Asus Proart B660 Vs Z690: The Ultimate Comparison Guide

When it comes to building a powerful workstation for creative professionals, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two prominent options from ASUS that cater to this segment are the ASUS ProArt B660 and the ASUS ProArt Z690. Both motherboards offer exceptional features and capabilities, but understanding their differences is essential to make an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each motherboard, enabling you to determine which one aligns best with your creative requirements.

Chipset Comparison:

The fundamental distinction between the ProArt B660 and Z690 lies in their chipsets. The ProArt B660 is built around Intel’s B660 chipset, while the ProArt Z690 utilizes the Z690 chipset. The B660 chipset is designed for mainstream users and offers a solid foundation for everyday computing tasks. On the other hand, the Z690 chipset is aimed at enthusiasts and power users, providing advanced features and overclocking capabilities.

Socket and CPU Compatibility:

Both the ProArt B660 and Z690 motherboards support Intel‘s 12th-generation Core processors, also known as Alder Lake CPUs. This includes popular models like the Core i9-12900K, Core i7-12700K, and Core i5-12600K. However, it’s important to note that the Z690 chipset offers compatibility with Intel’s upcoming 13th-generation Raptor Lake CPUs, while the B660 chipset does not.

Memory Support:

The ProArt B660 and Z690 motherboards both support dual-channel memory configurations. The ProArt B660 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, while the ProArt Z690 supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory. DDR5 memory offers significantly faster speeds and lower latencies compared to DDR4, resulting in improved performance in memory-intensive applications.

Expansion Slots:

The ProArt B660 and Z690 motherboards offer a variety of expansion slots to accommodate additional hardware components. The ProArt B660 features two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The ProArt Z690, on the other hand, boasts four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slots on the Z690 motherboard provide greater flexibility for connecting high-performance graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals.

Storage Options:

Both the ProArt B660 and Z690 motherboards offer ample storage options. The ProArt B660 features six SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs. The ProArt Z690, on the other hand, features eight SATA 6Gb/s ports and four M.2 slots, with three of them supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs. The additional M.2 slots and PCIe 4.0 support on the Z690 motherboard provide faster storage speeds and increased expandability.

Networking and Connectivity:

The ProArt B660 and Z690 motherboards come equipped with robust networking and connectivity options. Both motherboards feature Intel’s I225-V 2.5GbE LAN controller, providing high-speed wired network connectivity. They also support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, enabling seamless wireless connections to networks and peripherals. Additionally, the ProArt Z690 motherboard includes a Thunderbolt 4 port, offering ultra-fast data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to high-resolution displays and external storage devices.

The Bottom Line:

The choice between the ASUS ProArt B660 and Z690 motherboards ultimately depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you’re looking for a solid foundation for everyday computing tasks and basic creative work, the ProArt B660 is a compelling option. It offers a good balance of features, including support for 12th-generation Intel Core processors, DDR4 memory, and ample storage options.

On the other hand, if you’re a demanding creative professional who requires the latest and greatest technology, the ProArt Z690 is the way to go. It supports Intel’s upcoming 13th-generation Raptor Lake CPUs, features DDR5 memory support, provides more PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for expansion, and includes a Thunderbolt 4 port for high-speed connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which motherboard is better for gaming, the ProArt B660 or Z690?
Both motherboards support gaming, but the ProArt Z690 has an edge due to its additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, which allow for multiple high-end graphics cards.

2. Can I overclock my CPU with either motherboard?
Yes, both motherboards support overclocking, but the ProArt Z690 offers more extensive overclocking options and features.

3. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
The ProArt Z690 features a higher-quality audio codec and dedicated audio components, resulting in better audio quality.