At a Glance
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi are two such contenders, offering a compelling blend of performance, connectivity, and aesthetics.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX sports a sleek and futuristic design, with a black and silver color scheme and RGB lighting.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX comes with a user-friendly BIOS interface and a comprehensive suite of software, including the Aorus Engine and RGB Fusion 2.
The latest generation of Intel processors demands a motherboard that can handle its immense power and features. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi are two such contenders, offering a compelling blend of performance, connectivity, and aesthetics. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these motherboards to determine which one emerges victorious.
Features and Specifications
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards are built on the Intel Z790 chipset and support Intel‘s 13th generation Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, providing compatibility with a wide range of CPUs.
Memory and Storage
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory across four DIMM slots, with speeds up to 6600MHz. The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi offers similar capabilities, supporting up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 6400MHz. Both motherboards provide ample storage options, with multiple M.2 NVMe slots and SATA ports.
Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX boasts extensive connectivity features, including 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi offers comparable connectivity options, with 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
Power Delivery and Cooling
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a robust power delivery system with 16+1+2 power phases, ensuring stable power supply to even the most demanding CPUs. The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi employs a 14+1+1 power phase design, providing ample power for most users. Both motherboards come with comprehensive cooling solutions, including heatsinks and fan headers.
Performance and Benchmarks
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver exceptional results. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX generally performs slightly better in synthetic benchmarks, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi tends to excel in real-world gaming scenarios. However, the differences are marginal, and both motherboards offer excellent overall performance.
Aesthetics and Design
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX sports a sleek and futuristic design, with a black and silver color scheme and RGB lighting. The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has a more understated look, with a black and white color scheme and minimal RGB lighting. Ultimately, the choice between these two motherboards comes down to personal preference.
Overclocking Capabilities
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi offer extensive overclocking options. The Gigabyte motherboard provides a more user-friendly BIOS interface, making it easier for beginners to overclock their systems. The MSI motherboard, on the other hand, offers more advanced overclocking features for experienced users.
BIOS and Software
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX comes with a user-friendly BIOS interface and a comprehensive suite of software, including the Aorus Engine and RGB Fusion 2.0. The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi also features a user-friendly BIOS and offers the MSI Center software suite, which includes tools for overclocking, monitoring, and RGB lighting control.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is slightly more expensive than the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi. Both motherboards are readily available from various online and retail stores.
Verdict: The Best Z790 Motherboard for Your Needs
Choosing between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi depends on your specific requirements and preferences. The Gigabyte motherboard offers slightly better performance, a more user-friendly BIOS, and a more comprehensive software suite. The MSI motherboard is a more affordable option, provides comparable performance in real-world gaming scenarios, and offers a more understated aesthetic.
Ultimately, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is the superior choice for users who prioritize performance, overclocking, and software features. The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi is the better option for users who are budget-conscious, prefer a more understated design, and prioritize gaming performance.
Popular Questions
1. Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
Both motherboards have comprehensive cooling solutions, but the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a slightly better VRM cooling design, which can be beneficial for sustained overclocking.
2. Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has more RGB lighting zones and a more customizable RGB lighting system.
3. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
Both motherboards have integrated audio solutions, but the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX uses a higher-quality audio codec and offers more audio features.