Quick notes
- Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are built around the latest Intel Z790 chipset, which provides support for 13th-generation Intel Core processors.
- In the realm of connectivity, both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offer a comprehensive suite of options.
- The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a slightly better power delivery system with a 20+1 phase design compared to the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX’s 16+1+2 phase design.
The release of Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors has ignited a fierce battle among motherboard manufacturers. Two prominent contenders in this arena are the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero. Both motherboards offer an impressive array of features and capabilities, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of these two flagship motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are built around the latest Intel Z790 chipset, which provides support for 13th-generation Intel Core processors. The LGA 1700 socket on these motherboards allows for compatibility with both 12th and 13th-generation Intel CPUs.
Power Delivery
One of the most crucial aspects of a motherboard is its power delivery system. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX boasts a 16+1+2 phase power design, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero features a 20+1 phase power design. Both motherboards utilize high-quality components and robust heatsinks to ensure stable and efficient power delivery, even under demanding overclocking conditions.
Memory Support
In terms of memory support, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offer ample capacity and high performance. Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and feature four DIMM slots. They also support Intel XMP 3.0 profiles for easy overclocking of memory modules.
Storage Options
For storage, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX provides six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, on the other hand, offers eight SATA III ports and five M.2 slots, including two PCIe 5.0 x4 slots. Both motherboards support NVMe SSDs and RAID configurations for enhanced storage performance and flexibility.
Connectivity
In the realm of connectivity, both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offer a comprehensive suite of options. They feature multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, as well as USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support. Additionally, both motherboards include onboard Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet for high-speed wired and wireless networking.
Features and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero come equipped with a wide range of features and aesthetic enhancements. The Gigabyte motherboard features a sleek and aggressive design with RGB lighting, while the ASUS motherboard boasts a more refined and understated aesthetic with Aura Sync RGB lighting. Both motherboards offer a variety of software utilities for system monitoring, overclocking, and customization.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are both premium motherboards with a price tag to match. The Gigabyte motherboard is typically priced around $350, while the ASUS motherboard is slightly more expensive, coming in at around $400. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.
Wrap-Up: The Ultimate Choice
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are both exceptional motherboards that offer exceptional performance and features. The Gigabyte motherboard provides a solid balance of power delivery, storage options, and connectivity at a slightly lower price point. The ASUS motherboard, on the other hand, excels in power delivery, storage support, and aesthetics, but comes at a slightly higher cost. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which motherboard has better power delivery?
A: The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a slightly better power delivery system with a 20+1 phase design compared to the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX‘s 16+1+2 phase design.
Q: How many M.2 slots does the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX have?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot.
Q: Does the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero support Thunderbolt 4?
A: Yes, both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero feature USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support.