Motherboard showdown: z390 aorus pro wifi vs ultra – uncover the ultimate winner
What To Know
- The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi features a sleek black and gray design with RGB lighting accents, while the Z390 Aorus Ultra has a more aggressive black and red design with customizable RGB lighting.
- Both the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra are excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features for enthusiasts and overclockers.
- The Z390 Aorus Ultra has a slight edge in terms of overclocking performance and WiFi 6 connectivity, while the Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi is a more budget-friendly option with comparable performance.
In the realm of high-performance motherboards, the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra stand out as formidable contenders. Both boards boast an array of features tailored to enthusiasts and overclockers alike, but subtle differences set them apart. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each motherboard to help you make an informed decision.
Features Overview
Feature | Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi | Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra |
— | — | — |
Chipset | Intel Z390 | Intel Z390 |
Socket | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 |
Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
Memory Support | Quad-channel DDR4, up to 4400MHz | Quad-channel DDR4, up to 4400MHz |
PCIe Slots | 4 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 3 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (2 x reinforced), 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
M.2 Slots | 3 x M.2 NVMe/SATA | 2 x M.2 NVMe/SATA |
Storage Interfaces | 6 x SATA III | 6 x SATA III |
USB Ports | 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 8 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 6 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0 |
LAN | Intel Gigabit Ethernet | Intel Gigabit Ethernet |
WiFi | 802.11ac WiFi 5 | 802.11ax WiFi 6 |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Audio Codec | Realtek ALC1220 | Realtek ALC1220 |
Performance
Both the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra deliver exceptional performance. They support Intel‘s 9th and 8th generation Core processors, providing ample power for demanding applications and games. The quad-channel memory support allows for high-speed data transfers and improved multitasking capabilities.
In overclocking tests, the Z390 Aorus Ultra edges out the Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi by a small margin. However, both boards offer robust overclocking features, including advanced voltage controls and cooling options.
Connectivity
The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra offer comprehensive connectivity options. They both feature Intel Gigabit Ethernet for wired network connectivity. The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi adds 802.11ac WiFi 5, while the Z390 Aorus Ultra boasts the latest 802.11ax WiFi 6, providing faster wireless speeds and improved signal stability.
Expansion Options
The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra provide ample expansion options. They both feature four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, allowing for multiple graphics cards or other PCIe devices. The Z390 Aorus Ultra has two reinforced PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for additional support.
Storage Capacity
Both motherboards offer a generous amount of storage capacity. They feature six SATA III ports for traditional hard drives and solid-state drives. The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi has three M.2 NVMe/SATA slots, while the Z390 Aorus Ultra has two M.2 NVMe/SATA slots. These slots provide high-speed storage options for faster data access.
Aesthetics and Features
The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra have distinct aesthetics. The Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi features a sleek black and gray design with RGB lighting accents, while the Z390 Aorus Ultra has a more aggressive black and red design with customizable RGB lighting.
Both motherboards include a range of additional features, such as high-quality audio codecs, fan headers, and BIOS Flashback buttons.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you prioritize WiFi 6 connectivity, the Z390 Aorus Ultra is the clear choice. If you prefer a more affordable option with solid performance, the Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi is a great value.
Verdict
Both the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra are excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features for enthusiasts and overclockers. The Z390 Aorus Ultra has a slight edge in terms of overclocking performance and WiFi 6 connectivity, while the Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi is a more budget-friendly option with comparable performance. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra has slightly better overclocking capabilities than the Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi has three M.2 slots, while the Z390 Aorus Ultra has two M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has RGB lighting?
A: Both the Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi and Z390 Aorus Ultra feature RGB lighting.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi is generally more affordable than the Z390 Aorus Ultra.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro WiFi has more USB ports than the Z390 Aorus Ultra, with a total of 10 USB ports compared to 8 on the Z390 Aorus Ultra.