Main points
- Both the Aorus Master and Elite motherboards offer excellent value for money, providing a wide range of features and capabilities at a competitive price point.
- The Aorus Master is slightly more expensive than the Elite, but it offers a more robust VRM, additional M.
- However, if you are on a tighter budget or do not plan on doing extensive overclocking, the Elite is a great value for money.
In the realm of PC gaming, the motherboard serves as the backbone of your system, connecting all essential components and facilitating seamless performance. Among the top contenders in the motherboard market, Gigabyte’s Aorus Master and Elite series stand out as formidable options. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two motherboards, exploring their features, capabilities, and suitability for different gaming needs.
Features and Specifications
Both the Aorus Master and Elite motherboards boast an impressive array of features and specifications. However, there are some key differences that set them apart.
Chipset and Socket
The Aorus Master features the latest Intel Z690 chipset, while the Elite utilizes the slightly older Z590 chipset. The Z690 chipset offers support for Intel’s 12th and 13th generation processors, while the Z590 chipset supports up to 11th generation processors.
VRM and Power Delivery
The Aorus Master boasts a robust VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) with a 16+1+1 phase design, providing ample power to support even the most demanding processors. The Elite, on the other hand, features a 14+1+1 phase VRM, which is still capable of handling high-end processors but may not be as overclocking-friendly.
Memory and Storage
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6600MHz. In terms of storage, the Aorus Master offers four M.2 slots, while the Elite has three.
Connectivity
The Aorus Master and Elite both provide a wide range of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, Ethernet ports, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. The Elite, however, has an additional 10G LAN port, which can be beneficial for high-speed networking.
Design and Aesthetics
The Aorus Master and Elite motherboards have distinctive designs that cater to different tastes.
Aorus Master
The Aorus Master sports a sleek and aggressive design with a black and silver color scheme. It features RGB lighting zones that can be customized using Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion software.
Elite
The Elite has a more subdued design with a black and gray color scheme. It also has RGB lighting, but it is less prominent than on the Master.
Performance and Overclocking
Both the Aorus Master and Elite motherboards deliver excellent performance in gaming and other demanding tasks. However, the Master’s superior VRM and power delivery make it a better choice for overclocking enthusiasts.
Gaming Performance
In gaming tests, the Aorus Master and Elite performed nearly identically, delivering high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
Overclocking
The Aorus Master‘s superior VRM and power delivery allow it to overclock processors to higher speeds than the Elite. This can result in improved performance in certain applications and games.
Value for Money
Both the Aorus Master and Elite motherboards offer excellent value for money, providing a wide range of features and capabilities at a competitive price point.
Aorus Master
The Aorus Master is slightly more expensive than the Elite, but it offers a more robust VRM, additional M.2 slots, and more customizable RGB lighting.
Elite
The Elite is a more affordable option that still provides excellent performance and a wide range of features. It is a great choice for gamers who do not plan on doing extensive overclocking.
Summary: Choosing the Right Motherboard
The choice between the Gigabyte Aorus Master and Elite motherboards ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for the best possible performance, the Aorus Master is the way to go. It offers a superior VRM, more M.2 slots, and more customizable RGB lighting. However, if you are on a tighter budget or do not plan on doing extensive overclocking, the Elite is a great value for money. It provides excellent performance and a wide range of features at a more affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming, the Aorus Master or Elite?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent gaming performance, but the Aorus Master has a slight edge due to its superior VRM and power delivery.
Q: What is the main difference between the Aorus Master and Elite?
A: The main difference is the VRM and power delivery. The Aorus Master has a more robust VRM, which makes it better suited for overclocking.
Q: Does the Aorus Master support DDR5 memory?
A: Yes, both the Aorus Master and Elite support DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6600MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The Aorus Master has four M.2 slots, while the Elite has three.
Q: Does the Elite have Wi-Fi 6 connectivity?
A: Yes, both the Aorus Master and Elite have Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.