At a Glance
- The Gigabyte motherboard features a sleek and modern black and silver color scheme, while the ASUS motherboard has a more aggressive and gamer-oriented design with red and black accents.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a built-in fan controller that allows users to easily manage their system’s cooling, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H features a BIOS FlashBack button that enables users to update the BIOS without a CPU installed.
- The Gigabyte motherboard offers a solid balance of performance, connectivity, and features at a competitive price, while the ASUS motherboard may be a better choice for users who prioritize overclocking potential, aesthetics, and extensive lighting options.
The latest generation of Intel’s processors, the 13th Gen Raptor Lake CPUs, have arrived, and with them comes a new wave of motherboards that aim to unleash their full potential. Among these top contenders are the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H. Both motherboards boast impressive features, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to find out.
Performance: Pushing the Limits
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H are both equipped with the latest Intel Z790 chipset, providing support for 13th Gen Intel CPUs. However, there are subtle differences in their power delivery systems that may affect performance.
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a 16+1+2 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H has an 18+1 phase configuration. Both systems are robust and capable of handling high-power draw, but the ASUS motherboard may have a slight edge in terms of overclocking potential.
Connectivity: A World of Possibilities
When it comes to connectivity, both motherboards offer a plethora of options. They both have multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1, as well as Thunderbolt 4.0 ports for blazing-fast data transfer speeds.
However, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has an advantage in terms of wireless connectivity. It features an Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 module, which supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard and offers speeds up to 6 GHz. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H, on the other hand, has an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 module, which supports Wi-Fi 6 but not Wi-Fi 6E.
Aesthetics and Design: A Matter of Taste
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H have distinct aesthetic designs that cater to different preferences. The Gigabyte motherboard features a sleek and modern black and silver color scheme, while the ASUS motherboard has a more aggressive and gamer-oriented design with red and black accents.
Both motherboards have RGB lighting, but the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H has more extensive lighting zones and supports Aura Sync, which allows for synchronized lighting with other ASUS components.
Features: Beyond the Basics
In addition to the core features, both motherboards offer a range of additional features that enhance their functionality.
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a built-in fan controller that allows users to easily manage their system’s cooling, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H features a BIOS FlashBack button that enables users to update the BIOS without a CPU installed.
Both motherboards also have dedicated headers for AIO liquid coolers and support M.2 SSDs with PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 interfaces.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H are priced similarly, with the Gigabyte motherboard being slightly more affordable. However, the value proposition of each motherboard depends on the specific features and aesthetics that are important to the user.
The Gigabyte motherboard offers a solid balance of performance, connectivity, and features at a competitive price, while the ASUS motherboard may be a better choice for users who prioritize overclocking potential, aesthetics, and extensive lighting options.
The Verdict: Deciding the Champion
Choosing between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H ultimately depends on the individual user‘s needs and preferences. For those who prioritize performance, connectivity, and value, the Gigabyte motherboard is an excellent choice. For users who value overclocking potential, aesthetics, and extensive lighting options, the ASUS motherboard may be the better option.
Questions You May Have
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H has a slightly better overclocking potential due to its 18+1 phase power delivery system.
2. Which motherboard has more wireless connectivity options?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has more wireless connectivity options, including support for Wi-Fi 6E.
3. Which motherboard has more RGB lighting zones?
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H has more RGB lighting zones and supports Aura Sync for synchronized lighting.
4. Which motherboard has a built-in fan controller?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a built-in fan controller.
5. Which motherboard has a BIOS FlashBack button?
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-H has a BIOS FlashBack button.