What To Know
- Among the top contenders in the ATX form factor are the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offer competitive features and performance in the mid-range ATX motherboard segment.
- The Gigabyte motherboard provides slightly better storage options and a more advanced power delivery system, while the ASUS motherboard offers a more affordable price point and a more streamlined design.
The release of Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors has sparked a surge in the market for compatible motherboards. Among the top contenders in the ATX form factor are the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and value of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus are based on Intel’s Z690 chipset, which supports 12th-generation Alder Lake processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with the latest Intel CPUs.
Power Delivery
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX boasts a 16+1+2 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus features a 16+1 phase design. Both motherboards offer ample power for overclocking and demanding workloads.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6400MHz (OC). They feature four memory slots, allowing for flexible memory configurations.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX provides four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot, two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offers three M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot and two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX features a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offers a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.
BIOS and Overclocking
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus both feature user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide extensive overclocking options. Both motherboards support Intel‘s XMP profiles for easy memory overclocking.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX showcases a sleek and stylish design with RGB lighting accents. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus boasts a more rugged and military-inspired aesthetic. Both motherboards are built with high-quality materials and offer durable construction.
Value and Conclusion
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offer competitive features and performance in the mid-range ATX motherboard segment. The Gigabyte motherboard provides slightly better storage options and a more advanced power delivery system, while the ASUS motherboard offers a more affordable price point and a more streamlined design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard has better memory overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer comparable memory overclocking capabilities.
Q: Does the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX support PCIe 5.0?
A: Yes, it features one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX offers more extensive RGB lighting customization options.
Q: Is the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus suitable for gaming?
A: Yes, it provides a solid foundation for gaming with its strong performance and connectivity features.
Q: Which motherboard offers better value for money?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offers a slightly more affordable price point.
