Motherboard madness: gigabyte z690 aorus elite ddr4 vs ax – battle for connectivity and expandability
What To Know
- The AX variant, on the other hand, supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 5000MHz or 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6000MHz.
- The WiFi 6E module on the AX variant provides faster speeds and lower latency than the WiFi 6 module on the DDR4 variant.
- The DDR4 variant features a robust VRM design with 16+1+1 power phases, while the AX variant features an even more robust VRM design with 18+1+1 power phases.
The realm of motherboards is constantly evolving, with advancements in technology driving the need for more robust and versatile platforms. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and AX are two such motherboards that have garnered significant attention in the market. Both offer an array of features and capabilities, but understanding their differences is crucial for making an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of both motherboards, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which one reigns supreme.
Chipset and Socket
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and AX are based on Intel’s Z690 chipset and support Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors. This chipset offers a wide range of features, including support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory. However, it’s important to note that the DDR4 variant only supports DDR4 memory, while the AX variant supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory.
Memory Support
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 5333MHz. The AX variant, on the other hand, supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 5000MHz or 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6000MHz. This gives the AX variant a slight edge in terms of memory support and future-proofing.
Expansion Slots
Both motherboards offer a generous selection of expansion slots. The DDR4 variant features three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The AX variant, on the other hand, features four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot on the AX variant provides greater flexibility for connecting high-performance devices.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and AX both offer a variety of storage options. The DDR4 variant features six SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 x4 and the other supports PCIe 3.0 x4. The AX variant, on the other hand, features four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, two of which support PCIe 4.0 x4 and the other supports PCIe 3.0 x4. The additional M.2 slot on the AX variant provides greater storage flexibility and the ability to connect more high-speed storage devices.
Networking Capabilities
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and AX both offer robust networking capabilities. The DDR4 variant features a Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE LAN port and an Intel WiFi 6 AX201 module. The AX variant, on the other hand, features a Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE LAN port and an Intel WiFi 6E AX210 module. The WiFi 6E module on the AX variant provides faster speeds and lower latency than the WiFi 6 module on the DDR4 variant.
RGB Lighting
Both motherboards feature RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the aesthetics of your build. The DDR4 variant features RGB Fusion 2.0 technology, which provides a wide range of lighting effects and synchronization options. The AX variant, on the other hand, features RGB Fusion 2.0 and Addressable RGB technology, which provides even more lighting customization options, including the ability to control individual LEDs.
Audio Performance
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and AX both offer high-quality audio performance. The DDR4 variant features a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which provides 7.1-channel surround sound and a variety of audio enhancements. The AX variant, on the other hand, features a Realtek ALC4082 audio codec, which provides 7.1-channel surround sound and even more advanced audio enhancements, including DTS:X Ultra support.
Overclocking Potential
Both motherboards offer overclocking capabilities, allowing you to push the limits of your system. The DDR4 variant features a robust VRM design with 16+1+1 power phases, while the AX variant features an even more robust VRM design with 18+1+1 power phases. This gives the AX variant a slight edge in terms of overclocking potential, as it can provide more stable power delivery to the CPU.
Verdict: The Ultimate Choice
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite DDR4 and AX are both excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. However, the AX variant stands out as the superior choice due to its support for DDR5 memory, additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, additional M.2 slot, WiFi 6E module, Addressable RGB technology, and slightly better audio performance. If you’re looking for a motherboard that offers the latest and greatest features, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX is the one to go for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX is better for gaming due to its superior memory support, additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and WiFi 6E module.
Q2: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has slightly better overclocking potential due to its more robust VRM design.
Q3: Which motherboard offers more storage options?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX offers more storage options due to its additional M.2 slot.