Is Raptor Lake compatible with Z690?

The new CPUs out of Intel may excite PC enthusiasts, but what about Z690 compatibility?

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The new Raptor Lake processor out of Intel has come to evolve the PC sphere but leaves those using a 600 Series chipset asking many questions, main among them being the overall Raptor Lake Z690 compatibility options.

Even though Raptor Lake uses the same LGA 1700 socket as the 12th Gen Alder Lake, the new processors are not compatible with the Z690. However, Asus was the first to announce its full support of the new technology and confirmed that it will release a BIOS update for its series 600 motherboards to fully support Intel’s Raptor Lake platform.

Once Asus confirmed the BIOS support for Intel’s 13th Gen processors, ASRock, Gigabyte, and MSI joined the party to confirm Raptor Lake Z690 compatibility across the board. Thus, every motherboard using the Z690 chipset and the whole 600 Series will be compatible with Raptor Lake CPUs. 

This should come as a delight for new and older Intel CPU users, making it much easier (and cheaper) to experience all-new Z690 motherboards.

Can I update my BIOS to run Raptor Lake?

Thankfully, Asus has BIOS Flashback and EZ Flash, both of which are convenient tools to help with the so-called “BIOS-phobia” so many gamers may experience. Updating the BIOS can be done with just a couple of clicks without entering the BIOS at all, making it quite a streamlined and stress-free process.

Here you’ll find a list of the models that will be updated from ASUS for BIOS Raptor Lake compatibility parameters.

Intel is intending to release the new 700 series chipsets on motherboards to create full native compatibility with the new Raptor Lake platform, so brands like Asus or Gigabyte will tilt towards selling all new motherboard generations to fully support Intel’s upcoming technology.

This is one of the main reasons why I would consider that, if you want to upgrade to a Raptor Lake CPU, you will be far better off waiting just a little bit for Intel to release their new technology. This way, you can keep using your 12th Gen Intel processor.

Camilo is a contributor for PC Guide. He's been into tech since he was a teen, surfing through the web and local stores trying to find the cheapest way to play the latest Half-Life on his old Windows