What To Know
- The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E boasts a 16+1 power phase design, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master features a 20+1+2 power phase design.
- The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master also has a well-designed BIOS and software suite, with a focus on customization and performance monitoring.
- Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master are exceptional motherboards that cater to the needs of high-performance PC enthusiasts.
The latest generation of Intel processors, the 13th Gen Raptor Lake series, demands motherboards that can unleash their full potential. Two such contenders are the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master. In this in-depth comparison, we pit these two powerhouses against each other to determine which emerges as the ultimate choice for high-performance PC enthusiasts.
Feature Comparison
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards feature the Intel Z790 chipset and support Intel‘s 13th Gen and 12th Gen processors. They offer the same level of compatibility and performance.
Power Delivery
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E boasts a 16+1 power phase design, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master features a 20+1+2 power phase design. Both motherboards provide ample power for even the most demanding CPUs.
Memory Support
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 7200MHz. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master offers similar memory support, with up to 128GB of DDR5 at speeds of up to 7600MHz.
Storage Connectivity
Both motherboards offer multiple M.2 slots for high-speed storage. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has three M.2 slots, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master has four M.2 slots. Both support PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 storage devices.
Expansion Slots
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E features four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots. Both motherboards provide ample expansion options for graphics cards and other peripherals.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, multiple USB ports, and Ethernet ports. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master has a slight edge with the inclusion of a 10GbE Ethernet port.
Aesthetics and Design
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E sports a sleek and aggressive design with RGB lighting. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master has a more traditional and understated design with RGB lighting. Both motherboards offer customizable lighting effects and allow users to create a personalized aesthetic.
Performance Benchmarks
In performance benchmarks, both motherboards delivered exceptional results. In CPU-intensive tasks, such as video editing and rendering, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E had a slight edge due to its slightly higher power phase count. However, in gaming and other memory-intensive tasks, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master performed slightly better due to its higher memory speeds.
Overclocking Capabilities
Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a dedicated overclocking button and a comprehensive BIOS interface. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master has similar overclocking features, as well as an integrated voltage regulator for enhanced stability.
BIOS and Software
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E comes with a user-friendly BIOS interface and a suite of software tools, including AI overclocking and fan control. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master also has a well-designed BIOS and software suite, with a focus on customization and performance monitoring.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- If you prioritize CPU performance and overclocking, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E is a solid choice.
- If you value memory speed and connectivity options, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master is a better fit.
- If aesthetics and design are important to you, both motherboards offer customizable RGB lighting and stylish designs.
Recommendations: A Battle of Champions
Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master are exceptional motherboards that cater to the needs of high-performance PC enthusiasts. They offer robust power delivery, comprehensive connectivity options, and excellent overclocking capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRMs?
A: The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master has a slightly better VRM design than the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E.
Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
A: The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master supports memory speeds of up to 7600MHz, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E supports speeds of up to 7200MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master has four M.2 slots, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has three.
Q: Which motherboard has a better BIOS interface?
A: Both motherboards have user-friendly BIOS interfaces, but the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a slight edge in terms of ease of use.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a dedicated overclocking button and a more comprehensive BIOS interface.
