Main points
- The aesthetics of a motherboard play a significant role in the overall look and feel of a PC build.
- The Aorus Pro offers a similar BIOS experience, with a focus on ease of use and advanced overclocking capabilities.
- If you seek a reliable and feature-rich motherboard at a competitive price, the Gaming X is an excellent option.
In the realm of PC hardware, motherboards hold the key to unlocking the full potential of a system. When it comes to Intel’s latest 12th generation processors, two prominent contenders emerge: the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X and the Aorus Pro. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these motherboards, analyzing their features, performance, and value proposition to help you make an informed decision.
Motherboard Architecture: A Foundation for Performance
Both motherboards are built on the Intel Z690 chipset, providing compatibility with Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake CPUs. However, their architectural differences shape their capabilities.
Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X
The Gaming X boasts a 16+1+1 power phase design, delivering ample power to even the most demanding processors. It features four DDR5 memory slots, supporting speeds up to 5600MHz. Additionally, the Gaming X includes an M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for blazing-fast storage and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for future-proofing.
Aorus Pro
The Aorus Pro takes power delivery a step further with its 18+1+2 power phase design. This ensures stable operation under heavy loads. It also offers four DDR5 memory slots, supporting speeds up to 5200MHz. The Pro features three M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots for ample storage expansion and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-performance graphics.
Connectivity: Bridging the Digital Divide
Both motherboards offer extensive connectivity options, but their approaches differ slightly.
Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X
The Gaming X provides a comprehensive array of ports, including six SATA III ports for storage, a 2.5GbE LAN port for wired networking, and an 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E adapter for wireless connectivity. It also includes multiple USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports.
Aorus Pro
The Aorus Pro matches the Gaming X’s connectivity options, offering six SATA III ports, a 2.5GbE LAN port, and an 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E adapter. It adds a 10GbE LAN port for ultra-high-speed networking, catering to demanding users.
Aesthetics: Personalizing Your Rig
The aesthetics of a motherboard play a significant role in the overall look and feel of a PC build.
Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X
The Gaming X features a sleek black PCB with silver accents and an RGB LED strip along the top edge. It offers customizable RGB lighting through the Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0 software.
Aorus Pro
The Aorus Pro exudes a more aggressive aesthetic with its black and gray PCB and angular accents. It features RGB LED lighting on the I/O shroud, chipset heatsink, and M.2 heatsink, controllable through the Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0 software.
BIOS and Software: Enhancing User Experience
Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X
The Gaming X comes with a user-friendly BIOS that provides comprehensive overclocking options. It also includes a range of software utilities, such as the Gigabyte App Center, which offers system monitoring, fan control, and RGB lighting customization.
Aorus Pro
The Aorus Pro offers a similar BIOS experience, with a focus on ease of use and advanced overclocking capabilities. Its software suite includes the Aorus Engine, which provides system monitoring, fan control, and RGB lighting customization.
Performance and Overclocking: Pushing the Limits
Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X
The Gaming X delivers solid performance in both stock and overclocked configurations. Its robust power delivery and memory support enable stable operation at high frequencies.
Aorus Pro
The Aorus Pro exhibits slightly better performance in heavily overclocked scenarios due to its enhanced power delivery. It pushes the boundaries of overclocking with ease.
Value Proposition: Balancing Features and Cost
Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X
The Gaming X offers a well-rounded feature set at a competitive price point. It provides ample power delivery, memory support, and connectivity options for most users.
Aorus Pro
The Aorus Pro commands a slightly higher price but delivers additional features, such as a 10GbE LAN port and enhanced power delivery. It caters to users seeking the absolute best performance and connectivity.
Key Points: Making the Right Choice
The choice between the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X and Aorus Pro depends on your specific needs and budget. If you seek a reliable and feature-rich motherboard at a competitive price, the Gaming X is an excellent option. However, if you demand the highest possible performance and connectivity, the Aorus Pro is worth the premium.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Aorus Pro has a slightly better power delivery design, making it more suitable for extreme overclocking.
Q: Does the Gaming X support DDR5 memory?
A: Yes, both the Gaming X and Aorus Pro support DDR5 memory.
Q: Which motherboard offers more M.2 slots?
A: The Aorus Pro has three M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, while the Gaming X has one M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slot.