What to know
- In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4, helping you make an informed decision for your next PC build.
- In terms of connectivity, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 both come equipped with a comprehensive range of ports and interfaces.
- The Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 offers a slight advantage with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E, which provides faster and more reliable wireless connectivity compared to Wi-Fi 6 on the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4.
In the realm of PC hardware, motherboards serve as the foundation upon which your entire system is built. When it comes to high-performance gaming and content creation, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and its predecessor, the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4, stand out as formidable contenders. Both motherboards boast an impressive array of features, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4, helping you make an informed decision for your next PC build.
Chipset and Compatibility
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 features the latest Intel Z790 chipset, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 utilizes the Z690 chipset. The Z790 chipset offers support for Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors, providing access to the latest CPU advancements, including performance cores, efficiency cores, and increased core counts. In contrast, the Z690 chipset supports Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors, limiting you to older CPU options.
Memory Support
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 support DDR4 memory. However, the Z790 motherboard offers slightly faster memory speeds, with support for up to DDR4-5333MHz compared to DDR4-5000MHz on the Z690 motherboard. Additionally, the Z790 motherboard features four DIMM slots, allowing for up to 128GB of memory capacity, while the Z690 motherboard offers two DIMM slots, supporting up to 64GB of memory.
Expansion Slots
When it comes to expansion slots, both motherboards provide ample options for connecting additional hardware. However, the Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 offers a slight advantage with an additional PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, which provides the latest and fastest connectivity for graphics cards. The Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 features two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, which are still capable of supporting high-end graphics cards but may not offer the same level of future-proofing as PCIe 5.0.
Storage Options
Both motherboards offer a wide range of storage options, including support for NVMe M.2 SSDs and SATA drives. The Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 features four M.2 slots, three of which support PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds and one that supports PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds. The Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4, on the other hand, offers three M.2 slots, all of which support PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 both come equipped with a comprehensive range of ports and interfaces. They both feature USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, which provide ultra-fast data transfer speeds. Additionally, both motherboards include 2.5GbE LAN ports for high-speed network connectivity. The Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 offers a slight advantage with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E, which provides faster and more reliable wireless connectivity compared to Wi-Fi 6 on the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4.
Aesthetics and Features
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 feature a sleek and stylish design with RGB lighting accents. However, the Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 offers a more refined look with an updated heatsink design and a more pronounced RGB lighting implementation. Additionally, the Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 includes a number of exclusive features, such as the Aorus Lightning Gen 4 M.2 SSD, which promises faster loading times and reduced latency.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 are both available at leading retailers. The Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 typically retails for a slightly higher price than the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 due to its newer chipset and additional features.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are building a high-performance gaming or content creation PC and want the latest and greatest features, the Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 is the better choice. It offers support for the latest Intel CPUs, faster memory speeds, and additional expansion options. However, if you are on a tighter budget or do not need the most cutting-edge features, the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 remains a solid option, providing excellent performance and a wide range of features.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
- BIOS: Both motherboards feature intuitive BIOS interfaces that provide a range of customization options for enthusiasts.
- Software: Gigabyte offers a comprehensive suite of software, including Aorus Engine, RGB Fusion, and EasyTune, which provide advanced control over hardware settings and overclocking.
- Warranty: Both motherboards come with a limited lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term use.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 offers slightly faster memory speeds and supports a larger memory capacity.
Q: Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 offers an additional PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, providing more options for connecting additional hardware.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity options?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 includes Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity compared to Wi-Fi 6 on the Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4.