Motherboard Battle of the Century: Gigabyte Z790 Aorus vs. ASUS ROG Maximus
What To Know
- The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme, on the other hand, is more understated, with a sleek black and gray color scheme and a focus on subtle lighting.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme includes a built-in sound card with ESS Sabre DAC, while the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme features an integrated ROG Citadel XV2 audio processor.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme features a built-in sound card with ESS Sabre DAC, while the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme utilizes an integrated ROG Citadel XV2 audio processor.
The latest generation of Intel’s high-end platform, Z790, has arrived, and with it, two of the most impressive motherboards from leading manufacturers: the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme. These flagships offer an unparalleled range of features and capabilities, but which one is the right choice for your next build? Let’s dive in and compare the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme vs. Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme.
Design and Aesthetics
Both motherboards feature a striking design, but each has its unique style. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme boasts a bold and aggressive aesthetic, with sharp angles and a mix of black and silver accents. The Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme, on the other hand, is more understated, with a sleek black and gray color scheme and a focus on subtle lighting.
Power Delivery and VRM
Power delivery is crucial for high-performance setups, and both motherboards deliver exceptional capabilities. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme features a monstrous 20+2+2 phase digital VRM, while the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme boasts an equally impressive 24+1 phase design. Both motherboards provide ample power for even the most demanding overclocking scenarios.
Connectivity and Expansion
When it comes to connectivity, both motherboards offer a comprehensive suite of options. They feature multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, USB-C ports, and Ethernet ports. Additionally, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme has a built-in 10 Gigabit Ethernet port, while the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.
Cooling and Thermal Management
Overclocking and intensive workloads can generate significant heat, which is why both motherboards incorporate advanced cooling solutions. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme features a large heatsink with multiple heat pipes, while the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme utilizes a liquid-cooled VRM design. Both approaches effectively dissipate heat, ensuring stable performance even under demanding conditions.
Memory Support and Overclocking
Both motherboards support the latest DDR5 memory technology, with the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme supporting speeds up to DDR5-7600 and the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme supporting speeds up to DDR5-8000. Overclocking enthusiasts will appreciate the robust BIOS options and extensive tuning parameters available on both motherboards.
Features and Extras
Beyond the core features, both motherboards offer a range of additional features and extras. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme includes a built-in sound card with ESS Sabre DAC, while the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme features an integrated ROG Citadel XV2 audio processor. Both motherboards also come with a variety of proprietary software and utilities to enhance the user experience.
Verdict: Which One to Choose?
Choosing between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both motherboards offer exceptional performance, connectivity, and features, but they differ in design aesthetics, cooling solutions, and some minor feature differences.
If you prioritize a bold design, robust power delivery, and a comprehensive feature set, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more understated design, liquid-cooled VRM, and the latest wireless connectivity options, the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is the better pick.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme may have a slight edge due to its liquid-cooled VRM design.
2. Which motherboard has more USB ports?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme has more USB ports overall, but the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme features a built-in 10 Gigabit Ethernet port.
3. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme features a built-in sound card with ESS Sabre DAC, while the Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme utilizes an integrated ROG Citadel XV2 audio processor. Both motherboards offer high-quality audio performance.
