Essential Information
- The Aorus Pro features a black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting accents, while the Elite AX sports a more vibrant black and orange design with customizable lighting.
- For the additional cost, the Elite AX offers a slightly better VRM, a dedicated 10GbE port, and a few more BIOS features.
- The Aorus Pro offers a solid balance of performance, features, and value, while the Elite AX takes things to the next level with its enhanced power delivery, connectivity, and BIOS features.
The arrival of Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake processors has sparked a new era of performance and efficiency, and with it comes a need for equally capable motherboards. Enter the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX, two high-end offerings that aim to unleash the full potential of these cutting-edge CPUs. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision for your next build.
Performance and Features: A Battle of the Titans
Both the Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX boast impressive specifications, but the Elite AX holds a slight edge in terms of performance. It features a 20+1+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the Aorus Pro settles for a 16+1+1 phase VRM with 70A power stages. This translates to better power delivery and stability for overclocking, especially with power-hungry processors like the Core i9-12900K.
Connectivity: Wired and Wireless Wonders
When it comes to connectivity, both motherboards offer a vast array of options. They both feature 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring lightning-fast wired and wireless networking. However, the Elite AX takes it a step further with a dedicated 10GbE Ethernet port, providing an even higher bandwidth for demanding applications.
Storage: NVMe and SATA for All Your Needs
Storage-wise, both motherboards support multiple NVMe and SATA drives. The Aorus Pro offers four M.2 slots, two of which support PCIe 4.0, while the Elite AX ups the ante with five M.2 slots, with three supporting PCIe 4.0. This provides ample storage options for both high-speed NVMe SSDs and traditional SATA drives.
Aesthetics and Design: A Visual Feast
In terms of aesthetics, both motherboards exude a sleek and modern look. The Aorus Pro features a black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting accents, while the Elite AX sports a more vibrant black and orange design with customizable lighting. Both motherboards offer a wide range of headers for additional RGB devices, allowing you to create a truly personalized gaming rig.
BIOS and Software: Intuitive Control and Monitoring
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide comprehensive control over system settings. The Elite AX, however, includes a few additional features, such as AI Overclocking and Smart Fan Control, which can automate performance and cooling adjustments based on system load.
Pricing and Value: Finding the Right Balance
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX are both premium motherboards with a price tag to match. The Aorus Pro typically retails around $250, while the Elite AX comes in at around $300. For the additional cost, the Elite AX offers a slightly better VRM, a dedicated 10GbE port, and a few more BIOS features. Whether these additional features are worth the extra $50 is a matter of personal preference.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX are excellent motherboards for Intel’s 12th generation processors. The Aorus Pro offers a solid balance of performance, features, and value, while the Elite AX takes things to the next level with its enhanced power delivery, connectivity, and BIOS features. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a slightly better VRM than the Aorus Pro, making it a better choice for overclocking high-end processors.
Q: Does either motherboard support Thunderbolt 4?
A: No, neither the Aorus Pro nor the Elite AX support Thunderbolt 4.
Q: Can I use a PCIe 5.0 graphics card with these motherboards?
A: No, these motherboards do not support PCIe 5.0. PCIe 5.0 support is expected to be introduced with Intel’s 13th generation processors.