Is The Intel Z690 Series Motherboard Worth Buying Should I Choose The DDR5 Or DDR4 Version
After the launch of Intel’s 12th generation CPU, motherboard manufacturers such as ASUS, ASRock, BIOSTAR, GIGABYTE and MSI have also launched a variety of motherboards built with the Intel Z690 chipset. Although the price is high, I believe that the gamers will still be willing to pay after seeing the specifications. After all, the motherboard has been upgraded significantly this time!
1. Z690 has models that support DDR5 and DDR4 respectively
Like the previous generation transition between DDR3 and DDR4, each manufacturer’s Z690 series all also have versions that support DDR5 and DDR4 respectively. In terms of naming, most of the manufactures will remark specifically for the DDR4 version. For example, the ASUS “PRIME Z690-P-CSM” supports DDR5 memory, and the “PRIME Z690M-PLUS D4-CSM” supports DDR4 memory. However, there are also some naming methods that are less obvious. For example, BIOSTAR’s “Z690 VALKYRIE” supports DDR5 memory, while “Z690A VALKYRIE” supports DDR4. Therefore, Z690 doesn’t mean that it supports DDR5, you still need to understand the specification before purchasing.
So, what’s the difference between the motherboard version that supports DDR5 and the version that supports DDR4? It is difficult to say in general, because each manufacturer’s approach is different. For example, for the Z690 VALKYRIE series of BIOSTAR, the difference between DDR5 and DDR4 is only in the support for the memory slot, and all other functions are the same. The current approach of ASUS is that only the DDR5 version is available for the highest-end motherboards, while the DDR4 version is used in other series.
2. What is the difference between DDR4 and DDR5 memory?
I believe we all have some slight understanding of what are the different features of DDR4 and DDR5 memory. If you still don’t know that well, it’s okay, click this link to have a thorough look.
What’s The Difference Between DDR4 and DDR5 Memory?
In order to make it easier for you to choose, I will show you the products of T-FORCE directly.
DELTA RGB DDR5 V.S DELTA RGB DDR4
Compared to DDR4, DDR5 has reached the frequency of 6,000, and the capacity also starts from the 16×2 specification. In addition, DDR5 and DDR4 of DELTA RGB have some ingenious changes in appearance. T-FORCE DELTA RGB DDR5 adds the imagery of a stealth fighter, and optimizes the overall visual appearance with line design. The light bar has the same full 120° wide angle as the DDR4 version, and supports various light effect software. The luminous area has also been slightly expanded, so the overall RGB light effect is absolutely satisfying for those who want to pursue ultra lighting options!
DELTA RGB DDR5: h /en/product/delta-rgb-ddr5
DELTA RGB DDR4: /en/product/delta-rgb-ddr4
VULCAN DDR5 V.S VULCAN DDR4
The VULCAN DDR5 is designed to enhance the thermal dissipation of the power management IC (PMIC) on the memory by using professional thermal conductive silicone to make the VULCAN DDR5 more stable and less likely to overheat while operating. In addition, the design of the heat sink has also become more concise. The combination of clip and thermal conductive silicone is used to strengthen the bond between the heat sink and the memory, which makes it more stable than VULCAN DDR4. In terms of color selection, the DDR5 version changes from gray to black, so that everyone can choose a more consistent visual appearance for the entire installation. If you are like me, not pursuing much RGB, I recommend you to choose this VULCAN, which has less RGB, but more low key luxury with a metallic feel.
VULCAN DDR5: /en/product/vulcan-ddr5
VULCAN DDR4: /en/product/vulcan-z-ddr4
3. Is Z690 a must get? Should I choose the DDR4 or DDR5 version?
I think everyone has a general understanding of the price of Z690, if you are still hesitant and unable to decide whether to get it or not, you might as well take a look at my analysis.
The biggest feature of Z690 is that it is very flexible for the expansion of storage capacity. In the past, when we used the M.2 PCIe slots on the motherboard, have you ever encountered a difference in read/write speed between M.2 PCIe SSDs with the same read/write speed plugged into the PCIe slots on the motherboard at the same time? In fact, it’s not because they are defected products, but rather lack of PCIe lanes on the motherboard, which can cause speed reduction, and that’s why there must be tradeoffs in the selection of storage devices.
The motherboard of the Z690 chipset does not have this problem, because it has up to 28 PCIe lanes, including PCIe4.0 and PCIe3.0 lanes. This means that all the M.2 PCIe connectors you see on the motherboard will not be slowed down when installing M.2 PCIe SSDs with the same read/write speed.
In addition, this time there are 4 sets of USB 3.2 GEN2x2 ports! You don’t have to worry about not having enough ports, let alone the speed limit of the transfer interface, which will reduce the transfer speed of your storage device!
Source: /show/16970/the-intel-z690-motherboard-overview-over-50-new-models-with-ddr5-support
(Image credit: Intel)
Conclusion
If the scalability of the PC is your primary consideration, you can consider starting with the Z690 motherboard, because it is the best board on the market for storage space expansion. After deciding to buy it, the next step is to decide whether to choose the DDR4 or DDR5 version.
In my own opinion, since there’s not much difference in the performance of the motherboard, the more cost-effective way is to start with the DDR4 version. On the one hand, you can enjoy the performance upgrade from the Z690, and on the other hand, you can continue to use the existing DDR4 memory. If you want to upgrade to the top at once, then consider no more! Take your piggy bank to take home a Z690 DDR5 motherboard with DDR5 memory! You can upload photos in the comment section below to make me envy~
The above are a few of my suggestions for your reference. If you have any questions about Z690, DDR4 or DDR5 memory, please leave your comments below! I will see you next time!