Z690I AORUS ULTRA DDR4 (rev. 1.0)
Z690I A ULTRA DDR4
OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCE
THERMAL
CONNECTIVITY
PERSONALIZATION
ULTRA DURABLE
SELLING POINT
1
Advanced Thermal Design
- Fins Array II with heatpipe
- Multi-Layered PCH & M.2 Heatsink
- Thermal Guard III
- Thermal Baseplate
- 2X Copper PCB
- 9 W/mK Thermal Conductivity Pad
2
DisplayPort + HDMI
3
USB3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C®
4
Intel 2.5G GbE LAN
5
Q-FLASH Plus Onboard Button
6
Intel® WIFI 6 802.11ax 2T2R & BT 5 with AORUS Antenna
7
ALC4080 HD Audio
8
10+1+2 Direct Digital VRM Design
- 105A Smart Power Stage
- Premium Choke and Capacitor
- 2X Copper PCB
9
Solid Pin Power Connectors
- 24 pin ATX Power Connector
- 8 pin CPU Power Connector
10
Supports 12th Gen. Intel Core™ Processors
11
Dual Channel DDR4, 2 DIMMs with Ultra Durable™ SMD Memory Armor
12
RGB FUSION 2.0
- Addressable LED Header*1
- RGB LED Header*1
13
Front USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C® for Connecting Devices
14
2*M.2 Connectors with Thermal Guard III
- NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4
15
Next Generation PCIe 5.0 Design
- 1*PCIe 5.0 x16 SMD Slot
- Ultra Durable™ SMD PCIe 5.0 Armor
Direct Digital VRM Design
PCIe 5.0 Design
DDR4 XMP
RAID Storage
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 Z690 series 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
Provide stable power for CPU integrated PCIe & Memory controller
The more advanced manufacturing process and the higher core count on the new generation of CPUs, requires motherboards to utilize a more sophisticated VRM design to make CPUs run at their full potential. GIGABYTE uses fully DIRECT VRM DESIGN, high quality MOSFETs and tantalum polymer capacitors to achieve higher efficiency, lower voltage ripple and lower temperature than traditional parallel VRM design.
GIGABYTE DIRECT VRM DESIGN
TRADITIONAL PARALLEL VRM DESIGN
• Load is imbalanced across the MOSFETs
Tantalum Polymer Capacitor
- Lower impedance than regular capacitor to reduce voltage ripple
- Stable capacitance under high temperature
- Mounted right under the CPU area to stabilize CPU voltage during heavy loading
With DIRECT VRM DESIGN and TANTALUM POLYMER CAPACITOR, Z690 motherboards transient response, voltage ripple and stability is highly improved under overclocking and heavy loading condition.
1. 1x Reinforced PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
GIGABYTE Z690 Motherboards are ready to work with the upcoming PCIe 5.0 devices which are expected to experience double bandwidth than the current PCIe 4.0 devices. To reach the high speed and maintain good signal integrity, GIGABYTE R&D uses the low impedance PCB to provide the maximum performance.
Ultra Durable™ SMD PCIe 5.0 Armor
GIGABYTE' exclusive stainless steel shielding design.
1. Double Locking Bracket
Product features may vary by model. Pohot for reference only.
2. SMD High-Frequency
3. SMD Iron Claw
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
* XMP Profile support may vary depending on memory module.
Please see the complete validated memory support list. Product features may vary by model.
Please see the complete validated memory support list. Product features may vary by model.
Shielded Memory Routing
All memory routing is under the PCB inner layer shielded by a large ground layer to protect from
external interference.
* Picture is for reference only.
Single 32GB Support
The maximum memory capacity on the Z690 motherboard is 128GB. After Intel updated the memory reference code, a single slot can support up to 32GB. Therefore with populated 1 DIMM per channel on both channel, total memory capacity is 64GB, which was only available on High End Desktop (HEDT) platforms. For users who always run out of memory capacity, there is more bandwidth now for memory-intensive application such as rendering and video editing.
Dual PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2
AORUS motherboards offer the industry's best compatibility in terms of NVMe storage for users who demand high capacity and seek the best performance. Upgrade with the latest 2nd generation Gen4 SSD, the performance is up to 7000MB/s which is up to 2x faster than PCIe3.0 SSD.
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
MAX PERFORMANCE
• Deactivate all E-Core
• Zero compromise on gaming performance
• Up to 20% lower CPU package power
• Up to 5°C lower CPU temperature
• Zero compromise on gaming performance
• Up to 20% lower CPU package power
• Up to 5°C lower CPU temperature
• Activate all P-Core and E-Core
• Maximize full multi-cores performance
• Maximize full multi-cores performance
Thermal Design
M.2 Thermal Guard III
10-Layer PCB
Smart Fan 6
Advanced thermal solution
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. Fins-Array II with Heatpipe II
2. Fully Covered Thermal Design
3. M.2 Thermal Guard III
4. Hybrid PCH & M.2 Heatsink
5. Aluminum Baseplate
M.2 Thermal Guard III
M.2 Thermal Guard III design uses double-sided thermal pads to elevate the height of M.2 heatsink as increasing surface area to dissipate heats from M.2 SSDs. M.2 Thermal Guard III constructed with 5.6X optimized heat dissipation surface to prevent throttling and bottleneck that high-speed/ large capacity of PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs may cause, especially under heavy workload.
1. Multi-cut Design
For the air flow to go through which leads to a great imporovement of the heat transfer performance.
2. Thermal Guard III
5.6X Optimized heat dissipation surface area compared to traditional heatsink.
3. Heatsink+ Thermal Pad(Up)
4. Double-Sided M.2 SSD
5. Heatsink + Thermal Pad(Bottom)
M.2 Thermal Guard III
GIGABYTE Thermal Guard III ensures PCIe 4.0 SSD running at 7GB/s With No Throttling.
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 Gen4 7000 SSD running IO
meter for
two hours.
10 Layers PCB
For richer feature and powerful performance on mini-ITX board Z690I AORUS ULTRA DDR4, ten layers mid-loss PCB was adopted to make it work. Comparing with regular 8-layer PCB, two more layers for power solution and ground is added. In order to fully support 12th Gen CPU and get ready for the future, power trace need more space than previous generation. An extra layer is exclusively for the power delivery. Furthermore, a complete ground layer improves the signal integrity and helps PCB to dissipate heat. Along with ten layered, low impedance, 2X Copper PCB, Z690I AORUS ULTRA DDR4 is unbeatable among all motherboards.
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.
Headers & Sensors
4 PWM/DC Fan Headers
5 Internal Temperature Sensors
Cooling Features
-
High Current SupportEach fan headers support PWM and DC fan and Water cooling Pump , and up to 24W (12V x 2A) with Over-Current Protection
-
Precision ControlUp to 5 temperature/fan speed control points for precise fan curve
-
Dual Curve ModeSlope/Stair dual mode for different user scenario
-
Fan StopFan can stop completely below users' specified temperature point
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.
Achieve fan silence. With Fan Stop, map any fan to stop completely when temperatures drop below a specified threshold. Which fan stops, based on readings from which sensor, and at what temperature—all of it can be customized to your liking.
Intelligent Fan Control Design
2.5 GbE LAN
WIFI6 802.11ax
HDMI 2.0
AMP-UP Audio
NEXT GENERATION CONNECTIVITY
GIGABYTE Z690 Series Motherboards let you experience ultimate connection flexibility and blazing data-transfer speed with next generation network, storage, and WIFI connectivity.
First adopter on 2.5 GbE LAN onboard
2X Faster than ever
- Adoption of 2.5G LAN provide up to 2.5 GbE network connectivity, with at least 2 times faster transfer speeds compared to general 1GbE networking, perfectly designed for gamers with ultimate online gaming experience.
- Support Multi-Gig(10/100/1000/2500Mbps) RJ-45 Ethernet
New Introduce Intel® WIFI 6 802.11ax + BT 5 Module
Intel Wireless solution supports 802.11ax, 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.
Benefit of WIFI 6
- 5.5X throughput than 802.11ac 1x1*
- 4X better network capacity, no traffic jams especially in those dense area with lots of devices
- Network efficiency increase for better user experience
AORUS Antenna Supports Dual Band with Better WIFI Signal
- All new antenna supported dual band 802.11ax/ac 2.4GHz & 5GHz.
better signal strength compared to traditional antenna design - AORUS Antenna with smart antenna function for the best WIFI signal transmitting
- Multiple angle tilt and magnetic base for the best signal strength direction and location
HDMI 2.0 for 4K UHD Display and HDCP 2.2 supported
HDMI 2.0, which is backwards compatible with HDMI 1.4, offers 18 Gb/s of bandwidth – nearly twice
that of the previous
generation. This unlocks the potential for users to transfer multiple video streams, as well as a
native cinematic 21:9
ratio (which most movies are shot in), offering the best visual experience for viewers.
Hi-Res Audio
Hi-Res Audio certified, meaning that the product is capable of reproducing frequencies up to
40kHz
or above which ensures user with the best audio quality at all times.
Immersive Gaming
ViBes
Realtek High-End HD Audio Codec
- Supports audio format up to 32-bit/384KHz and output SNR up to Rear/Front 120dB 110dB.
- Automatically detects impedance of audio device, preventing low volume and distortion.
- Stream voice with up to 110dB(A) SNR via microphone.
DTS :X® Ultra
Recreates an authentic, spatially accurate 3D audio experience for
gaming
over any headphones or speakers. Supports
channel-based, scene based and object-based audio. Provides out-of-the-box
calibration
for a range of headphones and
speakers. Provides post-processing enhancements and device level tuning for DTS®
codecs.
DTS Sound Unbound* leverage Microsoft Spatial, enabling the the most believable, 3D audio experience for games. Immersion through DTS Headphone:X means in the sonic landscape, stationary and moving sounds can be heard from above, below or around the listener. Sounds pass around the listener with amazing externalization and accurate localization.
Learn more about the immersive gaming sound experience powered by DTS Sound Unbound at https://dts.com/sound-unbound
DTS Sound Unbound* leverage Microsoft Spatial, enabling the the most believable, 3D audio experience for games. Immersion through DTS Headphone:X means in the sonic landscape, stationary and moving sounds can be heard from above, below or around the listener. Sounds pass around the listener with amazing externalization and accurate localization.
Learn more about the immersive gaming sound experience powered by DTS Sound Unbound at https://dts.com/sound-unbound
*DTS Sound Unbound needs the latest Windows fixes in the Windows 10, please upgrade
your Windows 10 OS to Win10 Build 18898 or later versions.
DTS:X Ultra Technology Video
DTS:X Ultra Experience Video
RGB FUSION
UEFI BIOS
EASY TUNE
System Information Viewer
DEFINITIVE AESTHETICS
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.
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.
-
Wave -
Cycle Color -
Static -
Pulse -
Flash -
Double Flash -
Music -
Random -
Game -
Digital A -
Digital B -
Digital C
BIOS
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.
EasyTune™
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.
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.
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!
Solid Pin Power Connectors
AORUS motherboards feature solid plated ATX 24pin & ATX 12V 8pin 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
- Supports 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Series Processors
- Dual Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 2 DIMMs
- Intel® Optane™ Memory Ready
- Direct 10+2+1 Phases Digital VRM Solution with 105A Power Stage*
- Advanced Thermal Design with Fins-Array II, Thermal Guard III and Heatpipe
- Blazing Fast Intel® 2.5GbE LAN with cFosSpeed
- Intel® WIFI 6 802.11ax 2T2R & BT5 with AORUS Antenna
- AMP-UP Audio with ALC4080 and WIMA for Rear 120dB SNRHDMI 2.0 supports Premium 4K
- Dual Ultra-Fast NVMe PCIe 4.0* x4 M.2 with Thermal Guard III
- RGB FUSION 2.0 with Multi-Zone Addressable LED Light Show Design, Support Addressable LED & RGB LED Strip
- Smart Fan 6 Features Multiple Temperature Sensors, Hybrid Fan Headers with FAN STOP and Noise Detection
- Q-Flash Plus Update BIOS without Installing the CPU, Memory and Graphics Card
* The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI Trade dress and the HDMI Logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of 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.
