Essential Information
- As the latest and greatest motherboards hit the market, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Asus Z790 Hero stand out as two of the most formidable options for enthusiasts and overclockers alike.
- The Aorus Master features a striking black and gray color scheme with angular lines and RGB lighting, while the Hero sports a more subdued black and silver design with intricate patterns.
- The Aorus Master has a dedicated overclocking BIOS and a range of voltage control options, while the Hero features AI overclocking technology for automated performance optimization.
As the latest and greatest motherboards hit the market, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Asus Z790 Hero stand out as two of the most formidable options for enthusiasts and overclockers alike. Both boards offer a plethora of features, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the key differences between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Asus Z790 Hero to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Asus Z790 Hero share the standard ATX form factor, making them compatible with most full-tower and mid-tower cases. However, their aesthetics differ significantly. The Aorus Master features a striking black and gray color scheme with angular lines and RGB lighting, while the Hero sports a more subdued black and silver design with intricate patterns.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards utilize the latest Intel Z790 chipset, which supports 13th and 12th generation Intel Core processors. This chipset provides a range of features, including support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and Thunderbolt 4.
Memory and Storage
The Aorus Master and Hero offer ample memory and storage options. Both boards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6600MHz. In terms of storage, the Aorus Master features six SATA ports and four M.2 slots, while the Hero has four SATA ports and three M.2 slots.
Expansion Slots
For expansion cards, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots. The Asus Z790 Hero, on the other hand, has four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot. Both boards also include a PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs.
Connectivity and I/O
The Aorus Master and Hero boast a wide range of connectivity options. Both boards feature Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, as well as 2.5Gb Ethernet and 10Gb Ethernet ports. The Aorus Master has a slightly more extensive I/O panel, with 10 USB ports (including two Thunderbolt 4 ports) and a DisplayPort. The Hero has 9 USB ports (including one Thunderbolt 4 port) and no DisplayPort.
Power Delivery and Cooling
Power delivery is crucial for high-performance systems, and both the Aorus Master and Hero deliver in this regard. The Aorus Master has a 20+1+2 phase VRM, while the Hero has a 19+1 phase VRM. Both boards feature robust cooling solutions to ensure optimal temperatures under heavy loads.
Overclocking and Performance
Overclocking is a key consideration for enthusiasts, and both the Aorus Master and Hero offer excellent overclocking capabilities. The Aorus Master has a dedicated overclocking BIOS and a range of voltage control options, while the Hero features AI overclocking technology for automated performance optimization. In terms of performance, both boards deliver impressive results, with the Aorus Master having a slight edge in synthetic benchmarks.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master is priced at around $450, while the Asus Z790 Hero is slightly more expensive at around $470. Both boards are readily available from major retailers.
The Bottom Line: The Right Choice for Your Needs
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Asus Z790 Hero are exceptional motherboards that cater to the needs of demanding users. The Aorus Master offers a more aggressive design, slightly better overclocking capabilities, and a more extensive I/O panel. The Hero, on the other hand, boasts a more understated aesthetic, AI overclocking, and a competitive feature set. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better memory overclocking support?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a slight edge in memory overclocking capabilities.
Q: Does the Asus Z790 Hero have a built-in Wi-Fi antenna?
A: Yes, the Hero has a built-in Wi-Fi antenna for convenient wireless connectivity.
Q: Can I use a PCIe 5.0 graphics card on both motherboards?
A: Yes, both the Aorus Master and Hero support PCIe 5.0 graphics cards.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The Aorus Master has more USB ports (10) than the Hero (9).
Q: Is the Hero better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent gaming performance, so the choice depends on your specific requirements and preferences.