What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus, on the other hand, features a 14+2 phase VRM with a similar digital PWM controller.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus are both excellent motherboards that offer a formidable combination of features, performance, and connectivity.
- The Gigabyte board has a slight advantage in power delivery and memory support, while the ASUS board excels in storage connectivity and audio performance.
The latest generation of motherboards based on Intel’s Z690 chipset has sparked a fierce competition among manufacturers. Two contenders that stand out are the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus. Both boards offer a formidable combination of features, performance, and connectivity, but which one emerges as the true champion? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences and similarities between these two motherboard titans.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus utilize Intel’s Z690 chipset, which supports the latest 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors (LGA 1700 socket). This chipset provides access to PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, offering blazing-fast data transfer speeds.
Power Delivery
Power delivery is crucial for ensuring stable and efficient operation of high-performance components. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX boasts a 16+1+2 phase VRM with a digital PWM controller. This robust design provides ample power for demanding processors, even under heavy overclocking.
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus, on the other hand, features a 14+2 phase VRM with a similar digital PWM controller. While it has slightly fewer phases than the Gigabyte board, it still offers excellent power delivery capabilities.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6000MHz. They offer four DIMM slots, allowing for up to 128GB of total memory capacity.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX provides six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots (two PCIe 4.0 and one PCIe 3.0). The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offers four SATA III ports and four M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0, two PCIe 4.0, and one PCIe 3.0). The additional M.2 slot and PCIe 5.0 support on the ASUS board give it an edge in storage connectivity.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. They both feature Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, providing fast and reliable wireless and wired networking. Additionally, they have multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C.
Audio
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX features the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which provides high-quality audio output. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus uses the Realtek ALC4080 codec, offering slightly better audio performance with support for DTS Sound Unbound.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that offer extensive customization options. Gigabyte’s BIOS is known for its intuitive layout and advanced overclocking features. ASUS’ BIOS also provides a wide range of settings and utilities, including AI overclocking and fan control.
In terms of software, Gigabyte provides the Aorus Engine Suite, which includes a variety of monitoring, overclocking, and lighting control tools. ASUS offers the Armoury Crate software, which combines system monitoring, RGB lighting control, and other utilities into a single package.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a sleek and stylish black and silver design with RGB lighting accents. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a more utilitarian appearance with a black and gray color scheme and military-grade components. Both boards are well-built and offer durable construction.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus are currently priced around $250 and $230, respectively. Both boards are widely available at major retailers and online stores.
Wrap-Up: The Verdict
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus are both excellent motherboards that offer a formidable combination of features, performance, and connectivity. The Gigabyte board has a slight advantage in power delivery and memory support, while the ASUS board excels in storage connectivity and audio performance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer good overclocking capabilities, but the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a more robust power delivery system.
Q: Which motherboard has better RGB lighting?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has more RGB lighting zones and customization options.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has four M.2 slots, compared to three on the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX.
