The new generation of Intel Core processors will be the one that debuts the new generation of RAM, DDR5, with its consequent improvements. This would force users to have to buy new memory if they want to upgrade to the new platform, but it seems that it will not be the case, since the new leaked models show that we will have many options to choose from in order to make the leap to the new generation. but still using our current DDR4 RAM memories.
Of 27 GIGABYTE / AORUS boards, 10 have DDR4 memory
A new leaked registry in the ECC gives us the names of a large number of new motherboards with the Z690 chipset from GIGABYTE and AORUS, showing us models for all tastes and from all ranges. So, we are going to meet the models AORUS XTREME which include a version with a pre-installed water block that will use only DDR5 memory, as well as the Master or Tachyon models that will also be exclusively available with DDR5.
However, the AORUS Elite, Pro and Ultra models will have DDR4 memory interface, and these models will be the ideal ones for users who want to make the leap to the new generation of Intel Alder Lake processors but keeping your current RAM. We also found a new model with the tagline “Stealth” at the end of which we know nothing, but with that name it is quite likely that it will adopt a completely black aesthetic.
We also found the AERO series geared towards content creators, with two variants (G and D) according to the ECC leak. Interestingly, we did not find many “Gaming” models on the list, since as you may put it, GIGABYTE is making a transition from everything related to gaming to its AORUS division.
An interesting fact about this new generation of motherboards is that at the moment there is no trace of models with G670, B660 chipsets or H610. Keep in mind, however, that its launch was scheduled for early 2022, so it is normal that there are still no records in the ECC of motherboards with these chipsets.
It should also be noted that an online store in Australia has already leaked some GIGABYTE Z690 motherboard models, which gives us to understand that their launch will occur sooner rather than later. In any case, we have compiled the following table with all known GIGABYTE and AORUS Z690 motherboard models, separated by range and also indicating whether they use DDR5 or DDR4 memory.
| AORUS | AERO | GAMING | UD / DS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDR5 memory | Z690 AORUS XTREME WB Z690 AORUS XTREME Z690 AORUS MASTER Z690 AORUS TACHYON Z690 AORUS ELITE Z690 AORUS ELITE STEALTH Z690 AORUS PRO Z690 AORUS ULTRA Z690 AORUS ELITE AX Z690I AORUS ULTRA |
Z690 AERO G Z690 AERO D |
Z690 GAMING X | Z690 UD Z690M DS3H Z690 UD AX Z690 UD AC |
| DDR4 memory | Z690 AORUS ELITE DDR4 Z690M TO ELITE DDR4 Z690 AORUS PRO DDR4 Z690 A ELITE AX DDR4 Z690M A ELITE AX DDR4 Z690I TO ULTRA DDR4 |
Z690 AERO G DDR4 | Z690 GAMING X DDR4 | Z690 UD DDR4 Z690 UD AX DDR4 |
As you can see, a good part for the user is that all the motherboard models of this manufacturer that use DDR4 memory have it indicated in their own name, something that will help avoid confusion. In other words, the Z690 boards will have support for DDR5 memory by default, but if it indicates DDR4 in its name, the support will be for this type of memory.
