Unveiling the Gigabyte Z790 Juggernauts: AORUS Elite AX vs UD AX Clash

The release of Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors has sparked a surge of excitement among PC enthusiasts. With their impressive performance gains, these CPUs demand equally capable motherboards to unleash their full potential. Two standout contenders in this arena are the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the Gigabyte Z790 UD AX. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key differences between these two motherboards, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision for your next gaming rig.

Chipset and Socket

Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the Gigabyte Z790 UD AX are based on Intel’s Z790 chipset, which supports the latest 13th-generation Intel Core processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with both 12th and 13th-generation Intel CPUs.

Form Factor and Design

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX boasts an ATX form factor, providing ample space for expansion and customization. Its sleek black and silver design exudes a premium aesthetic, complementing any gaming setup.

In contrast, the Gigabyte Z790 UD AX adopts a more compact micro-ATX form factor, making it ideal for smaller builds or systems with limited space. It features a simple black and gray design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics.

Memory Support

Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, offering faster speeds and increased bandwidth compared to previous generations. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX allows for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6600MHz.

The Gigabyte Z790 UD AX supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6000MHz. While this may seem like a limitation, it is unlikely to be a bottleneck for most gaming applications.

Storage Options

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers a wider range of storage options. It features four M.2 slots, two of which are PCIe 5.0 compatible, providing lightning-fast data transfer speeds. Additionally, it includes six SATA III ports for connecting traditional hard drives and SSDs.

The Gigabyte Z790 UD AX provides a more modest setup with two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and four SATA III ports. While this may be sufficient for most users, enthusiasts who require extensive storage capacity may prefer the Aorus Elite AX.

Networking

Both motherboards come equipped with advanced networking capabilities. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a 2.5GbE Ethernet port and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 module, ensuring fast and reliable wired and wireless connections.

The Gigabyte Z790 UD AX offers a more basic networking setup with a single 1GbE Ethernet port and an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 module. While this may be adequate for most users, those who demand the best possible network performance may opt for the Aorus Elite AX.

Audio

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a premium Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, providing crystal-clear audio quality for gaming, music, and movies. It also includes a dedicated headphone amplifier for enhanced audio fidelity.

The Gigabyte Z790 UD AX utilizes a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which is sufficient for basic audio needs but may not satisfy audiophiles who prioritize high-quality sound.

Expansion Slots and Connectivity

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers a plethora of expansion slots and connectivity options. It features three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots, and a single PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. Additionally, it includes six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports.

The Gigabyte Z790 UD AX provides a more limited selection of expansion slots and connectivity options. It features two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, and four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. It also includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and two USB 2.0 ports.

BIOS and Overclocking

Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with extensive overclocking options. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features the Aorus EZ OC utility, which simplifies overclocking for beginners. It also includes advanced overclocking features such as voltage monitoring and load-line calibration.

The Gigabyte Z790 UD AX provides a more basic BIOS interface with fewer overclocking options. While it is still possible to overclock your CPU and memory on this motherboard, it may not be as convenient or as feature-rich as the Aorus Elite AX.

Pricing and Availability

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is priced at around $250, while the Gigabyte Z790 UD AX is priced at around $180. Both motherboards are readily available from major retailers and online stores.

Which Motherboard is Right for You?

The choice between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the Gigabyte Z790 UD AX ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize premium features, such as high-speed memory support, extensive storage options, and advanced networking capabilities, the Aorus Elite AX is the clear choice.

However, if you are on a tighter budget or do not require the most advanced features, the UD AX offers a solid foundation for your gaming PC build. It provides ample performance and connectivity options at a more affordable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers more advanced overclocking features and a dedicated overclocking utility, making it a better choice for enthusiasts who want to push their system to the limits.

Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features four M.2 slots, two of which are PCIe 5.0 compatible, while the Gigabyte Z790 UD AX offers only two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots.

Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a premium Realtek ALC4080 audio codec and a dedicated headphone amplifier, providing superior audio quality compared to the Realtek ALC897 codec used on the Gigabyte Z790 UD AX.