Quick summary
- The Pro features a sleek black and silver design, while the Elite boasts a more vibrant black and gold color scheme.
- The Aorus Pro features a large heatsink with a direct-touch heat pipe, while the Elite boasts an even more elaborate cooling system with a larger heatsink, multiple heat pipes, and an active cooling fan.
- While the Aorus Pro excels in providing a solid foundation with ample features, the Elite stands out with its enhanced power delivery, memory capacity, and connectivity options.
In the realm of gaming motherboards, the Gigabyte Aorus Pro and Elite series stand out as formidable contenders. With their cutting-edge features and robust construction, these motherboards cater to the demands of discerning gamers and enthusiasts alike. However, discerning the subtle differences between the Aorus Pro and Elite can be a daunting task. This comprehensive comparison aims to shed light on their key distinctions, providing you with an informed decision when selecting the motherboard that best suits your gaming needs.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Aorus Pro and Elite motherboards utilize the latest Intel Z690 chipset, offering support for 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors. This chipset boasts advanced features such as PCIe 5.0 connectivity, DDR5 memory support, and enhanced overclocking capabilities.
Power Delivery
Power delivery is crucial for ensuring stable performance and overclocking potential. The Aorus Pro features a robust 16-phase VRM (voltage regulator module), while the Elite boasts an even more impressive 18-phase VRM. These high-quality VRMs ensure ample power delivery to the CPU, enabling aggressive overclocking and maximizing performance.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, with the Pro supporting up to 64GB of RAM at speeds of up to 5333MHz. The Elite, on the other hand, offers a higher memory capacity of up to 128GB and supports speeds of up to 6000MHz. This increased memory capacity and faster speeds cater to demanding applications and memory-intensive games.
Storage Options
The Aorus Pro and Elite offer ample storage options. The Pro features four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, while the Elite boasts five PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and one PCIe 3.0 M.2 slot. These M.2 slots provide lightning-fast storage speeds, enabling rapid game loading and data transfer.
Expansion Slots
For expansion cards, the Aorus Pro provides three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Elite, however, offers a more generous configuration with four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. This expanded expansion capability allows for the installation of multiple graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer comprehensive connectivity options. The Aorus Pro features a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Elite, however, provides an upgraded 10GbE LAN port, ensuring blazing-fast network speeds for online gaming and large file transfers.
Aesthetics and Customization
The Aorus Pro and Elite motherboards showcase distinct aesthetics. The Pro features a sleek black and silver design, while the Elite boasts a more vibrant black and gold color scheme. Both motherboards offer RGB lighting customization through the Gigabyte RGB Fusion software, allowing users to personalize their systems with vibrant lighting effects.
Overclocking Performance
Overclocking capabilities are essential for enthusiasts seeking to extract maximum performance from their systems. The Aorus Pro and Elite both offer robust overclocking features, including advanced BIOS options and voltage control. However, the Elite’s superior power delivery and cooling system provide an edge in overclocking stability and potential.
Cooling
Effective cooling is paramount for maintaining optimal performance. The Aorus Pro features a large heatsink with a direct-touch heat pipe, while the Elite boasts an even more elaborate cooling system with a larger heatsink, multiple heat pipes, and an active cooling fan. This enhanced cooling capacity ensures that the motherboard components remain cool under demanding workloads.
Audio Quality
Audio quality plays a significant role in immersive gaming experiences. The Aorus Pro and Elite both incorporate high-quality audio codecs, providing clear and detailed sound output. However, the Elite features a dedicated audio amplifier and ESS DAC, resulting in superior audio fidelity and enhanced soundstage.
Verdict
The Gigabyte Aorus Pro and Elite motherboards offer compelling options for gamers and enthusiasts. While the Aorus Pro excels in providing a solid foundation with ample features, the Elite stands out with its enhanced power delivery, memory capacity, and connectivity options. If you prioritize overclocking potential, cooling performance, and audio quality, the Gigabyte Aorus Elite is the superior choice. However, if you seek a more budget-friendly option with a robust feature set, the Gigabyte Aorus Pro delivers exceptional value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking, the Aorus Pro or Elite?
A: The Aorus Elite offers superior overclocking capabilities due to its enhanced power delivery and cooling system.
Q: Does the Aorus Pro support DDR5 memory?
A: Yes, the Aorus Pro supports DDR5 memory up to 64GB at speeds of up to 5333MHz.
Q: How many M.2 slots does the Aorus Elite have?
A: The Aorus Elite features five PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and one PCIe 3.0 M.2 slot for ample storage options.
Q: What is the difference between the Aorus Pro and Elite in terms of aesthetics?
A: The Aorus Pro features a sleek black and silver design, while the Elite showcases a more vibrant black and gold color scheme.
Q: Which motherboard offers better audio quality?
A: The Aorus Elite boasts a dedicated audio amplifier and ESS DAC, resulting in superior audio fidelity and enhanced soundstage.