Introduction

In today's review, we will be entering the niche computer market of the small form factor (SFF). The platform comes with a set of targeted parameters and long list of challenges to overcome. With ITX motherboards being the backbone of every SFF build, these small systems generally come in two flavors with little middle ground for compromise. Either it is designed for silent low-power personal computers, similar to an ultra-thin laptop, or maximum performance—both in as little space as possible.

While dozen of SKUs exist from each motherboard vendor, only a handful are SFF compliant for each generation. With the release of Intel's 12th Gen Core processors comes a new socket, and the ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 aims to fill this niche market for those who prefer a small, but powerful computer. Those who choose this route already understand that the road taken is a balancing act with a narrow window for accommodating anything outside of the necessities.


ASRock has a wide range of AMD and Intel motherboards with the Phantom line both in the entry level and mid-range sectors. Packed into the ITX form factor, the ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 has a robust VRM deploying ten 105 A power stages. It also includes DDR5 and PCIe 5.0-ready solutions for those looking for the newest technology. The features found on the more common ATX form factor are present and accounted for. Equipped with 2.5 GbE Ethernet powered by the Killer E3001G, DDR5-6400+ memory support, ASRock's software suite, and Wi-Fi Ready, the time has come to jump in and find out what this ASRock Z690 ITX motherboard is all about!

Specifications

Packaging and Contents

ASRock uses the small area available to its fullest. The front has the Phantom Gaming logo in the center. Below that is actual product name and a few logos. The back of the box details all the major features this ITX motherboard has to offer. These include DDR5 and PCIe Gen5 support, Thunderbolt 4, and an overview of the I/O layout.


The included accessories consist of the basics with a manual, SATA cables, and Wi-Fi antennas.

The full list of accessories includes:

• Quick installation guide, support CD
• 2x SATA data cables
• 2x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz antennas
• 2x Screws for M.2 sockets

Board Layout

The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 keeps it similar to the last Z590 generation with a few minor tweaks in layout and logo placement. The back has a support bracket to reinforce the PCB and keep it straight when the LGA 1700 socket is under stress by the CPU cooler.


Sticking with the ITX SFF design, ASRock has done well to keep the socket clear of capacitors that may interfere with CPU cooler mounts. The rear I/O section may become an obstruction with certain low-profile air coolers due to the close proximity to the LGA CPU socket.


The Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 has a single x16 PCI Express Gen5 slot. It is also reinforced for stress support that can come from a large graphics card.



There are two M.2 Gen4 x4 sockets. One is directly above the PCIe slot and has a passive heatsink. The second M.2 socket is on the back of the motherboard.


Below the front M.2 socket heatsink is the Z690 PCH. Being that it doubles as a passive cooling solution for both, it can become a bit toasty after a long amount of up-time.


With limited space, ASRock used post LEDs instead of the more common debug display.


The USB 2.0 and audio headers are in the corner adjacent to the audio components.


ASRock has included one 12v RGB and addressable RGB header each.


The Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 uses a Killer E3100G 2.5G LAN for its network port.


Behind the rear I/O audio ports is the battery. Luckily, it does not have to be disconnected to clear the CMOS as ASRock has included a button that preforms the same task.


The motherboard has a total of three 6 Gbps SATA ports. These are a bit inconvenient to connect, but depending on the SFF case, any ports at a 90 degree angle may not be accessible otherwise. ASRock has gone the safer route for best compatibility.


At first glance, the ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB4 looks to just include the basic number of ports provided for this generation of Intel motherboards and not much more. However, a few things stand out upon a closer inspection. First, the USB-C port is Thunderbolt 4. It doubles as USB4 because Thunderbolt 4 can act as a passthrough. Second, a clear CMOS button and BIOS flashback can be found in the middle. Third, there's a section void of ports with little holes throughout. This serves a purpose. Once the rear I/O shield is removed, a VRM fan can be seen in the back.

• 2x Antenna ports
• HDMI port
• DisplayPort 1.4
• Optical SPDIF Out port
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports (10 Gb/s)
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports (5 Gb/s)
• USB4 / Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C port
• RJ-45 LAN port with LED
• Clear CMOS button
• 5x HD audio jacks