Z590 motherboards face off: gigabyte ultra vs master, who will win?
What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, performance, and pricing of the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra and Master to help you make an informed decision about which motherboard is right for you.
- The Aorus Ultra has a single Gigabit Ethernet port, while the Aorus Master has a 2.
- The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra is a great choice for users who want a high-performance motherboard with a robust feature set at a reasonable price.
The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra and Master motherboards are two of the most popular options for high-end PC builds based on Intel’s 11th-generation Rocket Lake processors. Both boards offer a robust feature set, but there are some key differences between them that potential buyers should consider. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, performance, and pricing of the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra and Master to help you make an informed decision about which motherboard is right for you.
Specifications
Feature | Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra | Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Master |
— | — | — |
Chipset | Intel Z590 | Intel Z590 |
Socket | LGA 1200 | LGA 1200 |
Memory | 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB, 5333MHz (OC) | 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB, 5333MHz (OC) |
Storage | 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, 6x SATA III ports | 4x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, 6x SATA III ports |
Expansion | 2x PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot | 3x PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot |
Rear I/O | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, 5x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 1x HDMI port, 1x DisplayPort, 1x Gigabit Ethernet port, 5x 3.5mm audio jacks | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 1x HDMI port, 1x DisplayPort, 2.5GbE LAN, 5x 3.5mm audio jacks |
Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
Features
Power Delivery: Both the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra and Master feature robust power delivery systems designed to handle the power demands of high-end processors. The Ultra uses a 16-phase VRM, while the Master uses a 19-phase VRM.
Cooling: The Aorus Ultra has a heatsink covering the VRM and M.2 slots, while the Aorus Master has a more elaborate heatsink design that also covers the chipset. Both boards also have fan headers for additional cooling options.
Networking: The Aorus Ultra has a single Gigabit Ethernet port, while the Aorus Master has a 2.5GbE LAN port. The Master also has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, while the Ultra does not.
RGB Lighting: Both boards have RGB lighting, but the Aorus Master has more extensive lighting options. It has RGB headers for multiple zones, as well as a built-in LED strip.
Performance
In terms of performance, both the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra and Master offer excellent overclocking capabilities. They can both handle high memory speeds and provide stable power delivery for even the most demanding processors. In real-world tests, there is little difference in performance between the two boards.
Pricing
The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra typically retails for around $250, while the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Master typically retails for around $350. The Master is more expensive, but it offers a few additional features, such as a more elaborate heatsink, 2.5GbE LAN, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra is a great choice for users who want a high-performance motherboard with a robust feature set at a reasonable price. The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Master is a better choice for users who want the most advanced features, including extensive RGB lighting, 2.5GbE LAN, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
Alternatives
If you are not interested in either the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Ultra or Master, there are a few other motherboards that you should consider:
- Asus ROG Maximus XIII Hero: A high-end motherboard with excellent overclocking capabilities and a wide range of features.
- MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi: A mid-range motherboard with a good balance of features and performance.
- ASRock Z590 Phantom Gaming 4: A budget-friendly motherboard with a solid feature set.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Master has a slightly better VRM design.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A: The Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Master has more extensive RGB lighting options, including RGB headers for multiple zones and a built-in LED strip.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the Gigabyte Z590 Aorus Master has a slight edge due to its faster Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.