Summary
- The Z690 AERO G has a 19+1+2 phase VRM, while the Z690 AORUS Elite AX has a 16+1+2 phase VRM.
- The Z690 AERO G features an oversized heatsink with direct-touch heat pipes, while the Z690 AORUS Elite AX has a more traditional heatsink design.
- The Z690 AERO G has a dedicated overclocking button on the board, while the Z690 AORUS Elite AX has a more user-friendly overclocking interface.
Introduction:
The realm of PC building demands the utmost attention to detail, especially when selecting the motherboard. The Gigabyte Z690 AERO G and Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX stand as formidable contenders in the ATX motherboard category. Both boast the latest Intel Z690 chipset and support the 12th-generation Intel Core processors, but their unique features and specifications set them apart.
Design and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z690 AERO G exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic with its black and silver color scheme. Its angular design and integrated RGB lighting add a touch of elegance to any build. The Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX, on the other hand, sports a more aggressive look with its sharp lines and predominantly black design. Its RGB lighting is more subdued but still adds a vibrant touch.
Features
Memory Support:
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, with the Z690 AERO G offering speeds up to 6400MHz and the Z690 AORUS Elite AX supporting speeds up to 6000MHz.
Storage Connectivity:
The Z690 AERO G features four M.2 slots, three of which are PCIe 4.0 and one is PCIe 3.0. The Z690 AORUS Elite AX also has four M.2 slots, but only two are PCIe 4.0 and the other two are PCIe 3.0.
Expansion Slots:
Both motherboards offer three PCIe x16 slots, with the primary slot running at PCIe 5.0 on the Z690 AERO G and PCIe 4.0 on the Z690 AORUS Elite AX. Both also have two PCIe x1 slots.
Connectivity
Networking:
The Z690 AERO G features a 2.5GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 6 support, while the Z690 AORUS Elite AX boasts a 10GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 6E support.
Rear Panel I/O:
The Z690 AERO G has a wider range of rear panel I/O ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, three USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, and six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The Z690 AORUS Elite AX has one Thunderbolt 4 port, four USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
Power Delivery and Cooling
VRM:
The Z690 AERO G has a 19+1+2 phase VRM, while the Z690 AORUS Elite AX has a 16+1+2 phase VRM. Both motherboards offer ample power delivery for even the most demanding processors.
Cooling:
The Z690 AERO G features an oversized heatsink with direct-touch heat pipes, while the Z690 AORUS Elite AX has a more traditional heatsink design. Both motherboards provide effective cooling for stable system operation.
Overclocking
Both motherboards offer extensive overclocking options through their respective BIOSes. The Z690 AERO G has a dedicated overclocking button on the board, while the Z690 AORUS Elite AX has a more user-friendly overclocking interface.
The Bottom Line: The Decisive Verdict
Ultimately, the choice between the Gigabyte Z690 AERO G and Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Elite AX depends on individual preferences and specific build requirements.
For users seeking a sleek design, more extensive rear panel I/O connectivity, and advanced overclocking capabilities, the Z690 AERO G is an excellent choice.
For those prioritizing fast networking, a more subtle aesthetic, and a more affordable option, the Z690 AORUS Elite AX is a solid recommendation.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which motherboard has better memory overclocking support?
A: The Z690 AERO G supports DDR5 speeds up to 6400MHz, while the Z690 AORUS Elite AX supports speeds up to 6000MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: Both motherboards have four M.2 slots, but the Z690 AERO G has three PCIe 4.0 slots and one PCIe 3.0 slot, while the Z690 AORUS Elite AX has two PCIe 4.0 slots and two PCIe 3.0 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has more rear panel USB ports?
A: The Z690 AERO G has more rear panel USB ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, three USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, and six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.