Asrock Z690 Taichi Review

The ASRock Z690 Taichi is a high-end motherboard designed for Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen Core processors, offering a robust feature set and impressive performance for enthusiasts and power users. This board truly shines with its exceptionally strong power delivery, making it a prime candidate for serious overclocking, alongside a comprehensive array of connectivity options including multiple M.2 slots, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E. While its price point places it firmly in the premium category, the Taichi delivers significant value through its top-tier components and thoughtful design, making it a worthy investment for those building a high-performance Z690 system.

Here’s a quick rundown of some complementary products that can truly elevate your ASRock Z690 Taichi build:

• Intel Core i9-13900K Processor

  

  • Key Features: 24 Cores 8 P-cores + 16 E-cores, 32 Threads, up to 5.8 GHz max turbo frequency, Intel UHD Graphics 770.
  • Average Price: ~$550
  • Pros: Top-tier gaming and multi-tasking performance, excellent single-core speed, great for content creation.
  • Cons: High power consumption, requires robust cooling solution.

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Graphics Card

  • Key Features: Ada Lovelace architecture, 16GB GDDR6X VRAM, DLSS 3, Ray Tracing Cores, Tensor Cores.
  • Average Price: ~$1200
  • Pros: Exceptional gaming performance at 4K, strong ray tracing capabilities, excellent for creative applications.
  • Cons: High price, high power draw.

• G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-6000 RAM 32GB Kit

  • Key Features: DDR5 memory, 6000MHz clock speed, CL30/CL32 latency, RGB lighting, XMP 3.0 support.
  • Average Price: ~$120
  • Pros: High speed and low latency for optimal gaming and application performance, aesthetically pleasing RGB, reliable.
  • Cons: DDR5 still slightly more expensive than DDR4, RGB may not appeal to all.

• Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe SSD

  • Key Features: PCIe 4.0 NVMe, up to 7,450 MB/s sequential read, 6,900 MB/s sequential write, Samsung V-NAND.
  • Average Price: ~$160
  • Pros: Blazing fast storage speeds, ideal for gaming and demanding applications, high endurance.
  • Cons: PCIe 5.0 drives are emerging though less common, can run warm under sustained load without a heatsink.

• NZXT Kraken Z73 RGB Liquid Cooler

  • Key Features: 360mm AIO liquid cooler, LCD screen for monitoring/customization, RGB fans, quiet operation.
  • Average Price: ~$220
  • Pros: Excellent cooling performance, customizable LCD screen for aesthetics and monitoring, quiet fans.
  • Cons: Large radiator requires adequate case space, higher price point for AIOs.

• Corsair RM1000e Power Supply Cooler Master Caliber X1C Review

  • Key Features: 1000W, 80 PLUS Gold certified, fully modular cables, quiet operation, zero RPM fan mode.
  • Average Price: ~$150
  • Pros: High efficiency, ample wattage for high-end systems, fully modular for clean cable management, reliable.
  • Cons: Can be overkill for some mid-range builds, fan noise can pick up under very heavy load.

• Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO Case

  • Key Features: Dual chamber design, tempered glass panels, versatile fan/radiator mounting options, reversible orientation.
  • Average Price: ~$170
  • Pros: Excellent airflow potential, stunning aesthetics for showcasing components, flexible build options.
  • Cons: Large footprint, requires additional fan purchases for optimal cooling.

The ASRock Z690 Taichi stands out as a formidable motherboard for anyone looking to push the boundaries of Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen CPUs. Its robust power delivery system is undoubtedly the star of the show, making it an overclocking dream. This isn’t just about raw power, though. ASRock has packed the Taichi with a comprehensive suite of features, including cutting-edge connectivity, multiple M.2 slots for high-speed storage, and an aesthetic that blends professional elegance with subtle enthusiast flair. While it sits at the higher end of the price spectrum, the investment translates directly into a stable, high-performance foundation for a top-tier PC build, truly delivering on its promise of an “Ultimate Weapon.”

Power Delivery: The Heartbeat of Performance

When you’re dealing with high-performance CPUs like Intel’s 12th or 13th Gen, especially if you plan on overclocking, the power delivery system VRM of your motherboard is absolutely critical. The ASRock Z690 Taichi shines here, boasting a 20-phase VRM design utilizing 105A Smart Power Stages. This isn’t just marketing fluff. it means the board can deliver incredibly stable and clean power to your CPU, even under extreme loads.

• Key Components:

  • Dr.MOS Power Stages: These integrated power stages are highly efficient, combining a MOSFET driver, high-side MOSFET, and low-side MOSFET into a single package. This reduces heat and improves overall stability.
  • Premium 90A Power Chokes: These chokes are designed to optimize VCore voltage, delivering cleaner power to the CPU with higher saturation current, leading to enhanced performance and efficiency.
  • Nichicon 12K Black Capacitors: Known for their extended lifespan and stable performance, these capacitors ensure reliability even during prolonged, demanding operations.

• Overclocking Potential: The sheer strength of this VRM means that you can confidently push your CPU’s clock speeds higher without worrying about voltage droop or thermal throttling of the power stages. For instance, achieving stable 5.5GHz or even 5.6GHz on all P-cores with a Core i9-12900K or 13900K becomes a much more achievable goal, often with lower Vcore settings compared to less robust boards. This translates directly into higher benchmark scores and smoother gameplay in CPU-intensive titles.

Connectivity and Expansion: Ready for Anything

Modern computing demands a plethora of connectivity options, and the ASRock Z690 Taichi delivers in spades.

From high-speed storage to external peripherals, this board is equipped to handle a diverse range of devices, ensuring future-proofing and versatility for any enthusiast build.

• Storage Solutions:

  • Three Hyper M.2 Slots PCIe Gen4x4: These slots offer incredible bandwidth for NVMe SSDs, capable of sequential read speeds of up to 7000 MB/s. This is crucial for rapid game loading, large file transfers, and snappy system responsiveness. Having three means you can run multiple high-speed drives without compromise.
  • One Ultra M.2 Slot PCIe Gen3x4: While slightly slower than Gen4, this slot still provides ample speed for a secondary NVMe drive or a cost-effective storage solution.
  • Eight SATA3 Ports: For traditional hard drives and SATA SSDs, the Taichi provides ample connectivity, allowing for extensive storage arrays for games, media, or backups.

• USB Connectivity:

  • Thunderbolt 4 USB4 compliant Type-C Ports 2x: This is a standout feature, offering 40Gbps bandwidth, display output capabilities, and power delivery. It’s ideal for high-speed external SSDs, docking stations, or professional audio/video interfaces. The flexibility here is immense for creative professionals.
  • USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C 1x rear, 1x front header: Providing 20Gbps, this is excellent for next-generation external drives and rapid data transfers.
  • Numerous USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports: Ensuring plenty of ports for all your peripherals, from gaming mice and keyboards to VR headsets.

• Networking: Alienware X14 Review

  • Intel Killer E3100G 2.5 Gigabit LAN: For ultra-fast wired internet, reducing latency and ensuring stable connections for online gaming and streaming.
  • Intel Killer AX1675 Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax + Bluetooth 5.2: Supporting the 6GHz band, Wi-Fi 6E provides even lower latency and less interference than previous Wi-Fi standards, crucial for wireless VR or competitive online gaming. Bluetooth 5.2 ensures seamless connectivity with wireless headphones and other peripherals.

• PCIe Slots:

  • Two PCIe 5.0 x16 Slots x16/x0 or x8/x8: Ready for the next generation of graphics cards, offering immense bandwidth. When running two GPUs, they operate at x8/x8, still providing ample performance for most applications.
  • One PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot x4: Useful for expansion cards like capture cards, additional networking cards, or sound cards.

Cooling Design: Keeping Things Chill

High-performance components generate heat, and efficient cooling is paramount for stability and longevity.

The ASRock Z690 Taichi features an impressive cooling design that actively dissipates heat from critical areas, ensuring peak performance even under sustained loads.

• VRM Heatsinks: The massive XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsinks covering the VRMs are not just for show. They are designed with a multi-fin array to maximize surface area for heat dissipation, ensuring the powerful VRM stages remain cool during intensive CPU operations and overclocking.
• Heat Pipe Design: An aluminum alloy heat pipe directly connects the two VRM heatsinks, efficiently transferring heat across the entire surface, ensuring even distribution and rapid cooling.
• M.2 Heatsinks: Each of the three Hyper M.2 slots comes equipped with a dedicated full-coverage M.2 heatsink. This is crucial for high-speed NVMe SSDs, which can throttle performance when they get too hot during large file transfers or intense gaming sessions. The heatsinks prevent this thermal throttling, ensuring sustained peak performance from your storage drives.
• PCH Heatsink: The chipset PCH also gets a robust heatsink to manage its thermals, contributing to overall system stability.
• Fan Headers: The board includes a generous number of PWM/DC fan headers, allowing for comprehensive control over your case fans and CPU cooler fans. ASRock’s Fan-Tastic Tuning utility provides granular control over fan curves, allowing users to balance noise levels with cooling performance.

Unique Features and Aesthetics: Beyond the Basics

The Taichi series is known for its distinctive gear-wheel aesthetic, and the Z690 Taichi continues this tradition with a sophisticated blend of industrial design and practical features.

• Polychrome RGB: ASRock’s Polychrome RGB lighting system allows for synchronization of compatible RGB devices, creating a cohesive lighting scheme within your PC build. The Taichi features integrated RGB accents, particularly around the I/O shroud and chipset heatsink, which can be customized via software.
• BIOS Flashback: This feature allows users to update the BIOS without a CPU, RAM, or GPU installed. This is incredibly useful for troubleshooting or preparing the board for a new CPU generation that might not be supported by the out-of-the-box BIOS version.
• Clear CMOS Button: A convenient button on the rear I/O panel for easily resetting BIOS settings, especially handy during aggressive overclocking attempts.
• Integrated I/O Shield: The pre-mounted I/O shield simplifies installation and provides a cleaner aesthetic, while also offering enhanced protection for the rear ports.
• Reinforced Steel Slots: The PCIe slots are reinforced with steel, providing extra durability to support heavy graphics cards and prevent sagging. This is a subtle but important detail for longevity and stability.
• Debug LED: A small LED display on the motherboard provides diagnostic codes during boot-up, helping troubleshoot issues quickly without needing to guess what a series of beeps might mean. This is a lifesaver for enthusiasts.

Software Ecosystem and BIOS: User Experience

A motherboard is only as good as its software and BIOS, and ASRock has put effort into providing a user-friendly and functional experience with the Z690 Taichi.

• UEFI BIOS: The UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface BIOS is intuitive and well-organized, offering both an EZ Mode for quick adjustments and an Advanced Mode for granular control.

  • OC Tweaker: This section is an overclocker’s playground, providing comprehensive control over CPU voltage, multiplier, DRAM timings, and various power limits. The sheer number of adjustable parameters allows for fine-tuning system performance to its absolute limits.
  • Hardware Monitor: Real-time monitoring of CPU temperature, fan speeds, and voltages is readily available, crucial for assessing stability during overclocking or identifying potential thermal issues.
  • Instant Flash: A built-in utility for easily updating the BIOS via a USB drive.

• ASRock Utilities:

  • ASRock Polychrome RGB: For customizing the motherboard’s RGB lighting and synchronizing it with other compatible components.
  • ASRock App Shop: Provides access to various utilities and drivers, keeping your system up-to-date.
  • ASRock Live Update & APP Shop: Simplifies the process of downloading and installing drivers, utilities, and BIOS updates.
  • ASRock Restart to UEFI: A small utility to boot directly into the BIOS from Windows, saving time.

• Killer Control Center: For users of the Killer networking suite, the Control Center software allows for bandwidth prioritization, network monitoring, and optimizing latency for gaming and streaming applications. This can be a significant advantage for competitive gamers.

Value Proposition and Target Audience

The ASRock Z690 Taichi is undoubtedly a premium motherboard, and its price reflects the high-quality components and extensive feature set.

However, for the right user, it offers exceptional value. Donda Stem Player Review

• Overclocking Enthusiasts: This board is an absolute dream for those who want to push their Intel 12th or 13th Gen CPU to its limits. The robust VRM, excellent cooling, and comprehensive BIOS options make it ideal for serious overclocking.
• Content Creators and Professionals: The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, multiple high-speed M.2 slots, and robust power delivery make it an excellent foundation for workstations used in video editing, 3D rendering, or other resource-intensive tasks. The high-speed networking also benefits professionals working with large files over a network.
• High-End Gamers: While not exclusively a gaming board, the Taichi’s performance and connectivity directly translate to a superior gaming experience, especially when paired with top-tier CPUs and GPUs. The low-latency networking solutions are a bonus for competitive play.
• Future-Proofing Minded Users: With PCIe 5.0 readiness, Thunderbolt 4, and Wi-Fi 6E, the Taichi offers a strong degree of future-proofing, allowing users to upgrade components as new technologies emerge without immediately needing a new motherboard.

While its cost might be a barrier for budget-conscious builders, for those who prioritize stability, performance, and cutting-edge features, the ASRock Z690 Taichi represents a sound investment.

It consistently delivers on its promises, providing a rock-solid foundation for a truly high-performance PC build.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Even a top-tier board like the ASRock Z690 Taichi has considerations that might influence a purchasing decision. It’s important to have a balanced perspective.

• Price Point: As noted, the Taichi is a premium board. Its cost can be a significant factor for those on a tighter budget. There are less expensive Z690 options that may suffice for users with less demanding needs or no plans for extensive overclocking.
• Physical Size: The Taichi, like many high-end ATX boards, is substantial in size. Ensure your chosen PC case has ample clearance for the motherboard itself, its large VRM heatsinks, and any potentially bulky CPU coolers or liquid cooling radiators. This is especially true if you plan on utilizing all M.2 slots or large GPUs.
• DDR5 Only: The ASRock Z690 Taichi supports DDR5 memory exclusively. While DDR5 offers performance advantages, it was initially more expensive than DDR4 at the Z690 launch. Though prices have come down, this still adds to the overall build cost compared to a DDR4-compatible Z690 board. Compatibility with existing DDR4 RAM is not an option.
• Driver & Software Suite Bloatware: While ASRock provides useful utilities, some users might find the sheer volume of software in the “ASRock App Shop” a bit overwhelming, or perceive some of it as “bloatware” if they only need essential drivers. It’s often best to selectively install only what you need.
• Aesthetic Preference: While the gear-wheel aesthetic is distinctive, it may not appeal to everyone. Some users prefer a more subtle or minimalist design. The strong branding and specific visual elements might clash with certain build themes.
• Fan Headers Layout: While plentiful, the placement of some fan headers might not be ideal for all case configurations, requiring creative cable routing for optimal aesthetics and management. This is a minor point but worth noting for meticulous builders.
• Limited PCIe 5.0 Devices: While the board is ready for PCIe 5.0 GPUs and NVMe SSDs, at the time of the Z690 launch, actual PCIe 5.0 consumer devices were scarce. This means the benefit of those slots is more about future-proofing than immediate utilization. Current high-end GPUs often don’t saturate PCIe 4.0 x16, and PCIe 5.0 SSDs are still bleeding edge and expensive.

For many, these points are minor trade-offs for the performance and feature set offered.

However, understanding them helps in making an informed decision tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Question

What is the ASRock Z690 Taichi primarily designed for?
Answer…

The ASRock Z690 Taichi is primarily designed for high-performance computing, catering to PC enthusiasts, overclockers, and content creators who require robust power delivery, extensive connectivity, and premium features for Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen Core processors.

Does the ASRock Z690 Taichi support DDR4 or DDR5 RAM?
The ASRock Z690 Taichi exclusively supports DDR5 RAM. It does not have slots for DDR4 memory.

How many M.2 slots does the ASRock Z690 Taichi have, and what speeds do they support?
The ASRock Z690 Taichi has four M.2 slots. Three of these are Hyper M.2 slots supporting PCIe Gen4x4 speeds up to 7000 MB/s, and one is an Ultra M.2 slot supporting PCIe Gen3x4 speeds.

Is the ASRock Z690 Taichi suitable for overclocking? Ikea Starkvind Table With Air Purifier Review

Yes, the ASRock Z690 Taichi is exceptionally suitable for overclocking.

It features a robust 20-phase VRM with 105A Smart Power Stages and excellent VRM cooling, providing stable and clean power delivery essential for pushing CPU clock speeds.

What kind of network connectivity does the ASRock Z690 Taichi offer?
The ASRock Z690 Taichi offers comprehensive network connectivity, including an Intel Killer E3100G 2.5 Gigabit LAN port for wired connections and Intel Killer AX1675 Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax with Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity.

Does the ASRock Z690 Taichi have Thunderbolt 4 ports?
Yes, the ASRock Z690 Taichi features two Thunderbolt 4 USB4 compliant Type-C ports, offering 40Gbps bandwidth, display output, and power delivery capabilities.

What are the benefits of the XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsinks on the Taichi?

The XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsinks on the ASRock Z690 Taichi are designed to effectively dissipate heat from the VRM Voltage Regulator Module, ensuring stable power delivery and preventing thermal throttling during heavy loads and overclocking.

Does the Z690 Taichi have an integrated I/O shield?
Yes, the ASRock Z690 Taichi comes with an integrated I/O shield, which simplifies installation and provides a cleaner aesthetic for the rear ports.

Can I update the BIOS on the ASRock Z690 Taichi without a CPU installed?
Yes, the ASRock Z690 Taichi supports BIOS Flashback, allowing you to update the BIOS without a CPU, RAM, or graphics card installed.

What type of PCIe slots are available on the ASRock Z690 Taichi?

The ASRock Z690 Taichi features two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots operating at x16/x0 or x8/x8 when two GPUs are used and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot operating at x4. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Review

Does the ASRock Z690 Taichi support Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors?

Yes, with a BIOS update, the ASRock Z690 Taichi fully supports Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors, offering compatibility with newer CPUs.

What is the purpose of the Debug LED on the Z690 Taichi?

The Debug LED on the ASRock Z690 Taichi displays diagnostic codes during the boot-up process, helping users quickly identify and troubleshoot issues related to the CPU, RAM, or other components.

Does the ASRock Z690 Taichi support RGB lighting?

Yes, the ASRock Z690 Taichi features integrated RGB lighting accents and supports ASRock Polychrome RGB for synchronizing compatible RGB devices and customizing lighting effects.

How many SATA ports does the ASRock Z690 Taichi offer?
The ASRock Z690 Taichi provides eight SATA3 6Gb/s ports for traditional hard drives and SATA SSDs.

What kind of audio solution is integrated on the ASRock Z690 Taichi?
The ASRock Z690 Taichi features an integrated audio solution, typically utilizing the Realtek ALC1220 codec with premium Nichicon Fine Gold Audio Capacitors, delivering high-quality audio output.

Is the ASRock Z690 Taichi good for gaming?

Yes, the ASRock Z690 Taichi is an excellent choice for gaming, especially for high-end setups. Rollo Wireless Printer X1040 Review

Its robust power delivery, high-speed M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and PCIe 5.0 readiness contribute to a premium gaming experience.

What is the form factor of the ASRock Z690 Taichi?
The ASRock Z690 Taichi is an ATX form factor motherboard.

Does the Z690 Taichi come with M.2 heatsinks?
Yes, the ASRock Z690 Taichi includes dedicated full-coverage M.2 heatsinks for each of its Hyper M.2 slots to prevent thermal throttling of high-speed NVMe SSDs.

What are the advantages of Wi-Fi 6E on this motherboard?

Wi-Fi 6E on the ASRock Z690 Taichi utilizes the 6GHz band, which offers less interference, lower latency, and higher bandwidth compared to older Wi-Fi standards, providing a more stable and faster wireless connection.

Is there a clear CMOS button on the ASRock Z690 Taichi?
Yes, there is a convenient Clear CMOS button located on the rear I/O panel of the ASRock Z690 Taichi, useful for resetting BIOS settings.

Can I connect a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 device to the ASRock Z690 Taichi?

Yes, the ASRock Z690 Taichi has one USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port on the rear I/O and a front header for an additional USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, supporting speeds of up to 20Gbps.

What kind of power connectors does the ASRock Z690 Taichi use for the CPU?
The ASRock Z690 Taichi uses dual 8-pin EPS 12V power connectors for CPU power, ensuring stable and ample power delivery for high-end processors, especially during overclocking.

Are the PCIe slots reinforced on the ASRock Z690 Taichi?
Yes, the PCIe slots on the ASRock Z690 Taichi are reinforced with steel to provide enhanced durability and support for heavy graphics cards, preventing sagging. Alienware 34 Qd Oled Aw3423Dw Review

Does the ASRock Z690 Taichi support integrated graphics?

Yes, if the installed Intel CPU has integrated graphics e.g., K-series CPUs with “KF” suffix do not, the ASRock Z690 Taichi supports integrated graphics output via its HDMI 2.1 port.

What is the aesthetic design of the ASRock Z690 Taichi?
The ASRock Z690 Taichi features a distinctive gear-wheel aesthetic, blending industrial design with premium components and subtle RGB lighting, giving it a unique and robust appearance.

Does the ASRock Z690 Taichi include diagnostic tools?

Yes, in addition to the Debug LED, the ASRock Z690 Taichi’s UEFI BIOS includes a comprehensive hardware monitor that displays real-time system status, temperatures, and voltages for diagnostic purposes.

What are the benefits of the Killer E3100G 2.5 Gigabit LAN?

The Killer E3100G 2.5 Gigabit LAN on the ASRock Z690 Taichi provides significantly faster wired internet speeds than standard Gigabit Ethernet, reducing latency and improving stability for online gaming and large file transfers.

Can I control fan speeds through the ASRock Z690 Taichi’s software?

Yes, the ASRock Z690 Taichi, through its UEFI BIOS and ASRock’s Fan-Tastic Tuning utility, allows for comprehensive control over fan speeds and custom fan curves to optimize cooling and noise levels.

What is the benefit of the Nichicon 12K Black Capacitors used on the Taichi?
The Nichicon 12K Black Capacitors on the ASRock Z690 Taichi are premium components known for their extended lifespan up to 12,000 hours and stable performance, ensuring long-term reliability and stability for the motherboard. Msi Aegis Rs 2022 Alder Lake Review

Is the ASRock Z690 Taichi considered a high-end motherboard?

Yes, the ASRock Z690 Taichi is definitively considered a high-end, premium motherboard within the Z690 chipset range, offering top-tier features, components, and performance capabilities.