What To Know
- In contrast, the Gaming X adopts a more vibrant and aggressive design, featuring a red and black color scheme and a prominent Aorus Gaming logo.
- The Aorus Elite and Gaming X both support dual-channel DDR5 memory, with the Elite offering a slightly higher maximum capacity of 128GB compared to the Gaming X’s 64GB.
- The Aorus Elite is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and well-rounded motherboard, while the Gaming X is better suited for enthusiasts and gamers who desire faster storage options, better audio, and a more aggressive design.
The Gigabyte Z690 chipset has introduced two highly capable motherboards: the Aorus Elite and the Gaming X. Both boards cater to the latest 12th-generation Intel Core processors, offering a plethora of features and connectivity options. However, discerning the subtle differences between these two models can be crucial for making an informed choice. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite vs Gaming X, highlighting their key distinctions to assist you in selecting the motherboard that best aligns with your specific needs.
Design and Aesthetics
The Aorus Elite exudes a sleek and sophisticated appearance with its predominantly black PCB and silver accents. Its reinforced PCIe slots and solid VRM heatsinks convey a sense of durability. In contrast, the Gaming X adopts a more vibrant and aggressive design, featuring a red and black color scheme and a prominent Aorus Gaming logo. Its overall aesthetic may appeal to gamers seeking a more eye-catching motherboard.
Chipset and CPU Support
Both the Aorus Elite and Gaming X are equipped with the Intel Z690 chipset, ensuring compatibility with 12th-generation Intel Core processors, including the latest Alder Lake series. The Z690 chipset offers support for PCIe 5.0 x16, Thunderbolt 4, and the latest memory standards, ensuring future-proof performance.
Memory Support
The Aorus Elite and Gaming X both support dual-channel DDR5 memory, with the Elite offering a slightly higher maximum capacity of 128GB compared to the Gaming X’s 64GB. Both boards feature overclocking capabilities, allowing users to push the limits of their memory performance.
Storage Options
In terms of storage, the Aorus Elite and Gaming X offer a comparable range of options. Both motherboards feature four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, providing ample space for both traditional hard drives and high-speed NVMe SSDs. The Gaming X, however, includes an additional Gen 4 PCIe slot, providing even faster storage speeds for compatible devices.
Connectivity and Expansion
The Aorus Elite and Gaming X offer a comprehensive array of connectivity and expansion options. Both boards feature multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports, as well as USB-C ports for high-speed data transfer. The Gaming X includes an additional 2.5Gb LAN port, providing faster wired network connectivity.
Audio and Networking
For audio, the Aorus Elite employs the Realtek ALC1220 codec, while the Gaming X utilizes the Realtek ALC4080 codec. Both codecs provide high-quality audio reproduction, with the ALC4080 offering slightly better SNR and distortion levels. The Gaming X also features an Intel I225-V LAN controller, providing reliable and fast wired network connectivity.
BIOS and Overclocking
The Aorus Elite and Gaming X come equipped with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide a wide range of overclocking options. Both boards support XMP profiles for easy memory overclocking, and they offer advanced settings for fine-tuning the system’s performance. The Gaming X, however, includes a dedicated overclocking button on the board itself, making it convenient for enthusiasts to quickly access overclocking settings.
Performance and Benchmarks
In terms of performance, both the Aorus Elite and Gaming X deliver excellent results. They provide stable and reliable operation, with minimal differences in benchmark scores. However, the Gaming X may have a slight edge in certain gaming scenarios due to its faster storage options and slightly better audio codec.
Cooling and Power Delivery
The Aorus Elite and Gaming X feature robust cooling systems to ensure optimal performance under heavy loads. Both boards employ large VRM heatsinks and multiple fan headers to dissipate heat effectively. The Gaming X, however, features a more aggressive cooling design with an additional fan header for the M.2 slot, ensuring that even high-performance NVMe SSDs remain cool during demanding operations.
Summary: Making the Right Choice
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Gaming X are both exceptional motherboards that offer a compelling blend of features and performance. The Aorus Elite is an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable and well-rounded motherboard, while the Gaming X is better suited for enthusiasts and gamers who desire faster storage options, better audio, and a more aggressive design. By carefully considering the differences highlighted in this guide, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific requirements and preferences.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which motherboard has a better VRM design?
A: Both motherboards feature robust VRM designs, but the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Gaming X may have a slight edge due to its additional power phases.
Q: Can both motherboards support PCIe 5.0 graphics cards?
A: Yes, both the Aorus Elite and Gaming X support PCIe 5.0 x16 for the primary graphics card slot.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite offers a slightly higher number of USB ports compared to the Gaming X, including additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
