Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 Motherboard

Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 Motherboard

Unleash the power of Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th generation processors with the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 motherboard. This board skillfully blends the high-performance Z690 chipset with the value and availability of DDR4 memory. Specifically engineered for gamers and enthusiasts, this ATX board features a next-generation PCIe 5.0 x16 slot. Additionally, it offers extensive storage options with four M.2 connectors, fast 2.5GbE LAN, and enhanced audio capabilities. Overall, it provides a robust platform for high-performance builds using DDR4 RAM.

Discover Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 Features

The Z690 Gaming X DDR4 is built around the powerful Intel® Z690 chipset. This offers overclocking potential and a solid foundation for high-end components. It features a robust power design (details specific to revision). Moreover, comprehensive cooling solutions with multiple fan headers, including support for water cooling pumps, ensure stability under load. Furthermore, you can leverage widely available DDR4 memory modules. These support speeds up to 5333MHz (OC) and Intel® XMP profiles for easy optimization.

Experience exceptional storage flexibility with a total of four M.2 slots. All of these support fast PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. Alongside these, six traditional SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID support are available. The primary PCIe slot operates at the cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 x16 standard, ready for the latest graphics cards. For networking, a fast Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN chip handles high-speed wired connections. Additionally, enjoy high-fidelity sound with the Realtek® ALC1220-VB audio codec. This codec offers superior clarity and features like DSD audio support and an optical S/PDIF output. High-speed peripheral connectivity also includes a rear USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C® port. Explore compatible DDR4 memory kits here.

Gigabyte enhances the user experience with helpful features. For instance, Q-Flash Plus allows easy BIOS updates without installing a CPU, memory, or graphics card. RGB Fusion 2.0 enables customizable lighting effects via onboard RGB and addressable LED headers. You can also utilize the Gigabyte APP Center for utilities like EasyTune and System Information Viewer. Please note, however, that this model does not include built-in Wi-Fi. Find more details on the official Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 product page.

Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 Specifications

• CPU Socket: Intel® LGA1700 (Supports 14th, 13th & 12th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold, Celeron®)
• Chipset: Intel® Z690 Express (Supports Overclocking)
• Memory: 4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 up to 5333MHz (OC), XMP
• PCIe Slot: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode)
• Storage: 4 x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 (1x CPU, 3x Chipset; one also supports SATA), 6 x SATA 6Gb/s (RAID 0/1/5/10)
• Networking: Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN
• Wireless: None
• Audio: Realtek® ALC1220-VB CODEC (7.1 Channel, S/PDIF Out)
• Rear USB: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (Type-C®), 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A), 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A), 4x USB 2.0 (Type-A)
• Key Features: Quad M.2 Slots, Q-Flash Plus, RGB Fusion 2.0, ALC1220-VB Audio
• Form Factor: ATX (30.5cm x 24.4cm)
• Model: Z690 GAMING X DDR4
• EAN: 889523030080
• SKU: Z690-GAMING-X-DDR4

Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 Q&A

Target Audience

This motherboard targets gamers, enthusiasts, and power users building with Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen CPUs. Specifically, it suits those who want Z690 overclocking capabilities but prefer DDR4 memory, often for cost savings or component reuse. Additionally, users needing extensive M.2 storage will find it appealing.

Key Reasons to Choose

Choose the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 for its potent combination of Z690 chipset features, including overclocking. It also supports high-speed DDR4 memory and features a future-proof PCIe 5.0 graphics card slot. Moreover, it offers exceptional storage expansion with four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, fast 2.5GbE LAN, and premium ALC1220-VB onboard audio.

What are the Pros?

• Full Z690 chipset features including CPU overclocking support.
• Utilizes widely available and often more affordable DDR4 memory (up to 5333MHz OC).
• PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for maximum graphics card bandwidth.
• Excellent storage flexibility with four M.2 slots (all PCIe 4.0 capable).
• Fast Realtek 2.5GbE wired networking.
• High-quality Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec.
• High-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C® port on the rear panel.
• Q-Flash Plus allows BIOS updates without CPU/RAM/GPU installed.
• RGB Fusion 2.0 for lighting customization.

What are the Cons?

• Does not include built-in Wi-Fi.
• Secondary PCIe x16 slots operate at slower PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds.
• DDR4 memory may offer slightly lower peak performance in some specific applications compared to DDR5 on other Z690 boards.

Verdict on the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4

The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 strikes an excellent balance for users wanting high-end Intel platform features without immediately investing in DDR5 memory. It delivers the core benefits of the Z690 chipset, such as overclocking support and a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot. Simultaneously, it offers outstanding storage potential with four M.2 connectors and robust connectivity like 2.5GbE LAN and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2. Consequently, if you’re building a powerful LGA1700 system and prefer to stick with DDR4, this motherboard provides a feature-rich and compelling ATX foundation.