The Intel Z690 Motherboard Overview (DDR5): Over 50+ New Models

GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Elite AX & Elite

The Elite series is a part of GIGABYTE's Aorus gaming series and represents the bridge between its mid-range and entry-level models. The GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Elite AX and Z690 Aorus Elite both feature the same core feature set, while the AX model includes an additional Intel Wi-Fi 6 CNVi. Looking at the design, GIGABYTE has gone with a primarily black layout with a dark silver contrasting aesthetic. There is a small element of RGB LED lighting built into the rear panel cover, with a strip creating an underglow effect on the right-hand side of the board.

Dominating the lower section of the board are the PCIe slots, with one full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 and two full-length PCIe 3.0 x4 slots. Sandwiched in between and just above the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot are the board's M.2 slots, with a combined total of four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots. GIGABYTE also includes six SATA ports that support Intel RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays. For memory, there's a total of four memory slots with support for DDR5-6000 and a maximum combined capacity of 128 GB. 

The GIGABYTE Z690 Aorus Elite AX rear panel with Wi-Fi 6

On the rear panel of the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 model, GIGABYTE includes an Intel AX201 Wi-FI 6 CNVi, while the standard Elite omits this. Everything else is shared across both models including one USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C, two USB 3.2 G2 Type-A, three USB 3.2 G1 Type-A, and four USB 2.0 ports. The integrated audio offers two 3.5 mm audio jacks and S/PDIF optical output, while an HDMI and DisplayPort video output pairing allows users to utilize Intel's integrated graphics. Finishing off the rear panel is an Intel I225-V 2.5 GbE controller.