The Intel Z690 Motherboard Overview (DDR5): Over 50+ New Models
by Gavin Bonshor on November 9, 2021 9:00 AM ESTEVGA Z690 Classified (DDR5)
As with the EVGA Z690 Dark K|NGP|N edition, we also have limited information on the more conventional EVGA Z690 Classified model. EVGA did skip a Classified series model for Z590, but it's making a comeback for Z690, with a similarly premium and elegant aesthetic that we are used to from EVGA. From the image EVGA has provided, there's a nice RGB-enabled rear panel cover, with a wave of heatsinks located across the board. EVGA is also using right-angled connectors like the Dark series, which makes cable management easier. There is also an overclocker's toolkit located in the top-right hand corner of the PCB, including a power button, a reset button, and two 2-digit LED debuggers.
In the top right-hand corner are four memory slots that will support DDR5 memory, but EVGA hasn't unveiled a list of specifications at this time. We do know that the EVGA Z690 Classified will feature a 19-phase power delivery, with two 2.5 GbE controllers and a Wi-Fi 6E CNVi. It'll also include an 8-channel HD audio codec of some kind, and will certainly feature plenty of PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2, with eight SATA ports.
EVGA also mentions that the actual heatsinks and motherboard may change closer to the launch, but we will update this page when more information and specifications are released.
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Dahak - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Will there be a list of DDR4 only board as well?Ryan Smith - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
Yes, we're also putting together a guide for DDR4 boards.jh20001 - Wednesday, December 1, 2021 - link
Any news on the DDR4 story? Would be nice to know what model is the best for performance/features in the eyes of others.Flunk - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Intel's actually released a compelling new chipset? I'm surprised to see DDR5 and PCIe 5 support, but USB 4 seems to be notably absent, despite there being no reason at all to omit it. Intel is finally one-upping AMD after a few years of playing #2.Exotica - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Thunderbolt4 is usb4 capable…CharonPDX - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
Yep, the only thing USB4 adds over "USB 3.2 2x2" is Thunderbolt support. Therefore any Thunderbolt 4 device is automatically USB4. In fact, essentially any board with "Thunderbolt 3" along with USB 3.2 2x2 basically get "USB4" status for free.DigitalFreak - Tuesday, November 9, 2021 - link
USB 3.2 2x2 is 20 Gbps. USB 4 is 40 Gbps.12345 - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
That's why they mentioned TB3. 40Gbps support is also optional for USB4.12345 - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
DP 2.0 is mandatory for USB4 so TB3 support isn't good enough.KarlKastor - Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - link
That is only the name. The question is, with what speed you can run USB devices.