Quick Overview
- The MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5, on the other hand, opts for a more subdued aesthetic, with a black and gray color palette and minimal RGB elements.
- The MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option with solid performance and a more subdued aesthetic.
- If you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a more understated design, the MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5 is a great value.
The release of Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake CPUs has brought a wave of new motherboards to the market, promising support for the latest DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 technology. Two standout options among these are the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 and the MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key features, performance, and value proposition of these two ATX motherboards to help you make an informed decision for your next build.
Specifications: A Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 | MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5 |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Memory Support | DDR5 up to 6400MHz (OC) | DDR5 up to 6200MHz (OC) |
| Storage | 4x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4), 6x SATA ports | 3x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4), 6x SATA ports |
| Expansion Slots | 2x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots |
| Networking | 2.5Gb Ethernet, WiFi 6E | 2.5Gb Ethernet, WiFi 6 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220-VB codec | Realtek ALC897 codec |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
Design and Aesthetics: A Matter of Personal Preference
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 boasts a sleek and aggressive design, featuring a black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting accents. The MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5, on the other hand, opts for a more subdued aesthetic, with a black and gray color palette and minimal RGB elements. Both motherboards offer customizable RGB lighting options to match your system’s aesthetics.
Connectivity: A Wide Range of Options
Both motherboards provide ample connectivity options, including 2.5Gb Ethernet, WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E, and multiple USB ports. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 has a slight edge in networking, offering WiFi 6E support for faster wireless speeds.
Storage: High-Speed M.2 Slots for Blazing Performance
Both motherboards offer multiple M.2 slots for high-speed storage. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 has four M.2 slots, all of which support PCIe 4.0 x4 mode, while the MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5 has three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots.
Expansion Slots: Future-Proofing Your Build
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 features two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, while the MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5 has one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots. PCIe 5.0 offers significantly faster bandwidth than PCIe 4.0, making it ideal for future-proofing your system for next-generation graphics cards and other high-bandwidth devices.
Performance: Neck-and-Neck in Real-World Applications
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver excellent results in real-world applications. They provide stable and reliable operation for both gaming and productivity tasks. However, there may be minor differences in performance depending on the specific hardware configuration and BIOS settings used.
Value Proposition: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 is typically priced slightly higher than the MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5. The additional cost gets you a few extra features, such as the fourth M.2 slot, WiFi 6E support, and a more aggressive design. However, the MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5 offers excellent value for budget-conscious builders who don’t require all the bells and whistles.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 and the MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5 are both excellent motherboards for Intel’s 12th generation CPUs. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 provides a more feature-rich experience with WiFi 6E, four M.2 slots, and a more aggressive design. The MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option with solid performance and a more subdued aesthetic.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a feature-packed motherboard with the latest and greatest connectivity options, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 is an excellent choice. If you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a more understated design, the MSI Z690-A Pro WiFi DDR5 is a great value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
Both motherboards have adequate VRM cooling, but the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 has a slightly larger heatsink.
Q2: Does either motherboard support DDR4 memory?
No, both motherboards only support DDR5 memory.
Q3: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
Both motherboards support overclocking, but the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR5 may have a slight edge due to its more robust VRM design.