Overview
- Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are based on Intel’s Z690 chipset and support Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake processors.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are two of the best motherboards available for Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake processors.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 supports faster memory speeds and has a better audio codec than the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are two high-performance motherboards designed for Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake processors. Both motherboards offer a wide range of features, including support for PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and Intel’s latest connectivity standards. However, there are some key differences between the two motherboards that potential buyers should consider.
Features
Socket and Chipset
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are based on Intel’s Z690 chipset and support Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake processors. This means that both motherboards offer support for the latest features of Intel’s 12th generation processors, including PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and Intel’s latest connectivity standards.
Memory Support
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 5333MHz. The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 also supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, but it only supports speeds of up to 4800MHz.
Storage Support
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 has four SATA 6Gb/s ports and three M.2 slots. Two of the M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 speeds, while the third M.2 slot only supports PCIe 3.0 speeds. The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 also has four SATA 6Gb/s ports and three M.2 slots. However, only two of the M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 speeds, while the third M.2 slot only supports PCIe 3.0 speeds.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 also has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, but it only has one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
Networking
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 has a 2.5GbE LAN port and a Wi-Fi 6E module. The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 also has a 2.5GbE LAN port, but it only has a Wi-Fi 6 module.
Audio
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 has a Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec. The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 also has a Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are very similar. Both motherboards offer excellent performance for gaming, content creation, and other demanding tasks. However, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 has a slight edge in performance due to its support for faster memory speeds.
Price
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 is more expensive than the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 typically retails for around $250, while the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 typically retails for around $200.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are both excellent motherboards for Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake processors. However, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 is the better choice for users who want the best possible performance. The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 is a more affordable option that still offers excellent performance.
Takeaways
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are two of the best motherboards available for Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake processors. Both motherboards offer a wide range of features, including support for PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and Intel’s latest connectivity standards. However, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 has a slight edge in performance due to its support for faster memory speeds. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: What is the difference between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 supports faster memory speeds and has a better audio codec than the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are excellent for gaming. However, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 has a slight edge in performance due to its support for faster memory speeds.
Q: Which motherboard is better for content creation?
A: Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are excellent for content creation. However, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 has a better audio codec, which may be beneficial for content creators who need high-quality audio.