What To Know
- The Ultra features a more aggressive aesthetic with a black and silver color scheme, while the Lite opts for a subtler black and gray design.
- The Z690I Aorus Ultra boasts a robust 16+1+2 phase design, while the Lite has a more modest 10+1+2 phase design.
- The Lite, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers solid performance and a wide range of features.
In the realm of compact computing, Mini-ITX motherboards reign supreme, offering unparalleled power and flexibility in a diminutive form factor. Among the leading contenders in this arena are the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra and Lite, two exceptional motherboards designed to harness the full potential of Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricate details of these two motherboards, highlighting their strengths, differences, and suitability for various computing needs.
Specifications Comparison: Unveiling the Core Differences
| Feature | Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra | Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Lite |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX (170 mm x 170 mm) | Mini-ITX (170 mm x 170 mm) |
| Power Phases | 16+1+2 | 10+1+2 |
| Memory Slots | 2x DDR5 DIMM (up to 64GB, 6000+ MHz) | 2x DDR5 DIMM (up to 64GB, 5333 MHz) |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| M.2 Slots | 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe | 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe |
| SATA Ports | 4x SATA 6 Gb/s | 4x SATA 6 Gb/s |
| USB Ports | 10x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), 2x USB 2.0 | 8x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), 2x USB 2.0 |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC4080 | Realtek ALC897 |
| LAN | 2.5 GbE Intel I225-V | 1 GbE Realtek RTL8125B |
| BIOS | UEFI AMI | UEFI AMI |
Design and Aesthetics: A Tale of Two Motherboards
The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra and Lite share a similar Mini-ITX form factor, but their designs differ slightly. The Ultra features a more aggressive aesthetic with a black and silver color scheme, while the Lite opts for a subtler black and gray design. Both motherboards have integrated I/O shields for a clean and seamless look.
Power Delivery: Unleashing the Full Potential of Alder Lake
The power delivery system is a crucial aspect of any motherboard, especially for overclocking. The Z690I Aorus Ultra boasts a robust 16+1+2 phase design, while the Lite has a more modest 10+1+2 phase design. Both motherboards utilize high-quality components and heatsinks to ensure stable power delivery even under demanding loads.
Memory Support: Unlocking the Speed of DDR5
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR5 memory, but the Ultra has a slight edge in terms of clock speeds. It can handle up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of 6000+ MHz, while the Lite supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of 5333 MHz. This difference is significant for enthusiasts who seek the highest possible memory performance.
Storage Options: Expanding Your Horizons
Storage options are plentiful on both motherboards. The Ultra has three PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 slots, while the Lite has two PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe M.2 slots. Additionally, both motherboards have four SATA 6 Gb/s ports for connecting traditional hard drives or SSDs.
Connectivity: Bridging the Digital Divide
The Z690I Aorus Ultra and Lite offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. The Ultra has a 2.5 GbE Intel I225-V LAN port, while the Lite has a 1 GbE Realtek RTL8125B LAN port. Both motherboards have multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) and USB 2.0 ports, as well as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
Audio and Video: Immersive Experiences Await
For audio enthusiasts, the Z690I Aorus Ultra features the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which provides high-quality audio output and support for DTS:X Ultra. The Lite, on the other hand, has the more basic Realtek ALC897 audio codec. Both motherboards have HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for connecting to external displays.
BIOS and Overclocking: Unleashing the Hidden Potential
The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra and Lite both feature user-friendly UEFI BIOSes with a wide range of overclocking options. The Ultra’s BIOS is particularly well-suited for enthusiasts, offering granular control over every aspect of the motherboard’s performance.
Final Note: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra and Lite are both exceptional Mini-ITX motherboards that offer a unique blend of power, performance, and connectivity. The Ultra is the superior choice for those who demand the absolute best in terms of memory performance, power delivery, and audio quality. The Lite, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers solid performance and a wide range of features. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking, the Ultra or the Lite?
A: The Ultra has a more robust power delivery system and better BIOS support for overclocking.
Q: Can I use DDR4 memory with these motherboards?
A: No, both motherboards only support DDR5 memory.
Q: What is the maximum amount of memory I can install?
A: Both motherboards can handle up to 64GB of DDR5 memory.
Q: Does the Ultra have better audio quality than the Lite?
A: Yes, the Ultra has a higher-quality audio codec and supports DTS:X Ultra.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The Ultra has more USB ports than the Lite, with 10 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) ports compared to 8 on the Lite.
