NZXT has readied its new N5 and N7 collection motherboards (opens in new tab) that includes Intel’s Z690 chipset. The corporate admits the N5 and N7 collection Z690 motherboards signify a “lengthy awaited replace,” for Intel’s twelfth gen Core Alder Lake processors. This good-looking duo could be very welcome: Alder Lake chips are nonetheless very strongly ranked among the many greatest CPUs for gaming in 2022, and Intel’s thirteenth gen Core Raptor Lake processors also needs to match Z690 motherboards.
The NZXT N5 Z690 and N7 Z690 are very related, however the latter is a rung above the previous with options reminiscent of a stronger energy section design, higher audio, and an excellent clear look with the PCB largely coated by matte white or matte black completed metallic armor. For a clearer comparability between the NZXT N5 Z690 and N7 Z690, try the specs:
|
Specs |
NZXT N5 Z690 |
NZXT N7 Z690 |
|---|---|---|
|
Kind issue |
ATX |
ATX |
|
Chipset |
Intel Z690 |
Intel Z690 |
|
CPU assist |
Intel Alder Lake |
Intel Alder Lake |
|
Energy design |
8+1 DrMOS Energy Part Design with 2oz copper PCB | 12+1 DrMOS Energy Part Design |
|
Reminiscence assist |
As much as 128GB, as much as DDR4-5000, in 4 slots |
As much as 128GB, as much as DDR4-5000, in 4 slots |
|
Enlargement slots |
Three PCIe x16 slots inc Gen 5 x16 mode, two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots |
Three PCIe x16 slots inc Gen 5 x16 mode, two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots |
|
Storage growth |
4 M.2 slots supporting as much as PCIe 4.0 x4 mode, 4 SATA 6GB/s connectors |
Three M.2 slots supporting as much as PCIe 4.0 x4 mode, 4 SATA 6GB/s connectors |
|
Networking |
RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN, Twin-Band Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
|
Audio |
Realtek ALC897 Codec with 8-channel HD audio |
Realtek ALC1220 Codec with 8-channel HD audio assist and Nichicon capacitors |
|
Rear I/O |
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Kind-C):1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Kind-A):1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Kind-A):4 USB 2.0:2 HDMI 2.0:1 for iGPU Wi-fi Antenna:2 (2T2R) LAN (RJ45) Port:1 HD Audio Jacks: Line-in / Entrance Speaker / Mic:1 Optical S/PDIF:1 BIOS Flashback Button:1 |
USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Kind-C):1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Kind-A):2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Kind-A):3 USB 2.0:2 HDMI 2.0:1 for iGPU Wi-fi Antenna:2 (2T2R) LAN (RJ45) Port:1 5.1-Channel Audio Jacks:1 Optical S/PDIF:1 BIOS Flashback Button:1 Clear CMOS Button:1 |
|
Guarantee |
Three years |
Three years |
NZXT is sticking with DDR4 for its Z690 motherboards. This can be a pragmatic selection, and you’ll learn an in-depth evaluation of DDR4 vs DDR5 in our Intel Alder Lake RAM information.
The primary distinction highlighted within the specs desk considerations the facility design. With extra energy phases and premium 2oz copper PCB, the N7 needs to be higher for overclocking, offering higher stability at larger clock speeds.
Subsequent up, the configuration of storage growth choices varies between the 2 motherboards. The cheaper NZXT N5 Z690 advantages from an additional M.2 storage slot that helps each PCIe 4.0 x4 and SATA drives. The N7 Z690 strikes again with extra highly effective Wi-Fi, extra/quicker USB ports, and an upgraded on-board audio resolution. The audio variations will likely be essential to those that aren’t going to suit a PCIe sound card or use an exterior sound card.
NZXT additionally desires to spotlight the built-in RGB headers and management choices supplied on each these motherboards. They each assist 4 RGB lighting channels and 7 fan channels configurable by NZXT CAM.
The brand new NZXT N5 and N7 Z690 collection motherboards can be found now, direct from the maker, in black or white finishes. The N5 prices $239.99 and the N7 prices $299.99.
When you’re searching for a motherboard and NZXT’s new boards do not attraction to you, check out our Finest Motherboards 2022 for Gaming, by Socket and Chipset.