Asus ROG Strix Z690-I review: Small mini-ITX motherboard, big-time features

Price When Reviewed

439.99

Best Prices Today: Asus ROG Strix Z690-i

There was a time whenever you’d want an enormous super-tower PC to even take into consideration working high-end {hardware}. While that’s not fairly the “computer filling an entire room in 1960” meme, at this time’s Mini-ITX capabilities certain make it appear to be it. 

Enter the Asus ROG Strix z690-I on Intel’s 12th-gen Alder Lake platform. It packs an unimaginable variety of options and efficiency in a tiny package deal. DDR5? Check. PCIe Gen 5? Check. Thunderbolt 4? Check. Throw in assist for Intel’s hyper-fast i9 12900Ok, and it’s really awe-inspiring what builds are potential. 

We’ll go over the options, pricing, and whether or not this motherboard can be best for you!

Asus ROG Strix Z690-I: The specs

This one’s straightforward: Want a small PC? You’ll want a Mini-ITX type issue like this motherboard gives. Typically, this is able to imply a compromise in each efficiency and options, however the Asus Strix Z690-I does an extremely good job of conquering each. Let’s record the essential specs, after which we’ll talk about how they matter in the actual world. Oh, it carries an MSRP of $439.99, too. Miniature tech doesn’t come low cost!

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• Mini-ITX type issue (6.7×6.7 inches)  
• Support for Intel 12th-gen Alder Lake LGA 1700 CPUs
• 10+1 energy phases with 105 amps
• DDR5 RAM 
• PCIe Gen 5 16x slot 
• Two M.2 slots with M.2 latch 
• HDMI 2.1
• Nine USB ports on again, together with two Thunderbolt 4  
• Intel Wi-Fi 6E 
• Intel 2.5Gbe LAN
• 3- and 4-pin RGB headers
• Four SATA 6GB/s ports 
• ROG front-panel SATA card
• Integrated I/O protect 
• Clear CMOS and BIOS flashback
• Realtek ALC4080 codec

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Asus ROG Strix Z690-I: Unique options

The spec record above interprets right into a mini powerhouse for real-world use. Here are the options that can be most impactful, and some objects to be careful for. There aren’t many ITX choices for the Z690 platform, and this one actually tops the record when it comes to options. 

Positive options: 

1. Networking galore: You’ll get quick Wi-Fi 6E, plus Intel 2.5Gbe LAN
2. Daughterboard with two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and extra connectivity 
3. ROG front-panel card with 4 SATA ports 
4. Robust energy phases for dealing with even the i9 12900Ok 
5. PCIe Gen 5 16x slot
6. DDR5 RAM
7. Armory Crate software program for all-in-one system management 
8. Clear CMOS and BIOS flashback 
9. M.2 latch for simpler entry 
10. CPU cooler backwards compatibility with LGA 1700 and LGA 1200 
11. Competent onboard audio 
12. Well-rounded Asus UEFI BIOS for tweaking and configuration 

Downsides:

1. Walled-off VRM and daughterboard design could make some bigger CPU air coolers unattainable to suit; test specs prior to picking components
2. MSRP of $439.99 plus the added value of DDR5 make this an costly package deal suited to solely high-end ITX builds
3. You could also be paying for options you gained’t use—resembling Thunderbolt 4 and a couple of.5Gbe LAN 

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Asus ROG Strix Z690-I: Design

Not all Mini-ITX motherboards are designed the identical: Yes, it’s nonetheless a sq., however Asus has packed so many vertical options right here that it reminds you of skyscrapers in a metropolis. 

There’s actually a draw back to such tall constructions: You’ll be restricted by clearance and compatibility with some CPU air coolers, so plan correctly. RGB even makes an look right here, though it’s prone to be more durable to see in some compact small form-factor builds. 

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The two included “daughtercards” pack in options that will in any other case have hassle becoming on the motherboard itself, resembling SATA ports and M.2 slots. It creates a strong design look that, coupled with the VRM heatsinks, screams efficiency. 

Two extra design parts that can make the DIY fanatic pleased: First, M.2 latches imply no extra dropping these tiny screws. Second, the built-in I/O protect makes certain it’s by no means forgotten—and turns out to be useful in cramped instances the place it’d be harder to maneuver. This is a function that’s been showing on higher-end motherboards the previous few years, so it’s nice to see it right here.

Asus ROG Strix Z690-I: Performance and BIOS

The included 10+1 energy phases could not appear spectacular when in comparison with monster E-ATX motherboards just like the Z690 Asus Extreme, however with 105 amps it will get the job carried out. 

Supporting Intel’s 12th-gen Alder Lake, the board will deal with even the beefy Core i9 12900Ok CPU with out points. The 12700Ok additionally makes an incredible pairing for this motherboard, working barely cooler than the i9 however performing virtually as effectively in most gaming situations. 

DDR5 RAM can be obtainable right here with two DIMN slots, the proper quantity for Z690. Quad RAM setups of DDR5 at the moment don’t run at their most pace even on the most costly of motherboards, so that you’ll have tight efficiency right here with two slots on the marketed RAM speeds.  

Rounding out the efficiency for on a regular basis use is PCIe Gen 5 and 4, the place you’ll get probably the most profit out of the speedy Gen 4 M.2 slots. 

If you wish to additional tweak efficiency, you’ve the succesful Asus UEFI BIOS, very similar to on bigger motherboards. Here you possibly can set fundamental choices or go all out on tweaking and overclocking. There’s even Ai overclocking obtainable within the BIOS, which might be augmented by Asus’s Armory Crate and Ai suite software program.

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Bottom line

Small form-factor builds have gained an incredible quantity of recognition currently. It’s enjoyable to have the ability to pack ridiculous energy right into a shoe-box sized system with few compromises. Want to cram a ferocious Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Ti and Intel Core i9-12900K in a tiny construct? This motherboard is the one for that—and it’s simply at residence with both a Core i5-12600K or a mid-range GPU. 

If you’re in search of the most effective next-generation motherboard in your Mini-ITX construct, the Asus Z690-I Strix is your greatest guess with the least compromise. It’s not the most cost effective possibility at $439, nevertheless it packs a plethora of options that different Mini-ITX choices lack. You’ll additionally be capable to take full benefit of the efficiency of Intel’s 12th-gen CPUs. 

There are actually drawbacks and issues to concentrate on, nevertheless. Much like all small form-factor construct, you’ll typically be extra restricted with area and clearance for elements such because the CPU cooler. That’s no exception right here, and particular care should be taken to decide on the right RAM and cooler to appropriately match with its walled-in design. 
If you possibly can match the worth in your finances—together with dearer DDR5 RAM, and the 12th-gen Intel CPU in fact, than that is the most effective small form-factor motherboard obtainable for Z690. (And with such a wealthy function record, the most effective obtainable on any platform, interval.)