Which Z690 Motherboard Dominates? Gigabyte Gaming X vs. Aorus Elite

The realm of motherboards has witnessed two formidable contenders emerge: the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4. Both hailing from the renowned Gigabyte arsenal, these motherboards promise an unparalleled gaming experience and unmatched performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of their capabilities, pitting them against each other to determine the ultimate victor.

Design and Aesthetics

The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 exudes a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, adorned with a black and silver color scheme. Its clean lines and subtle accents create a sophisticated and understated look. In contrast, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 boasts a more vibrant and aggressive design, featuring a black and red color scheme with intricate detailing. RGB lighting further enhances its visual appeal, allowing for customizable illumination.

Chipset and Features

Both motherboards are built upon the Intel Z690 chipset, the cornerstone of Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors. This chipset provides support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, enabling blazing-fast data transfers and memory performance. The Gaming X features four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the Aorus Elite offers three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and an additional PCIe 4.0 x1 slot.

Memory and Storage

The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 5333MHz. It features four DIMM slots, allowing for flexible memory configurations. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 also supports 128GB of DDR4 memory, but it can handle speeds up to 5600MHz. It boasts four DIMM slots as well.

In terms of storage, both motherboards offer ample options. The Gaming X provides six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot and two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots. The Aorus Elite features six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots, with one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot, two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot.

Audio and Networking

The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 is equipped with a Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, delivering immersive and crystal-clear audio. It features five 3.5mm audio jacks and an optical S/PDIF output. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 utilizes a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, offering even higher-quality audio with a wider dynamic range. It also features five 3.5mm audio jacks, an optical S/PDIF output, and a dedicated headphone amplifier.

Both motherboards come with Intel I225-V 2.5GbE LAN ports, providing fast and reliable wired networking. The Aorus Elite additionally includes a Wi-Fi 6E module, enabling wireless connectivity at speeds up to 2.4Gbps.

Power Delivery and Cooling

The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 employs a 12+1+1 phase digital power delivery system, ensuring stable and efficient power delivery to the CPU. Its robust VRM heatsink and extended heatpipe design effectively dissipate heat, maintaining optimal operating temperatures. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 features a 16+1+1 phase digital power delivery system, providing even more robust power delivery. Its massive VRM heatsink and direct-touch heatpipes ensure exceptional cooling performance.

BIOS and Software

Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with advanced overclocking and customization options. The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 comes with the Gigabyte UEFI BIOS, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 features the Gigabyte Aorus UEFI BIOS. Both BIOSes provide intuitive navigation and a wide range of settings to tailor the motherboard to your specific needs.

In terms of software, both motherboards are bundled with a suite of utilities to enhance your gaming experience. The Gaming X comes with Gigabyte App Center, which provides access to a variety of tools and utilities. The Aorus Elite includes Gigabyte Aorus Engine, which offers even more advanced features and customization options.

Performance and Overclocking

In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver exceptional results. They offer excellent memory overclocking capabilities, allowing you to push the boundaries of your system. The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 has been known to achieve stable memory speeds of over 5000MHz, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 has been pushed to speeds of over 5500MHz.

Which Motherboard Is Right for You?

Choosing between the Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a sleek and minimalistic aesthetic, the Gaming X is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more vibrant and aggressive design with RGB lighting, the Aorus Elite is the way to go.

Takeaways

The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 are both exceptional motherboards that offer unparalleled gaming performance and a wide range of features. Whether you’re a seasoned overclocker or a casual gamer, these motherboards will elevate your computing experience to new heights.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 features a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which offers higher-quality audio with a wider dynamic range.

Q: Which motherboard offers more PCIe slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Gaming X DDR4 has four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the Aorus Elite has three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and an additional PCIe 4.0 x1 slot.

Q: Which motherboard has a more user-friendly BIOS?
A: Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with advanced overclocking and customization options. The choice between them is largely subjective.