Unveiling the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite: Pro vs Ultra – The Ultimate Showdown
What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Ultra are available at competitive price points, with the Pro typically priced lower than the Ultra.
- However, if you prioritize value and prefer a more understated design, the Z690 Aorus Pro offers an excellent balance of features and performance.
- Gigabyte’s Z690 Aorus Pro and Ultra motherboards provide a solid foundation for building a high-performance gaming or content creation system.
The realm of high-performance computing has witnessed a surge with the advent of Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. These CPUs demand a motherboard that can unleash their full potential, and Gigabyte’s Z690 Aorus Pro and Ultra motherboards stand out as prime contenders. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of these two offerings, highlighting their similarities and contrasting their key differences to help you make an informed choice.
Specifications: A Detailed Overview
| Feature | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory | 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB | 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB |
| Storage | 4x M.2 slots (3x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 3.0) | 5x M.2 slots (4x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 3.0) |
| PCIe Slots | 2x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 3x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| SATA Ports | 6x SATA III | 6x SATA III |
| LAN | 2.5GbE | 10GbE |
| USB | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 8x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 10x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220 | Realtek ALC1220-VB |
| RGB Lighting | Addressable RGB headers | Addressable RGB headers |
Feature Comparison: Exploring the Key Differences
1. Storage Expansion
The Z690 Aorus Ultra boasts an additional M.2 slot compared to the Pro, providing greater flexibility for storage expansion. This extra slot can accommodate a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, enhancing data transfer speeds.
2. PCIe Connectivity
The Z690 Aorus Ultra takes the lead in PCIe connectivity, offering three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. While both motherboards feature two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, the Ultra’s third slot provides additional bandwidth for high-performance graphics cards or other PCIe devices.
3. Networking
The Z690 Aorus Ultra excels in networking capabilities, incorporating a 10GbE LAN port. This high-speed Ethernet connection is ideal for demanding applications such as online gaming, content creation, and file transfers.
4. Audio Enhancements
The Z690 Aorus Ultra features an upgraded audio codec, the Realtek ALC1220-VB, which offers improved signal-to-noise ratio and enhanced audio clarity compared to the Pro’s ALC1220 codec.
5. RGB Lighting Control
Both motherboards provide addressable RGB headers, but the Z690 Aorus Ultra comes with additional lighting zones and integrated RGB LEDs on the chipset heatsink, allowing for more expansive and customizable lighting effects.
Performance and Stability
Both the Z690 Aorus Pro and Ultra deliver exceptional performance for Intel’s 12th-generation processors. They feature robust power delivery systems and advanced cooling solutions to ensure stable operation even under heavy loads.
Aesthetics and Design
The Z690 Aorus Pro and Ultra share a similar sleek and aggressive aesthetic, with black and silver accents. The Pro features a more understated design, while the Ultra incorporates more RGB lighting elements.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Ultra are available at competitive price points, with the Pro typically priced lower than the Ultra. Availability may vary depending on location and retailer.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Ultra depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require additional storage expansion, PCIe connectivity, and advanced networking capabilities, the Z690 Aorus Ultra is the ideal choice. However, if you prioritize value and prefer a more understated design, the Z690 Aorus Pro offers an excellent balance of features and performance.
Final Thoughts: Empowering Your 12th-Gen Intel Build
Gigabyte’s Z690 Aorus Pro and Ultra motherboards provide a solid foundation for building a high-performance gaming or content creation system. By understanding their key differences and evaluating your requirements, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the Z690 Aorus Ultra may have a slight edge due to its more robust power delivery system.
Q: Can I use DDR4 memory with these motherboards?
A: No, both the Z690 Aorus Pro and Ultra only support DDR5 memory.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The Z690 Aorus Ultra features more USB ports, with a total of 11 compared to the Pro’s 9.
