Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus, a motherboard that packs a serious punch into a small form factor. If you're planning a compact, high-performance build, this board might just be your new best friend. We'll explore everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. Let's get started!

Overview of the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus

The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is a Mini-ITX motherboard designed for Intel's 12th and 13th generation processors. Don't let its size fool you; this board is loaded with features that cater to gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts. It supports DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and boasts a robust power delivery system, ensuring stable performance even with high-end CPUs. The compact form factor makes it perfect for small form factor (SFF) builds, allowing you to create a powerful yet space-saving PC. Furthermore, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus includes advanced connectivity options such as USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Intel WiFi 6E, and high-quality audio components, providing a comprehensive solution for modern computing needs. Its sleek design, featuring an aggressive aesthetic with integrated RGB lighting, adds a touch of style to any build, making it a visually appealing choice for users who value both performance and aesthetics. With its blend of cutting-edge technology and compact design, the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus stands out as a top contender in the Mini-ITX motherboard market.

Key Features

• CPU Support: Compatible with Intel 12th and 13th Gen Core processors
• Chipset: Intel Z690
• Memory Support: DDR5
• Expansion Slots: PCIe 5.0 x16
• Storage: Multiple M.2 slots
• Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, Intel WiFi 6E

Design and Layout

When it comes to design, the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is a looker. The black PCB with its aggressive heatsink design gives it a premium feel. The layout is well-thought-out, considering the limited space on a Mini-ITX board. Gigabyte has managed to cram a lot of features without making it feel too cluttered. The heatsinks are not just for show; they provide excellent cooling for the VRMs and chipset, crucial for maintaining stable performance under heavy loads. The strategically placed fan headers and connectors make cable management easier, which is always a plus in SFF builds. Additionally, the integrated I/O shield not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also simplifies the installation process. The reinforced PCIe slot ensures the stability of heavy graphics cards, preventing any potential damage. The overall design reflects Gigabyte's attention to detail, making the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus a visually appealing and functionally superior motherboard. The inclusion of RGB lighting elements further enhances its aesthetic, allowing users to customize the look of their build to match their personal preferences. With its combination of form and function, this motherboard is a standout choice for anyone looking to build a high-performance, compact PC.

Component Placement

The placement of components on the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is meticulously planned to maximize space and functionality. The CPU socket is centrally located, allowing for optimal cooler compatibility. The DDR5 memory slots are positioned close to the CPU socket to minimize latency and improve memory performance. The PCIe 5.0 x16 slot is strategically placed to accommodate large graphics cards without interfering with other components. The M.2 slots are located in areas that provide adequate cooling, preventing thermal throttling of NVMe SSDs. The front panel connectors are easily accessible, simplifying the connection of case buttons and USB ports. The rear I/O panel is well-populated with a variety of ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and audio jacks. The clear labeling of connectors and headers makes installation straightforward, even for novice builders. Overall, the component placement on the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus reflects Gigabyte's commitment to user-friendliness and performance optimization, making it an excellent choice for SFF builds where space is at a premium.

Performance and Overclocking

The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus truly shines when it comes to performance. The robust VRM design ensures stable power delivery to the CPU, allowing for impressive overclocking capabilities. Paired with a capable cooler, you can push your Intel processor to its limits without worrying about thermal throttling. The DDR5 support enables blazing-fast memory speeds, further enhancing overall system performance. In gaming scenarios, the motherboard delivers smooth and responsive gameplay, thanks to its PCIe 5.0 support and optimized signal pathways. Content creators will also appreciate the fast storage speeds and ample connectivity options, making it ideal for demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering. The BIOS is user-friendly and provides a wide range of options for tweaking and customizing your system. Overall, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus offers exceptional performance and overclocking potential, making it a top choice for enthusiasts and power users.

Overclocking Capabilities

The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is designed with overclocking in mind, featuring a robust VRM and advanced cooling solutions. The BIOS provides a comprehensive set of tools for adjusting CPU frequency, voltage, and memory timings, allowing users to fine-tune their system for optimal performance. The motherboard's intelligent fan control system ensures that components stay cool even under heavy overclocking loads. The VRM heatsinks effectively dissipate heat, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining stable power delivery. The DDR5 memory support enables overclocking of RAM modules to high speeds, further enhancing system performance. The Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus also features load-line calibration, which helps to maintain stable voltage levels under varying loads, improving overclocking stability. With its advanced features and robust design, this motherboard is an excellent choice for overclocking enthusiasts looking to push their systems to the limit. The ability to save and load overclocking profiles makes it easy to experiment with different settings and find the optimal configuration for your hardware.

Features and Connectivity

The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is packed with features that enhance its functionality and connectivity. The inclusion of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 provides blazing-fast transfer speeds for external storage devices. Intel WiFi 6E ensures a stable and high-speed wireless connection, perfect for gaming and streaming. The high-quality audio components deliver immersive sound, enhancing the gaming and multimedia experience. The multiple M.2 slots allow for the installation of high-speed NVMe SSDs, providing ample storage and fast boot times. The rear I/O panel is well-equipped with a variety of ports, including USB Type-C, USB Type-A, and audio jacks. The integrated I/O shield simplifies installation and adds to the aesthetic appeal. The motherboard also features RGB lighting, which can be customized using Gigabyte's RGB Fusion software. Overall, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus offers a comprehensive set of features and connectivity options, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users.

Connectivity Options

The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus offers a wide array of connectivity options to cater to various user needs. On the rear I/O panel, you'll find multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, providing ample connectivity for peripherals and external storage devices. The USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port offers blazing-fast transfer speeds, perfect for connecting high-speed external SSDs and other devices. The inclusion of Intel WiFi 6E ensures a stable and high-speed wireless connection, while the 2.5GbE LAN port provides reliable wired networking. The motherboard also features DisplayPort and HDMI ports for connecting displays. The audio jacks are gold-plated for optimal signal quality. Internally, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus offers multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, as well as SATA ports for traditional hard drives and SSDs. The front panel connectors allow for easy connection of case buttons and USB ports. Overall, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus provides a comprehensive set of connectivity options, making it a versatile choice for any build.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear picture, let's break down the pros and cons of the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus:

Pros

• Compact Size: Ideal for SFF builds
• Robust VRM: Excellent for overclocking
• DDR5 Support: Enables fast memory speeds
• PCIe 5.0: Future-proof expansion slot
• Excellent Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, WiFi 6E

Cons

• Price: Can be expensive compared to other Mini-ITX boards
• Limited Expansion: Due to the Mini-ITX form factor

Who is this Motherboard For?

The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is perfect for:

• Gamers: Who want a powerful and compact gaming rig.
• Content Creators: Who need fast storage and ample connectivity.
• PC Enthusiasts: Who enjoy overclocking and tweaking their systems.
• SFF Builders: Who prioritize a small form factor without sacrificing performance.

Alternatives to the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus

If the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus doesn't quite fit your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• ASRock Z690M-ITX/ax: A more budget-friendly option with similar features.
• ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi: A premium option with advanced features and ROG branding.
• MSI MPG Z690I Edge WiFi: A well-rounded option with a sleek design and solid performance.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus? It's a fantastic Mini-ITX motherboard that offers a great balance of features, performance, and design. While it may be a bit pricey, the robust VRM, DDR5 support, and excellent connectivity make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to build a high-end SFF PC. If you're in the market for a compact powerhouse, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus should definitely be on your radar. It is a top-tier choice that delivers exceptional performance in a small package. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or PC enthusiast, this motherboard has something to offer. Its advanced features and robust design make it a standout choice in the Mini-ITX market. So go ahead and build that dream SFF PC you've always wanted with the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus!