Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 vs Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4: An In-Depth Comparison
What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the ideal motherboard for your needs.
- The Gaming X DDR4 offers a more basic connectivity suite, with a Realtek Gigabit LAN port and a USB 3.
- The choice between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 depends on your specific needs and budget.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are two high-performance motherboards that cater to the latest Intel 12th-generation processors. With their impressive feature sets and competitive pricing, these motherboards have become popular choices for gamers, enthusiasts, and content creators alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the ideal motherboard for your needs.
Features and Specifications
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 utilize the Intel Z690 chipset, providing support for Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. The LGA 1700 socket on these motherboards allows compatibility with the latest Alder Lake CPUs.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory, with the Aorus Elite AX DDR4 offering four DIMM slots for up to 128GB of RAM. The Gaming X DDR4 features two DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum of 64GB of memory. Both motherboards support memory speeds of up to 5333MHz with overclocking.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 boasts six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs. The Gaming X DDR4 provides four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots for NVMe storage. Both motherboards support RAID configurations for enhanced data protection and performance.
Expansion Slots
The Aorus Elite AX DDR4 offers three full-length PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Gaming X DDR4 features two full-length PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. Both motherboards provide ample expansion options for graphics cards, sound cards, and other peripherals.
Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 excels in connectivity, featuring an integrated Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 adapter. It also includes a 2.5GbE LAN port for high-speed wired network connections. The Gaming X DDR4 offers a more basic connectivity suite, with a Realtek Gigabit LAN port and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port.
Audio
The Aorus Elite AX DDR4 features a Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, providing high-quality audio output. The Gaming X DDR4 uses a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, offering a decent audio experience but with slightly lower performance than its counterpart.
RGB Lighting
Both motherboards support RGB lighting, allowing users to customize their systems with vibrant colors and effects. The Aorus Elite AX DDR4 features a more elaborate RGB lighting system with multiple zones and addressable RGB headers. The Gaming X DDR4 offers a more subtle RGB lighting setup with fewer customization options.
Performance
In terms of performance, both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 deliver exceptional results. They provide stable and reliable operation, enabling high performance from the latest Intel processors. However, the Aorus Elite AX DDR4 has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities, allowing for higher memory and CPU clock speeds.
Features Comparison Table
| Feature | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 | Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 |
| — | — | — |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR4 | Up to 64GB DDR4 |
| Storage Options | 6 SATA III ports, 4 M.2 slots | 4 SATA III ports, 2 M.2 slots |
| Expansion Slots | 3 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, 2 PCIe 3.0 x1 slots | 2 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, 1 PCIe 3.0 x1 slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5GbE LAN | Gigabit LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220-VB | Realtek ALC897 |
| RGB Lighting | Elaborate RGB lighting system | Subtle RGB lighting setup |
| Overclocking Capabilities | Excellent | Good |
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require a motherboard with top-notch connectivity, extensive RGB lighting options, and excellent overclocking capabilities, the Aorus Elite AX DDR4 is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize affordability and a more basic feature set, the Gaming X DDR4 offers a solid option.
The Bottom Line: The Ultimate Choice
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 are exceptional motherboards that provide a solid foundation for high-performance gaming and content creation systems. The Aorus Elite AX DDR4 stands out with its superior connectivity, advanced RGB lighting, and impressive overclocking potential. The Gaming X DDR4 offers a more budget-friendly option with a balanced feature set. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual requirements and preferences.
Popular Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 features a more robust VRM cooling system, ensuring optimal stability and performance during demanding workloads.
Q: Does the Gaming X DDR4 support Thunderbolt 4?
A: No, the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 does not have Thunderbolt 4 support.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent gaming performance, but the Aorus Elite AX DDR4 has a slight edge due to its better overclocking capabilities and more robust VRM cooling.
Q: Does the Aorus Elite AX DDR4 support DDR5 memory?
A: No, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX DDR4 only supports DDR4 memory.
Q: Which motherboard has a better BIOS interface?
A: The Aorus Elite AX DDR4 and Gaming X DDR4 both feature user-friendly BIOS interfaces, but the Aorus Elite AX DDR4 offers a more advanced and customizable BIOS experience.
