Introduction

Every new CPU and chipset generation is accompanied by a variety of motherboards for every consumer type. With the release of Intel's 12th Gen Core processors in late 2021 came a new socket as well. LGA 1700 is supported by the Z690 chipset, which also holds the privilege of being the first to bring PCIe Gen 5.0 and DDR5 to the consumer market. Like clockwork, Gigabyte has released a number of Z690 based motherboards from entry level to ultra-premium. From the flagship AORUS Xtreme to Gigabyte's budget GAMING X series, there is a motherboard that will be satisfactory at every price point.

While we wait for AMD to release the next generation of Ryzen CPUs and a new CPU socket of its own, AMD processors continue to offer welcome competition even as the AM4 platform starts to reach end of life. For now, however, Intel's 12th Gen Core processors are the only ones currently offering native PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support, giving the company a head start. The Intel Z690 chipset has also been given a connection speed boost with the change to DMI 4.0 at 16 GT/s, a doubling over DMI 3.0 found on the previous LGA 1200. The next-biggest change is dual support for either DDR4 or DDR5 memory modules by the CPU, which has motherboard manufacturers offering a variety of configurations.


In today's review, we will be looking at the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme WaterForce. By combining the flagship Xtreme motherboard with Gigabyte's WaterForce line, we get a limited edition product of only 200 ever produced! Gigabyte uses the AORUS naming convention to serve as the company's gaming-orientated line of Intel and AMD motherboards. These AORUS Z690 branded motherboards come in multiple models comprising of the Pro, Ultra, Elite, Tachyon, Master, and Xtreme, some of which overlap in features and suggested price points.

The Z690 AORUS Xtreme WaterForce is in the ultra-high-end stratosphere made for those who are not concerned with cost and want a product that does not compromise. In many ways, the long list of features is overkill for any type of setup. However, this flagship motherboard is marketed and designed for those who command excellence and will not settle for anything less. It certainly has the looks to become that centerpiece of a gaming room. There is a lot to cover in this review, so let's take a closer look!

Specifications

Packaging and Contents

Gigabyte has given this Z690 AORUS Xtreme WaterForce the premium treatment starting with the exterior box design. Leaving behind the bright oranges used for some AORUS products, Gigabyte is using foil for the lettering. It is sure to catch the attention of anyone walking by and is something worth keeping as a display item as well if you are into collecting.

The back of the box keeps it simple in terms of presentation, with six highlighted features. Most notable would be the all-in-one monoblock with details about M.2 socket coverage and built-in leak and temperature sensors, which we will cover in more detail later in this review.


After opening the outer box, you are greeted with a smaller box on top. This is the AORUS RGB fan controller. It has eight headers that are dual-purpose. Each port uses a specialty Y-cable for a fan and RGB lighting. This is great news if you have a lot of case fans that each require a connection instead of being daisy chained.


Because this is Gigabyte's flagship product, more accessories are included, some of which are specific to this motherboard.

The full list of accessories includes:

• 1x Water-cooling kit
• 1x AORUS USB flash drive with drivers
• User manual
• Quick installation guide
• 2x Antennas
• 4x SATA cables
• 2x Integrated extension cables for addressable and RGB LED strips
• 1x AORUS RGB FAN Commander
• 1x Front panel extension cable
• 1x Front USB header extension cable
• 1x Noise detection cable
• 1x ESSential USB DAC
• 2x Velcro cable ties
• 2x Thermistor cables
• M.2 screws
• 1x G Connector
• 1x AORUS RGB Memory Armor

Board Layout

From the outset, this is a humongous motherboard. With the extra real estate, Gigabyte engineers have been able to neatly organize all the outgoing headers to the right side, allowing for easy wire management and a clean system build devoid of wires jettisoning in every direction.


The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme WaterForce offers two PCI Express x16 slots, with the top two reinforced for extra stress support. PCIe slot one and two are PCIe Gen5 with x16 lanes coming from the CPU. Slot one can either operate at x16 or x8. Slot 2 is wired for PCIe Gen5 x8 and will split the available lanes with the first slot if populated. These are all backwards compatible, allowing older PCIe devices to work without issue. The third slot is wired internally for PCIe Gen3 x4, but physically a x16 PCIe slot.


There are four Gen4 x4 M.2 sockets on the Z690 AORUS Xtreme WaterForce; all of them feature thermal full-coverage from the monoblock and thermal pads on the motherboard.


On the right side of this motherboard are all the headers with a plastic covering for aesthetics. By removing it, we can see how everything is laid out. Multiple fan header locations, USB headers, RGB headers, and SATA are grouped together.


The Z690 AORUS Xtreme WaterForce includes two breakout cables for two 5 V and two 12 V RGB headers. Don't forget that the AORUS RGB fan controller is an option as well.


Next to the RGB headers is the F_Panel header, which is more commonly known as the area the case power and reset connects, as an extension cable to keep the visible wire clutter to a minimum.


The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme WaterForce has two USB 3.2 Gen1 headers and two USB 2.0 headers. Behind the USB 3.2 is an internal USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) Type-E header as well.


The Z690 AORUS Xtreme WaterForce uses an Intel JHL8540 for its Thunderbolt 4 connectivity in the rear I/O section. It may also be used to output integrated graphics from an Intel CPU over USB-C or DisplayPort 1.4.


A Marvell AQtion AQC113C 10GbE LAN chip is used for the 10 Gb LAN.


This motherboard also features dual 8-pin EPS connectors to make sure power delivery is never an issue when it comes to overclocking the CPU.


The standard debug POST is mounted to the plastic shroud covering all the headers and attached via a cable.


The Z690 chipset (PCH) before it is covered and passively cooled by the monoblock.


The board has a total of four SATA 6 Gb/s ports on the side, angled 90 degrees from the board. These ports draw their bandwidth from the Z690 chipset.


As expected from Gigabyte's flagship motherboard, when it comes to external connectivity, the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Xtreme WaterForce aims to please with a full-complement IO section. Starting with ten USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A 10 Gbps ports, this is enough for any type of setup. An additional two Thunderbolt 4 ports and 10 Gb LAN bring even more high-speed connectivity. A few things are hidden away, like the Clear CMOS button and Q-Flash USB port (labeled "BIOS") which are found here as well.

Last is this OC Ignition button. It is a bit misleading as it has nothing to do with overclocking. Instead, it is used to update the firmware without the CPU installed and keep system fans going to pre-test watercooling setups. Basically, it is to check if the motherboard powers on before installing everything and finding out later the motherboard is DOA.

• 2x Antenna ports
• 10x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports (10 Gb/s)
• USB4/Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C port
• 1x 10 Gb RJ-45 LAN port with LED
• 1x 2.5 Gb RJ-45 LAN port with LED
• Clear CMOS button
• 5x HD audio jacks
• Optical SPDIF Out port
• Q-Flash button
• OC Ignition button