What To Know
- The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers support for up to 64GB.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX provides the Gigabyte Aorus BIOS, which offers a comprehensive range of overclocking options for advanced users.
- The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi and Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX are both excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features and capabilities.
In the realm of PC building, the motherboard serves as the central hub that connects all the essential components. Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for ensuring compatibility, performance, and expandability. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit two formidable contenders against each other: the ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX.
Performance and Features
Chipset
Both motherboards are built around Intel’s Z790 chipset, designed specifically for the latest 13th generation Intel Core processors. This chipset provides support for PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and advanced overclocking capabilities.
CPU Socket
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi and Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX both feature the LGA 1700 socket, compatible with Intel’s 13th and 12th generation Core processors.
Memory Support
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers support for up to 64GB. Both motherboards offer dual-channel memory architecture and support for XMP profiles for easy overclocking.
Storage Connectivity
Both motherboards provide a comprehensive range of storage connectivity options. The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi features six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers four SATA III ports and four M.2 slots. Both motherboards support NVMe SSDs for lightning-fast storage performance.
Connectivity and Expansion
Ethernet and Wi-Fi
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi comes equipped with a 2.5GbE Ethernet port and Intel Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a 2.5GbE Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Both motherboards provide stable and high-speed network connections.
USB Ports
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi offers a total of 10 USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX provides a similar range of USB ports, with two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and six USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports.
PCIe Slots
Both motherboards offer ample PCIe expansion slots. The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi features one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX provides one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
Design and Aesthetics
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi features a sleek and modern design with a black and white color scheme. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX boasts a more aggressive aesthetic with a black and silver color scheme and RGB lighting. Both motherboards offer customizable lighting options to match your system’s theme.
Overclocking Capabilities
Both motherboards offer extensive overclocking capabilities. The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi features the ASUS AI Overclocking utility, which automatically adjusts settings for optimal performance. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX provides the Gigabyte Aorus BIOS, which offers a comprehensive range of overclocking options for advanced users.
Cooling and VRM
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi features a robust VRM design with 14+1 power stages and a large heatsink. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers a 16+1+2 power stage VRM with a large heatsink and direct-touch heat pipes for efficient cooling.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces. The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi features the ASUS UEFI BIOS, which provides a comprehensive range of configuration options. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX utilizes the Gigabyte UEFI BIOS, which offers an intuitive layout and advanced overclocking options.
Recommendations: The Battle of the Titans
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi and Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX are both excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi excels in terms of memory support, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers superior PCIe expansion options. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.
What You Need to Know
Which motherboard has better memory support?
The ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 64GB.
Which motherboard offers more PCIe expansion slots?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX provides one more PCIe 4.0 x16 slot than the ASUS Prime Z790-P WiFi.
Which motherboard has more USB ports?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers a slightly wider range of USB ports, including two additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports.
