Motherboard Supremacy: Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 vs AX – The Ultimate Guide
What To Know
- On the other hand, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration.
- The Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 has a 16+1+1 phase digital VRM, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a 16+1+2 phase digital VRM.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and Z690 Aorus Elite AX motherboards are both excellent options for building a high-performance gaming or enthusiast PC.
With the release of Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors, motherboard manufacturers have been releasing new models to support the latest platform. Among them, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and Z690 Aorus Elite AX stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts and gamers alike. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and AX motherboards are based on the Intel Z690 chipset, which supports the LGA 1700 socket. This socket is compatible with all 12th-generation Intel Core processors, including the flagship Core i9-12900K.
Memory Support
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration. It features four DDR4 DIMM slots, allowing for speeds up to 5333MHz (OC).
On the other hand, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. It has four DDR5 DIMM slots, enabling speeds up to 6400MHz (OC).
Storage Options
Both motherboards offer a wide range of storage options, including:
- 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- 3x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4)
- 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
The Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 also features a U.2 port for high-speed NVMe storage devices.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and AX motherboards provide ample expansion slots for adding graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals. They both have:
- 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (for graphics card)
- 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (for storage or other devices)
- 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
Networking
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX motherboard has a clear advantage in terms of networking. It features a built-in Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 module, providing support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard. This allows for faster and more stable wireless connectivity.
The Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4, on the other hand, does not have built-in Wi-Fi. It relies on a Realtek RTL8125B 2.5GbE LAN port for wired networking.
Power Delivery
Both motherboards feature robust power delivery systems to support the latest high-power CPUs. The Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 has a 16+1+1 phase digital VRM, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a 16+1+2 phase digital VRM.
Cooling
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and AX motherboards both have comprehensive cooling solutions to keep your system running at optimal temperatures. They feature large heatsinks on the VRM and M.2 slots, as well as multiple fan headers for additional cooling options.
Aesthetics and RGB Lighting
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and AX motherboards have a sleek and aggressive design, with a black and gray color scheme. They also feature RGB lighting on the heatsinks and other areas, which can be customized using the Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0 software.
In a nutshell: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and Z690 Aorus Elite AX motherboards are both excellent options for building a high-performance gaming or enthusiast PC. They offer similar features in terms of storage options, expansion slots, and power delivery. However, the Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a clear advantage in networking with its built-in Wi-Fi 6E support.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize wireless connectivity and are willing to pay a bit more, the Z690 Aorus Elite AX is the better option. If you’re looking for a more affordable motherboard with solid performance, the Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 is a great choice.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The Z690 Aorus Elite AX supports faster DDR5 memory, while the Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 supports higher capacities of DDR4 memory.
Q: Does the Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 have built-in Wi-Fi?
A: No, the Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 does not have built-in Wi-Fi. It relies on a wired LAN port for networking.
Q: Which motherboard has a better cooling solution?
A: Both motherboards have comprehensive cooling solutions, but the Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a slightly better heatsink design on the VRM.
Q: What type of RGB lighting do these motherboards have?
A: Both motherboards feature RGB lighting on the heatsinks and other areas, which can be customized using the Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0 software.
Q: Which motherboard is more suitable for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards have robust power delivery systems and cooling solutions, making them suitable for overclocking. However, the Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a slightly better VRM design, which may provide an edge in overclocking performance.
