Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus, a motherboard that packs a serious punch in a tiny package. If you're dreaming of building a compact, yet powerful gaming rig or a high-performance workstation without sacrificing desk space, this Mini-ITX board might just be your dream come true. We're going to explore everything this board has to offer, from its impressive feature set to its performance capabilities, and see if it truly lives up to the Aorus name. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Alright, let's talk about what you get when you crack open the box. Gigabyte doesn't skimp on the accessories. Besides the motherboard itself (obviously!), you'll find things like SATA cables, an antenna for the Wi-Fi, the I/O shield, and a few other handy bits and pieces. The board itself looks sleek and feels solid. The black PCB with those stylish Aorus accents gives it a premium vibe right off the bat. Even though it's small, you can tell Gigabyte has put a lot of thought into the design and layout.

Key Features and Specifications

Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus. This motherboard is designed around Intel's Z690 chipset, meaning it supports the latest 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors. This is a huge deal because you can drop in a high-end CPU like an Intel Core i9-13900K and unleash some serious processing power in a small form factor. The Z690 chipset also brings with it support for PCIe 5.0, which is fantastic for future-proofing your system with the latest graphics cards and NVMe SSDs. Speaking of storage, this board features multiple M.2 slots for blazing-fast storage options. You also get plenty of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for lightning-fast data transfer speeds. On the memory front, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus supports DDR5 memory, which offers significantly improved performance compared to DDR4. This means faster load times, smoother multitasking, and an overall snappier computing experience. For networking, you're looking at high-speed Wi-Fi 6E and a 2.5GbE Ethernet port, ensuring you have a stable and speedy connection for online gaming, streaming, and other network-intensive tasks. The audio solution is also top-notch, with a high-quality audio codec and dedicated audio capacitors that deliver immersive and crystal-clear sound.

Power Delivery and Cooling

One of the most critical aspects of any motherboard, especially a Mini-ITX one, is its power delivery system. The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus boasts a robust power design that can handle even the most power-hungry CPUs. This is crucial for maintaining stable performance, especially when overclocking. The board features a sophisticated VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) with high-quality components that efficiently deliver power to the CPU. This ensures that your CPU receives a clean and stable power supply, which is essential for maximizing performance and preventing system instability. Given its compact size, cooling is also a major concern. Gigabyte has implemented a clever cooling solution that includes heatsinks and heat pipes to dissipate heat effectively. The heatsinks are strategically placed over the VRM and chipset to keep temperatures in check. Additionally, the board has headers for connecting fans and liquid coolers, allowing you to further customize your cooling setup. This is especially important if you plan on pushing your CPU to its limits with overclocking. The combination of a robust power delivery system and an effective cooling solution makes the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus a solid foundation for a high-performance Mini-ITX build.

Performance and Overclocking

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks: how does this thing actually perform? In short, it's a beast! The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is designed to squeeze every last drop of performance out of your components. Paired with a high-end CPU and fast memory, this board can handle anything you throw at it, from demanding games to content creation tasks. Overclocking is where this board truly shines. The robust power delivery system and effective cooling solution allow you to push your CPU beyond its stock speeds, unlocking even more performance. Gigabyte's UEFI BIOS is user-friendly and provides a wealth of options for tweaking and tuning your system. You can adjust voltages, memory timings, and fan speeds to optimize performance and stability. Of course, overclocking always carries some risk, so it's important to do your research and proceed with caution. However, with the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus, you have the tools and the platform to achieve some impressive overclocking results.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is a fantastic choice. The combination of a high-end CPU, fast memory, and a powerful graphics card results in smooth and immersive gaming experiences. The board's PCIe 5.0 slot ensures that you can take full advantage of the latest graphics cards, while the high-speed networking options provide a lag-free online gaming experience. Whether you're playing the latest AAA titles or competitive esports games, this board can handle it all. The high-quality audio solution also enhances the gaming experience by delivering crisp and clear sound, allowing you to hear every footstep and explosion. Overall, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is a great foundation for a compact gaming rig that can compete with full-sized desktops.

Connectivity and Expansion

Despite its small size, the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus offers a surprising amount of connectivity and expansion options. You get multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for blazing-fast data transfer speeds. There are also plenty of headers for connecting fans, liquid coolers, and RGB lighting. The board features multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, allowing you to install multiple high-speed storage devices. The PCIe 5.0 slot provides ample bandwidth for the latest graphics cards. While Mini-ITX boards are inherently limited in terms of expansion slots, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus makes the most of what it has to offer. The rear I/O panel is well-equipped with a variety of ports, including USB Type-C, DisplayPort, and HDMI. This ensures that you can connect all of your peripherals and displays without any issues. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet provides fast and reliable networking connectivity.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the good and the not-so-good about the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus. On the pros side, you've got:

• Excellent performance: This board can handle even the most demanding CPUs and GPUs.
• Robust power delivery: The high-quality VRM ensures stable performance, especially when overclocking.
• Effective cooling: The heatsinks and heat pipes keep temperatures in check.
• Plenty of connectivity: You get a wide range of USB ports, M.2 slots, and other connectivity options.
• Sleek design: The black PCB with Aorus accents looks great in any build.

However, there are a few cons to consider:

• Price: Mini-ITX boards tend to be more expensive than their larger counterparts.
• Limited expansion: Mini-ITX form factor inherently limits expansion options
• Tight spaces: Building in a Mini-ITX case can be challenging due to the tight spaces.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few other Mini-ITX Z690 boards to consider:

• ASRock Z690M-ITX/ax: A more budget-friendly option with a solid feature set.
• ASUS ROG Strix Z690-I Gaming WiFi: A premium board with advanced features and a stylish design.
• MSI MPG Z690I Edge WiFi: A well-rounded board with a good balance of features and performance.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus? Overall, it's an excellent Mini-ITX motherboard that offers a ton of features and performance in a small package. If you're looking to build a compact, yet powerful gaming rig or workstation, this board is definitely worth considering. The robust power delivery system, effective cooling solution, and ample connectivity options make it a great foundation for a high-end build. However, be prepared to pay a premium for the Mini-ITX form factor and be aware of the challenges associated with building in a small case. But if you're willing to put in the effort, the Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus can deliver an exceptional computing experience. I hope this review helps you make an informed decision! Happy building, guys! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions.