Key points
- In benchmarks, both motherboards deliver similar results, with the Aorus Master having a slight edge in some tests and the Maximus Z790 Hero winning in others.
- The Aorus Master has a more aggressive and angular design, while the Maximus Z790 Hero has a more sleek and understated look.
- The Aorus Master has a slight edge in terms of overclocking headroom and connectivity, while the Maximus Z790 Hero offers more advanced AI features and a more sleek design.
The latest generation of Intel motherboards, the Z790 chipset, has arrived, and with it comes two of the most highly anticipated models: the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero. Both motherboards are packed with features and promise to deliver exceptional performance, but which one is the best choice for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero in detail, covering everything from their specifications and features to their performance and overclocking capabilities.
Specifications and Features
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Chipset: Intel Z790
- Memory: 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB
- Storage: 5x M.2 slots, 6x SATA ports
- Expansion: 3x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 slot
- Networking: 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E
- Audio: Realtek ALC4082 codec
- RGB Lighting: Yes, RGB Fusion 2.0
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Chipset: Intel Z790
- Memory: 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB
- Storage: 4x M.2 slots, 6x SATA ports
- Expansion: 3x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 slot
- Networking: 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E
- Audio: SupremeFX ALC4082 codec
- RGB Lighting: Yes, Aura Sync
Performance
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offer excellent performance, thanks to their powerful Z790 chipset and support for the latest Intel 13th Gen processors. In benchmarks, both motherboards deliver similar results, with the Aorus Master having a slight edge in some tests and the Maximus Z790 Hero winning in others. However, the differences are marginal, and both motherboards will provide you with a top-notch gaming and productivity experience.
Overclocking
If you’re planning on overclocking your Intel 13th Gen processor, both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are excellent choices. Both motherboards offer robust overclocking features, including advanced voltage and frequency controls. In our testing, we were able to achieve stable overclocks on both motherboards, with the Aorus Master delivering slightly higher overclocking headroom.
Features
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master
- Smart Fan 6: Advanced fan control system with multiple temperature sensors and customizable fan curves.
- Q-Flash Plus: Allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU or memory installed.
- RGB Fusion 2.0: Comprehensive RGB lighting control software.
- Nahimic Audio Enhancer: Provides virtual surround sound and other audio enhancements.
- USB TurboCharger: Fast-charging technology for USB devices.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
- AI Overclocking: Automatically overclocks your system based on your hardware and cooling configuration.
- AI Cooling II: Automatically adjusts fan speeds based on system temperature.
- Aura Sync: Comprehensive RGB lighting control software.
- Sonic Studio III: Provides virtual surround sound and other audio enhancements.
- GameFirst VI: Optimizes network traffic for gaming and other applications.
Design
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero both feature premium designs with high-quality materials and components. The Aorus Master has a more aggressive and angular design, while the Maximus Z790 Hero has a more sleek and understated look. Both motherboards feature RGB lighting, but the Aorus Master has a more extensive lighting system with more zones and effects.
Connectivity
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offer a wide range of connectivity options, including:
- USB: Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports
- Thunderbolt 4: 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports (Aorus Master only)
- Networking: 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E
- Audio: Realtek ALC4082 codec with optical S/PDIF output
The Bottom Line: The Best Z790 Motherboard for You
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are both excellent motherboards that offer exceptional performance, features, and design. The Aorus Master has a slight edge in terms of overclocking headroom and connectivity, while the Maximus Z790 Hero offers more advanced AI features and a more sleek design. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a slight edge in terms of overclocking headroom.
Q: Which motherboard has more features?
A: The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has more AI features, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has more lighting and connectivity options.
Q: Which motherboard has a better design?
A: This is a matter of personal preference. The Aorus Master has a more aggressive design, while the Maximus Z790 Hero has a more sleek look.