Quick Overview
- The battle for motherboard supremacy rages on as two titans, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the Asus Z690 Hero, enter the arena.
- The Asus Z690 Hero offers similar features, with a BIOS Flashback button, an Aura Sync header for RGB control, and a SupremeFX audio codec for immersive audio experiences.
- If you value a comprehensive feature set and a more traditional aesthetic, the Asus Z690 Hero may be the better choice.
The battle for motherboard supremacy rages on as two titans, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the Asus Z690 Hero, enter the arena. Both motherboards offer cutting-edge features, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two powerhouses.
Performance
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master boasts a 16-phase digital power design, providing ample power for even the most demanding processors. The Asus Z690 Hero, on the other hand, features a 14+1 phase design, ensuring stable performance under heavy workloads.
Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master offers an impressive array of connectivity options, including six SATA ports, two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Asus Z690 Hero matches this with five SATA ports, three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Both motherboards also support the latest Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 standards.
Cooling
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master features a large VRM heatsink with a built-in heatpipe, effectively dissipating heat from the power delivery system. The Asus Z690 Hero also employs a robust heatsink design, with a dedicated fan to enhance airflow around the VRM area.
Features
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master comes equipped with a host of features, including a Q-Flash Plus button for easy BIOS updates, an RGB Fusion 2.0 header for customizable lighting, and a dedicated audio chip for enhanced sound quality. The Asus Z690 Hero offers similar features, with a BIOS Flashback button, an Aura Sync header for RGB control, and a SupremeFX audio codec for immersive audio experiences.
Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master exudes a sleek and futuristic aesthetic, with a black and silver color scheme and sharp lines. The Asus Z690 Hero, in contrast, boasts a more traditional design with a black and gray color palette and subtle accents.
Price
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master typically retails for around $450, while the Asus Z690 Hero is slightly more expensive at around $500. The price difference is marginal and may be justified by the Hero’s slightly more advanced features.
In a nutshell: The Ultimate Choice
Choosing between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the Asus Z690 Hero ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize raw power and ample connectivity, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master is an excellent option. If you value a comprehensive feature set and a more traditional aesthetic, the Asus Z690 Hero may be the better choice. Both motherboards are exceptional choices for high-performance PC builds.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: Both motherboards offer robust VRM cooling solutions, but the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a slight edge with its larger heatsink and built-in heatpipe.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe slots?
A: Both motherboards offer six PCIe slots, but the Asus Z690 Hero has an additional PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio capabilities?
A: The Asus Z690 Hero has a dedicated SupremeFX audio codec that provides slightly better audio quality than the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master’s audio chip.