Codec

MSI’s Z690 Carbon EK X is a feature-rich board that includes a custom EK monoblock for $629.99.

Two M.2 sockets, Thunderbolt 4, and Killer-based networking in a Mini-ITX form factor for $349.99.

Three M.2 sockets, 4 SATA ports, and flagship audio in a Mini-ITX package for $399.99

Robust power delivery, horizontal connectors, three M.2 slots, and eight SATA ports for $629.99.

Four M.2 sockets, capable power delivery and quality audio at a reasonable $279.99.

ASRock’s Z690 PG Velocita offers PCIe 5.0 x2 M.2, Killer Networking, capable power delivery and more for $469.99.

Easiest and cheapest entry into custom watercooling for your AMD Ryzen-based build.

MSI’s Z690 Tomahawk brings a stealthy black appearance, four M.2 ports and other updates to Alder Lake for $309.99.

At $289.99, the Asus Z690-Plus WIFI D4 is a well-rounded board that will let you jump into Alder Lake for a lot less money by using DDR4.

The Biostar Z690 Valkyrie has four M.2 sockets and eight SATA ports, 105A VRMs, a last-gen premium audio codec and 2.5 GbE. At $599.99, it’s capable but overpriced.