NZXT released N5 Z690 and N7 Z690 motherboards for Intel Alder Lake processors

NZXT introduced N5 Z690 and N7 Z690 motherboards for Intel Alder Lake processors.
Both models look very similar, except for the different color schemes - black prevails in N5, white in N7.
However, the novelties are also different in technical equipment.Image source: NZXTIt should be noted that both models use black textolite.
Only the N7 model has more protective covers.
The NZXT N5 Z690 is based on a 9-phase power subsystem.
The N7 Z690 got a 13-phase power subsystem and is built on a higher quality textolite.
In theory, the higher model will provide more stable performance when overclocking the components.
Each card has three PCIe 5.0 x16 and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Both models support up to 128GB of DDR4-5000 RAM.
The choice in favor of the old, but still relevant memory standard, is justified.
Firstly, the boards were cheaper to produce and to the end customer.
And secondly, DDR5 memory is still very expensive.Another difference between the boards is the number of M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs.
The N5 model offers four M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, and the N7 offers three.
The number of SATA III (6 Gbit/s) slots is the same for both models - four each.
The new models also have different sound codecs.
The junior model has Realtek ALC897 8-channel, the senior - more modern 8-channel Realtek ALC1220 with Nichicon capacitors.
The set of external connectors is also practically the same.
The N5 Z690 model has one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, two USB 2.0, one HDMI 2.0, one LAN (RJ45).
Moreover you can find here a button for quick BIOS Flashback firmware update.
On its turn, N7 Z690 offers one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, two USB 2.0, one HDMI 2.0 and one LAN (RJ45).
Both models are already available in NZXT Online Shop.
The manufacturer has priced N5 Z690 at $240, and N7 Z690 at $300.

Gigabyte reported manufacturing defects on Z690I Aorus Ultra boards - the company is ready to replace them or refund money

Gigabyte has reported a recall of its Z690I Aorus Ultra series motherboards due to a manufacturing defect.
The manufacturer notes that it has found comments from some owners of these boards experiencing PC instability and WHEA PCIe errors, causing a \"blue screen of death\".
These symptoms can be observed when a PCIe 4.0 capable graphics card is used with these cards.Image source: GigabyteIn Gigabyte notes that changing the PCIe bus to version 3.0 in the motherboard BIOS improves upon these symptoms, but does not solve the problem as a whole.
For this reason, the manufacturer is offering Z690I Aorus Ultra owners to get a free Z690I Aorus Ultra Plus replacement or refund for the same value model.The exchange or refund program applies to all Gigabyte Z690I Aorus Ultra DDR4 and Z690I Aorus Ultra DDR5 buyers who purchased their boards through official retailers.
For owners of these boards who have just applied for a refund or have already filed a refund, the company will also offer the specified replacement options.
Exact details of the exchange or refund program will vary by region of sale.
the refund or exchange program is available from May 10, 2022 through November 30, 2022.
Buyers of these boards need to register on Gigabyte's website here, and then use the feedback form to provide necessary general information including the serial number of the motherboard and proof of purchase, such as a receipt from the store.