Quick Overview
- In terms of aesthetics, the Elite DDR4 sports a stealthy black and gray color scheme, while the Gaming X boasts a more vibrant black and red design.
- The Gaming X has a slight advantage in this area, with a dedicated overclocking button on the I/O shroud for quick and easy access to overclocking settings.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and the Gaming X are both excellent gaming motherboards that offer a wide range of features and performance.
In the realm of PC gaming, motherboards play a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of your system. Two contenders that stand out in this arena are the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Gaming X. Both motherboards offer a formidable combination of features, but they also have their distinct strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two gaming powerhouses to help you make an informed decision.
Feature Set Overview
| Feature | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Gaming X |
| — | — | — |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Memory Support | DDR4 up to 5333 MHz | DDR4 up to 5333 MHz |
| PCIe Slots | 4x PCIe 4.0 x16 | 4x PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| M.2 Slots | 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 | 4x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| SATA Ports | 6x SATA 6 Gb/s | 6x SATA 6 Gb/s |
| USB Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 8x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0 | 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 8x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220-VB | Realtek ALC1220-VB |
| Ethernet | 2.5 GbE | 2.5 GbE |
| RGB Headers | 2x RGB headers, 1x ARGB header | 3x RGB headers, 1x ARGB header |
Form Factor and Aesthetics
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and the Gaming X are ATX motherboards, offering ample space for expansion cards and peripherals. In terms of aesthetics, the Elite DDR4 sports a stealthy black and gray color scheme, while the Gaming X boasts a more vibrant black and red design. The Gaming X also features an illuminated Aorus logo on the I/O shroud, adding a touch of flair to your gaming rig.
Connectivity and Expandability
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. They feature a 2.5 GbE LAN port for high-speed internet connectivity, as well as multiple USB ports for connecting peripherals and storage devices. The Gaming X has a slight edge in terms of USB connectivity, offering one additional USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port.
In terms of expandability, both motherboards provide ample PCIe slots for graphics cards and other expansion cards. The Gaming X has a slight advantage with an additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, providing more flexibility for multi-GPU setups or other high-performance components.
Storage Options
Both the Elite DDR4 and the Gaming X offer a generous number of M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe storage. The Gaming X has a slight edge with an additional M.2 slot, providing more options for expanding your storage capacity. Both motherboards also support SATA drives for legacy storage devices.
Audio and Networking
Both motherboards feature the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, providing high-quality audio performance. They also support 2.5 GbE LAN connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable internet connections.
BIOS and Overclocking
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus motherboards offer a robust BIOS with advanced overclocking features. The Gaming X has a slight advantage in this area, with a dedicated overclocking button on the I/O shroud for quick and easy access to overclocking settings.
Final Thoughts: The Best Gaming Motherboard for Your Needs
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and the Gaming X are both excellent gaming motherboards that offer a wide range of features and performance. The Elite DDR4 is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers, while the Gaming X provides additional features and overclocking capabilities for enthusiasts. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Gaming X has a dedicated overclocking button and slightly better BIOS support for overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Gaming X has one additional M.2 slot, providing more options for expanding storage capacity.
Q: Does either motherboard support Wi-Fi connectivity?
A: No, neither the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 nor the Gaming X has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. You will need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi adapter or use a wired Ethernet connection.