Main points
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra boasts a 16+1+2 phase digital power design, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master takes it up a notch with a more robust 18+1+2 phase digital power design.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master share a similar design philosophy, featuring a sleek black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting accents.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra features the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master takes it a step further with the Realtek ALC4080 codec.
In the world of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. It serves as the foundation for your entire system, connecting all the essential components and enabling them to communicate seamlessly. When it comes to high-end motherboards for Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors, two contenders stand out: the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master. Both motherboards boast impressive features and specifications, but which one is the better choice for your next build? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details of each motherboard, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Features: A Deep Dive into the Technicalities
1. Chipset and Socket:
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master are based on Intel’s Z690 chipset, designed specifically for the 12th-generation Alder Lake processors. This chipset provides support for the latest PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory standards, offering blazing-fast data transfer speeds and improved performance. Additionally, both motherboards feature the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with all current and upcoming 12th-generation Intel CPUs.
2. Power Delivery:
When it comes to power delivery, both motherboards deliver exceptional performance. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra boasts a 16+1+2 phase digital power design, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master takes it up a notch with a more robust 18+1+2 phase digital power design. These robust power delivery systems ensure stable and reliable power delivery to your CPU, even during demanding overclocking scenarios.
3. Memory Support:
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR5 memory, with speeds ranging from 4800MHz to 6400MHz (OC). This allows you to equip your system with high-speed memory modules for enhanced multitasking and gaming performance.
4. Storage Options:
In terms of storage, both motherboards offer ample options. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra features four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master expands the storage capabilities with six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots. The M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 and NVMe SSDs, providing lightning-fast storage speeds.
5. Connectivity:
Both motherboards come equipped with a comprehensive range of connectivity options. They feature multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, as well as USB-C ports for high-speed data transfer. Additionally, they offer Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired network connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 modules for wireless connectivity.
Design and Aesthetics: A Visual Comparison
1. Form Factor:
Both motherboards utilize the ATX form factor, making them suitable for full-tower and mid-tower cases. Their dimensions are identical, measuring 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm.
2. Aesthetics:
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master share a similar design philosophy, featuring a sleek black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting accents. The Aorus Ultra has a more understated design, while the Aorus Master boasts a more aggressive look with angular lines and prominent heatsinks.
Additional Features: What Sets Them Apart
1. Audio:
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra features the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master takes it a step further with the Realtek ALC4080 codec. This higher-end codec provides enhanced audio quality and support for 32-bit/384kHz high-resolution audio playback.
2. Overclocking Features:
Both motherboards offer extensive overclocking capabilities, allowing you to tweak various system parameters to extract maximum performance from your components. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master, however, provides more granular control over overclocking settings, making it a better choice for enthusiasts and experienced overclockers.
3. Cooling:
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master comes equipped with a more elaborate cooling solution compared to the Aorus Ultra. It features larger heatsinks on the VRM and chipset, along with additional heat pipes, ensuring efficient heat dissipation even under heavy loads.
Pricing and Availability: Which One Fits Your Budget?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master fall into different price ranges. The Aorus Ultra typically retails for around $280, while the Aorus Master commands a higher price of around $350. Both motherboards are widely available from reputable retailers and online marketplaces.
The Verdict: Choosing the Best Motherboard for Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re a casual user or builder looking for a solid foundation for your system, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra is an excellent choice, offering a well-rounded feature set at a competitive price.
However, if you’re an enthusiast or power user seeking the best possible performance and features, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master is the way to go. Its superior power delivery, enhanced audio, and more robust cooling solution make it the ideal choice for demanding applications and overclocking enthusiasts.
Varied and Conclusion
In the world of high-end motherboards, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master stand as formidable contenders. While both offer exceptional performance and features, they cater to different user segments. The Aorus Ultra strikes a balance between price and performance, making it a solid choice for casual users and mainstream builders. The Aorus Master, on the other hand, pushes the boundaries with its robust power delivery, enhanced audio, and superior cooling, making it the ultimate choice for enthusiasts and power users. Ultimately, the decision between these two flagships rests upon your individual requirements and budget.
What People Want to Know
1. Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a more elaborate cooling solution for the VRM, featuring larger heatsinks and additional heat pipes, ensuring efficient heat dissipation under heavy loads.
2. Does either motherboard support DDR4 memory?
No, both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master exclusively support DDR5 memory.
3. Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master offers four M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra has three M.2 slots.
4. Is there a significant difference in overclocking capabilities between the two motherboards?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master provides more granular control over overclocking settings, making it a better choice for enthusiasts and experienced overclockers.
5. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master features the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which provides enhanced audio quality and support for 32-bit/384kHz high-resolution audio playback compared to the Aorus Ultra’s Realtek ALC1220-VB codec.