Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro Wi-Fi vs Ultra: Unveiling the Core Differences
What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra support up to 64GB of DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration.
- The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi features a predominantly black color scheme with subtle silver accents, while the Z390 Aorus Ultra features a more striking black and orange design.
- The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra come with Gigabyte’s UEFI BIOS, providing a user-friendly interface for system configuration and overclocking.
In the realm of high-performance motherboards for Intel processors, Gigabyte’s Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra stand out as formidable contenders. Both boards offer cutting-edge features, robust performance, and a premium design aesthetic. However, subtle differences in their specifications, features, and price points warrant a closer examination to determine the best choice for your specific needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these motherboards, providing you with the insights necessary to make an informed decision.
Features and Specifications
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra are based on Intel’s Z390 chipset, supporting Intel’s 8th and 9th generation Core processors. The LGA 1151 socket on both boards ensures compatibility with a wide range of Intel CPUs, including the high-performance Core i9 series.
Memory
The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra support up to 64GB of DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration. Both boards feature four DIMM slots, allowing for flexible memory expansion. The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi supports memory speeds up to DDR4-4266, while the Z390 Aorus Ultra supports slightly higher speeds of DDR4-4400.
Storage
In terms of storage, both motherboards offer ample connectivity options. The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra feature six SATA III ports for traditional hard drives and solid-state drives. Additionally, both boards include two M.2 slots with support for NVMe SSDs, providing lightning-fast storage performance.
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, both motherboards offer a comprehensive suite of options. The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra feature Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing stable wired network connectivity. The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi includes built-in Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support, enabling wireless speeds of up to 2.4 Gbps. The Z390 Aorus Ultra, on the other hand, requires a separate Wi-Fi adapter for wireless connectivity.
Expansion Slots
For expansion capabilities, both motherboards offer PCI Express 3.0 slots. The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi features two PCI Express x16 slots, one PCI Express x4 slot, and one PCI Express x1 slot. The Z390 Aorus Ultra, on the other hand, offers three PCI Express x16 slots, one PCI Express x4 slot, and two PCI Express x1 slots.
Audio
In terms of audio, both motherboards feature Realtek ALC1220 audio codecs. These codecs provide high-quality audio playback and recording capabilities. The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra include dedicated audio shielding and electrolytic capacitors to enhance audio performance.
Design and Aesthetics
Both the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra boast a sleek and stylish design. The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi features a predominantly black color scheme with subtle silver accents, while the Z390 Aorus Ultra features a more striking black and orange design. Both motherboards feature RGB lighting zones, allowing users to customize their system’s aesthetics.
BIOS and Software
The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra come with Gigabyte’s UEFI BIOS, providing a user-friendly interface for system configuration and overclocking. Both motherboards include a suite of software utilities, including App Center, EasyTune, and SIV, which provide additional functionality and system monitoring capabilities.
Performance and Overclocking
In terms of performance, both the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra deliver excellent performance. The robust power delivery systems on both boards ensure stable operation even under heavy loads. Both motherboards support Intel’s XMP profiles for easy overclocking.
Verdict: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra ultimately depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you prioritize built-in Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, the Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi is the clear choice. However, if you need more expansion slots and slightly higher memory speeds, the Z390 Aorus Ultra is a better option. Both motherboards offer exceptional performance and features, making them ideal for enthusiasts and serious gamers alike.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard offers better audio performance?
A: Both the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra feature Realtek ALC1220 audio codecs, providing comparable audio quality.
Q: Can both motherboards support SLI or CrossFireX multi-GPU configurations?
A: Yes, both the Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra support multi-GPU configurations using the PCI Express x16 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has a more user-friendly BIOS?
A: Both motherboards feature Gigabyte‘s UEFI BIOS, which is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive configuration options.
