What To Know
- The Ultra Lite has a sleek black PCB with a minimalist design, while the Plus sports a more vibrant black and orange color scheme with a more aggressive aesthetic.
- The Ultra Lite features a 6-phase power delivery system, while the Plus boasts a more robust 8-phase power delivery system.
- The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Lite is an excellent choice for budget-minded users seeking a compact and feature-packed motherboard.
The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Lite and Plus are two compact and feature-packed motherboards designed for Intel’s latest 12th-generation Alder Lake processors. While they share many similarities, there are subtle differences that set them apart. This comprehensive comparison will explore the key features, specifications, and performance aspects of these motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Design
Both the Ultra Lite and Plus motherboards feature the compact Mini-ITX form factor, making them ideal for small form factor (SFF) builds. The Ultra Lite has a sleek black PCB with a minimalist design, while the Plus sports a more vibrant black and orange color scheme with a more aggressive aesthetic.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards are based on the Intel Z690 chipset, which supports 12th-generation Intel Core processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, which is compatible with both Alder Lake and Raptor Lake processors.
Memory Support
The Ultra Lite and Plus support up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR5 memory. The Ultra Lite supports speeds up to DDR5-6400, while the Plus supports speeds up to DDR5-6600.
Expansion Slots
Despite their compact size, both motherboards offer a respectable number of expansion slots. The Ultra Lite features one full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and one M.2 slot for PCIe 4.0 storage. The Plus expands on this with one additional M.2 slot for PCIe 4.0 storage and a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for expansion cards.
Storage Options
Both motherboards offer ample storage options. They each have four SATA III ports for traditional hard drives and solid-state drives. Additionally, they both feature two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, with the Plus having an additional M.2 slot for PCIe 4.0 storage.
Connectivity and I/O
The Ultra Lite and Plus provide a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. They include:
- Rear I/O:
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
- 1x HDMI 2.1 port
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4 port
- 1x RJ-45 Ethernet port
- Audio jacks
- Internal Headers:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
- 1x USB 2.0 header
- 2x RGB headers
- 1x ARGB header
Power Delivery
The Ultra Lite features a 6-phase power delivery system, while the Plus boasts a more robust 8-phase power delivery system. This enhanced power delivery on the Plus provides better voltage regulation and stability for overclocking.
Cooling
Both motherboards come equipped with a VRM heatsink to dissipate heat from the power delivery system. The Plus features a larger and more elaborate heatsink design compared to the Ultra Lite.
BIOS and Software
The Ultra Lite and Plus utilize the same BIOS interface and software suite. They provide a user-friendly interface with advanced overclocking and customization options.
Performance and Overclocking
Both motherboards deliver excellent performance for gaming, content creation, and productivity tasks. The Plus, with its enhanced power delivery and cooling, offers slightly better overclocking capabilities.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Lite is typically priced around $200, while the Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is priced around $250. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Lite is an excellent choice for budget-minded users seeking a compact and feature-packed motherboard. The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus is the better option for enthusiasts who prioritize overclocking and expandability.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus has a more robust power delivery system and cooling, providing better overclocking capabilities.
Q: Which motherboard offers more storage options?
A: The Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus has an additional M.2 slot for PCIe 4.0 storage, offering more storage expansion options.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity options?
A: Both motherboards offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, with no significant differences in this regard.
