Highlights
- The Aorus Master exudes a sleek and modern look, with a predominantly black and silver color scheme complemented by RGB lighting accents.
- The ASUS Z790 Hero, in contrast, features a more understated design with a black and gray color scheme and subtle RGB lighting.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS Z790 Hero provide user-friendly BIOS interfaces and software suites for easy system configuration and monitoring.
With the advent of Intel’s 13th generation processors, the market has welcomed two formidable contenders in the motherboard arena: the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and the ASUS Z790 Hero. Both motherboards pack a potent punch, offering cutting-edge features and exceptional performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two powerhouses, examining their key specifications, design, features, and performance, to help you make an informed decision for your next PC build.
Performance: Blazing Speed and Efficiency
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS Z790 Hero offer impressive performance capabilities. The Aorus Master boasts a robust 20+1+2-phase digital power design, ensuring stable power delivery even under heavy loads. The ASUS Z790 Hero, on the other hand, features a 19+1-phase power design, providing ample power for high-end processors.
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, with the Aorus Master supporting up to 7600MHz and the Hero supporting up to 6800MHz. They also feature PCIe 5.0 support, providing blazing-fast connectivity for the latest graphics cards and storage devices.
Design: Aesthetics and Functionality
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS Z790 Hero showcase distinct design aesthetics. The Aorus Master exudes a sleek and modern look, with a predominantly black and silver color scheme complemented by RGB lighting accents. The ASUS Z790 Hero, in contrast, features a more understated design with a black and gray color scheme and subtle RGB lighting.
In terms of functionality, both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of I/O ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and Thunderbolt 4. They also feature multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs and high-quality audio codecs for immersive audio experiences.
Features: Cutting-Edge Technologies
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS Z790 Hero are packed with cutting-edge features that enhance performance and user experience. The Aorus Master features an integrated Realtek 2.5GbE LAN controller, providing high-speed networking capabilities. It also includes a USB Type-C port with Power Delivery support, allowing you to charge and power devices directly from the motherboard.
The ASUS Z790 Hero boasts an Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 wireless adapter, delivering fast and reliable wireless connectivity. It also features an integrated Thunderbolt 4 controller, enabling high-speed data transfer and device connectivity.
BIOS and Software: Intuitive Control
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS Z790 Hero provide user-friendly BIOS interfaces and software suites for easy system configuration and monitoring. The Aorus Master’s BIOS is well-organized and intuitive, with a wide range of options for overclocking and tweaking system settings.
The ASUS Z790 Hero’s BIOS is equally well-designed, offering a graphical user interface and a robust set of features. The accompanying ASUS AI Suite software suite provides comprehensive system monitoring and control, making it easy to optimize performance and fine-tune settings.
Overclocking Potential: Unleashing Maximum Performance
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS Z790 Hero offer excellent overclocking potential for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance. The Aorus Master’s robust power delivery system and advanced BIOS options allow for precise voltage control and fine-tuning of processor and memory settings.
The ASUS Z790 Hero also provides ample overclocking capabilities, with its 19+1-phase power design and intuitive BIOS interface. It features ASUS’s exclusive OptiMem III technology, which optimizes memory performance and stability, enhancing overclocking potential.
Takeaways: The Ultimate Choice for Your Next Build
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and ASUS Z790 Hero are both exceptional motherboards that offer unparalleled performance, cutting-edge features, and superb design. The Aorus Master stands out with its robust power delivery, integrated Realtek 2.5GbE LAN, and USB Type-C port with Power Delivery support. The ASUS Z790 Hero, on the other hand, impresses with its Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 wireless adapter, integrated Thunderbolt 4 controller, and user-friendly BIOS and software suite.
Ultimately, the best choice for your next build depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize raw performance, stability, and a wide range of I/O options, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master is an excellent choice. If you value wireless connectivity, Thunderbolt 4 support, and intuitive software, the ASUS Z790 Hero is an equally compelling option.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard offers better performance for gaming?
A: Both motherboards deliver exceptional performance for gaming, but the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a slight edge due to its robust power delivery system and advanced BIOS options for overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard has more I/O ports?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master offers a wider range of I/O ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and Thunderbolt 4.
Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master supports memory speeds up to 7600MHz, while the ASUS Z790 Hero supports speeds up to 6800MHz.