5 high speed signal transmission.
DDR5 Auto Booster
Automatically Boost the Native DDR5 frequency to 5000MHz while the system is
under
heavy loading by a single click.
DDR5 Memory Upgrade
GIGABYTE BIOS offers pre-defined and retrievable profiles for users to get
higher
performance easily. The profiles are based on a database that is created by
checking
each memory IC and PMIC vendors to optimize the modules to unleash their
full
potential. This is a time saving feature to manually configure overclocked
DDR5
memory kits.
- • Instantly upgrade memory performance
- • Overclock Native and XMP 3.0 DDR5 memory to higher frequency easily
- • No need to input dozens of memory parameters such as clock, voltage and timings
- • Built-in wide variety pre-tuned profiles database for different memory IC vendors
*DDR5 MEMORY UPGRADE involves DDR5 memory overclocking,
overclocking capability depends on users’ hardware configuration
overclocking capability depends on users’ hardware configuration
XMP 3.0 User Profile
Define and create your own SPD profile into Native and XMP 3.0 memory modules or apply the pre-tuned profiles to XMP 3.0 User Profile. Two user-defined profiles can be saved, loaded either locally or from/to an external storage device.
- • Two empty SPD profiles can be defined by users and carry to next computer
- • Transfer DDR5 XMP Booster profiles into XMP 3.0 User Profiles
- • Quick memory performance simulation based on user input clock and timing parameters
- • Profile save and load function to share your memory parameters online
SPD Re-defined or retrieve from database
Performance Simulation
Save/Load Profile
Overclocked Performance
Profile Clearance
Thermal Design
Fully Covered MOSFET Heatsink
M.2 Thermal Guard III
2X Copper PCB
SMART FAN 6
THERMAL REACTIVE ARMOR
GIGABYTE Z690 Series Motherboards' Un-throttled performance is guaranteed by
innovative and optimized thermal design to ensure the best CPU, Chipset, SSD stability and
low temperatures under full load application and gaming.
1. M.2 Thermal Guard III
M.2 Thermal Guard III constructed with 6X optimized heat dissipation surface and double-sided M.2 heatsinks to prevent throttling and bottlenecks on high-speed/ large capacity of M.2 SSDs.
2. Enlarged Thermal Guard
Enlarged M.2 heatsink prevents high-speed, large-capacity PCIe 4.0/3.0 SSDs flash from throttling due to overheating.
3. Fully Covered Thermal Design
High coverage MOSFET and integrated molding Heatsinks to improve thermal efficiency with better airflow and heat exchange.
4. 6mm Heatpipe
5. 7.5 W/mK Thermal Pad
6. 6-Layer & 2X Copper PCB
2X Copper PCBs design effectively lower the component temperature by its high thermal conductivity and low impedance.
1. 4X Large Surface
Increased surface area up to 4X larger compared to traditional heatsinks. It improves
heat dissipation from the MOSFETs.
2. Real One-piece Build
TMOS is a TRUE single piece heatsink. Its one-piece design and larger surface
drastically improve the cooling
performance against competitors’ multi-piece design.
2. Multi-Cut Design
TMOS features several channels and inlets on the heatsink. This design allows for the air flow to go through which leads to a great improvement of the heat transfer performance.
M.2 Thermal Guard III
M.2 Thermal Guard III constructed with 6X optimized heat dissipation surface to prevent throttling and bottleneck that high-speed/ large capacity of M.2 SSDs may cause, especially under heavy workload.The special design of heatsink grooves in the direction of CPU further enhances the in-chassis air flow and optimizes the heat convection efficiency.
Throttle-free Performance
*The result is based on internal lab test for reference only, real performance may vary.
Test conditions are under open case, 25˚C ambient temperature, no airflow, AIO Cooler
and the latest Gen5 SSD running IO meter for two hours.
* The appearance design of M.2 Thermal III may affect the CPU tower cooler installation; therefore, it is recommend to use CPU liquid cooler.
3% Cooler by implementing
2X copper PCB Design
2X copper PCB Design
By adopting 2X copper on PCB inner layer, it lowers the components' temperature at least 3%
by
turning the PCB into a super thin PCB size copper heatsink to dissipate the heat from the
components effectively, due to it’s high thermal conductivity and lower impedance.
SMART FAN 6
Smart Fan 6 contains several unique cooling features that ensure gaming PC maintain its performance while staying cool and quiet. Multiple fan headers can support PWM/DC fan and pump, and users can easily define each fan curve based on different temperature sensors across the board via intuitive user interface.
Cooling Features
High Current Support
Each fan headers support PWM and DC fan and Water Cooling Pump , and up to 24W (12V x 2A) with Over-Current ProtectionPrecision control
Multiple temperature/fan speed control points for precise fan curveDual Curve Mode
Slope/Stair dual mode for different user scenarioFan Stop
Fan can stop completely below users' specified temperature point
PWM/DC Fan Headers
Internal Temperature Sensors
Smart Fan 6 BIOS UI
1
Improve fan curve UI
We increase control points from 5 to 7 and larger fan speed graph for
precise
and easier fan curve
control.
2
Slope/Stair dual graph mode
Fan curve can be quickly switch with Slope and Stair modes for different
user
scenario. Slope is
traditional and
intuitive linear fan speed curve. With newly added Stair non-linear
mode, fan
keeps at same speed
between specified
temperature interval.
3
Manual Input
For advanced users, we provide fan speed manual input for more precise
control.
4
EZ Tuning
Use can place 4 EZ Tuning points at rough temperature/fan speed, and
Smart Fan 6
can quickly generate a
fan curve.
5
Fan curve profile
Fan curve profile can be saved in BIOS ROM, profile will be kept after
updating
BIOS.
Note: The picture is for reference and may vary by model.
802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E
2.5GbE LAN
Rear USB-C® 20Gb/s
Front USB-C® 10Gb/s
Hi-Fi Audio
CONNECTIVITY
GIGABYTE Motherboards enable the ultimate connection experience with blazing data-transfer speeds through the next generation network, storage, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E
The latest Wireless solution 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E with new dedicated 6GHz band, enables gigabit wireless performance, provides smooth video streaming, better gaming experience, few dropped connections and speeds up to 2.4Gbps. Moreover, Bluetooth 5 provides 4X range over BT 4.2 and with faster transmission.
1. Smart Antenna
- 2X signal strength compared to traditional antenna design.
- AORUS Antenna with smart antenna function for the best WIFI signal transmitting.
2. New 6GHz Signal Design
All new antenna supported 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz.
3. Multiple Angle & Magnetic Base
Multiple angle tilt and magnetic base for the best signal strength direction and location.
Wi-Fi 6E bring you the Ultimate VR experience!
Wi-Fi 6E brings faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and better battery life for VR devices, which means streaming VR games wirelessly from your PC to your VR device offers a lot smoother and has higher quality video.
Wi-Fi 6E compared to Wi-Fi 5 provide…
40% faster speed for smoother gaming/streaming experience
50% higher resolution for video game related content
Better battery life for VR devices
Wi-Fi 6E compared to Wi-Fi 5 provide…
40% faster speed for smoother gaming/streaming experience
50% higher resolution for video game related content
Better battery life for VR devices
Wi-Fi 6E Advantage
Spectrum congestion is huge problem in current Wi-Fi environment nowadays because too many devices all use existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrum, and it cause unreliable connection and slower speed. Wi-Fi 6E is extended standard to Wi-Fi 6, and it use dedicated 6GHz band that it provides not only brand new frequency to transfer data, but also spacious spectrum for future more devices. With Wi-Fi 6E, users can enjoy faster connection and stronger signal than before.
First adopter on 2.5GbE LAN onboard
2X Faster than ever
Connecting the Future - USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C®
Featuring the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 design which is doubled the performance than previous generation of USB 3.2 Gen 2. It works up to 20Gbps ultra-fast data transfer while connecting to USB 3.2 compliant peripherals. Through the USB Type-C® connector, users can enjoy the flexibility of reversible connection to access and store massive amounts of data rapidly.
CONNECTING THE FUTURE - Front USB3.2 Gen 2 Type-C®
USB 3.2 Gen 2 provides USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports with speeds up to 10Gbps. With twice the bandwidth compared to its previous generation as well as backwards compatibility with USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 Gen1, the much improved USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol is available over the new reversible USB Type-C™ and the traditional USB Type-A connector for better compatibility over a wider range of devices.
Audiophile Grade Capacitors (Premium Grade Audio)
To ensure a studio-quality experience, WIMA and Premium Grade Audio capacitors are used to provide power to the overall system.
RGB FUSION
UEFI BIOS
Easy Tune
System Information Viewer
Personalization
GIGABYTE motherboards bundle several useful and intuitive software to help users to control every aspect of motherboard and provide customizable lighting effect with outstanding aesthetics to fit your unique personality.
RGB Fusion Multi-Zone Light Show Design
Now offering more LED customizations than ever, users can truly adapt their PC to represent their lifestyle. With full RGB support and a redesigned RGB Fusion 2.0 application, the user has complete control over the LEDs which surround the motherboard.
Note: Lighting effects depicted are for demonstration purposes only. Actual lighting effects may vary by model.
-
Flash -
Double Flash -
Music -
Random -
Game -
Digital A -
Digital B -
Digital C
New User Interface
All new EASY MODE shows important hardware information in one page including
CPU
clock, Memory, Storage, Fan.
My Favorites
Add constantly used items into the favorite menu for quick access.
Storage Information
Show all kinds of storage information including SATA, PCIE and M.2
interface.
Changelog
List all changes before saving and exiting bios. Quickly review overall
settings
modification.
Intuitive Load Line Curve
Clearly show each loadline calibration setting in an intuitive curve graph.
GIGABYTE's EasyTune™ is a simple and easy-to-use interface that allows users to
fine-tune
their system settings or adjust system and memory clocks and voltages in a Windows
environment. With Smart Quick Boost, one click is all it takes to automatically
overclock
your system, giving an added performance boost when you need it the most.
System Information Viewer
GIGABYTE System Information Viewer is a central location that gives you access to
your current system status. Monitor components
such as the clocks and processor, set your preferred fan speed profile, create
alerts when temperatures
get too high or record your system's behavior; these are the possibilities of the
System Information
Viewer.
DIY Friendly
Q-Flash Plus
Solid Pin
ULTRA DURABLE
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ features its product durability and high-quality manufacturing process. GIGABYTE motherboards use the best components and reinforce every slots to make each of them solid and durable.
EZ-Latch
With GIGABYTE EZ-Latch, you can DIY your PC in no time, quick and easy.
PCIe EZ-Latch
Unlock the latch of the PCIe slot easily when remove the graphics card in the PCIe slot.
Photo for reference only.
Q-Flash Plus
Update the BIOS easily without installing the CPU, memory and graphics card.
With GIGABYTE Q-Flash Plus, you don't need to install the CPU, memory and graphics card nor enter the BIOS menu to flash the BIOS. Just download and save a new BIOS file (rename to gigabyte.bin) on the USB flash drive, then press the dedicated Q-Flash Plus button and you’re good to go!
STEP 1.
Plug 24pin & 8pin power supply cable on motherboard
STEP 2.
Download motherboard BIOS file and rename to "gigabyte.bin", save to USB flashdrive, and plug USB flashdrive into Q-Flash USB port
STEP 3.
Press Q-Flash Plus button, and motherboard will start updating BIOS automatically.
Solid Pin Power Connectors
AORUS motherboards feature solid plated ATX 24pin & ATX 12V 8pin + 4pin power
connectors to offer a stable power supply during CPU overloading.
Solid Pin Power connector advantages
- Larger contact area for electricity
- More metal quantity to sustain higher power and generated heat
- Ultra durable and longer lifespan
Key Feature
- Intel® Socket LGA 1700：Support 13th and 12th Gen Series Processors
- Unparalleled Performance：Twin 16*+2+1 Phases Digital VRM Solution
- Dual Channel DDR5：4*DIMMs with XMP 3.0 Memory Module Support
- Next Generation Storage：4*PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Connectors
- Advanced Thermal Design & M.2 Thermal Guard III: To Ensure VRM Power Stability & M.2 SSD Performance
- EZ-Latch Plus：M.2 Connectors with Quick Release & Screwless Design
- Fast Networks：2.5GbE LAN & Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax
- Extended Connectivity：DP, HDMI, Front USB-C® 10Gb/s, Rear USB-C® 20Gb/s
- Smart Fan 6：Features Multiple Temperature Sensors, Hybrid Fan Headers with FAN STOP
- Q-Flash Plus：Update BIOS Without Installing the CPU, Memory and Graphics Card
* 8+8 phases parallel power design
* De termen HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI Trade dress en de HDMI logo's zijn handelsmerken of gedeponeerde handelsmerken van HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.
* Product specifications and product appearance may differ from country to country. We recommend that you check with your local dealers for the specifications and appearance of the products available in your country. Colors of products may not be perfectly accurate due to variations caused by photographic variables and monitor settings so it may vary from images shown on this site. Although we endeavor to present the most accurate and comprehensive information at the time of publication, we reserve the right to make changes without prior notice.
