Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master vs Elite: Which Motherboard Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Elite motherboards represent the pinnacle of Intel’s Z790 chipset lineup, offering an exceptional blend of performance, features, and aesthetics.
- The Aorus Master boasts a robust 19-phase VRM design, while the Elite features a 16-phase VRM design.
- The Elite, on the other hand, provides a more balanced option with a slightly lower price point.
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Elite motherboards represent the pinnacle of Intel’s Z790 chipset lineup, offering an exceptional blend of performance, features, and aesthetics. This blog post delves into a comprehensive comparison of these two premium motherboards to help you make an informed decision about your next motherboard upgrade.
Specifications Overview
| Feature | Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master | Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Z790 | Z790 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory Slots | 4x DDR5 | 4x DDR5 |
| Max Memory Capacity | 128GB | 128GB |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 4x PCIe 5.0 x4 | 3x PCIe 5.0 x4 |
| Storage Interface | Intel RSTe, NVMe RAID | Intel RSTe, NVMe RAID |
| LAN | 2.5GbE + 1GbE | 2.5GbE |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220 HD Audio | Realtek ALC1200 HD Audio |
Performance Comparison
Both the Aorus Master and Elite motherboards offer exceptional performance, supporting the latest Intel Core 13th generation processors. The Aorus Master boasts a robust 19-phase VRM design, while the Elite features a 16-phase VRM design. This translates into superior power delivery and stability, ensuring optimal performance even under demanding workloads.
Features Comparison
Aorus Master
- Liquid Cooling Support: Dedicated headers for water pumps and fans, providing comprehensive cooling options.
- RGB Fusion 2.0: Advanced RGB lighting control, allowing for customizable lighting effects.
- Smart Fan 6: Intelligent fan control for optimized cooling and noise reduction.
- Q-Flash Plus: Easy BIOS updates without the need for a CPU or memory.
- PCIe 5.0 Support: Full support for the latest PCIe 5.0 devices, including graphics cards and SSDs.
Aorus Elite
- Sleek Design: Understated aesthetics with a neutral color scheme.
- DDR5 Memory Optimization: Enhanced memory performance with XMP profiles and DDR5 Boost technology.
- BIOS Flashback: Convenient BIOS updates using a USB flash drive.
- Front Panel Type-C: Accessible Type-C port on the front panel for easy device connectivity.
- Multi-Zone RGB Lighting: Customizable RGB lighting zones for a personalized aesthetic.
Aesthetics and Design
The Aorus Master exudes opulence with its black and gold color scheme, while the Elite adopts a more subtle approach with its gray and silver hues. Both motherboards feature a premium build quality with durable materials and reinforced slots. The Aorus Master’s integrated I/O shield adds a touch of convenience, while the Elite’s sleek design complements any case aesthetics.
Connectivity and Expansion
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive array of connectivity options. The Aorus Master includes two 2.5GbE LAN ports, while the Elite features a single 2.5GbE LAN port. Both motherboards support Wi-Fi 6E, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity. In terms of expansion, the Aorus Master offers four PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slots, while the Elite has three.
Overclocking Capabilities
The Aorus Master and Elite motherboards are both well-suited for overclocking enthusiasts. The Aorus Master’s robust VRM design and comprehensive BIOS settings provide ample headroom for pushing the limits of your CPU and memory. The Elite, while slightly less capable, still offers decent overclocking potential.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards come with an intuitive UEFI BIOS that provides advanced configuration options. The Aorus Master’s BIOS is particularly user-friendly, with a graphical interface and dedicated overclocking profiles. The Elite’s BIOS is slightly more basic but still offers a wide range of settings. Both motherboards come with a suite of software tools for monitoring, tuning, and managing your system.
Takeaways: Finding the Perfect Fit
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Elite motherboards are exceptional choices for enthusiasts and power users alike. The Aorus Master is the ultimate premium motherboard, offering unparalleled performance, features, and aesthetics. The Elite, on the other hand, provides a more balanced option with a slightly lower price point. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and specific needs.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a more robust VRM design and comprehensive BIOS settings, providing better overclocking headroom.
Q: Does the Elite motherboard support PCIe 5.0?
A: Yes, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 devices, including graphics cards and SSDs.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has four PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slots, while the Elite has three.
Q: Does the Master motherboard come with an integrated I/O shield?
A: Yes, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master motherboard has an integrated I/O shield for added convenience.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a Realtek ALC1220 HD Audio codec, while the Elite has a Realtek ALC1200 HD Audio codec. The Master motherboard offers slightly better audio quality.
