NZXT N7 Z690 Review

1. Introducing the NZXT N7 Z6902. Testing and Performance: CPU3. Testing and Performance: Gaming4. Testing and Performance: Technical5. Closing Thoughts6. View All Pages

NZXT has just launched two Intel Z690 motherboards; a budget N5 model priced just over £200 alongside the N7 which retails for £270, meaning that this review carries higher expectations. The underlying ASRock motherboard uses DrMOS VRMs and supports DDR4 memory, so our expectations are not too high – but let's take a closer look in this review.

Key features of N7 Z690

• Designed with Intel Z690 Chipset
• Compatible with Intel 12th Generation Core i9, Core i7, Core i5 processors
• 12+1 DrMOS Power Phase Design
• Intel Wi-Fi 6E wireless connectivity and Bluetooth V5.2
• Three M.2 connectors for storage devices
• Supports DDR4 memory overclocking speeds of up to 5000MHz and XMP
• 8-channel high-definition audio

Specification of NZXT N7 Z690

• Socket LGA 1700 for Intel 12th Generation Core i9/ Core i7/ Core i5 Processors
• Supports Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 Technology
• Chipset Intel Z690
• Memory 4 x DIMM slots, Max. 128GB, Dual-channel
• Supports DDR4 Non-ECC, Unbuffered Memory up to 4800+ (OC)
• 12+1 55A DrMOS Power Phase Design, Onsemi NCP81530 controller

Expansion Slots:

• 3 x PCIe ×16 slots (Gen 5 ×16, Gen 4 ×4, Gen 3 ×4)
• 2 x PCIe Gen 3 ×1 slots
• Supports AMD Quad CrossFireX and CrossFireX
• 1x M.2 Socket (Key E), supports Type 2230 Wi-Fi/BT module, Intel CNVio

Storage:

• 2x M.2 2280 Gen 4 x4
• 1x M.2 22110 Gen 4 x4
• 4x SATA 6Gbps

Networking:

• Realtek 2.5G LA
• Wi-Fi 6E Dual Band

Rear I/O:

• 1x HDMI
• 2x USB 2.0
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
• 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
• Realtek 2.5Gbit LAN
• 5.1 surround audio jacks

Internal I/O:

• 7x fan headers
• 2x NZXT RGB, 1x 5V ARGB, 1x 12V RGB
• 2x USB 2.0 headers (up to four Type-A ports)
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header (up to two Type-A ports)
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 header (for Type-C)

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