Maximize Your Intel 12th Gen Performance: Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite vs. Ultra Comparison
What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite features a 16+1+2 phase digital power delivery system, while the Z690 Aorus Ultra boasts a 19+1+2 phase digital power delivery system.
- The Elite is a more budget-friendly option that still offers a wide range of features, while the Ultra has a few additional features and capabilities that may be worth the extra cost for some users.
- Both motherboards offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but the Ultra has a few additional features and capabilities that may be worth the extra cost for some users.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Ultra motherboards are two of the most popular choices for enthusiasts building high-end gaming PCs with Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs. Both motherboards offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but there are some key differences between them that you should be aware of before making a purchase decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will pit the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite against the Z690 Aorus Ultra to help you determine which motherboard is the best choice for your needs.
Feature Comparison
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Ultra motherboards are based on Intel’s Z690 chipset and support LGA 1700 socket, which is compatible with Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs.
Power Delivery
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite features a 16+1+2 phase digital power delivery system, while the Z690 Aorus Ultra boasts a 19+1+2 phase digital power delivery system. Both motherboards provide ample power for even the most demanding CPUs, but the Ultra has a slight edge in this area.
Memory
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory up to 64GB (2x 32GB) and speeds of up to 6000MHz. However, the Z690 Aorus Ultra has four DIMM slots instead of two, allowing for greater memory expansion capabilities.
Storage
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite offers four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, while the Z690 Aorus Ultra adds an additional M.2 slot for a total of four. All M.2 slots on both motherboards support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite features three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the Z690 Aorus Ultra has four. Both motherboards also have two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Rear Panel Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Ultra motherboards have similar rear panel connectivity options, including:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
- 5x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 1x HDMI port
- 1x DisplayPort
- 1x 2.5GbE LAN port
- 1x Wi-Fi 6E antenna port
Audio
Both motherboards feature the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which provides excellent sound quality.
RGB Lighting
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Ultra motherboards both have RGB lighting zones that can be customized using the Gigabyte RGB Fusion software.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite is available for around $250, while the Z690 Aorus Ultra is priced at around $300. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Ultra motherboards are both excellent choices for enthusiasts building high-end gaming PCs. The Elite is a more budget-friendly option that still offers a wide range of features, while the Ultra has a few additional features and capabilities that may be worth the extra cost for some users.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a solid all-around motherboard with plenty of features, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite is a great choice. If you’re looking for the best possible performance and expansion capabilities, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra is the way to go.
Pros and Cons
Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Strong power delivery system
- Good memory and storage capabilities
- Plenty of rear panel connectivity options
Cons:
- Only two DIMM slots
- Fewer M.2 slots than the Ultra
Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra
Pros:
- Top-notch power delivery system
- Four DIMM slots for greater memory expansion
- Four M.2 slots for more storage options
- More PCIe slots for expansion
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than the Elite
Takeaways
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Ultra motherboards are two of the best options available for enthusiasts building high-end gaming PCs with Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs. Both motherboards offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but the Ultra has a few additional features and capabilities that may be worth the extra cost for some users. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite and Ultra motherboards are excellent for gaming. However, the Ultra has a slight edge in terms of power delivery and expansion capabilities, which may result in better performance in some games.
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: Both motherboards have good overclocking potential, but the Ultra has a slight edge due to its better power delivery system.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: Both motherboards feature the same Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, so they have comparable audio quality.