The Ultimate Showdown: ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi vs Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

When it comes to building a high-performance gaming PC, the motherboard is one of the most crucial components. It serves as the backbone of your system, connecting all the essential parts and enabling communication between them. In the realm of Intel’s latest 13th-generation processors, two exceptional options emerge: the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX. Both motherboards boast an impressive array of features and capabilities, making them worthy contenders for your next build. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key differences between these two powerhouses, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs.

Chipset and Socket

Both the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX utilize the Intel Z790 chipset, which is specifically designed for 13th-generation Intel Core processors. This chipset provides support for the latest PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory standards, ensuring blazing-fast data transfer speeds and ample memory bandwidth for demanding applications and games.

Power Delivery

Power delivery is a critical factor for ensuring stable and reliable performance, especially when overclocking. The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi features a 16+1 power stage design, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX boasts a 16+1+2 power stage design. Both motherboards utilize high-quality components and robust heatsinks to efficiently dissipate heat and maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Memory Support

Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, with the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi offering support for up to 128GB of memory at speeds of up to DDR5-6000MHz. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX, on the other hand, supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds of up to DDR5-6400MHz.

Storage Options

In terms of storage options, both motherboards provide ample connectivity. The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi features six SATA ports and four M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers eight SATA ports and three M.2 slots. Both motherboards support RAID configurations for enhanced data protection and performance.

Expansion Slots

For expansion cards, the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi offers three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX, however, provides two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot on the Gigabyte motherboard can be beneficial for connecting high-bandwidth devices such as graphics cards or storage drives.

Connectivity

Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi features an Intel I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet port and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 adapter for high-speed wired and wireless networking. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX utilizes a Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gb Ethernet port and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 adapter, providing similar networking capabilities.

Aesthetics and Lighting

The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi showcases a sleek and understated design with black and silver accents. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX, on the other hand, features a more aggressive aesthetic with a black and orange color scheme and RGB lighting. Both motherboards offer customizable RGB lighting options, allowing you to personalize your build to your liking.

Pros and Cons

ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi

• Pros:
• Excellent power delivery
• Ample memory support
• Comprehensive storage options
• Strong networking capabilities
• Cons:
• Fewer expansion slots compared to the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX

• Pros:
• Additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot
• Slightly faster memory support
• Stylish and customizable RGB lighting
• Cons:
• Slightly less robust power delivery compared to the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi

Which Motherboard is Right for You?

The choice between the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize exceptional power delivery, memory support, and storage options, the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi is an excellent choice. However, if you require additional PCIe expansion slots and prefer a more aggressive aesthetic with customizable RGB lighting, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX may be a better fit.

Comparison Table

Takeaways: The Verdict

Both the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX are exceptional motherboards that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. The ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi excels in power delivery, memory support, and storage options, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX provides additional PCIe expansion slots and a more aggressive aesthetic. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.

Information You Need to Know

1. Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?

Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi has a slightly more robust power delivery system, which may provide a slight advantage for extreme overclocking.

2. Can I use both DDR4 and DDR5 memory on these motherboards?

No, both motherboards only support DDR5 memory.

3. Which motherboard has more USB ports?

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX has more USB ports than the ASUS Prime Z790-A WiFi, with a total of 10 USB ports compared to 8 on the ASUS motherboard.

4. Can I use multiple graphics cards on these motherboards?

Yes, both motherboards support multi-GPU configurations using NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFireX.

5. Which motherboard has better audio quality?

Both motherboards feature high-quality audio codecs, but the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX has a slightly more advanced audio system with additional features such as DTS:X Ultra and WIMA capacitors.