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

GIGABYTE Z690 UD AX, Z690 UD AC & Z690 UD (DDR5)

Moving onto GIGABYTE's entry-level Z690 models with support for DDR5 memory, we have three near-identical representatives from its Ultra Durable series (UD). All three GIGABYTE Z690 UD models feature the same black and grey aesthetic, as well as the same core feature set. The only difference between the three comes in the level of wireless CNVi it includes.

• GIGABYTE Z690 UD AX = Intel AX201 Wi-Fi 6 CNVi
• GIGABYTE Z690 UD AC = Intel Wi-Fi AC 9560 CNVi
• GIGABYTE Z690 UD = No CNVi

Other than the wireless networking configuration, all three GIGABYTE Z690 UD models are exactly the same.

Looking at the expansion slot support of all three models, GIGABYTE includes one full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one full-length PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, one full-length PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, with three smaller PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Storage options consist of three M.2 slots, with all three conforming to PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2, while a total of six SATA ports include support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays. The DDR5 versions of the Z690 UD AX, Z690 UD AC, and Z690 UD all come with four memory slots, with support for DDR5-6000, with a combined capacity of up to 128 GB.

As mentioned at the top of the page, the only difference between the three UD models is the level of Wi-Fi CNVi included, although the regular Z690 UD omits any form. Across all three models are one USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C, one USB 3.2 G2 Type-A, four USB 3.2 G1 Type-A, and four USB 2.0 ports. There are three 3.5 mm audio jacks powered by an unspecified Realtek HD audio codec, while GIGABYTE does include a DisplayPort and HDMI video output for users planning on using Intel's integrated graphics. All three models include one Realtek RTL8125 2.5 GbE controller, while a PS/2 combo port for legacy peripherals finishes off the modest rear panels.