Motherboard Mavericks: ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi vs Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
What To Know
- The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi employs a 14+1 power phase design, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX features a 16+1+2 power phase design.
- The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX are both excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features and capabilities.
- The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi is a more budget-friendly option with solid performance and features, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX provides slightly better memory support and a more robust power phase design.
In the realm of PC building, the motherboard serves as the central hub connecting all crucial components. When it comes to the latest Intel 13th-generation processors, two standout contenders emerge: the ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricate details of these motherboards, guiding you towards an informed decision for your next PC build.
Key Features and Specifications
| Feature | ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi | Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 | Intel Z790 |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR5-5600 | Up to 128GB DDR5-6200 |
| Storage Connectivity | 4x M.2 slots | 3x M.2 slots |
| Expansion Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 |
| Network Connectivity | Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, WiFi 6E | Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet, WiFi 6 |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC897 | Realtek ALC4080 |
Performance and Overclocking
Both motherboards offer robust performance capabilities, supporting the full potential of Intel’s 13th-generation processors. The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi employs a 14+1 power phase design, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX features a 16+1+2 power phase design. This ensures stable power delivery for demanding workloads and overclocking.
Memory and Storage
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 5600MHz. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers slightly faster memory support, allowing up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6200MHz.
In terms of storage, the ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi boasts four M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX features three M.2 slots. Both motherboards support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs for lightning-fast storage performance.
Expansion Slots and Connectivity
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi provides a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and a single PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers a similar configuration, featuring one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and a single PCIe 4.0 x1 slot.
For network connectivity, the ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi includes Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet and WiFi 6E. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX also features 2.5Gb Ethernet but opts for WiFi 6 instead.
Audio and Aesthetics
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi utilizes the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX employs the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec. Both codecs deliver high-quality audio performance for gaming and multimedia.
In terms of aesthetics, the ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi sports a sleek and understated design with black and gray accents. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX, on the other hand, features a more aggressive aesthetic with a black and silver color scheme and RGB lighting.
BIOS and Software
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi comes with the ASUS UEFI BIOS, known for its intuitive interface and comprehensive overclocking options. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX utilizes the Gigabyte UEFI BIOS, which offers a wide range of customization and overclocking settings.
Both motherboards come with proprietary software suites that provide additional features and monitoring capabilities. ASUS offers the Armoury Crate software, while Gigabyte provides the AORUS Engine software.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi is priced around $250, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is priced around $280. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Verdict: The Best Choice for You
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX are both excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi is a more budget-friendly option with solid performance and features, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX provides slightly better memory support and a more robust power phase design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer robust overclocking features, but the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX has a slightly more powerful power phase design.
Q: Does the ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi support PCIe 5.0 storage?
A: Yes, the ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi has a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi has four M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX has three M.2 slots.
Q: Is the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX compatible with DDR5 memory?
A: Yes, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6200MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio performance?
A: Both motherboards have high-quality audio codecs, but the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX uses a slightly more advanced Realtek ALC4080 codec.
