Quick summary
- For the latest 12th-generation Intel Core “Alder Lake” processors, two of the most formidable contenders in the motherboard market are the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master employs a robust 20+1+2 phase VRM with 105A power stages, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E utilizes a 19+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages.
- However, if you value a more competitive price, a robust feature set, and a user-friendly overclocking experience, the ROG Strix Z690-E is an excellent choice.
In the realm of high-performance PC components, motherboards play a pivotal role in determining the overall capability and stability of your system. For the latest 12th-generation Intel Core “Alder Lake” processors, two of the most formidable contenders in the motherboard market are the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and value proposition of these two exceptional motherboards.
Specifications and Features
| Feature | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master | ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory Slots | 4x DDR5 | 4x DDR5 |
| Memory Speed | Up to 6600MHz | Up to 6400MHz |
| PCIe Slots | 3x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 | 2x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 4x PCIe 4.0 x4 | 4x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Storage Connectivity | 8x SATA III | 8x SATA III |
| Networking | 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E | 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Audio | Realtek ALC4080 | SupremeFX ALC4082 |
| RGB Lighting | Addressable RGB headers | Addressable RGB headers |
Design and Aesthetics
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E exude a premium aura with their sleek designs and eye-catching RGB lighting. The Aorus Master features a primarily black and silver color scheme with angular accents, while the ROG Strix Z690-E boasts a more vibrant black and red aesthetic with intricate geometric patterns.
Power Delivery
Power delivery is crucial for ensuring stable performance, especially for overclocking. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master employs a robust 20+1+2 phase VRM with 105A power stages, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E utilizes a 19+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages. Both motherboards provide ample power for even the most demanding processors.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, both the Aorus Master and the ROG Strix Z690-E offer a comprehensive array of options. They both feature 2.5GbE LAN for high-speed networking, Wi-Fi 6E for wireless connectivity, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports. However, the Aorus Master has a slight edge with its additional USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port for faster data transfer speeds.
Audio Performance
For audio enthusiasts, both motherboards offer high-quality audio solutions. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master utilizes the Realtek ALC4080 codec, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E employs the SupremeFX ALC4082 codec. Both codecs provide excellent audio clarity and support for 7.1-channel surround sound.
Overclocking Potential
Overclocking is a popular way to extract additional performance from your system. Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E offer robust overclocking capabilities. The Aorus Master features the exclusive Aorus OC Tuner, while the ROG Strix Z690-E includes the AI Overclocking utility. Both utilities make overclocking accessible to both experienced and novice users.
Value Proposition
When it comes to value, both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E are priced at a premium. However, the Aorus Master typically retails for a slightly higher price. The ROG Strix Z690-E offers a more competitive price-to-feature ratio, making it a better value proposition for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Final Verdict: Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master vs ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E
Ultimately, the best choice between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize power delivery, overclocking potential, and premium aesthetics, the Aorus Master is the superior option. However, if you value a more competitive price, a robust feature set, and a user-friendly overclocking experience, the ROG Strix Z690-E is an excellent choice.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard has better audio performance?
A: Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-E offer high-quality audio solutions with support for 7.1-channel surround sound.
Q: Can I overclock both motherboards?
A: Yes, both the Aorus Master and the ROG Strix Z690-E support overclocking, with dedicated utilities to simplify the process.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a slight advantage with three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, compared to the ROG Strix Z690-E’s two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots.