Gigabyte Z790 Aero G vs ASUS Prime Z790-A: A Comprehensive Comparison for Motherboard Supremacy

The realm of motherboards is constantly evolving, with each new generation promising enhanced performance, expanded connectivity, and cutting-edge features. Among the latest offerings, the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A stand as formidable contenders in the Z790 motherboard market. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of these two exceptional motherboards, exploring their design, specifications, and capabilities to determine which reigns supreme.

Chipset and Socket

Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A are built around Intel’s Z790 chipset, which supports the latest 13th and 12th generation Intel Core processors. This chipset provides a robust foundation for high-performance computing, offering support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 connectivity, and advanced overclocking features.

Form Factor and Design

The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G adopts the ATX form factor, making it suitable for most mid-tower and full-tower cases. Its design exudes a sleek aesthetic, with a predominantly black color scheme accented by metallic gray elements. The ASUS Prime Z790-A, on the other hand, utilizes the smaller mATX form factor, which is ideal for compact builds or systems with limited space. Its design is more subdued, with a black and gray color scheme and a subtle Prime logo.

Power Delivery and VRM

Power delivery is crucial for ensuring stable and reliable performance, especially for overclocked systems. The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G boasts a 16+1+2-phase digital power design with 105A Smart Power Stages. This robust VRM configuration provides ample power to the CPU, enabling it to operate at its full potential without throttling. The ASUS Prime Z790-A features a 14+1-phase digital power design with 90A power stages. While it may not match the Gigabyte motherboard’s power delivery in terms of phase count, it still offers excellent power stability and overclocking headroom.

Memory Support

Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, with the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G offering four DIMM slots and the ASUS Prime Z790-A providing two DIMM slots. The Gigabyte motherboard supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to DDR5-6400, while the ASUS motherboard supports up to 64GB of memory at speeds up to DDR5-6000.

Storage Connectivity

The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G comes equipped with four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, providing ample storage expansion options. It also includes eight SATA 6 Gbps ports for additional storage devices. The ASUS Prime Z790-A offers three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and four SATA 6 Gbps ports, which may be sufficient for most users but may be limiting for those seeking extensive storage expandability.

Connectivity and Expansion

The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A offer a comprehensive range of connectivity and expansion options. Both motherboards feature a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics cards, as well as additional PCIe x16 and PCIe x1 slots for other peripherals. In terms of rear panel connectivity, the Gigabyte motherboard offers a wider array of ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, eight USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, four USB 2.0 ports, a 2.5 GbE LAN port, and Wi-Fi 6E support. The ASUS motherboard offers two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, four USB 2.0 ports, a 2.5 GbE LAN port, and Wi-Fi 6 support.

BIOS and Overclocking

The BIOS is an essential part of any motherboard, providing users with control over system settings, overclocking options, and hardware monitoring. Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A feature user-friendly BIOS interfaces with intuitive menus and advanced overclocking capabilities. The Gigabyte motherboard offers a slightly wider range of overclocking options, making it more appealing to enthusiasts seeking extreme performance.

The Verdict

The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and ASUS Prime Z790-A are both exceptional motherboards that offer a range of features and capabilities. The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G stands out with its superior power delivery, more extensive storage expansion options, and wider rear panel connectivity. However, the ASUS Prime Z790-A is a more compact and affordable option that still provides excellent performance and features.

Ultimately, the choice between these two motherboards depends on individual needs and preferences. For those seeking the highest possible performance, the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G is the clear choice. For those seeking a more compact and affordable option with solid performance and features, the ASUS Prime Z790-A is a great choice.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Additional Features

Gigabyte Z790 Aero G

• RGB Fusion 2.0: Customizable RGB lighting with support for multiple zones and synchronization with other RGB devices.
• Smart Fan 6: Advanced fan control with multiple temperature sensors and support for both PWM and DC fans.
• Q-Flash Plus: BIOS updates can be performed without the need for a CPU or memory installed.

ASUS Prime Z790-A

• Armoury Crate: Centralized software for controlling system settings, lighting, and overclocking.
• Fan Xpert 4: Advanced fan control with support for multiple temperature sensors and customizable fan curves.
• CrashFree BIOS 3: Quickly recover from a BIOS failure by automatically loading a backup BIOS.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G offers slightly wider overclocking options and a more robust power delivery system.

Q: Which motherboard has more storage expansion options?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G has four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots compared to the ASUS Prime Z790-A’s three.

Q: Which motherboard has better rear panel connectivity?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G offers a wider range of rear panel ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports and eight USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports.

Q: Which motherboard is better for compact builds?
A: The ASUS Prime Z790-A is the more compact option due to its mATX form factor.

Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The ASUS Prime Z790-A is generally more affordable than the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G.