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

ASUS ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WIFI (DDR5)

WIth smaller micro-ATX options being notedly limited on Z690, ASUS has announced one solitary model for those looking to build a system with a smaller footprint. The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WIFI, with the G reminiscent of the older ROG Maximus Gene models. The micro-ATX form factor is the best of both worlds when it comes to size, with more PCIe and memory than a mini-ITX model, but with enough size disparity from ATX to allow users to create something smaller. The ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WIFI features a primarily black aesthetic, with Strix based graffiti stylings on the rear panel cover and chipset heatsink, with small elements of RGB LEDs illuminating the ROG logos.

Looking at PCIe support, the ROG Strix Z690-G Gaming WIFI includes one full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, a second full-length slot electronically locked down to PCIe 4.0 x4, and a smaller PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. For memory, ASUS includes four memory slots with support for DDR5-6000 and a combined capacity of up to 128 GB. Focusing on storage, there's three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, with six SATA ports with support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays.

On the rear panel is one USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C, one USB 3.2 G2 Type-C, two USB 3.2 G2 Type-A, four USB 3.2 G1 Type-A, and two USB 2.0 ports. The board includes a solid networking array consisting of an Intel I225-V 2.5 GbE controller and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E CNVi, while onboard audio is powered by a SupremeFX ALC4080 HD audio codec and provides five 3.5 mm audio jacks and S/PDIF optical output. ASUS does include a BIOS Flashback button and a clear CMOS button, while users looking to use Intel's integrated graphics can use either the single HDMI or the DisplayPort video output.