The Battle for Z690 Dominance: Gigabyte Aero G vs. Aorus Elite AX
What To Know
- The Aero G features a sleek and minimalistic design with a black and silver color scheme, while the Aorus Elite AX boasts a more aggressive aesthetic with RGB lighting accents.
- For connecting graphics cards, expansion cards, and other peripherals, the Gigabyte Z690 Aero G and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX offer a variety of expansion slots.
- The Aero G has a dedicated overclocking button for quick and easy adjustments, while the Aorus Elite AX has a more comprehensive BIOS interface for fine-tuning overclocking settings.
In the realm of PC building, motherboards play a pivotal role in determining the performance and capabilities of your system. Two formidable contenders in the ATX motherboard market are the Gigabyte Z690 Aero G and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX. These motherboards offer a plethora of features and technologies that cater to the needs of both casual and hardcore PC enthusiasts. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricate details of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision for your next PC build.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aero G and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX are built upon the Intel Z690 chipset, which is designed to support Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. This chipset provides a robust foundation for high-end gaming, content creation, and intensive multitasking. The motherboards feature the LGA 1700 socket, which accommodates the latest Intel Core i9, i7, and i5 processors.
Form Factor and Design
The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX share the ATX form factor, which is the most common size for high-end motherboards. The Aero G features a sleek and minimalistic design with a black and silver color scheme, while the Aorus Elite AX boasts a more aggressive aesthetic with RGB lighting accents. Both motherboards have ample space for multiple graphics cards, storage devices, and other components.
Memory Support
Memory performance is crucial for gaming, video editing, and other demanding applications. The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory across four DIMM slots, with speeds of up to 6400MHz. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX also supports 128GB of DDR5 memory, but it has only two DIMM slots, limiting its maximum memory speed to 5600MHz.
Storage Options
When it comes to storage, the Gigabyte Z690 Aero G and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX offer a range of options to meet your needs. The Aero G has six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot for lightning-fast NVMe storage. The Aorus Elite AX has four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, with one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. Both motherboards support RAID configurations for enhanced data protection and performance.
Expansion Slots
For connecting graphics cards, expansion cards, and other peripherals, the Gigabyte Z690 Aero G and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX offer a variety of expansion slots. The Aero G has four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. The Aorus Elite AX has three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. The Aero G’s additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot provides more flexibility for multi-GPU configurations.
Connectivity and Features
In terms of connectivity, the Gigabyte Z690 Aero G and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX are well-equipped. Both motherboards feature Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless networking, as well as a 2.5GbE LAN port for wired connections. The Aero G has a more comprehensive selection of rear panel ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports. The Aorus Elite AX has a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, but it lacks the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports of the Aero G.
VRM and Power Delivery
The voltage regulator module (VRM) plays a crucial role in delivering stable power to the CPU. The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX both have robust VRMs with high-quality components. The Aero G has a 19-phase VRM, while the Aorus Elite AX has a 16-phase VRM. Both motherboards provide excellent power delivery for even the most demanding processors.
Overclocking Potential
For enthusiasts who want to push their systems to the limits, overclocking is an important consideration. The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX both offer advanced overclocking capabilities. The Aero G has a dedicated overclocking button for quick and easy adjustments, while the Aorus Elite AX has a more comprehensive BIOS interface for fine-tuning overclocking settings.
Final Verdict
The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX are both excellent ATX motherboards that cater to different needs and preferences. The Aero G offers a more comprehensive feature set, including additional PCIe slots, USB ports, and overclocking capabilities. The Aorus Elite AX has a more aggressive design with RGB lighting and a lower price point. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G supports faster memory speeds (up to 6400MHz) than the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX (up to 5600MHz).
Q2: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G has more M.2 slots (3) than the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX (2).
Q3: Which motherboard has more rear panel ports?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aero G has more USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports than the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX.
