Key points
- The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has a sleek and understated design, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX features a more aggressive and gamer-centric aesthetic.
- The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX offers a wide range of BIOS settings and tools for fine-tuning performance, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has dedicated overclocking headers and an EZ Tune utility for simplified overclocking.
- The UD AX offers a solid foundation for a mid-range build, while the Aorus Elite AX is an ideal choice for high-end gaming systems and overclocking enthusiasts.
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX are two formidable contenders in the world of motherboards, catering to the demands of PC enthusiasts and gamers alike. With their cutting-edge features and exceptional performance, these motherboards offer a plethora of options for building high-powered systems. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards utilize the latest Intel Z690 chipset, which provides support for 12th-generation Intel Core processors. This chipset offers unparalleled performance and connectivity, making it an ideal choice for demanding applications and gaming.
Power Delivery
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX features a 12+1+1 phase power design, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX boasts a 16+1+1 phase power design. Both motherboards provide exceptional power delivery for stable and reliable operation, even under heavy loads. However, the Aorus Elite AX has a slight advantage in this aspect, ensuring maximum stability for overclocking and intensive workloads.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, with the UD AX supporting speeds up to 5333MHz and the Aorus Elite AX supporting speeds up to 6400MHz. This high memory capacity and fast speeds enable seamless multitasking, lightning-fast load times, and enhanced gaming experiences.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX offers six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX provides four SATA III ports and four M.2 slots. Both motherboards support NVMe SSDs for ultra-fast storage performance, allowing for rapid boot times and quick file transfers.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots. The Aorus Elite AX’s PCIe 5.0 slots provide future-proofing and support for the latest graphics cards, ensuring optimal gaming performance.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 2.5GbE LAN port. The Aorus Elite AX has an additional USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, offering faster data transfer speeds and improved convenience.
Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has a sleek and understated design, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX features a more aggressive and gamer-centric aesthetic. The Aorus Elite AX has RGB lighting zones and a customizable OLED display, allowing for personalized visual effects and system monitoring.
Overclocking Capabilities
Both motherboards have robust overclocking capabilities, enabling enthusiasts to push their systems to the limits. The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX offers a wide range of BIOS settings and tools for fine-tuning performance, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has dedicated overclocking headers and an EZ Tune utility for simplified overclocking.
Cooling Solutions
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has a large heatsink for the VRM and M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a more elaborate cooling system, including a large heatsink with heat pipes and a built-in fan. The Aorus Elite AX’s enhanced cooling ensures optimal thermal performance, even under demanding conditions.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has a starting price of around $200, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a starting price of around $300. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online marketplaces.
Wrap-Up: Finding the Perfect Match
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX are exceptional motherboards that cater to different needs and budgets. The UD AX offers a solid foundation for a mid-range build, while the Aorus Elite AX is an ideal choice for high-end gaming systems and overclocking enthusiasts. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements and priorities. For those seeking a balance of performance and affordability, the UD AX is a great option. For those seeking the ultimate in performance, features, and aesthetics, the Aorus Elite AX is the clear winner.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has dedicated overclocking headers, an EZ Tune utility, and a more elaborate cooling system, making it slightly better for overclocking than the UD AX.
Q: Which motherboard offers more storage options?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has four M.2 slots compared to the UD AX‘s three, providing more flexibility for storage expansion.
Q: Which motherboard has a more robust cooling solution?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a larger heatsink with heat pipes and a built-in fan, offering better thermal performance than the UD AX.