ASROCK Z690 Steel Legend DDR5 Intel Motherboard

The ASRock Z690 Steel Legend DDR5 is an ATX-form-factor motherboard built on the Intel Z690 chipset with an LGA1700 socket, offering compatibility with 12th Generation Intel Core processors. Its DDR5 memory subsystem supports two unbuffered, non-ECC DDR5 DIMMs in dual-channel configuration, with capacity up to 128 GB and overclocked frequencies reaching 6000+ MHz (OC). The primary PCIe slot operates at the PCIe 5.0 x16 standard, delivering a theoretical bandwidth suited to current and next-generation discrete graphics cards. Two additional full-length slots provide PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 3.0 x4 connectivity respectively, accompanied by two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for expansion cards. Storage options are generous: eight SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors handle traditional drives, while onboard M.2 support includes a slot rated for PCIe 4.0, offering substantially higher sequential throughput compared to PCIe 3.0 predecessors. Networking is handled by a Realtek Dragon RTL8125BG controller delivering 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s), which provides greater bandwidth headroom than standard Gigabit for large file transfers and high-throughput streaming scenarios. Audio is delivered through a Realtek ALC897 codec offering 7.1-channel HD output with gold-plated rear audio jacks and an optical S/PDIF output, complemented by Nahimic Audio software for enhanced listening experiences across headsets, speakers, and other output devices. Rear I/O connectivity includes one USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port (10 Gb/s), one USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port (10 Gb/s), four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, a PS/2 combo port, one DisplayPort, and one HDMI output for use with Intel's integrated Xe Graphics (Gen 12) architecture. A front-panel USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C header provides up to 20 Gb/s for chassis front-panel connectivity. The board features Polychrome RGB support with onboard RGB and addressable RGB headers for LED ecosystem synchronisation. An ASRock graphics card holder accessory is compatible for supporting heavy add-in cards. Power delivery uses Dr.MOS integrated power stages optimised for synchronous buck step-down voltage regulation. The board draws power from a 24-pin ATX connector and dual 8-pin 12V EPS connectors. Physical dimensions are 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm), conforming to the standard ATX form factor. Verifiable Specifications: Socket: LGA1700 | Chipset: Intel Z690 | Memory: 2x DDR5 DIMM, up to 128 GB, DDR5-6000+(OC) | PCIe: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 mode), 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | Storage: 8x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s | LAN: 2.5G (RTL8125BG) | Audio: Realtek ALC897, 7.1 CH HD | USB Rear: 1x Gen2 Type-A, 1x Gen2 Type-C, 4x Gen1 | Display: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI | Form Factor: ATX (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)