Z690 Motherboard Smackdown: Gigabyte UD vs Aorus Elite – Who Wins?

The Gigabyte Z690 UD and Aorus Elite are two high-quality motherboards designed for Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors. Both offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but there are some key differences to consider before making a purchase decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of the Gigabyte Z690 UD and Aorus Elite to help you make an informed choice.

Chipset and Socket

Both the Gigabyte Z690 UD and Aorus Elite are based on Intel’s Z690 chipset, which supports the latest 12th-generation Intel Core processors (Alder Lake). They feature the LGA 1700 socket, which is compatible with both the Core i9, i7, i5, and i3 processors.

Form Factor and Design

The Gigabyte Z690 UD has an ATX form factor, while the Aorus Elite is slightly smaller with a 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. Both motherboards have a sleek and modern design with a black and gray color scheme.

Memory and Storage

The Gigabyte Z690 UD supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory in four DIMM slots, with speeds of up to 5600MHz. The Aorus Elite also supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, but has only two DIMM slots and supports speeds of up to 5200MHz. Both motherboards feature multiple M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs.

Connectivity

The Gigabyte Z690 UD and Aorus Elite offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. They both have multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, as well as USB-C ports. The Aorus Elite has an additional USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, which provides faster data transfer speeds. Both motherboards also have integrated Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.

Power Delivery

The Gigabyte Z690 UD has a 12+1+1 phase power delivery system, while the Aorus Elite has a 16+1+1 phase power delivery system. The Aorus Elite’s more robust power delivery system provides better stability and overclocking potential for high-end CPUs.

Features

The Gigabyte Z690 UD and Aorus Elite come with a range of features to enhance performance and functionality. The Z690 UD has a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, while the Aorus Elite has a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec. The Aorus Elite also has a built-in RGB LED controller and support for addressable RGB lighting.

Performance

In terms of performance, both the Gigabyte Z690 UD and Aorus Elite offer excellent support for Alder Lake processors. They provide stable operation, fast memory speeds, and efficient power delivery. However, the Aorus Elite’s more robust power delivery system gives it a slight edge in overclocking potential.

Verdict: Which One to Choose?

The Gigabyte Z690 UD and Aorus Elite are both excellent motherboards for Intel Alder Lake processors. The Z690 UD is a good choice for users who need a full-featured ATX motherboard at a reasonable price. The Aorus Elite is a better choice for users who want a more compact micro-ATX motherboard with enhanced power delivery and overclocking capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?

A: The Gigabyte Z690 UD supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 5600MHz, while the Aorus Elite supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 5200MHz.

Q: Which motherboard has more expansion options?

A: The Gigabyte Z690 UD has an ATX form factor with multiple PCIe x16 slots, while the Aorus Elite has a micro-ATX form factor with fewer PCIe x16 slots.

Q: Which motherboard has better audio capabilities?

A: The Aorus Elite has a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is considered to be superior to the Realtek ALC897 audio codec on the Gigabyte Z690 UD.