
Table of Contents
Over 80 new Z690 motherboards are about to release in conjunction with Intel’s 12th Generation Core processors, dubbed Alder Lake. This is a staggering amount of new hardware, and to ease the burden of trying to research all this new tech, we have comprised a list of some of the most recent motherboard announcements. Before we get to that, we will cover what is new with Alder Lake and what makes it so different from previous generation CPUs. We will also discuss the major changes the Z690 motherboards bring to the market.
Intel’s 12 Generation Core processor, Alder Lake is set to launch on November 4th. What makes this processor so unique? It’s the first CPU to feature two very different core architectures under one lid. Each 12th Gen processor will feature Performance cores, designated as “P” cores, utilizing the Golden Cove architecture and Efficient Cores, or “E” cores, using Gracemont architecture. This hybrid design is similar to ARM’s big.LITTLE concept and provides power and efficiency depending on the demand. Alder Lake will also support native PCIe 5.0 and in doing so feature a total of 20 PCIe lanes with 16 dedicated to PCIe 5.0 and four additional lanes of PCIe 4.0. Naturally, this all requires additional real estate so Intel is updating the Socket to LGA 1700.
This is where the Z690 motherboards come into play, providing PCIe 5.0 support as well as DDR5 memory. Some boards will still support DDR4 memory so be sure to double-check what you are buying. This is also partly why there are so many new motherboards getting launched. So, what’s so special about PCIe 5.0? Well, it allows double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, from 32 GBps up to 64 GBps. While most current devices are unable to take advantage of this, it’s only a matter of time before they catch up. The other major update Z690 series motherboards bring is support for DDR5. Unlike all previous generations, it features on-board voltage regulation, reduced power consumption, On-Die ECC error correction, and a higher base frequency than DDR4, providing a more efficient system.
Below are the six major motherboard manufacturers’ press releases for the upcoming Intel Z690 chipset, MSI, ASUS, ASRock, Gigabyte, EVGA, and Biostar.
MSI
The Next Playground
Intel Z690 Motherboards
The 12th Gen Intel Core desktop processor redefines x86 architexture performance. Introducing the new performance hybrid archetexture, combining Performance-cores with Efficient-cores to elevate gaming, productivity, and creation. Enjoy the full range of the latest platform innovations like…
NOTE: There are rumors of an MSI Z690 GODLIKE EATX motherboard but we have not received official confirmation.
You can find the boards at Newegg.com
MEG FAMILY
There is also the MSI MEG Z690I UNIFY ITX motherboard coming soon. (Image not available)
MPG FAMILY
MAG FAMILY
There is also the MSI MAG Z690 TORPEDO EK X motherboard coming soon. (Image not available)
PRO FAMILY
There is also the MSI PRO Z690-P DDR4 motherboard coming soon. (Image not available)
ASUS
ASUS Z690 series motherboards and 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors herald the arrival of the next generation of high-speed computing with support for PCIe® 5.0 and DDR5 memory, next-level connectivity, robust power delivery and cooling, and artificial intelligence optimization. This new ASUS platform is designed to extract every ounce of performance from the latest Intel Core CPUs for gamers, creators, and users of all kinds while offering a variety of aesthetic designs to suit every taste.
SUS Z690 motherboards feature exclusive software and firmware that leverage machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enrich…
Click here to continue reading ASUS’ press release.
And click here to see the boards at Newegg.com
ROG (Republic of Gamers)
ROG STRIX
TUF Gaming
ProArt

PRIME
ASRock
ASRock Launches Full Range of Intel® Z690 Motherboard Packed with Revolutionary Technology
TAIPEI, Taiwan, October 27th, 2021 – The leading global motherboard manufacturer, ASRock, proudly announces its comprehensive new range of motherboards featuring Intel® Z690 chipset, a brand new LGA1700 socket platform to pair with latest 12th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors, opening endless possibility with PCI Express 5.0 and DDR5 high speed memory.
Z690 Taichi
Designed for premium user who is looking for uncompromised performance, ASRock Z690 Taichi is definitely…
Click here to continue reading ASRock’s press release.
Click here to see all ASROck boards at Newegg.com
TAICHI

Phantom Gaming
STEEL LEGEND

EXTREME

PRO RS

Gigabyte
GIGABYTE Releases the Latest Z690 AORUS Motherboards
Up to 20+1+2 phases/ 105Amps digital power VRM with new generation DDR5 to unleash the extreme overclocking performance of 12th gen. Intel® Core™ processors
October 28th, 2021 – GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, today announced the Z690 AORUS gaming motherboards which perfectly support the latest 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors. Featuring up to 20+1+2 phases digital power VRM design with each phase holding up to 105 amps and an improved Fins-Array III heatsink design, GIGABYTE’s Z690 AORUS lineup is geared with the best power design and thermal management to unleash the extreme performance and optimized overclocking ability on the new generation multi-core K series Intel® Core™ processors. The PCIe® 5.0 PCBs, slots, and components are also implemented in GIGABYTE’s Z690 AORUS motherboards for enhanced performance and stability. The exclusive SMD memory slots with metal shielding mask for anti- interference and the BIOS setting of DDR5 memory overclocking offer more stable signals to memory, which enable users to boost XMP and overclocking performance with stability. Select GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS motherboards offer feature-rich I/O with an integrated I/O shield as well as the newest Thermal Guard III design, Smart Fan 6 and much more. Performance, power management, thermals, audio, GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS motherboards check all the boxes for users seeking…
Click here to continue reading Gigabyte’s full press release.
Cleck here to see all of the boards at Newegg.com
AORUS Gaming
Gaming

Ultra Durable/AERO
EVGA
Introducing the EVGA Z690 DARK K|NGP|N and Z690 CLASSIFIED motherboards – The Ultimate Choice for PC Gaming
EVGA Z690 motherboards paired with 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Series processors bring unprecedented overclocking performance and an unparalleled experience to PC gaming. The Intel® Z690 Chipset supports the latest DDR5 memory and PCIe Gen5 standards, making these motherboards ready for the next generation of hardware. EVGA Z690 motherboards further elevate your system with a powerful digital-VRM design, multiple PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe options, right-angle power connectors, an award-winning BIOS, and overclocking world-records.
EVGA Z690 DARK K|NGP|N
EVGA DARK motherboards blaze the trail for other boards to follow, and the Z690 DARK K|NGP|N is no exception. The ability to destroy world records is…
EVGA Z690 DARK KINGPIN

Z690 CLASSIFIED

Biostar
BIOSTAR, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and storage devices today, announces the brand-new Intel Z690 series motherboards.
Stylish new designs with cutting-edge technology-infused Intel Z690 series motherboards from BIOSTAR are finally here. Engineered to run the latest Intel 12th gen processors, BIOSTAR is new motherboards are ideal for gamers looking to play the best AAA games and for PC enthusiasts that settle for nothing but the best.
With three new exciting ATX motherboard models, BIOSTAR plans to deliver the best technology to the masses. BIOSTAR is latest flagship motherboards, the Z690 VALKYRIE, Z690A VALKYRIE are the stars of the show, built with exciting new features and…
31 replies
Loading new replies...
Benching Team Leader
"That Backfired" Senior Member
Gulper Nozzle Co-Owner
Benching Team Leader
Gulper Nozzle Co-Owner
Benching Team Leader
Senior Member
Gulper Nozzle Co-Owner
Powder Junkie Moderator
Member
Join the full discussion at the Overclockers Forums →