Key points
- The ASUS Prime Z790-A, on the other hand, features a 14+1 power delivery system, slightly less than the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G.
- If you require a motherboard with exceptional power delivery, dual-GPU support, and a wide range of connectivity options, the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G is an excellent choice.
- On the other hand, if you prioritize affordability, a more traditional design, and a wider range of USB ports, the ASUS Prime Z790-A offers a compelling option.
The latest generation of Intel processors, the 13th Gen Core Series, demands a motherboard that can unleash its full potential. Two contenders emerge as top choices: the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the ASUS Prime Z790-A. Both motherboards offer a formidable feature set, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two Z790 heavyweights.
Chipset and Features
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A share the same Intel Z790 chipset, providing support for 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core processors. However, their feature sets differ slightly.
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G boasts a 16+1+2 phase power delivery system, providing ample power for overclocking and demanding workloads. It also features two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, enabling dual-GPU setups. Additionally, it offers a wide range of connectivity options, including 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C.
The ASUS Prime Z790-A, on the other hand, features a 14+1 power delivery system, slightly less than the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G. It also offers a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, but only one. However, it compensates with a wider range of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C.
Design and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A differ significantly in design and aesthetics. The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G boasts a sleek, modern design with a black and silver color scheme. It features RGB lighting on the chipset heatsink, providing customizable illumination.
The ASUS Prime Z790-A, in contrast, has a more traditional design with a black and gray color scheme. It features subtle RGB lighting on the I/O shroud, offering a more understated look.
BIOS and UEFI
Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS and UEFI interfaces. The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G’s BIOS is well-organized and provides advanced overclocking options. The ASUS Prime Z790-A’s UEFI is equally intuitive, with a simplified layout and a wide range of customization options.
Memory and Storage
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6600MHz. It also offers four M.2 slots, two of which are PCIe 5.0 x4.
The ASUS Prime Z790-A also supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6600MHz. However, it only offers three M.2 slots, one of which is PCIe 5.0 x4.
Expansion Options
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A offer a similar range of expansion options. Both motherboards include multiple PCIe slots and SATA ports for additional hardware. However, the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G has an additional PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, which can be beneficial for users who require dual-GPU setups or other high-bandwidth devices.
I/O Panel and Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A offer a comprehensive range of I/O ports and connectivity options. Both motherboards include USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C, and USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports. However, the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G has an additional 2.5GbE LAN port, providing faster wired connectivity.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G is typically priced around $350, while the ASUS Prime Z790-A is slightly more affordable at around $320. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require a motherboard with exceptional power delivery, dual-GPU support, and a wide range of connectivity options, the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize affordability, a more traditional design, and a wider range of USB ports, the ASUS Prime Z790-A offers a compelling option.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G has a slightly better power delivery system, making it more suitable for overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard has more memory slots?
A: Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G has four M.2 slots, while the ASUS Prime Z790-A has three.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The ASUS Prime Z790-A has a wider range of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The ASUS Prime Z790-A is slightly more affordable than the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G.