What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a large heatsink with heat pipes, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero features a VRM heatsink with an integrated fan.
- The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero also offers a range of overclocking features, including a dedicated overclocking switch and a BIOS with a user-friendly overclocking interface.
- The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is a better choice for users looking for a motherboard with a more traditional design and a more user-friendly overclocking experience.
In the realm of high-performance motherboards, two giants stand tall: the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero. Both boards offer an exceptional blend of features, performance, and aesthetics, catering to the most demanding PC enthusiasts. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit these two titans against each other to determine which reigns supreme.
Features and Specifications
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards feature the latest Intel Z690 chipset and support Intel‘s 12th generation Alder Lake processors. This chipset provides a range of features, including support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory.
Memory and Storage
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master offers four DDR5 memory slots with support for up to 128GB of RAM at speeds of up to DDR5-6600. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero also features four DDR5 memory slots, but with support for up to 128GB of RAM at speeds of up to DDR5-6400.
In terms of storage, both motherboards offer multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has four M.2 slots, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has three M.2 slots.
Expansion Slots
Both motherboards offer a wide range of expansion slots. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Connectivity
Both motherboards come with a comprehensive set of connectivity options. They both feature Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity, as well as multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C and Type-A ports.
Power Delivery and Cooling
Power Delivery
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master features a robust 19-phase power delivery system with 105A power stages. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a 16-phase power delivery system with 90A power stages.
Cooling
Both motherboards offer a variety of cooling features to ensure stable operation under heavy loads. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a large heatsink with heat pipes, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero features a VRM heatsink with an integrated fan.
Design and Aesthetics
Design
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a sleek and aggressive design with a black and gray color scheme. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a more traditional design with a black and red color scheme.
Aesthetics
Both motherboards feature RGB lighting, allowing users to customize the look of their system. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a number of RGB lighting zones, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has a more subtle RGB lighting scheme.
Performance
Overclocking
Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a number of features designed to help users achieve stable overclocks, including a dedicated overclocking button and a BIOS with advanced overclocking options. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero also offers a range of overclocking features, including a dedicated overclocking switch and a BIOS with a user-friendly overclocking interface.
Gaming Performance
Both motherboards offer excellent gaming performance. They both support the latest graphics cards and offer low latency and high bandwidth for smooth gameplay.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master is currently available for around $400, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is currently available for around $500.
The Bottom Line: The Verdict
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero are exceptional motherboards that offer a wide range of features, performance, and aesthetics. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master is a better choice for users looking for a motherboard with a more aggressive design and robust overclocking capabilities. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is a better choice for users looking for a motherboard with a more traditional design and a more user-friendly overclocking experience.
What You Need to Learn
Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has better overclocking capabilities due to its dedicated overclocking button and BIOS with advanced overclocking options.
Which motherboard has better gaming performance?
Both motherboards offer excellent gaming performance, but the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero may have a slight edge due to its lower latency and higher bandwidth.
Which motherboard is a better value for money?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master is a better value for money due to its lower price and similar performance to the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero.
