Verdict and Conclusion
The ASRock Z690 Steel Legend WiFi 6e is the natural successor to the Z590 Steel Legend (LGA1200 socket), it offers the same features as found on all Steel Legend series from ASRock, but this time it supports Intel’s latest 12th Gen Alder Lake processors which uses the newer LGA1700 socket.
I’m glad ASRock have produce two product lines for their Z690 motherboard series. You’ll find that there are serveral Z690 motherboards that supports DDR4, which I believe will be very popular amongst gamers and mainstream users due to the huge availability of DDR4 ram. While at the same time, ASRock are also offering several Z690 motherboards that support the higher spec DDR5, aimed at enthusiasts and high-end users. These two product lines allow users to choose an upgrade path based on their budget and existing hardward. Yes, DDR5 ram are very expensive costing more than twice the price of your standard DDR4.
The motherboard comes with ASRock’s uique Graphics Card Holder, which has be surprisingly popular among users and is a nice added bonus. It also features a clear CMOS button on the I/O panel which makes things easier if you need to reset the BIOS due to failed overclocking attempts. However, the motherboard doesn’t come with any onboard power/reset buttons which I prefer.
Using the Intel Core i9-12900KF processor, we managed to get excellent scores in all of our benchmarks. Mind you, this chip is the top-of-the-line processor Intel has to offer. It produced Cinebench R23 scores of 26,507 (multi core) and 2,004 (single core), with a PassMark9 score of 10,141. For PCMark 10, we got a score of 8,347, and a score of 9,309 for UL’s latest Procyon Photo Editing Benchmark. For 3DMark Port Royal we got a score of 6,747 with a DLSS score of 74.35 fps. And finally, for Timespy and Firestrike, we got decent scores of 11,964 and 27,371 respectively.
Ok, now here comes the BAD/Negatives and it has nothing to do with the motherboard, but rather the operating termperatue of the Alder Laker processor, which is the real issue here. Just make sure you invest in decent AIO cooler for your Intel 12th gen processors … because, oh boy these chips run HOT! I mean really hot! I was hitting over 100 degrees Celisus during full load, and I wasn’t even overclocking! Most CPU coolers can be remounted using their own LGA1700 upgrade kit. Please check double check with the manufacturer of the cooler for more information.
There are a ton of expansion slots including 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Steel slot for graphics card, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, as well as 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 alot and 2 x PCIe 3.0 x 1 slot. For storage, there’s a total of 8 x SATA3 ports, 2 x Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4) and 1 x Ultra M.2 slot (PCIe Gen3) for SSDs, as well as 1 x M.2 Key-E for WiFi module (occupied). For USB lovers, you get 1 x front USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (Type-C), 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (Type-A+C), 8 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (4 Front, 4 Rear), and additional 4 x USB 2.0 (Front). And finally, for connectivity, you get the Dragon 2.5GB LAN as well as the WiFi 6e support via the onboard M.2 wifi module.
But wait, there’s more. How about ASRock’s 13 Phase power, Digi Power, Dr. MOS, 2oz copper PCB and of course, the 7.1 CH HD Nahimic Audio, as well as PolyChrome RGB.
You can buy the ASRock Z690 Steel Legend WiFi 6E Motherboard
Pros:
- Excellent performance
- Intel Z690 Chipset
- Supports Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake processor
- Supports PCIE 5.0
- Supports DDR4 5000+ (O.C.)
- Dragon 2.5G LAN
- WiFi 6e support
Cons:
- No issues with motherboard but rather Intel’s Alder Lake processors. They run extremely HOT!
Final Words:
If you’re planning to build a PC based on Intel’s 12th gen Alder Lake processor and Z690 platform, then the ASRock Z690 Steel Legend WiFi 6e motherboard is a great all-rounder. It’s a good upgrade path if you want to re-use your existing DDR4 ram, and offers a load of great features with excellent performance to match.
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