When NZXT entered the motherboard market, many PC enthusiasts were curious whether the brand—known for its sleek cases and coolers—could carry over that same design philosophy to motherboards. The NZXT N5 Z690 is a perfect example of how the company merges minimalist aesthetics with solid performance, offering a board that doesn’t scream for attention but still has plenty of features for gaming and productivity.
A Design-First Approach
The first thing you’ll notice about the NZXT N5 Z690 is its clean, understated design. Unlike many gaming motherboards with aggressive heatsinks and RGB everywhere, the N5 embraces simplicity with a matte black PCB and subtle accents. It’s a board that looks great in almost any case, especially if you’re aiming for a tidy, modern setup.
NZXT also designed it with case integration in mind. When paired with NZXT’s CAM software and cases, you can manage lighting and fan settings from a single hub, which makes for a much smoother user experience.
Performance and CPU Support
Built on Intel’s Z690 chipset, the N5 supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, including the performance-hungry i9 models. Its 12+1 DrMOS power phase design ensures stable power delivery, giving it enough headroom for gaming, streaming, and light overclocking.
While it may not be a hardcore overclocker’s dream like some of the ultra-premium boards, the N5 Z690 is clearly built for reliability and efficiency in everyday high-performance builds.
DDR5 and Expansion Options
One of the biggest draws here is support for DDR5 memory, with speeds climbing beyond 6000 MHz (OC). For those who prefer proven stability, there’s also DDR4 support in certain models, giving flexibility depending on your budget and component choices.
On the expansion side, the N5 provides:
- 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the latest GPUs
- 2x PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for blazing-fast NVMe SSDs
- 4x SATA ports for additional storage
This covers the essentials for gamers and creators without going overboard.
Connectivity and Networking
NZXT equips the N5 Z690 with all the modern connectivity you’d expect:
- WiFi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 for fast wireless connections
- 2.5G Ethernet for stable wired networking
- Multiple USB 3.2 Gen2 and USB-C ports
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for integrated graphics users
It’s not overloaded with ports like some higher-end ATX boards, but everything most users need is here.
Software and BIOS Experience
The BIOS is streamlined and approachable, which fits NZXT’s philosophy of making things simple for newcomers. If you’re diving into overclocking, you’ll find all the necessary controls, but even beginners won’t feel lost.
The NZXT CAM software is the real highlight, offering an easy way to monitor system performance, adjust fan speeds, and sync RGB lighting. If you’re already in the NZXT ecosystem, it ties everything together nicely.
Who Is It For?
The NZXT N5 Z690 is best suited for:
- Gamers who want a reliable, clean-looking board without excess flash
- First-time builders who want a straightforward experience
- NZXT ecosystem fans who use their cases, coolers, and CAM software
