[Official] Intel Z690 Motherboard Roundup (OCN Edition)

zhrooms · Oct 27, 2021

Last Updated: November 8, 2021

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Welcome to the Motherboard Roundup (VRM List / Spec Sheet / Spreadsheet) for the Z690 Chipset (LGA1700), what OCN Edition means is that this list is targeting gamers and overclockers, so most budget or creator boards are not included. I have also decided not to include duplicate boards that lack the Wi-Fi module, since a lot of gamers nowadays use a controller through Bluetooth. If you are interested in DDR4 boards I have a separate thread with budget boards included but again removed a few boards lacking the Wi-Fi module: [Official] Intel Z690 / DDR4 Daily Memory Overclock

Motherboard Roundup for DDR5
Legend

💲 Price - MSRP in US Dollar
Form Factor - ITX / mATX / ATX / EATX
DIMM Slots - Number of RAM slots (enhanced overclocking with 2)
XMP Support - XMP Tested by motherboard vendor (QVL)
⚡ PWM - VRM PWM Controller
⚡ Stages - VRM Power Stages
⚡ Config - VRM Configuration (Direct / Parallel)
💾 M.2 - Number of M.2 2280 slots
📺 Output - DisplayPort or HDMI or Both
🔊 Optical - TOSLINK (Toshiba Link), also known as S/PDIF
🌈 RGB - Number of 4-Pin RGB / 3-Pin A-RGB Headers, also known as D-RGB
🌡 Sensor - Number of Temperature Sensor Headers 2-Pin (🔌)
⚪ Power Button - On-board Button (🟢) or 2-Pin (🔌) or Both (🔌+🟢)
⚪ Clear CMOS - On-board Button (🟢) or 2-Pin (🔌) or Both (🔌+🟢)
⚪ Safe Boot - On-board Button (🟢) or 2-Pin (🔌) or Both (🔌+🟢)
💯 Debug LED - Status LED with CODE (2 digit display)
🌐 Wi-Fi - Intel WiFi 6E AX210 module with Bluetooth (BT) 5.2

ASRock
ASRock Inc. (stylised as ASRock) was founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 2002 by AsusTek, currently headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.

💲 Price	Model	Form Factor	DIMM Slots	XMP Support	⚡ PWM	⚡ Stages	⚡ Config	💾 M.2	📺 Output	🔊 Optical	🌈 RGB	🌡 Sensor	⚪ Power Button	⚪ Clear CMOS	⚪ Safe Boot	💯 Debug LED	🌐 Wi-Fi
590	Taichi	ATX	4	6400	❔	19x 105A	❔	3	HDMI	✅	1 + 3	❌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌 + 🟢	❔	✅	✅
580	OC Formula	EATX	2	❔	❔	❔	❔	3	❌	✅	1 + 3	❌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌 + 🟢	🟢	✅	✅
470	PG Velocita	ATX	4	6400	❔	16x 60A	❔	4	Both	✅	1 + 3	❌	🔌 + 🟢	🟢	❔	✅	✅
310	PG ITX	ITX	2	6400	❔	10x 105A	Direct	2	Both	✅	1 + 1	❌	🔌	🟢	❔	❌	✅

ASRock boards not included (does not quality as sufficiently gaming or overclocking oriented): None

ASUS
AsusTek Computer (stylised as ASUS) was founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 1989, currently headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.

💲 Price	Model	Form Factor	DIMM Slots	XMP Support	⚡ PWM	⚡ Stages	⚡ Config	💾 M.2	📺 Output	🔊 Optical	🌈 RGB	🌡 Sensor	⚪ Power Button	⚪ Clear CMOS	⚪ Safe Boot	💯 Debug LED	🌐 Wi-Fi
1100	Maximus Extreme	EATX	4	6400	RAA229131	24x 105A	Parallel	3 + 2	HDMI	✅	1 + 2	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🟢	🟢	✅	✅
800	Maximus Formula	ATX	4	6400	RAA229131	20x 105A	Parallel	3 + 2	HDMI	✅	1 + 3	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🟢	🟢	✅	✅
720	Maximus Apex	ATX	2	6600	RAA229131	24x 105A	Parallel	4 + 1	❌	✅	1 + 3	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🟢	🟢	✅	✅
600	Maximus Hero	ATX	4	6400	RAA229131	20x 90A	Parallel	3 + 2	HDMI	✅	1 + 3	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🟢	🟢	✅	✅
470	Strix E	ATX	4	6400	RAA229131	18x 90A	Parallel	3 + 2	Both	✅	1 + 3	🔌	🔌	🟢	🔌	✅	✅
440	Strix I	ITX	2	6400	RAA229131	10x 105A	Direct	2	HDMI	✅	1 + 2	❌	🔌	🟢	🔌	❌	✅
400	Strix F	ATX	4	6400	RAA229131	16x 70A	Parallel	4	Both	✅	1 + 3	🔌	🔌	🟢	🔌	❌	✅
350	Strix G	mATX	4	6000	ASP2100	14x 60A	Parallel	3	Both	Both	1 + 3	🔌	🔌	🟢	🔌	❌	✅

ASUS boards not included (does not quality as sufficiently gaming or overclocking oriented): ProArt Creator and Prime P
Comment: On the boards where you see (on-board) 3 or 4 + 1 or 2 under M.2, those last ones in bold are located on a dedicated ROG Hyper M.2 card with Gen 5 M.2 support that fits into one of the PCIe slots.

GIGABYTE
GIGA-BYTE Technology (stylised as GIGABYTE) was founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 1986, currently headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan and California, United States.

💲 Price	Model	Form Factor	DIMM Slots	XMP Support	⚡ PWM	⚡ Stages	⚡ Config	💾 M.2	📺 Output	🔊 Optical	🌈 RGB	🌡 Sensor	⚪ Power Button	⚪ Clear CMOS	⚪ Safe Boot	💯 Debug LED	🌐 Wi-Fi
800	AORUS Xtreme	EATX	4	6600	RAA229131	20x 105A	Direct	4	❌	✅	2 + 2	🔌🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌 + 🟢	🔌 + 🟢	✅	✅
570	AORUS Tachyon	EATX	2	7000	RAA229131	15x 105A	Direct	4	HDMI	✅	2 + 2	🔌🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌 + 🟢	🔌 + 🟢	✅	✅
470	AORUS Master	EATX	4	6400	RAA229131	19x 105A	Direct	5	DP	✅	2 + 2	🔌🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌 + 🟢	🔌 + 🟢	✅	✅
350	AORUS Ultra	ATX	4	6200	RAA229131	16x 105A	Direct	4	DP	✅	2 + 2	🔌🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	✅	✅
330	AORUS Pro	ATX	4	6200	RAA229131	16x 90A	Direct	4	DP	✅	2 + 2	🔌🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	✅	✅
290	AORUS Ultra	ITX	2	6200	PCP81530	10x 105A	Direct	2	Both	❌	1 + 1	❌	🔌	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	❌	✅
270	AORUS Elite AX	ATX	4	6000	PCP81530	16x 60A	Parallel	4	Both	✅	2 + 2	❌	🔌	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	❌	✅
230	Gaming X	ATX	4	6000	PCP81530	16x 60A	Parallel	4	Both	✅	2 + 2	❌	🔌	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	❌	❌

Gigabyte boards not included (does not quality as sufficiently gaming or overclocking oriented): Creator Aero D, Creator Aero G and Ultra Durable UD AX

MSI
Micro-Star International (stylised MSI) was founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 1986, currently headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.

💲 Price	Model	Form Factor	DIMM Slots	XMP Support	⚡ PWM	⚡ Stages	⚡ Config	💾 M.2	📺 Output	🔊 Optical	🌈 RGB	🌡 Sensor	⚪ Power Button	⚪ Clear CMOS	⚪ Safe Boot	💯 Debug LED	🌐 Wi-Fi
600	MEG Ace	EATX	4	6666	RAA229131	19x 105A	Direct	5	❌	✅	1 + 2	🔌🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌	🔌	✅	✅
500	MEG Unify X	ATX	2	6800	RAA229131	19x 105A	Direct	5	❌	✅	1 + 2	🔌🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌	🔌	✅	✅
490	MEG Unify	ATX	4	6666	RAA229131	19x 105A	Direct	5	❌	✅	1 + 2	🔌🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌	🔌	✅	✅
400	MEG Unify	ITX	2	❔	RAA229131	10x 105A	Direct	3	Both	❌	❔	❌	🔌	🟢	🔌	❌	✅
400	MPG Carbon	ATX	4	6666	RAA229131	18x 75A	Direct	5	Both	✅	1 + 2	❌	🔌	🔌	🔌	✅	✅
390	MPG Force	ATX	4	6666	RAA229131	18x 75A	Direct	5	Both	✅	1 + 2	❌	🔌	🔌	🔌	✅	✅
330	MPG Edge	ATX	4	❔	RAA229131	16x 75A	Direct	4	Both	✅	1 + 3	❌	🔌	🔌	🔌	❌	✅

MSI boards not included (does not quality as sufficiently gaming or overclocking oriented): MAG Tomahawk, MAG Torpedo and Pro A
Comment: MAG Tomahawk offer all of the same features as MPG Edge, at $20 less but lacks multiple accessories in the box, 70A stages down from 75A, fewer USB ports and visually looks very different, lacks RGB built into the Heatsinks and I/O Cover as an example, it's worth an extra $20 for the MPG Edge, same goes for MAG Torpedo which loses even more features just to save another $10. As for the Pro boards, they are simply not up to the standards of gamers or overclockers.

Motherboard Roundup for DDR4

ASRock (DDR4)
ASRock Inc. (stylised as ASRock) was founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 2002 by AsusTek, currently headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.

💲 Price	Model	Form Factor	DIMM Slots	XMP Support	⚡ PWM	⚡ Stages	⚡ Config	💾 M.2	📺 Output	🔊 Optical	🌈 RGB	🌡 Sensor	⚪ Power Button	⚪ Clear CMOS	⚪ Safe Boot	💯 Debug LED	🌐 Wi-Fi
290	Extreme	ATX	4	5000	❔	12x 60A	❔	3	Both	✅	1 + 3	❌	🔌	🔌	❌	❌	✅
270	Steel Legend	ATX	4	5000	❔	12x 50A	❔	3	Both	✅	1 + 3	❌	🔌	🔌	❌	❌	✅

ASRock boards not included (does not quality as sufficiently gaming or overclocking oriented): PG Riptide, Pro RS, PG 4, PG 4 and ITX AX
Comment: The PG Riptide, Pro, Phantom and ITX AX boards are simply not up to the standards of gamers or overclockers.

ASUS (DDR4)
AsusTek Computer (stylised as ASUS) was founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 1989, currently headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.

💲 Price	Model	Form Factor	DIMM Slots	XMP Support	⚡ PWM	⚡ Stages	⚡ Config	💾 M.2	📺 Output	🔊 Optical	🌈 RGB	🌡 Sensor	⚪ Power Button	⚪ Clear CMOS	⚪ Safe Boot	💯 Debug LED	🌐 Wi-Fi
350	Strix A	ATX	4	5333	ASP2100	16x 80A	Parallel	4	Both	❌	1 + 3	🔌	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌	❌	✅
290	TUF Plus	ATX	4	5333	ASP2100	14x 80A	Parallel	4	Both	✅	1 + 3	❌	🔌	🔌	❌	❌	✅

ASUS boards not included (does not quality as sufficiently gaming or overclocking oriented): Prime P and Prime Plus
Comment: Prime boards are simply not up to the standards of gamers or overclockers.

GIGABYTE (DDR4)
GIGA-BYTE Technology (stylised as GIGABYTE) was founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 1986, currently headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan and California, United States.

💲 Price	Model	Form Factor	DIMM Slots	XMP Support	⚡ PWM	⚡ Stages	⚡ Config	💾 M.2	📺 Output	🔊 Optical	🌈 RGB	🌡 Sensor	⚪ Power Button	⚪ Clear CMOS	⚪ Safe Boot	💯 Debug LED	🌐 Wi-Fi
330	AORUS Pro	ATX	4	5600	RAA229131	16x 90A	Direct	4	DP	✅	2 + 2	🔌🔌	🔌 + 🟢	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	✅	✅
290	AORUS Ultra	ITX	2	5333	PCP81530	10x 105A	Direct	2	Both	❌	1 + 1	❌	🔌	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	❌	✅
270	AORUS Elite AX	ATX	4	5333	RAA229131	16x 70A	Direct	4	Both	✅	2 + 2	❌	🔌	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	❌	✅
230	AORUS Elite AX	mATX	4	5333	RAA229131	12x 60A	Direct	3	Both	✅	2 + 2	❌	🔌	🔌	🔌 + 🟢	❌	✅

Gigabyte boards not included (does not quality as sufficiently gaming or overclocking oriented): Creator Aero G, AORUS Elite AX, Gaming X and Ultra Durable UD AX
Comment: Aero G costs $20 more than the Elite AX (ATX) but is the same board, just a few more features targeting work environments rather than gaming, so it offers an additional USB-C on the rear, DisplayPort In, two more USB-A 3.2, two temperature sensor headers, different audio chip (ALC4080) and visually different. As for the overclocking capabilities, it might be affected since Aero G is not an AORUS board, hence I'm recommending against it out of caution (for now). Same applies to the cheaper Gaming X, it's identical in every way (to the Elite AX) except for visually, and that it lacks the Wi-Fi module, it just has a different heatsink design essentially, it's $40 less so that's a considerable amount, and I would not hesitate to recommend it over the Elite AX if it wasn't for the same potential issue as on the Aero G, it's not an AORUS board and could potentially suffer in terms of overclocking (BIOS Support), so until I know if the BIOS is identical I will refrain from recommending it over the Elite AX. Definitely avoid the UD AX, it's powerful but is only $10 cheaper than Gaming X and lacks a lot of smaller features, so at that point you'd just get the Gaming X.

MSI (DDR4)
Micro-Star International (stylised MSI) was founded in Taipei, Taiwan in 1986, currently headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.

💲 Price	Model	Form Factor	DIMM Slots	XMP Support	⚡ PWM	⚡ Stages	⚡ Config	💾 M.2	📺 Output	🔊 Optical	🌈 RGB	🌡 Sensor	⚪ Power Button	⚪ Clear CMOS	⚪ Safe Boot	💯 Debug LED	🌐 Wi-Fi
320	MPG Edge	ATX	4	5200	RAA229131	16x 75A	Direct	4	Both	✅	1 + 3	❌	🔌	🔌	🔌	❌	✅

MSI boards not included (does not quality as sufficiently gaming or overclocking oriented): MAG Tomahawk, Pro A and Pro P
Comment: MAG Tomahawk offer all of the same features as MPG Edge, at $20 less but lacks multiple accessories in the box, 70A stages down from 75A, fewer USB ports and visually looks very different, lacks RGB built into the Heatsinks and I/O Cover as an example, it's without doubt worth an extra $20 for the MPG Edge. As for the Pro A and P boards, they are simply not up to the standards of gamers or overclockers.
__

RAA 229131 is a 20-phase PWM Controller by Renesas.
ASP 2100 is a 10?-phase PWM Controller by ASUS (rebranded).
MP2960 is a 10?-phase PWM Controller by Monolithic Power Systems.
ASP 1900B is an 8-phase PWM Controller by ASUS (rebranded).
PCP81530 is a 12-phase? PWM Controller by ONSemi.

RAA22010540 is a 105A MOSFET by Renesas.
RAA220075 is a 75A MOSFET by Renesas.
RAA220075R0 is a 75A MOSFET by Renesas.
SiC659 is a 80A MOSFET by Vishay.
SiC643 is a 80A MOSFET by Vishay.
FDMF5062 is a 70A MOSFET by ONSemi.
ISL99390 is a 90A MOSFET by Intersil (Renesas).
MP86992 is a 70A MOSFET by Monolithic Power Systems.

Baasha · Oct 27, 2021

Asus RoG Maximus Z690 Extreme:

SuprUsrStan · Oct 28, 2021

Sadly I can't help but feel the Z690 Extreme looks a bit cheap with all that plastic on the lower half of the board. My Zenith II Extreme has a big chunk of aluminum covering the m.2 slots on the bottom and previous Maximus boards look better IMO. It's also lacking an OLED status display.

Still, I'll most likely end up picking up the Maximus Extreme...

zhrooms · Nov 2, 2021

.. Me for the past 2 days

The motherboard roundup is now as complete as it can be, only with time can we find the last remaining pieces.
And if you find a piece of information you see is missing (or god forbid is incorrect), comment below (with a source) and I'll look into it!

Don't forget to check the DDR4 Daily Memory Overclock thread as well, as it includes a few more DDR4 boards.
If you believe something can be added or improved (that doesn't take another 20 hours) don't hesitate to suggest it!

Luckbad · Nov 3, 2021

Thank you! Outstanding work. I'll be referencing this when I'm able to locate a CPU.

jvtrevisan · Nov 3, 2021

It would be good to specify the Ethernet connection, specially if the board comes with Intel 2.5GbE NIC

cstkl1 · Nov 3, 2021

SuprUsrStan said:
Sadly I can't help but feel the Z690 Extreme looks a bit cheap with all that plastic on the lower half of the board. My Zenith II Extreme has a big chunk of aluminum covering the m.2 slots on the bottom and previous Maximus boards look better IMO. It's also lacking an OLED status display.

Still, I'll most likely end up picking up the Maximus Extreme...

plastic?

strong island 1 · Nov 3, 2021

does the asus strix a ddr4 board seem like a solid board. Really tempted just to go for that and high end ddr4 kit and not have to worry about ddr5 for now. pre-ordered a 12700kf

cstkl1 · Nov 3, 2021

strong island 1 said:
does the asus strix a ddr4 board seem like a solid board. Really tempted just to go for that and high end ddr4 kit and not have to worry about ddr5 for now. pre-ordered a 12700kf

dont expect rkl like latency.
ask imc is diff

Shawnb99 · Nov 3, 2021

No EVGA MB's?

cstkl1 · Nov 3, 2021

Shawnb99 said:
No EVGA MB's?

short staff.
when z790 coming out.. should be out few months before that.

thats the dark way

my guess
also evga cant afford mistakes.. hence they tune their boards based on apex etc performance

Shawnb99 · Nov 3, 2021

cstkl1 said:
short staff.
when z790 coming out.. should be out few months before that.

thats the dark way

my guess
also evga cant afford mistakes.. hence they tune their boards based on apex etc performance

They claim out before end of the year

strong island 1 · Nov 3, 2021

cstkl1 said:
dont expect rkl like latency.
ask imc is diff

huh? Are you saying latency will be worse than rocket lake

I have the formula and strix gaming pre-ordered. Gonna cancel one tonight. Just cant decide

Sonac · Nov 3, 2021

strong island 1 said:
huh? Are you saying latency will be worse than rocket lake

I have the formula and strix gaming pre-ordered. Gonna cancel one tonight. Just cant decide

Definitely cancel the strix, its trash.

zhrooms · Nov 3, 2021

jvtrevisan said:
It would be good to specify the Ethernet connection, specially if the board comes with Intel 2.5GbE NIC

They all come with an Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Connection, if that's what you're wondering about. And that's ~312MB/s, ridiculously fast for an Internet connection, and if you need to transfer something far larger you can always use an external M.2 through the USB-C port, which gives you a transfer speed of up to 2500MB/s.. now that is fast!

As for why I didn't include number of Ethernet ports (or speed), didn't think it was necessary, especially with all the boards being 2.5 Gigabit and having a Wi-Fi 6E module, that basically leaves the Ethernet connection open for another computer or device if you stick with Wi-Fi for Internet, also about a handful of boards that offer an extra 10 Gigabit ethernet.

ASRock Taichi and Velocita feature 1x Intel Gigabit and 1x Killer 2.5G ethernet port. < 2 Ports (OC Formula should have two as well, 1 Gigabit and 1 Killer 2.5G)
ASUS Extreme feature 1x Intel 2.5G and 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port. < 2 Ports
ASUS Formula feature 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port.
Gigabyte Xtreme feature 1x Intel 2.5G and 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port. < 2 Ports
Gigabyte Master feature 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port.
MSI Ace feature 2x Intel 2.5G ethernet ports. < 2 Ports
MSI Unify feature 2x Intel 2.5G ethernet ports. < 2 Ports

So out of 27x DDR5 boards, only 6 feature 2 ethernet ports. And by the looks of it, only 4 boards offer a Marvell 10G port. All of the boards above are very expensive, out of reach for most consumers. I guess if I counted the Creator / ProArt boards it'd be more.

strong island 1 said:
I have the formula and strix gaming pre-ordered. Gonna cancel one tonight. Just cant decide

Can I ask what you find appealing with the Formula? Since it's one of the absolute worst price/performance boards you can buy. The only appeal I can see is that it's white, if money is irrelevant then I guess why not, but it's just a Hero board with a water block, and 105A stages up from 90A which won't make any difference. Strix boards are also awful since they lack buttons and Safe Boot, they're targeting (always has) casual users on all of the Strix boards, which makes me confused as your other pick was a Formula board (Hero) that specifically targets overclockers that use Safe Boot (FlexKey) and other on-board buttons constantly. So do you intend to casually game or overclock?

Fandorin · Nov 3, 2021

How do you think which mITX ddr5 board is the best?

strong island 1 · Nov 3, 2021

zhrooms said:
They all come with an Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Connection, if that's what you're wondering about. And that's ~312MB/s, ridiculously fast for an Internet connection, and if you need to transfer something far larger you can always use an external M.2 through the USB-C port, which gives you a transfer speed of up to 2500MB/s.. now that is fast!

As for why I didn't include number of Ethernet ports (or speed), didn't think it was necessary, especially with all the boards being 2.5 Gigabit and having a Wi-Fi 6E module, that basically leaves the Ethernet connection open for another computer or device if you stick with Wi-Fi for Internet, also about a handful of boards that offer an extra 10 Gigabit ethernet.

ASRock Taichi and Velocita feature 1x Intel Gigabit and 1x Killer 2.5G ethernet port. < 2 Ports (OC Formula should have two as well, 1 Gigabit and 1 Killer 2.5G)
ASUS Extreme feature 1x Intel 2.5G and 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port. < 2 Ports
ASUS Formula feature 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port.
Gigabyte Xtreme feature 1x Intel 2.5G and 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port. < 2 Ports
Gigabyte Master feature 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port.
MSI Ace feature 2x Intel 2.5G ethernet ports. < 2 Ports
MSI Unify feature 2x Intel 2.5G ethernet ports. < 2 Ports

So out of 27x DDR5 boards, only 6 feature 2 ethernet ports. And by the looks of it, only 4 boards offer a Marvell 10G port. All of the boards above are very expensive, out of reach for most consumers. I guess if I counted the Creator / ProArt boards it'd be more.

Can I ask what you find appealing with the Formula? Since it's one of the absolute worst price/performance boards you can buy. The only appeal I can see is that it's white, if money is irrelevant then I guess why not, but it's just a Hero board with a water block, and 105A stages up from 90A which won't make any difference. Strix boards are also awful since they lack buttons and Safe Boot, they're targeting (always has) casual users on all of the Strix boards, which makes me confused as your other pick was a Formula board (Hero) that specifically targets overclockers that use Safe Boot (FlexKey) and other on-board buttons constantly. So do you intend to casually game or overclock?

i love oveclocking and gaming. I mostly just oveclock now though to get my system dialed in and then dont really mess with it and will just use for gaming and working from home..

I only really like asus mobos and I do like the white. I have a formula x now and love it. Never had a strix board but it was the only board I liked of asus that was ddr4.

I guess I was hoping the strix would be good enough to get an initial decent overclock done and then will just mostly be gaming.

I have never had a board without a qcode or buttons.

Just sounds nin my headto skip ddr4 for now be able to use the 12700k and then upgrade mobo and ram at a later dat.

idk, would have went hero if it was white

strong island 1 · Nov 3, 2021

zhrooms said:
They all come with an Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Connection, if that's what you're wondering about. And that's ~312MB/s, ridiculously fast for an Internet connection, and if you need to transfer something far larger you can always use an external M.2 through the USB-C port, which gives you a transfer speed of up to 2500MB/s.. now that is fast!

As for why I didn't include number of Ethernet ports (or speed), didn't think it was necessary, especially with all the boards being 2.5 Gigabit and having a Wi-Fi 6E module, that basically leaves the Ethernet connection open for another computer or device if you stick with Wi-Fi for Internet, also about a handful of boards that offer an extra 10 Gigabit ethernet.

ASRock Taichi and Velocita feature 1x Intel Gigabit and 1x Killer 2.5G ethernet port. < 2 Ports (OC Formula should have two as well, 1 Gigabit and 1 Killer 2.5G)
ASUS Extreme feature 1x Intel 2.5G and 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port. < 2 Ports
ASUS Formula feature 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port.
Gigabyte Xtreme feature 1x Intel 2.5G and 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port. < 2 Ports
Gigabyte Master feature 1x Marvell 10G ethernet port.
MSI Ace feature 2x Intel 2.5G ethernet ports. < 2 Ports
MSI Unify feature 2x Intel 2.5G ethernet ports. < 2 Ports

So out of 27x DDR5 boards, only 6 feature 2 ethernet ports. And by the looks of it, only 4 boards offer a Marvell 10G port. All of the boards above are very expensive, out of reach for most consumers. I guess if I counted the Creator / ProArt boards it'd be more.

Can I ask what you find appealing with the Formula? Since it's one of the absolute worst price/performance boards you can buy. The only appeal I can see is that it's white, if money is irrelevant then I guess why not, but it's just a Hero board with a water block, and 105A stages up from 90A which won't make any difference. Strix boards are also awful since they lack buttons and Safe Boot, they're targeting (always has) casual users on all of the Strix boards, which makes me confused as your other pick was a Formula board (Hero) that specifically targets overclockers that use Safe Boot (FlexKey) and other on-board buttons constantly. So do you intend to casually game or overclock?

When you say casual gaming, is there a reason you think the strix board cant be used for a serious gamer. And it should still provide a decent overclock right?

If they were in stock I would grab the hero like you mentioned or the apex. But I waited so long for my 3080 ti, I just dont wanna wait anymore. After experiencing trying to get a gpu and xbox, kinda worried will be hard to find ddr5 for awhile.

zhrooms · Nov 3, 2021

Fandorin said:
How do you think which mITX ddr5 board is the best?

Too early to say.

strong island 1 said:
I guess I was hoping the strix would be good enough to get an initial decent overclock done and then will just mostly be gaming.

It is, for sure, it just costs $100 too much, that's why I tend to recommend against it, not because it can't overclock good enough or similar.

strong island 1 said:
When you say casual gaming, is there a reason you think the strix board cant be used for a serious gamer. And it should still provide a decent overclock right?

I think you'd be happy with Strix A DDR4 (White), no issues doing 5.2GHz on a 12900K, or reaching a high memory overclock ~4000, so it's great for gamers that do casual overclocking. Just be aware that with the Strix A you won't have FlexKey (Safe Boot), so you'd have to either wait for BIOS to reset or hit Clear CMOS button (on a failed memory overclock), so will take longer to overclock, but in the end the result will be the same.

strong island 1 · Nov 4, 2021

zhrooms said:
Too early to say.

It is, for sure, it just costs $100 too much, that's why I tend to recommend against it, not because it can't overclock good enough or similar.

I think you'd be happy with Strix A DDR4 (White), no issues doing 5.2GHz on a 12900K, or reaching a high memory overclock ~4000, so it's great for gamers that do casual overclocking. Just be aware that with the Strix A you won't have FlexKey (Safe Boot), so you'd have to either wait for BIOS to reset or hit Clear CMOS button (on a failed memory overclock), so will take longer to overclock, but in the end the result will be the same.

Cool thanks very much, the formula just seems like a waste, especially because the top vrm block, g1/4 port is tough to even access with a mid tower case.

My current formula in the R6, a tube is almost impossible to fit because it clashed with the top rad.

And they made the dumb decision to indent the port, so it's lower than the top and bottom edges, which makes a fitting have terrible screwing down all the way because it hits the edges.

Trying to go with an all white build in a white r7 with black fluid. So I kinda like the look of the Strix.

But ya will have to get used to overclocking without buttons or debug code or safe boot. Always had only extreme, formula, apex or impact Asus boards.

Used to be really into overclocking with ln2 but hardware and ln2 prices knocked me out of the game, sad, I really miss it.

Now I'm ok with just a decent overclock and probably haven't opened my case to use the buttons in a year haha

Thanks for the info, really helpful

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