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The year 2021 marked a significant leap for Intel with the maturation of their Intel 7 process and the introduction of Alder Lake processors. These new CPUs offered substantial performance improvements over previous generations, posing a direct challenge to AMD’s Ryzen 5000 Series. To support these powerful processors, Intel also transitioned to the LGA 1700 socket and the accompanying Z690 chipset, packed with cutting-edge technologies. Gigabyte, a leading hardware manufacturer, was among the first to bring Z690 motherboards to market, coinciding with the launch of 12th Gen Intel CPUs. This review takes a closer look at the Gigabyte Z690I AORUS ULTRA DDR4, a compact mini-ITX motherboard designed to deliver high-end performance in a small form factor.

Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 – Overview

Compact Design and Modern Aesthetics

With the growing popularity of mini-ITX builds, smaller motherboards are becoming increasingly common. Gigabyte’s packaging for the Z690I AORUS ULTRA DDR4 reflects this trend, clearly showcasing the compact size of the board. The box design has also been refreshed, featuring a more colorful aesthetic compared to the minimalist black designs of previous generations.

Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 – Box Rear

The rear of the box highlights key features, most notably support for the latest PCIe 5.0 standard. This represents a significant upgrade from Intel’s previous reliance on PCIe 3.0, offering double the bandwidth of its predecessor. This enhanced bandwidth unlocks the full potential of high-performance graphics cards and NVMe SSDs.

Feature-Rich Despite its Size

Unboxing the Z690I AORUS ULTRA DDR4 reveals a compact board with a well-organized layout. The board features two DDR4 RAM slots, a common configuration for mini-ITX motherboards. While the Z690 chipset supports the newer and faster DDR5 memory, Gigabyte offers this DDR4 version as a more cost-effective option for users.

Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 – Internal View

Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 – RAM Slots

For those seeking the ultimate performance with DDR5, Gigabyte also offers the Z690I AORUS ULTRA DDR5 with similar features.

Robust Build Quality and Enhanced Durability

Following the design philosophy of its Z590 predecessors, the Z690I AORUS ULTRA DDR4 emphasizes durability. Reinforced components, such as steel-plated memory slots and a PCIe 16x slot, provide added strength and protection. The rear of the board is shielded by a full-coverage backplate, safeguarding the PCB. Even the 8-pin CPU power connector receives steel reinforcement.

Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 – Reinforced Slots

Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 – Backplate and Reinforced Connector

To handle the power demands of 12th Gen Intel CPUs, which can draw up to 300W, the board features a robust 10+2+1 power phase design with 105A capacity. A substantial heatsink with heat pipes and large fins effectively dissipates heat, preventing thermal throttling.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Unlike some manufacturers who place the M.2 slot on the back of the board, Gigabyte has opted for a more accessible front-mounted design. This raised PCB design makes M.2 SSD installation and upgrades significantly easier.

Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 – 8-Pin Connector

Z690I AORUS Ultra DDR4 – M.2 Slot

The Z690I AORUS ULTRA DDR4 is equipped with modern connectivity options, including three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a 2.5G LAN port, and Wi-Fi 6 support with speeds up to 2400Mbps.

Conclusion

The Gigabyte Z690I AORUS ULTRA DDR4 packs high-end features and robust performance into a compact mini-ITX form factor. Despite its small size, it provides a solid foundation for powerful gaming PCs, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a compact yet capable system. Its competitive pricing further enhances its appeal for those looking to build a small form factor PC without compromising on performance.