Essential Information
- The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 comes in the ATX form factor, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 is available in both ATX and micro-ATX form factors.
- The Gaming X DDR4 offers a slightly more robust feature set, while the Aorus Elite DDR4 has a more compact form factor and a more extensive RGB lighting system.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 features a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which is superior to the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec found on the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4.
The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 are two high-performance motherboards designed for the latest Intel 12th-generation Core processors. Both motherboards offer a robust feature set, but they differ in certain key aspects. This blog post will delve into the differences between the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4, providing a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards utilize the Intel Z690 chipset, which supports Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. This chipset provides a wide range of features, including support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory.
Form Factor
The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 comes in the ATX form factor, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 is available in both ATX and micro-ATX form factors. The ATX form factor offers more expansion slots and PCIe lanes, while the micro-ATX form factor is more compact and suitable for smaller builds.
Memory Support
The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory. Both motherboards support memory speeds up to 5333MHz.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 offers four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 offers three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 provides six SATA 6Gb/s ports and three M.2 slots (two PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4). The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 offers four SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4).
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 features a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 features a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec.
RGB Lighting
The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 both have RGB lighting capabilities. The Gaming X DDR4 features a customizable RGB LED strip around the I/O panel, while the Aorus Elite DDR4 has a more extensive RGB lighting system with multiple zones.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 is priced around $250, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 is priced around $280. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.
Takeaways
The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 are both excellent motherboards for Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. The Gaming X DDR4 offers a slightly more robust feature set, while the Aorus Elite DDR4 has a more compact form factor and a more extensive RGB lighting system. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Popular Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory.
Q: Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 offers four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 offers three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 features a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which is superior to the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec found on the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4.