MotherboardsReviewsUnboxing

ASRock Z690 Steel Legend WiFi 6E Motherboard Review

Features and Specifications

Features

  • Supports 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors (LGA1700)
  • 13 Phase Dr.MOS Power Design
  • Supports DDR4 5000MHz (OC)
  • 1 PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 PCIe 3.0 x1
  • Graphics Output Options: HDMI, DisplayPort
  • Realtek ALC897 7.1 CH HD Audio Codec, Nahimic Audio
  • 8 SATA3
  • 2 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4)
    1 Ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3 x4 & SATA3)
  • 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Front Type-C
    2 USB 3.2 Gen2 (Rear Type A+C)
    8 USB 3.2 Gen1 (4 Rear, 4 Front)
  • Dragon 2.5G LAN
  • 802.11ax (WiFi 6E) + Bluetooth
  • ASRock Graphics Card Holder

 

Overview

Riptide is named after a specific kind of water current with strong waves that occurs in the ocean, representing the philosophy of sea’s double-side, calm and unlimited strength. Built around powerful gaming-related features, the Riptide has given a powerful smash and immersed users in the sense of stability.

Dr. MOS

Dr.MOS is the integrated power stage solution which is optimized for synchronous buck-set down voltage applications! Compared to traditional discrete MOSFETs, it intelligently delivers higher current for each phase, thus providing improved thermal result and superior performance.

13 Power Phase Design

Featuring sturdy components and completely smooth power delivery to the CPU. Plus, it offers unmatched overclocking capabilities and enhanced performance with the lowest temperature for advanced gamers as well.

6 Layer PCB

The 6 Layer PCB provides stable signal traces and power shapes delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency for memory overclocking! Thus, it’s able to support the latest memory modules with most extreme memory performance!

2oz Copper PCB

2 ounce copper inner layers that provide stable signal traces and power shapes! Delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency for overclocking.

PCIe 5.0 + Surface-Mount Tech

Compares to conventional DIP style PCIe slot, the SMT type PCIe slot improves signal flow and maximize stability under high speed, a key breakthrough to fully support the lighting speed of the latest PCIe 5.0 standard. The latest PCI Express 5.0 is capable to perform a breathtaking bandwidth of 128GBps, ready to unleash the full potential of future high end graphic cards.

Nahimic Audio

Whether you are using headphones, a headset, external or internal speakers, via USB, Wi-Fi, analog output or even HDMI, Nahimic Audio offers you the most engaging listening experience, vibrant and rich with details.

ASRock Graphics Card Holder

Install your heavy graphics card on the holder; connect it to your motherboard and chassis with screws. Flexibly slide up and down to perfectly adjust the height required for your graphics card in place.

POLYCHROME RGB

In addition to the built-in RGB illumination, it also features onboard RGB headers and an addressable RGB header that allow motherboard to be connected to compatible LED devices such as strip, CPU fans, coolers, chassis and so on. Users may also synchronize RGB LED devices across the Polychrome RGB Sync-certified accessories to create their own unique lighting effects.

High Speed M.2 Solution

  • PCIe Gen4 x4 for SSD
    • This motherboard is capable of accomadating multiple M.2 storage devices, one of which can support PCI Express 4.0 M.2 SSD, it is capable of performing twice the speed compared to previous 3rd generation, giving a lightning fast data transferring experience.
  • Anti-Drop Screw
    • Tired of dropping screws or screws missing inside chassis?
      The enhanced M.2 heatsink with anti-drop screw design that make sure installation process more easily.

Dragon 2.5 Gb/s LAN

The intelligent 2.5Gb/s LAN platform is built for maximum networking performance for the demanding requirements of home networking, content creators, online gamers and high-quality streaming media. Boost networking performance up to 2.5X the bandwidth compared to the standard gigabit Ethernet, you’ll enjoy the faster and uncompromised connectivity experience for gaming, file transfers and backups.

Wireless Networking

  • Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax
    • WiFi 6E technology has extended to the whole new 6GHz spectrum band, providing more WiFi capability and giving an even better and faster internet traffic. In addition to deliver higher speeds, the WiFi 6E also enhances the lower latency and supports service levels that are equivalent to 5G networks.
  • M.2 Key-E Module Cap
    • SMA cable is easy to loose, this is an unacceptable situation for every users. Now we fixed this issue with a little Key-E module cap.

Front USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C

The latest USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C delivers up to 20 Gbps data transfer rate which is 2x as fast as previous generation, providing a blazing fast data transfer interface with reversible USB Type-C design that fits the connector either way.

Dual USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A + Type-C)

This motherboard has a pair of onboard Type-A and Type-C USB 3.2 Gen2 ports built on the rear i/o for supporting next generation USB 3.2 Gen2 devices and to deliver up to 10 Gbps data transfer rates.

EZ Setting

No need to worry about lack of disk drive! Asrock preinstall LAN driver to ensure that you are able to install all drivers needed in an easier way than using SCD.

BIOS Flashback

Get the most convenient BIOS flashing with just a simple click. Users can easily achieve the latest BIOS support with a USB and power supply, No CPU, RAM or other components required.

Flexible Integrated IO Shield

Unlike most so called pre-mounted I/O shield that is only decorated with fancy color schemes. We reserve more tolerance space and allow IO shield is adjustable when installing, thus fitting chassis perfectly without any mechanical issue.

 

Specifications

    • Unique Feature
      ASRock USB 3.2 Gen2
      – ASRock Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s)
      – ASRock USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port (10 Gb/s)
      – ASRock USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C Port (10 Gb/s)
      ASRock Super Alloy
      – XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsink
      – Premium 60A Power Choke
      – 50A Dr.MOS
      – Nichicon 12K Black Caps (100% Japan made high quality conductive polymer capacitors)
      – I/O Armor
      – Matte Black PCB
      – High Density Glass Fabric PCB
      – 2oz Copper PCB
      2.5G LAN 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E
      ASRock Auto Driver Installer
      ASRock Steel Slot
      ASRock Full Coverage M.2 Heatsink
      ASRock Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4)
      ASRock Ultra USB Power
      ASRock POST Status Checker (PSC)
      ASRock Full Spike Protection (for all USB, Audio, LAN Ports)
      ASRock Live Update & APP Shop
    • CPU
      – Supports 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors (LGA1700)
      – Digi Power design
      – 13 Power Phase design
      – Supports Intel® Hybrid Technology
      – Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Max 3.0 Technology
    • Chipset
      – Intel® Z690
    • Memory
      – Dual Channel DDR4 Memory Technology
      – 4 x DDR4 DIMM Slots
      – Supports DDR4 non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to 5000+(OC)*
      – Supports ECC UDIMM memory modules (operate in non-ECC mode)
      – Max. capacity of system memory: 128GB
      – Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) 2.0
      – 15μ Gold Contact in DIMM Slots

      *Supports DDR4 3200 natively.
    • BIOS
      – 256Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with multilingual GUI support
      – ACPI 6.0 Compliant wake up events
      – SMBIOS 2.7 Support
      – CPU Core/Cache, CPU GT, DRAM, VCCIN AUX, +1.05V PROC, +1.8V PROC, +0.82V PCH, +1.05V PCH Voltage Multi-adjustment
    • Graphics
      – Intel® Xe Graphics Architecture (Gen 12)
      – Dual graphics output: support HDMI and DisplayPort 1.4 ports by independent display controllers
      – Supports HDMI 2.1 TMDS Compatible with max. resolution up to 4K x 2K (4096×2160) @ 60Hz
      – Supports DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC (compressed) max. resolution up to 8K (7680×4320) @ 60Hz / 5K (5120×3200) @ 120Hz
      – Supports HDCP 2.3 with HDMI 2.1 TMDS Compatible and DisplayPort 1.4 Ports

      *Intel® UHD Graphics Built-in Visuals and the VGA outputs can be supported only with processors which are GPU integrated.
    • Audio
      – 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec)
      – Supports Surge Protection
      – Gold Audio Jacks
      – 15μ Gold Audio Connector
      – Nahimic Audio
    • LAN
      – 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s
      – Dragon RTL8125BG
      – Supports Dragon 2.5G LAN Software
      – Smart Auto Adjust Bandwidth Control
      – Visual User Friendly UI
      – Visual Network Usage Statistics
      – Optimized Default Setting for Game, Browser, and Streaming Modes
      – User Customized Priority Control
      – Supports Wake-On-LAN
      – Supports Lightning/ESD Protection
      – Supports Energy Efficient Ethernet 802.3az
      – Supports PXE
  • Wireless LAN
    – 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module
    – Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ax
    – Supports Dual-Band 2×2 160MHz with extended 6GHz band support*
    – 2 antennas to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity technology
    – Supports Bluetooth + High speed class II
    – Supports MU-MIMO

    *Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz band) will be supported by Microsoft® Windows® 11. The availability will depend on the different regulation status of each country and region. It will be activated (for supported countries) through Windows® Update and software updates once available.
    A 6GHz compatible router is required for 6E functionality.
  • Slots
    – 3 x PCIe x16 Slots (PCIE2/PCIE3/PCIE5: single at Gen5x16 (PCIE2); dual at Gen5x16 (PCIE2) / Gen4x4 (PCIE3); triple at Gen5x16 (PCIE2) / Gen4x4 (PCIE3) / Gen3x4 (PCIE5))*
    – 2 x PCIe Gen3x1 Slots
    – Supports AMD CrossFire™
    – 1 x M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module and Intel® CNVi (Integrated WiFi/BT)
    – 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE2)

    *Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
  • Storage
    – 8 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors*
    – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode**
    – 1 x Ultra M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2230/2242/2260/2280 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s & PCIe Gen3x4 (32 Gb/s) modes**
    – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type 2242/2260/2280/22110 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode**

    *If M2_2 is occupied by a SATA-type M.2 device, SATA3_7 will be disabled.

    **Supports Intel® Optane™ Technology
    Supports Intel® Volume Management Device (VMD)
    Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
    Supports ASRock U.2 Kit

  • RAID
    – Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices
    – Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 5 for M.2 NVMe storage devices
  • Connector
    – 1 x SPI TPM Header
    – 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
    – 1 x RGB LED Header*
    – 3 x Addressable LED Headers**
    – 1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)***
    – 1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)****
    – 5 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)*****
    – 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector)
    – 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connector)
    – 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector (15μ Gold Audio Connector)
    – 1 x Thunderbolt™ AIC Connector (5-pin) (Supports ASRock Thunderbolt™ 4 AIC Card)
    – 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports) (Supports ESD Protection)
    – 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports) (ASMedia ASM1074 hub) (Supports ESD Protection)
    – 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s) (Supports ESD Protection)

    *Supports in total up to 12V/3A, 36W LED Strip

    **Support in total up to 5V/3A, 15W LED Strip

    ***The CPU Fan Connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 1A (12W) fan power.

    ****The CPU/Water Pump Fan supports the water cooler fan of maximum 2A (24W) fan power.

    *****The Chassis/Water Pump Fan supports the water cooler fan of maximum 2A (24W) fan power.
    CPU_FAN2/WP and CHA_FAN1~5/WP can auto detect if 3-pin or 4-pin fan is in use.

  • Rear Panel I/O
    – 2 x Antenna Ports
    – 1 x PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard Port
    – 1 x HDMI Port
    – 1 x DisplayPort 1.4
    – 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
    – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Port (10 Gb/s) (ReDriver) (Supports ESD Protection)
    – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C Port (10 Gb/s) (ReDriver) (Supports ESD Protection)
    – 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (Supports ESD Protection)
    – 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port with LED (ACT/LINK LED and SPEED LED)
    – 1 x BIOS Flashback Button
    – HD Audio Jacks: Rear Speaker / Central / Bass / Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone (Gold Audio Jacks)

    *Ultra USB Power is supported on USB3_1_2 ports.
    ACPI wake-up function is not supported on USB3_1_2 ports.
  • Software and UEFI
    Software
    – ASRock Motherboard Utility (A-Tuning)
    – ASRock Dragon 2.5G LAN Software
    – ASRock Polychrome SYNC*
    UEFI
    – ASRock EZ Mode
    – ASRock Full HD UEFI
    – ASRock My Favorites in UEFI
    – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
    – ASRock Instant Flash
    – ASRock Internet Flash
    – ASRock Easy RAID Installer

    *These utilities can be downloaded from ASRock Live Update & APP Shop.
  • Support CD
    – Drivers, Utilities, AntiVirus Software (Trial Version), Google Chrome Browser and Toolbar
  • Accessories
    – Quick Installation Guide, Support CD
    – 2 x SATA Data Cables
    – 1 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna
    – 3 x Screws for M.2 Sockets
    – 2 x Standoffs for M.2 Sockets
    – 1 x Graphics Card Holder
  • Hardware Monitor
    – Fan Tachometer: CPU, CPU/Water Pump, Chassis/Water Pump Fans
    – Quiet Fan (Auto adjust chassis fan speed by CPU temperature): CPU, CPU/Water Pump, Chassis/Water Pump Fans
    – Fan Multi-Speed Control: CPU, CPU/Water Pump, Chassis/Water Pump Fans
    – Voltage monitoring: CPU Vcore, PCH, DRAM, VCCIN AUX, +1.05V PROC, VCCSA, +1.8V PROC, +0.82V PCH, +12V, +5V, +3.3V
  • Form Factor
    – ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm
    – 2oz Copper PCB

More information on ASRock’s website.

 

Related posts

Leave a Comment

* By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More