• 1. Large VRM Heatsink

The extended surface of the massive heatsink covers the VRM units and chokes to improve heat dissipation.

• 2. Large PCH Heatsink

An enlarged surface for the chipset cooler maximizes performance and heat dissipation.

• 3. Three M.2 Slots with Heatsinks

Three out of the four M.2 slots feature dedicated heatsinks, keeping M.2 SSDs at optimal operating temperatures to ensure consistent performance and reliability.

Improvements in trace routing design provide the latest Intel processors with enhanced access to memory bandwidth. ASUS OptiMem II technology carefully maps memory signal paths across different layers of the PCB to reduce trace distance and adds shielding zones that significantly reduce crosstalk.

Intel 12th and 13th generation processors bring PCIe 5.0 support to the market. PCIe 5.0 offers double the data transfer speed compared to PCIe 4.0, making it robust enough to handle new tasks with large data volumes. PCIe 5.0 also brings other advantages, such as electrical changes to improve signal integrity, backward-compatible CEM connectors for add-in cards, and backward compatibility with previous versions of PCI Express.

The TUF GAMING Z690 series features Thunderbolt 4 support via an integrated header. With an Intel-certified add-on card ASUS ThunderboltEX 4, it can also enable bidirectional speeds of up to 40 Gbps on a single cable. Additionally, this card features a daisy-chain function for connecting multiple displays and supports up to an 8K resolution display. It can also provide power up to 100 Watts for fast device charging.

PCIe 5.0 is 2 times faster than PCIe 4.0, so we adapted the SMT manufacturing process for the faster SafeSlot to ensure the highest data speeds. SafeSlot is a reinforced metal casing added to a PCIe slot to keep a card firmly installed. Meanwhile, the robust ASUS SafeDIMM cases support and protect memory modules on selected ASUS motherboards, allowing you to install your modules with speed, precision, and confidence.

The innovative Q-Latch makes it easy to install or remove an M.2 SSD without the need for special tools. The design uses a simple locking mechanism to secure the M.2 SSD, thereby eliminating the need for screws.

A well-tuned system deserves a corresponding aesthetic. The TUF Gaming Z690 series features edge lighting to enhance its robust appearance, and now the PCH heatsink gains RGB lighting to take the style even further.

ASUS Aura offers full RGB control with a variety of functional presets for built-in LEDs, as well as third-party strips that you can connect to the integrated RGB headers. And all of this can be synchronized with an ever-growing portfolio of Aura-capable hardware.