Quick summary
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite is an excellent option for gamers and content creators who demand high performance at a reasonable price.
- The Elite provides a comprehensive feature set at an affordable price, while the Pro offers premium features for enthusiasts willing to invest a bit more.
- If you’re looking for a high-performance motherboard with a solid feature set at a reasonable price, the Elite is an excellent option.
When it comes to building a high-performance gaming PC, the motherboard is a crucial component that sets the foundation for your system’s capabilities. In the realm of Z690 motherboards, two formidable contenders emerge: the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro. Both these motherboards offer exceptional features and performance, but each has its own unique strengths and target audience. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of these two motherboards, comparing their specifications, features, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory Slots | 4 x DDR5 | 4 x DDR5 |
| Maximum Memory Capacity | 128GB | 128GB |
| PCIe Slots | 3 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 4 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 3 x PCIe 4.0 x4 | 4 x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| SATA Ports | 6 | 6 |
| USB Ports | 12 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | 13 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 |
| LAN | 2.5GbE | 2.5GbE |
| Wi-Fi | Built-in Wi-Fi 6E | Built-in Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| RGB Headers | 2 x 5V ARGB, 1 x 12V RGB | 2 x 5V ARGB, 1 x 12V RGB |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC1220 | Realtek ALC1220-VB |
Features and Performance
Memory and Storage
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Pro support DDR5 memory, offering exceptional performance and bandwidth for demanding applications and games. The Elite features four memory slots with a maximum capacity of 128GB, while the Pro provides the same capacity with four slots.
For storage, both motherboards offer ample options with multiple M.2 slots and SATA ports. The Elite comes with three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, while the Pro boasts four such slots, providing more flexibility for high-speed storage devices.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Pro are well-equipped. Both feature a 2.5GbE LAN port for fast and stable wired network connections. The Elite includes built-in Wi-Fi 6E for wireless flexibility, while the Pro offers Wi-Fi 6. Additionally, both motherboards provide numerous USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2×2 for fast data transfer speeds.
Audio and Lighting
For audio enthusiasts, both motherboards feature the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, delivering high-quality sound reproduction. The Elite and Pro also offer multiple RGB headers, allowing you to customize your system’s lighting to match your preferences.
Overclocking and BIOS
Overclocking enthusiasts will appreciate the robust BIOS interfaces of both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Pro. These BIOSes provide extensive tweaking options for fine-tuning your system’s performance. However, the Pro offers slightly more advanced overclocking features, including support for LN2 cooling.
Target Audience
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite is an excellent option for gamers and content creators who demand high performance at a reasonable price. It offers a solid feature set, ample connectivity options, and good overclocking capabilities.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro is a more premium motherboard designed for enthusiasts and overclockers. It provides additional features such as more M.2 slots, advanced overclocking options, and a slightly better audio codec.
Value and Pricing
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite typically retails for around $250, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro costs approximately $300. Both motherboards offer excellent value for their respective target audiences. The Elite provides a comprehensive feature set at an affordable price, while the Pro offers premium features for enthusiasts willing to invest a bit more.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Pro ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a high-performance motherboard with a solid feature set at a reasonable price, the Elite is an excellent option. However, if you’re an enthusiast who demands the best overclocking capabilities and additional premium features, the Pro is the better choice.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro offers slightly better overclocking capabilities, including support for LN2 cooling.
Q: Does the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite have built-in Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, the Elite features built-in Wi-Fi 6E for wireless connectivity.
Q: How many M.2 slots does the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro have?
A: The Pro offers four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for high-speed storage devices.