NZXT N5 and N7 Z690 FAQ

Updated May 09, 2024 18:44

Does the N5 or N7 Z690 support DDR5 memory?

The N5 and N7 Z690 does not support DDR5 memory, with both of these boards being designed to work with full size 288-pin DDR4 memory.

What type of Ethernet controller/Network Interface Controller does the N5 and N7 Z690 use?

Both the N5 and N7 Z690 use the Realtek® RTL8125BG 2.5G LAN NIC. The latest drivers for this NIC can be downloaded from the motherboard product page.

Does the N5 or N7 Z690 support Thunderbolt™ connectivity?

The N5 and N7 Z690 motherboards do not include support for Thunderbolt™.

Can I add additional RGB or Fan Connections using an NZXT RGB & Fan Controller or Smart Device?

Yes! The N5 and N7 Z690 motherboards are compatible with additional fan controllers connected via USB. The N5 will support one additional USB 2.0 Internal device, while the N7 will support up to two additional USB 2.0 Internal devices without the need for an additional USB Internal Hub.

What is the maximum number of LEDs that can be connected to the 12V RGB & 5V ARGB headers on the N5 and N7 Z690?

Both the N5 and N7 Z690 will include dedicated 12V RGB and 5V Addressable RGB (ARGB) headers.

The included 12V RGB header supports a maximum power rating of 12V, 3A with an approximate maximum length of 2 meters with most 12V RGB strips.

The included 5V Addressable RGB supports a maximum of 40 individually addressable RGB LEDs.

For more information on configuring and controller 12V RGB and 5V ARGB devices, please check out our guide here:

NZXT Support - How to Control 5V and 12V RGB Devices on an NZXT Motherboard

Can I order different colored armor plates for my N7 motherboard?

At this time, we only offer White or Black motherboard armor plate for the N7 Z690.

Are the N7 motherboard armor plates compatible with the N5?

The N5 motherboard is not compatible with the N7 motherboard's armor plates.

What CPUs are compatible with the N5 and N7 Z690?

Out of the box, all N5 and N7 Z690 motherboards will be compatible with most 12th generation Intel® processors. Starting with BIOS revision 7.01 on the N7 Z690 and BIOS Revision 9.01 on the N5 Z690, these motherboards will also support 13th generation Intel® processors. For more information, please check the CPU Support List on the product page.

Does the N5 and N7 Z690 support PCIe 5.0?

Yes! The top most PCIe slot (PCIE_1) on both the N5 and N7 Z690 have full support for PCIe 5.0 x16 devices.

What rear I/O is available for the N5 Z690?

The N5 Z690 has support for the following rear I/O connections:

4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
2x USB 2.0 Type-A (including a dedicated BIOS Flashback slot)
1x HDMI
1x 2.5Gb Ethernet Port (Realtek® RTL8125BG)
Realtek® ALC897 Audio Connections
- Line-In
- Front Left and Right
- Microphone

What rear I/O is available for the N7 Z690?

The N7 Z690 has support for the following rear I/O connections:

3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
2x USB 2.0 Type-A (including a dedicated BIOS Flashback slot
1x HDMI
1x 2.5Gb Ethernet Port (Realtek® RTL8125BG)
Realtek® ALC1220 Audio Connections
- Center and Subwoofer
- Rear Surround
- Line-in
- Front Left and Right
- Microphone
- Optical SPDIF Out

Do you have any questions not covered by this FAQ? Please feel free to reach out to our Customer Support team or join the Official NZXT Community Discord to keep up to date on our latest products, upcoming sales, and join in on discussions on everything from PC hardware to gaming.