Highlights
- The Z690 Aorus AX has a slight edge in terms of memory overclocking, supporting speeds up to 6600MHz compared to 6000MHz on the Z690 Aorus Elite.
- The Z690 Aorus Elite has a more understated design, while the Z690 Aorus AX has a more aggressive look with angular lines and a prominent Aorus logo.
- The Z690 Aorus Elite is a great option for those looking for a high-quality motherboard at a more affordable price.
In the realm of motherboards, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Z690 Aorus AX stand out as formidable contenders for gaming enthusiasts. These ATX boards pack a punch with their high-end features and overclocking capabilities. But which one is the right choice for your next build? This in-depth comparison will guide you through the key differences between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and AX, helping you make an informed decision.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus AX |
| — | — | — |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory Support | DDR5 up to 6600MHz (OC) | DDR5 up to 6600MHz (OC) |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| SATA Ports | 6 | 6 |
| M.2 Slots | 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 | 4x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| USB Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 7x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 7x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC1220-VB | Realtek ALC4080 |
| LAN | 2.5GbE | 10GbE |
| Wi-Fi | No | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | No | Bluetooth 5.2 |
Performance
Both motherboards offer exceptional performance for gaming and content creation. The Z690 chipset provides a solid foundation for overclocking, allowing you to push your CPU to its limits. The Z690 Aorus AX has a slight edge in terms of memory overclocking, supporting speeds up to 6600MHz compared to 6000MHz on the Z690 Aorus Elite.
In real-world gaming tests, there is little noticeable difference between the two boards. Both provide smooth and responsive gameplay at high frame rates. However, the Z690 Aorus AX may offer a slight advantage in games that are heavily dependent on network connectivity due to its superior LAN and Wi-Fi capabilities.
Connectivity and Expansion
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and AX offer a wide range of connectivity options. Both boards feature multiple USB ports, including high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C for fast data transfer rates. The Z690 Aorus AX stands out with its 10GbE LAN port, providing blazing-fast wired network speeds. Additionally, the AX model includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity.
In terms of expansion, both motherboards have ample PCIe slots for graphics cards and other peripherals. The Z690 Aorus Elite features three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the Z690 Aorus AX has four. Both boards also have multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, providing high-speed storage options.
Aesthetics and Design
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and AX motherboards share a similar design aesthetic, characterized by their sleek black and silver color scheme. Both boards feature RGB lighting accents that can be customized to match your build’s color theme. The Z690 Aorus Elite has a more understated design, while the Z690 Aorus AX has a more aggressive look with angular lines and a prominent Aorus logo.
Overclocking Capabilities
Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities. They come equipped with advanced BIOS settings and utilities that allow you to fine-tune your CPU, memory, and other components. The Z690 Aorus AX has a slight advantage in overclocking due to its improved power delivery system, which provides more stable voltage and current to your CPU.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite is typically priced around $250, while the Z690 Aorus AX is priced around $300. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Z690 Aorus AX are both excellent motherboards for gaming and content creation. The Z690 Aorus Elite is a great option for those looking for a high-quality motherboard at a more affordable price. If you need superior connectivity, overclocking capabilities, and aesthetics, the Z690 Aorus AX is the better choice.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best choice between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and AX depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re a budget-conscious gamer or content creator, the Z690 Aorus Elite is a solid choice. For those who demand the best possible performance and features, the Z690 Aorus AX is the clear winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better memory overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus AX supports higher memory overclocking speeds (up to 6600MHz) compared to the Z690 Aorus Elite (up to 6000MHz).
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity options?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus AX has superior connectivity options, including a 10GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus AX has a better power delivery system and advanced BIOS settings, making it a better choice for overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard is more expensive?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus AX is typically priced around $300, while the Z690 Aorus Elite is priced around $250.
Q: Which motherboard has a more aggressive design?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus AX has a more aggressive design with angular lines and a prominent Aorus logo compared to the more understated design of the Z690 Aorus Elite.