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The Bottom Line
Introduction, Specifications, and Pricing
Each vendor sent over several boards for review shortly before the 12th Gen Alder Lake launch; for GIGABYTE, the first offering we are looking at is the Z690 Xtreme. This solution is their top-of-the-line offering at the moment, but I'm sure the Waterforce model isn't far behind. Let's get into the specification of this platform below.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 02 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 02](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_02_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 03 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 03](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_03_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
As per most Z690 platforms, specifications start with LGA1700 socket support, this of course on the Z690 chipset. Now Z690 platforms are split between DDR4 memory and DDR5, the higher-end boards will opt for DDR5, and the AORUS Xtreme follows this with four slots, max capacity 128GB with speeds starting at 4800MHz.
CPU integrated graphics; UHD770 for 12th Gen is accessible through Thunderbolt 4 alongside HDMI and DP connections on the rear I/O. This pulls us into rear I/O expansion, where you will get Wi-Fi 6e alongside 2.5Gbe from Intel and Marvell 10Gbe. USB ports are plentiful as well, with ten ports, all USB 3.2.
Internal connectivity includes three PCIe x16 slots; the top two are Gen5 and operate in x16 or x8 x8 mode. The bottom slot pulls from the chipset at PCIe 3.0. Storage includes four NVMe slots; the top slot under the large heat sink is Gen4 capable from the CPU, the following three are from the chipset at Gen 4.0 as well.
Pricing
The Z690 AORUS Xtreme carries an MSRP of $899.99 with a three-year warranty.
![Buy at Amazon Buy at Amazon](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41gaTTNatML._SL160_.jpg)
Packaging, Accessories, and Overview
Packaging and Accessories
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 05 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 05](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_05_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
The packaging features a large AORUS logo with branding to the right. Down below, we have socket and chipset support.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 06 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 06](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_06_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
The rear of the packaging includes features to the right and specs right below, including a rear I/O layout.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 07 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 07](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_07_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
Accessories include Wi-Fi antenna, SATA cables, and RGB extensions.
Z690 AORUS Xtreme Overview
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 08 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 08](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_08_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
The Xtreme is a dark board in the colorway; black and gunmetal panels cover most of the board. We have three PCIe x16 slots; all shielded, heat piped VRM sinks and a large heat sink for the main NVMe slot. Memory and VRM are contained with RGB covers, and the power and reset buttons are tucked to the far right, as they were with Z590.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 09 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 09](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_09_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
The back of the board has additional armor to add rigidity to the board.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 10 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 10](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_10_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
Rear I/O includes a full host of USB 3.2; ten ports counted for, we also have 2.5Gbe, 10Gbe, and thunderbolt 4 making an appearance.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 11 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 11](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_11_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
All ports are placed along the right side of the board; this includes USB 2.0 headers, front panel connections, and SATA, as seen in the image above.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 12 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 12](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_12_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
USB 3.2 joins before the 24pin power connection.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 13 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 13](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_13_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
Last we have a set of fan connections.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 14 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 14](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_14_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
Across the top, we have two temperature probes alongside fan connections.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 15 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 15](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_15_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
Far left, two eight-pin inputs.
UEFI, Software and Test System
UEFI
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 20 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 20](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_20_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 21 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 21](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_21_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 22 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 22](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_22_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 23 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 23](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_23_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 24 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 24](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_24_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 25 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 25](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_25_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 26 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 26](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_26_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
BIOS layout is still pretty similar to Z590; starting with the easy mode, you will get all information about the CPU and RAM along the top, including frequency and temperature. The boot sequence shows installed drives and fan controls to the right.
Advanced mode is where you will find tweaking tools for CPU and memory, including voltages. AORUS has additional options in the IO Ports menu; these include the ability to disable IGP and configure LAN controls, Thunderbolt, and storage.
Motherboard Software
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 30 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 30](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_30_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
RGB Fusion allows you to control all the functionality of the board, including the individual ports.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 31 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 31](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_31_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
The easy tune allows you to perform on-the-fly configuration of the Xtreme while in Windows.
Motherboard Testing Supporters
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 36 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 36](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_36_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.jpg)
Sabrent supports our storage testing with the Rocket 4 Plus.
TweakTown Intel Motherboard Test System
- CPU: Intel Core i9 12900K
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX A5000
- RAM: Crucial DDR5 5200MHz 32GB CL38 (buy from Amazon)
- OS Storage: Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 1TB (buy from Amazon)
- Power Supply: ASUS Thor 1200W (buy from Amazon)
- OS: Microsoft Windows 11 (buy from Amazon)
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 34 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 34](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_34_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
Above, we have our system set up and tested with CPUz.
Cinebench R23 and AIDA64
Cinebench R23
Cinebench is a long-standing render benchmark that has been heavily relied upon by both Intel and AMD to showcase their newest platforms during unveils. The benchmark has two tests, a single-core workload that will utilize one thread or 1T. There is also a multi-threaded test that uses all threads or nT of a tested CPU.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 40 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 40](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_40_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
We are starting to populate charts with boards, The Xtreme being our fourth. In 1T, the Xtreme was tested in 1954.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 41 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 41](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_41_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
nT showed 28336.
AIDA64 Memory
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 42 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 42](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_42_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
AES offers are the highest performance yet at 145746.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 43 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 43](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_43_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
SHA3 tapped in at 5293.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 44 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 44](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_44_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
Memory throughput pushed 81K read, 77K write, and 79K copy.
PCMark10,3DMark and CrossMark Benchmarks
PCMark 10
PCMark is a benchmark from UL and tests various workload types to represent typical workloads for a PC. Everything from video conferencing, image import, and editing, along with 3D rendering, are tested.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 45 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 45](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_45_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
The overall score in PCMark was just under the Hero at 9532; we can see the breakdown in the image below.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 46 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 46](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_46_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
Score breakdown shows solid performance in Digital Content.
CrossMark
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 47 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 47](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_47_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
AORUS Xtreme gave us our highest score yet in CrossMark; adding to this, we actually touched 2631 with this exact board after some tuning giving us the second spot in the world for this bench.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 48 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 48](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_48_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
Breakdown of CrossMark showed the highest results in Creativity.
3DMark
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 49 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 49](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_49_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
CPU Profile showed a slight edge to the Xtreme at 16-threads, scoring 10877; eight threads give us 8160 while things start to even off at four threads.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 50 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 50](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_50_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
Timespy shows lower than normal gaming performance for the Xtreme, about 300 points under the Unify.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 51 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 51](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_51_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
The Xtreme sees lower CPU performance in the breakdown while graphics are the highest we have seen.
Gaming and System I/O Benchmarks
Gaming Benchmarks
Gaming
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 52 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 52](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_52_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
Tomb Raider showed equal performance for all boards tested, 195 FPS for 1080p and 146 FPS for 1440p.
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 53 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 53](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_53_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
FCND showed similar performance here as well, 170 FPS for 1080p and 1440p tapping 150 FPS.
Storage with CrystalDiskMark
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 54 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 54](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_54_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
Storage performance was fantastic, NVMe topping 7019 MB/s with our Sabrent Rocket Plus; Gen 2x2 at 2011 MB/s followed by Gen 2 at 1071 MB/s and Gen 1 at 459 MB/s.
Power Consumption
![GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 55 GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Xtreme Motherboard Review 55](https://static.tweaktown.com/content/9/9/9998_55_gigabyte-z690-aorus-xtreme-motherboard-review.png)
Power consumption for the Xtreme was 68 watts at idle, and full load with R23 peaked at 362 Watts.
Final Thoughts
It's quite apparent even at this stage that performance between boards has everything to do with components chosen and the factory BIOS tune these vendors deploy. ASUS, for one, is quite aggressive in this category, as you can see from our charts, whereas MSI, with the Unify at least, was passive. AORUS Xtreme appears to be somewhere in the middle of these two; functionally, the board is stacked with a 20+1 VRM design plenty for the current stack of 12th Gen CPUs, and I/O connectivity is among the best we have seen.
In testing, the AORUS and Hero were consistently at the top of our charts, with the Xtreme taking more of the CPU-designed testing like PCMark and CrossMark, where the Hero was a bit better in 3DMark. In real-world gaming, both of these boards performed identically. Storage performance was a bit lower, 10 MB/s for the Xtreme vs. the Hero, but USB 3.2, SATA, and the like were all on point.
Visually, this board is one of the most stunning to date, the colorway being dark lends many options for building around it, and the controllable RGB allows for themed builds. That all said, this is the most expansive option we have tested to date at $899.99 MSRP and adding in the cost of DDR5 and, of course, the terrible market for GPUs; you will surely need to be committed to building a rig on this platform.
That said, this board is stacked; there is no technology left out on the Xtreme, so the cost, while mighty, is offset by one of the current best motherboards on the Z690 platform.
![Photo of product for sale Photo of product for sale](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41gaTTNatML._SL160_.jpg)
Performance |
97% |
Quality |
95% |
Features |
99% |
Value |
90% |
Overall |
95% |
While being tremendously expensive, the Z690 AORUS Xtreme is stacked, leaving no connectivity behind!
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