Key points
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite features a 16+1+2 phase digital power design with 90A power stages, while the Gaming X has a 16+2+1 phase digital power design with 70A power stages.
- The Z690 Aorus Elite supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz, while the Gaming X supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6600MHz.
- The Elite features a black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting accents, while the Gaming X has a black and red color scheme with more aggressive RGB lighting.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Z690 Aorus Gaming X are two high-performance motherboards that cater to the needs of demanding gamers. Both boards offer a robust feature set, but they also have some key differences that may influence your purchase decision. In this blog post, we’ll conduct a comprehensive comparison of the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite vs Gaming X, highlighting their similarities and differences to help you make an informed choice.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Gaming X are based on the Intel Z690 chipset, which supports 12th-generation Intel Core processors (Alder Lake). The boards feature the LGA 1700 socket, which is compatible with both K and non-K series processors.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system is crucial for ensuring stable performance, especially during overclocking. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite features a 16+1+2 phase digital power design with 90A power stages, while the Gaming X has a 16+2+1 phase digital power design with 70A power stages. Both boards have a solid power delivery system that can handle high-power CPUs and overclocking.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, which offers faster speeds and lower latencies compared to DDR4. The Z690 Aorus Elite supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz, while the Gaming X supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6600MHz.
Expansion Slots
When it comes to expansion slots, the Z690 Aorus Elite and Gaming X offer a similar configuration. Both boards have three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, which are suitable for high-end graphics cards. They also have two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots for additional expansion cards.
Storage Options
For storage, the Z690 Aorus Elite and Gaming X provide ample options. Both boards have four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots. The M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs, providing lightning-fast storage speeds.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Z690 Aorus Elite and Gaming X offer a comprehensive suite of options. Both boards have a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. They also have a variety of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A.
Aesthetics and RGB Lighting
The Z690 Aorus Elite and Gaming X have distinct aesthetics and RGB lighting capabilities. The Elite features a black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting accents, while the Gaming X has a black and red color scheme with more aggressive RGB lighting. Both boards have customizable RGB lighting that can be synchronized with other Aorus components.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Gaming X have similar prices. The Elite is slightly more affordable, while the Gaming X offers a few additional features. Both boards are widely available from major retailers.
Final Verdict
When choosing between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Gaming X, the best option depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a high-performance motherboard with a solid power delivery system and ample expansion options, both boards are excellent choices. The Elite is a more budget-friendly option, while the Gaming X offers slightly better performance and more aggressive aesthetics.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both the Z690 Aorus Elite and Gaming X have solid power delivery systems, but the Gaming X has slightly better overclocking potential due to its higher-rated power stages.
Q: Which motherboard offers more storage options?
A: Both motherboards have four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, providing ample storage options.
Q: Which motherboard has better RGB lighting?
A: The Gaming X has more aggressive RGB lighting with a wider range of customization options.