What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G boasts a sleek and futuristic design with a predominantly black and silver color scheme.
- The choice between the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- However, if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option with solid performance and a comprehensive feature set, the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi is a great value.
The arrival of Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors has sparked a new wave of excitement in the PC hardware scene. With the launch of the Z790 chipset, motherboard manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of performance and features. Two standout contenders in this arena are the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of these two motherboards, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences.
Features and Design
Gigabyte Z790 Aero G
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G boasts a sleek and futuristic design with a predominantly black and silver color scheme. It features a robust 16-phase VRM design with 80A power stages, ensuring ample power delivery for even the most demanding processors. The board is equipped with four DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6600MHz.
ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi presents a more traditional design with a gray and black theme. Its VRM design consists of 14 phases with 90A power stages, providing a solid foundation for stable power delivery. The board accommodates four DIMM slots, supporting up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6000MHz.
Connectivity
Gigabyte Z790 Aero G
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G offers extensive connectivity options. It features a 2.5GbE LAN port, four USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, the board includes a Thunderbolt 4 header, allowing for high-speed data transfer and external device connectivity.
ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi provides a comprehensive set of connectivity options. It includes a 2.5GbE LAN port, six USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. The board also features a built-in WiFi 6E module, offering wireless connectivity with the latest WiFi standard.
Expansion Slots
Gigabyte Z790 Aero G
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G provides three full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, enabling support for multiple high-end graphics cards or other PCIe devices. It also includes a PCIe 4.0 x1 slot for additional expansion options.
ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi offers two full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. This configuration allows for flexible configurations with various graphics cards or other expansion devices. Additionally, the board includes a PCIe 4.0 x1 slot and a PCIe 3.0 x1 slot for further expansion.
Audio and Networking
Gigabyte Z790 Aero G
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G utilizes the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, providing high-quality audio performance. It features a dedicated ESS SABRE9218 DAC and an ESS SABRE9018Q2C amplifier for enhanced audio clarity and detail.
ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi employs the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, delivering solid audio capabilities. It includes a built-in amplifier for improved audio output.
BIOS and Software
Gigabyte Z790 Aero G
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G comes with the latest UEFI BIOS, offering a user-friendly interface and comprehensive overclocking options. The board also includes a suite of software utilities, including Gigabyte Control Center, RGB Fusion 2.0, and EasyTune, providing control over various system settings, RGB lighting, and overclocking.
ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi
The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi features the ASUS UEFI BIOS, known for its intuitive design and advanced tuning capabilities. The board comes with ASUS AI Suite 3 software, offering a centralized hub for system monitoring, fan control, and other system-related settings.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi are both available at leading retailers. The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G typically retails for around $350, while the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi is priced around $250.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize high-end performance, ample connectivity, and a robust VRM design, the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G is an excellent choice. However, if you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option with solid performance and a comprehensive feature set, the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi is a great value.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
Both motherboards offer solid overclocking capabilities, but the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G has a slight edge due to its more robust VRM design.
2. Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G provides three full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, while the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi offers two full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot.
3. Which motherboard has better audio performance?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G features a dedicated ESS SABRE9218 DAC and an ESS SABRE9018Q2C amplifier, providing superior audio clarity and detail compared to the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi.
