Should I check the QVL before buying DDR5 RAM for my ASUS Z690 motherboard?

Yes, check the Qualified Vendors List (QVL) for your specific ASUS Z690 model on their support page to confirm your exact RAM kit is listed. Most boards handle 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 at 6000MHz fine, but not all sticks play nice. Two sticks at 6000MHz is the sweet spot, and updating your BIOS before enabling XMP prevents headaches. If you haven’t bought yet, pick a QVL kit to avoid random crashes or boot loops.