Asus ROG Strix Z690-G GAMING WIFI Desktop Motherboard

Designed for gamers, creators, and PC builders who demand compact excellence, the Asus ROG Strix Z690-G GAMING WIFI is aMicro ATX powerhouse built around the Intel Z690 chipset with an LGA-1700 socket. It delivers premium performance in a space-saving form factor, pairing PCIe 5.0 readiness with DDR5 memory support and a comprehensive power design to keep your system stable under load. Whether you’re assembling a compact gaming rig, upgrading a current build, or pursuing a high-performance workstation in a smaller chassis, this motherboard provides the speed, connectivity, and cooling you need. With integrated WiFi 6E, robust 2.5 Gb Ethernet, and a suite of AI-enhanced features, the Z690-G GAMING WIFI blends cutting-edge tech with legendary RoG aesthetics for a platform that’s as stylish as it is capable.

• AI-powered performance and cooling: Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation for crystal-clear voice chat, AI Overclocking to optimize performance automatically, AI Cooling to adapt fan profiles, and AI Networking to prioritize gaming traffic for smoother online play.
• Next-generation speed: PCIe 5.0 readiness for graphics cards and NVMe SSDs paired with DDR5 memory support, delivering faster data transfers, reduced latency, and improved bandwidth for demanding titles and creative workloads. The board also supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs for flexible storage configurations.
• Premium connectivity: Built-in WiFi 6E (802.11ax) delivers ultra-fast wireless networking with lower latency, backed by Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet for wired performance you can rely on during competitive gaming and streaming.
• Robust storage and expansion: Three M.2 slots with heatsinks and M.2 backplates provide ample high-speed storage options, while PCIe slots and USB connectivity give you room to grow with your rig over time.
• Optane readiness and RoG flair: Intel Optane Memory Ready for acceleration of storage tasks and a bold, feature-rich design with Aura Sync lighting to match your build’s theme and RGB ecosystem.

Technical Details of Asus ROG Strix Z690-G GAMING WIFI

• Form factor: Micro ATX
• Chipset: Intel Z690
• CPU socket: LGA 1700
• Memory support: DDR5 memory support (up to four DIMMs)
• PCIe: PCIe 5.0 readiness; PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD support
• Storage: Three M.2 slots with heatsinks; M.2 backplates
• Networking: WiFi 6E (802.11ax) and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet
• Power delivery: 14+1 DrMOS VRMs for stable, clean power to the CPU and components
• Optane readiness: Intel Optane Memory Ready
• USB connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
• AI features: Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling, AI Networking

How to install Asus ROG Strix Z690-G GAMING WIFI

Before you begin, gather your tools and make sure you’re grounded to avoid static damage. Follow these steps to install the motherboard correctly into your case and prepare it for a smooth first boot:

Step 1: Remove the case from the packaging and install the I/O shield into the rear of your case. Align the shield carefully and press it into place until it sits flush against the chassis. This shield provides the external ports access and helps protect sensitive components during assembly.

Step 2: Prepare the CPU socket area. Unpack the LGA-1700 processor and align it with the marked corner on the socket. Place the CPU gently into the socket without applying force, then secure the retention arm. Install the CPU cooler according to the cooler’s mounting hardware, using the provided mounting brackets and thermal paste as needed. Ensure the cooler’s fans can reach a clean airflow path to the case exhaust.

Step 3: Install system memory (DDR5). Open the DDR5 slots, align the notches on the memory modules with the slot keys, and firmly seat each module until the latches click into place. Use all recommended slots based on your memory capacity and desired dual-/quad-channel configuration. Enable XMP/DOCP in BIOS later to maximize memory speed and stability.

Step 4: Mount NVMe storage if you plan to use M.2 drives. Insert each M.2 SSD at a slight angle, then press it down and secure with the accompanying screw. Attach any heatsinks if your kit includes them to keep temperatures in check during sustained loads. If you’re using PCIe NVMe drives, these will be recognized by the BIOS for fast boot times and responsive system performance.

Step 5: Install the motherboard into your case. Align the I/O ports with the case’s rear opening and place the motherboard onto the standoffs. Secure the board with the provided case screws, ensuring it sits flat and doesn’t flex. Connect the 24-pin ATX power cable and the 8-pin (or 4+4) CPU power connector from your power supply to the motherboard. Route cables neatly to maintain airflow and reduce clutter.

Step 6: Connect front-panel headers and case fans. Attach the ATX, USB, audio, power/reset buttons, and LED indicators to the appropriate pins as described in the motherboard manual. Connect case fans to the fan headers, and plug in the CPU coolers’ fans to the designated headers. If you have a GPU, install it in an appropriate PCIe slot and secure it with screws.

Step 7: initial BIOS setup. Power on the system and enter the BIOS. Update to the latest firmware if available. Enable XMP/DOCP to achieve rated memory speeds, configure AI features to balance performance and thermals, and set your boot order. If you’re planning to overclock, use AI Overclocking guidance to apply safe, stable profiles and monitor cooling via AI Cooling.

Step 8: Install your operating system and drivers. Install your preferred OS, then install the latest chipset drivers, audio, network, and firmware updates from Asus’ support page. With the drivers in place, you’ll experience improved stability, better networking performance, and optimized power management for long gaming sessions.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is the Asus ROG Strix Z690-G GAMING WIFI good for gaming and content creation?
  A: Yes. It combines a strong power design with PCIe 5.0 readiness, DDR5 support, fast storage options, and AI-enhanced features that optimize performance for both gaming and creator workloads. The compact Micro ATX form factor is ideal for small-to-mid-sized builds while still offering ample expandability.
• Q: Does this motherboard support DDR5 memory?
  A: Yes. It supports DDR5 memory in up to four DIMM configurations, delivering higher bandwidth and improved efficiency for modern games and multitasking tasks.
• Q: What networking options are built in?
  A: It includes integrated WiFi 6E (802.11ax) for fast wireless connectivity and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet for reliable wired networking, making it easy to game online with low latency.
• Q: How many M.2 drives can I install?
  A: The board features three M.2 slots with heatsinks and M.2 backplates, giving you multiple high-speed storage options for OS, games, and media libraries.
• Q: Which CPUs are compatible with the Z690 chipset and LGA-1700 socket?
  A: The Z690 and LGA-1700 socket support 12th Gen Intel Core processors and, with BIOS support, many 13th Gen CPUs. Always check the motherboard’s CPU support list for compatibility and required BIOS revisions before upgrading a processor.