The Ultimate Z690 Motherboard Duel: Gigabyte UD AX vs Aorus Elite AX
What To Know
- Both the Z690 UD AX and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX feature the Intel Z690 chipset, which supports the full range of 12th Gen Intel Core processors.
- The Z690 UD AX has a sleek black PCB with white accents, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX features a more aggressive design with black and silver accents and RGB lighting.
- The Z690 UD AX offers a solid feature set at a budget-friendly price, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX provides more advanced overclocking features and a more premium design.
The latest generation of Intel processors, the 12th Gen Alder Lake series, demands a motherboard that can handle its power and performance. Two excellent options from Gigabyte are the Z690 UD AX and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two motherboards, helping you make an informed decision for your next PC build.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Z690 UD AX and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX feature the Intel Z690 chipset, which supports the full range of 12th Gen Intel Core processors. They also share the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with the latest Intel CPUs.
Form Factor and Design
The Z690 UD AX comes in the standard ATX form factor, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX is slightly smaller in the micro-ATX form factor. The ATX form factor provides more expansion options, while the micro-ATX form factor is more compact and suitable for smaller builds.
Power Delivery
The Z690 UD AX features a 16-phase digital power delivery system with 80A DrMOS, providing ample power for even the most demanding processors. The Z690 Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, boasts a 19-phase digital power delivery system with 90A DrMOS, offering even greater power stability and headroom for overclocking.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory up to 6400MHz in dual-channel configuration. The Z690 UD AX has four memory slots, supporting up to 128GB of memory, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX has two memory slots, supporting up to 64GB of memory.
Storage Options
The Z690 UD AX offers six SATA ports and four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot. The Z690 Aorus Elite AX has four SATA ports and three M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. Both motherboards provide ample storage options for high-capacity drives and fast NVMe SSDs.
Networking and Connectivity
Both motherboards include Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet for fast and reliable connectivity. The Z690 UD AX has a single USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port on the rear panel, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX has two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports.
Expansion Slots
The Z690 UD AX features two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Z690 Aorus Elite AX has two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. Both motherboards offer ample expansion options for graphics cards, sound cards, and other peripherals.
Overclocking Features
The Z690 UD AX and the Z690 Aorus Elite AX both support overclocking for compatible Intel processors. The Z690 Aorus Elite AX offers more advanced overclocking features, such as a dedicated OC button, voltage measurement points, and a BIOS flashback button for easy BIOS updates.
Cooling Options
The Z690 UD AX has four fan headers, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX has five fan headers and a dedicated pump header for liquid cooling. Both motherboards provide ample cooling options for high-performance systems.
Aesthetics and Lighting
The Z690 UD AX has a sleek black PCB with white accents, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX features a more aggressive design with black and silver accents and RGB lighting. The RGB lighting can be customized using Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion software.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards come with Gigabyte’s UEFI BIOS, which provides a user-friendly interface and advanced overclocking options. They also include Gigabyte‘s App Center software suite, which offers a range of utilities for system monitoring, overclocking, and RGB lighting control.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX are both excellent motherboards for the latest Intel 12th Gen processors. The Z690 UD AX offers a solid feature set at a budget-friendly price, while the Z690 Aorus Elite AX provides more advanced overclocking features and a more premium design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
FAQs
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX offers more advanced overclocking features, such as a dedicated OC button, voltage measurement points, and a BIOS flashback button.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has more storage options, including six SATA ports and four M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity options?
A: Both motherboards include Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, but the Z690 Aorus Elite AX has two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports instead of one.
