What To Know
- The Z790 is the flagship chipset for Intel’s 13th-generation Core processors, while the B760 is a more affordable option designed for mainstream users.
- The B760 chipset is a good choice for users who prioritize value and don’t need the extra features and overclocking capabilities of the Z790 chipset.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a sleek and stylish design with a black and silver color scheme.
When building a new PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. It serves as the backbone of your system, connecting all the components and enabling them to communicate with each other. In this blog post, we will compare two popular motherboards from Gigabyte: the Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the B760. We will delve into their features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which one is the best choice for your build.
Chipset Comparison: Z790 vs B760
The Z790 and B760 chipsets are the foundation of these motherboards. The Z790 is the flagship chipset for Intel’s 13th-generation Core processors, while the B760 is a more affordable option designed for mainstream users.
- Z790 Chipset: The Z790 chipset offers a wider range of features and connectivity options compared to the B760. It supports overclocking, allowing you to push your CPU and memory to their limits for improved performance. Additionally, the Z790 chipset provides more PCIe lanes, enabling you to connect multiple high-speed devices such as graphics cards, NVMe SSDs, and network adapters.
- B760 Chipset: The B760 chipset is a more budget-friendly option that still offers solid performance for everyday use. It does not support overclocking, but it provides essential features such as PCIe 4.0 support, dual-channel memory, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. The B760 chipset is a good choice for users who prioritize value and don’t need the extra features and overclocking capabilities of the Z790 chipset.
Socket and CPU Compatibility
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the B760 support Intel‘s 13th-generation Core processors, including the Core i9, Core i7, and Core i5 series. They also support 12th-generation Core processors, providing flexibility for users who want to upgrade their CPUs in the future.
Form Factor and Design
- Form Factor: Both motherboards come in the ATX form factor, which is the standard size for most mid-tower and full-tower PC cases.
- Design: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a sleek and stylish design with a black and silver color scheme. It has a large VRM heatsink to keep the CPU cool during intensive tasks. The B760 has a more understated design with a black and gray color scheme. It also has a smaller VRM heatsink, but it should still be sufficient for most users.
Features and Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and B760 offer a range of features and connectivity options to suit different user needs.
- Z790 Aorus Elite AX: This motherboard boasts a wide range of features, including:
- Overclocking Support: Allows you to push your CPU and memory to their limits for improved performance.
- PCIe 5.0 Support: Supports the latest PCIe 5.0 graphics cards and other high-speed devices.
- Dual M.2 Slots: Accommodates two NVMe SSDs for blazing-fast storage speeds.
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2: Provides wireless connectivity with the latest standards for fast and reliable internet access.
- RGB Lighting: Includes RGB headers for connecting RGB lighting strips and components.
- B760: The B760 offers essential features for mainstream users, including:
- PCIe 4.0 Support: Supports PCIe 4.0 graphics cards and NVMe SSDs for high-speed data transfer.
- Dual M.2 Slots: Accommodates two NVMe SSDs for fast storage performance.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1: Provides wireless connectivity with solid speeds and reliability.
- RGB Lighting: Includes RGB headers for connecting RGB lighting strips and components.
Performance and Benchmarks
In terms of performance, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and B760 deliver solid results. Here are some benchmarks to compare their performance:
- CPU Performance: In CPU-intensive tasks such as video editing and rendering, the Z790 Aorus Elite AX and B760 perform similarly. Both motherboards provide ample power and stability for demanding applications.
- Gaming Performance: In gaming, the Z790 Aorus Elite AX and B760 also offer comparable performance. The difference in performance between these motherboards is negligible, and you can expect smooth gameplay on both.
- Overclocking Performance: The Z790 Aorus Elite AX excels in overclocking performance due to its robust VRM design and overclocking support. It allows you to push your CPU and memory to higher frequencies for improved performance. The B760 does not support overclocking, so it is not suitable for users who want to squeeze every bit of performance out of their system.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and B760 are available at various retailers. The Z790 Aorus Elite AX typically costs around $250, while the B760 is priced around $180. The pricing may vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.
Which Motherboard Should You Choose?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and B760 depends on your specific needs and budget.
- Z790 Aorus Elite AX: This motherboard is the best choice for enthusiasts and power users who want the latest features, overclocking support, and the best possible performance.
- B760: This motherboard is a solid choice for mainstream users who prioritize value and don’t need the extra features and overclocking capabilities of the Z790 Aorus Elite AX.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming, the Z790 Aorus Elite AX or the B760?
A: Both motherboards offer solid gaming performance, but the Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a slight edge due to its overclocking support. However, the difference in performance is negligible, and you can expect smooth gameplay on both motherboards.
- Q: Can I overclock my CPU with the B760 motherboard?
A: No, the B760 chipset does not support overclocking. If you want to overclock your CPU, you will need to choose the Z790 Aorus Elite AX motherboard.
- Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity options?
A: The Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers more connectivity options compared to the B760. It includes PCIe 5.0 support, dual M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The B760 has PCIe 4.0 support, dual M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1.
