At a Glance
- If you’re looking for a high-performance motherboard with a strong VRM design and plenty of storage options, the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra is the better choice.
- However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need all the bells and whistles, the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Elite AX is still an excellent option that offers great performance and features.
- The Ultra has a slight edge in terms of features and performance, but the Elite AX offers a great value for its price.
When it comes to building a high-performance gaming PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two contenders that stand out in the market are the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Elite AX and the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra. Both motherboards offer an impressive array of features, but which one is the better choice for your specific needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two powerhouses to help you make an informed decision.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Elite AX | Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra |
| — | — | — |
| Chipset | Intel Z590 | Intel Z590 |
| Socket | LGA 1200 | LGA 1200 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| VRM Design | 12+1 Phase | 16+1 Phase |
| Memory | Up to 128GB DDR4 | Up to 128GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 6 SATA III ports, 3 M.2 slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 2x PCIe 3.0) | 8 SATA III ports, 3 M.2 slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 2x PCIe 3.0) |
| Networking | 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220-VB | Realtek ALC4080 |
| RGB Lighting | RGB Fusion 2.0 | RGB Fusion 2.0 |
| Price | Approximately $250 | Approximately $300 |
Performance
Both the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Elite AX and the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra deliver exceptional performance. The Elite AX features a 12+1 phase VRM design, while the Ultra boasts a beefier 16+1 phase design. This translates to better power delivery and stability, especially when overclocking your CPU.
In terms of memory support, both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory. However, the Ultra has a slight edge with its support for higher memory speeds (up to 5333MHz) compared to the Elite AX (up to 5000MHz).
Storage
When it comes to storage, the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra offers a bit more flexibility. It features 8 SATA III ports compared to the Elite AX’s 6 SATA III ports. Additionally, the Ultra has three M.2 slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 2x PCIe 3.0), while the Elite AX has only one PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot and two PCIe 3.0 M.2 slots.
Networking and Connectivity
Both motherboards are well-equipped in terms of networking and connectivity. They both feature 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. This ensures fast and reliable wired and wireless connections for gaming and other data-intensive tasks.
Audio
The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra has a clear advantage in the audio department. It features the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which offers superior sound quality and support for DTS:X Ultra surround sound. The Elite AX, on the other hand, uses the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec.
RGB Lighting
Both the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Elite AX and the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra feature RGB lighting that can be customized using the RGB Fusion 2.0 software. This allows you to create a visually stunning PC build that matches your personal style.
Price
The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Elite AX is priced at approximately $250, while the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra is priced at approximately $300. The Ultra’s higher price point reflects its additional features, such as the more powerful VRM design, additional storage options, and better audio codec.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Elite AX and the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you’re looking for a high-performance motherboard with a strong VRM design and plenty of storage options, the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need all the bells and whistles, the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Elite AX is still an excellent option that offers great performance and features.
Ultimate Verdict
Both the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Elite AX and the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra are exceptional motherboards that will power your gaming PC to new heights. The Ultra has a slight edge in terms of features and performance, but the Elite AX offers a great value for its price. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual requirements and budget.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which motherboard has a better VRM design?
A: The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra has a more powerful 16+1 phase VRM design compared to the Elite AX‘s 12+1 phase design.
Q: Which motherboard offers more storage options?
A: The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra has 8 SATA III ports and 3 M.2 slots, while the Elite AX has 6 SATA III ports and only 2 M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra features the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which offers superior sound quality compared to the Elite AX‘s Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec.