Quick notes
- The latest generation of motherboards has arrived, and two of the most popular options for high-end gaming builds are the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E.
- The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a slight edge in terms of connectivity, as it includes a 10Gb Ethernet port, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX only has a 2.
- The Gigabyte board offers a slightly better value for money, while the ASUS board offers a few extra features, such as a 10Gb Ethernet port and two PCIe 5.
The latest generation of motherboards has arrived, and two of the most popular options for high-end gaming builds are the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E. Both boards offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the details of each board to help you make an informed decision.
Features and Specifications
Socket and Chipset
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E use the Intel LGA 1700 socket and support 13th-generation Intel Core processors. This means that both boards are ready for the latest and greatest CPUs from Intel.
Memory and Storage
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has four DDR5 memory slots that can support up to 128GB of RAM. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E also has four DDR5 slots, but it can support up to 64GB of RAM. Both boards support the latest Intel XMP 3.0 profiles for easy overclocking.
In terms of storage, both boards have six SATA ports and four M.2 slots. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. This gives the ASUS board an edge in terms of future-proofing, as it can support the latest PCIe 5.0 devices.
Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E both have a wide range of connectivity options. Both boards have built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, as well as multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and USB-C. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a slight edge in terms of connectivity, as it includes a 10Gb Ethernet port, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX only has a 2.5Gb Ethernet port.
Power Delivery
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a 16-phase power delivery system, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a 14-phase power delivery system. Both boards are capable of delivering plenty of power to even the most demanding CPUs, but the Gigabyte board has a slight edge in terms of power efficiency.
Design and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a sleek and stylish design with a black and silver color scheme. The board is covered in a matte black PCB with silver accents, and it has a large Aorus logo on the I/O panel. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a more aggressive design with a black and red color scheme. The board is covered in a black PCB with red accents, and it has a large ROG logo on the I/O panel.
BIOS and Software
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E have user-friendly BIOS interfaces that make it easy to tweak settings and overclock your system. The Gigabyte board uses the Aorus BIOS, while the ASUS board uses the UEFI BIOS. Both BIOS interfaces are well-designed and easy to navigate.
In terms of software, both boards come with a variety of utilities that can help you monitor your system and tweak settings. The Gigabyte board comes with the Aorus Engine software, while the ASUS board comes with the Armoury Crate software. Both suites of software are comprehensive and easy to use.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E are both excellent choices. Both boards offer high-quality components and solid performance. In our testing, both boards performed similarly in terms of gaming, overclocking, and productivity.
Price
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is priced at around $300, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E is priced at around $350. Both boards are competitively priced, but the Gigabyte board offers a slightly better value for money.
Which Board is Right for You?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E are both excellent motherboards for high-end gaming builds. The Gigabyte board offers a slightly better value for money, while the ASUS board offers a few extra features, such as a 10Gb Ethernet port and two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. Ultimately, the best board for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Final Note: The Best Motherboard for Your Gaming Rig
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E are excellent motherboards for high-end gaming builds. The Gigabyte board offers a slightly better value for money, while the ASUS board offers a few extra features. Ultimately, the best board for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which board has better power delivery?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a 16-phase power delivery system, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a 14-phase power delivery system. The Gigabyte board has a slight edge in terms of power efficiency.
Q: Which board has more PCIe 5.0 x16 slots?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX only has one.
Q: Which board has a 10Gb Ethernet port?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a 10Gb Ethernet port, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX only has a 2.5Gb Ethernet port.