ASRock introduced the limited-edition "Z690 AQUA" series of Intel Z690 motherboards that feature DIY water cooling. Two variants are available: the conventional "Z690 AQUA" with four memory slots and the overclocked "Z690 AQUA OC" with only two.
AQUA Z690 OC
The water block that comes standard is a mono water block that can cool both the CPU and the VRM simultaneously and is equipped with a "digital leak detection sensor" that can detect a water leak promptly even if it occurs.
Not only the CPU, but also the power supply circuit can be cooled simultaneously using a mono water block that allows DIY water cooling.
Additionally, the power supply circuit includes a 20-phase digital power supply with a 105A SPS output, which is the greatest output available at the moment. Additionally, overclocking resistance is increased by utilizing a 12-layer server-grade PCB and an external clock generator.
The Z690 AQUA primary specifications are DDR5-6400 + x4 (up to 128GB) memory slots, SATA3.0 (6Gbpps) x8 storage ports (4 of which are ASMedia ASM1061), Hyper M.2 x 3, and an expansion slot. PCI-Express5.0 (x16 shape) x2, PCI-Express4.0 (x4 / x16 shape) x1, PCI-Express3.0 (x1) x1, M.2 2230 x 1.
With two memory slots, the "Z690 AQUA OC". Numerous overclocking buttons are put in the empty space.
The "Z690 AQUA OC" features a DDR5-7000 + x2 (maximum 64GB) memory slot, six SATA3.0 (6Gbpps) ports (two of which are ASMedia ASM1061), and three Hyper M.2 x 3 extension slots. Is it compatible with PCI-Express5.0 (x16) x2, PCI-Express4.0 (x4 / x16 shape) x1, PCI-Express3.0 (x1) x1, and M.2 2230 x1?
Additionally, the "Z 690 AQUA OC" includes a PS / 2 connection, which is frequently overlooked these days.
All networks are equipped with Marvell AQC113CS 10 Gigabit LANs, Killer E3100G 2.5 Gigabit LANs, and Killer AX1675 Wi-Fi 6E wireless LANs. The audio circuit is 7.1 channel HD audio by Realtek ALC 1220 + ESS SABER 9218, and the system is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an OLED display for system status, and illumination functionality compatible with Polychrome Sync.
Update: ASRock unveiled its Z690 Aqua series of motherboards for Intel's latest Alder Lake processors earlier this month. A limited-edition version of Aqua will be available in both the vanilla Aqua and the Aqua OC. According to Newegg, we should expect to pay a whopping $1,299 for the Z690 Aqua and $1,399 for the Z690 Aqua OC for motherboards in ASRock's Aqua series. The Aqua will be available on January 28th, and the Aqua OC will be available on February 4th.
