What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS Z690 Hero, helping you make an informed decision for your next high-end PC build.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master boasts a 20+1+2 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS Z690 Hero features a 20+1 phase power delivery system.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS Z690 Hero are both exceptional motherboards that offer a wealth of features for enthusiasts and overclockers.
The release of Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs has sparked a new wave of high-performance motherboards. Among the most notable contenders are the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS Z690 Hero. Both motherboards offer a formidable array of features and technologies, catering to the needs of demanding enthusiasts and overclockers. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS Z690 Hero, helping you make an informed decision for your next high-end PC build.
Design and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master exudes a bold and aggressive design, with its angular lines and prominent Aorus branding. The board features a black and silver color scheme, with RGB lighting accents on the heatsinks and I/O shield. In contrast, the ASUS Z690 Hero adopts a more subdued and elegant design, with a black and gray color palette. The board features a sleek and minimalistic aesthetic, with subtle RGB lighting on the chipset heatsink and I/O panel.
Socket and Chipset
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS Z690 Hero are based on the Intel Z690 chipset, which supports Intel‘s 12th-generation Alder Lake CPUs. The motherboards feature the LGA 1700 socket, allowing for compatibility with a wide range of processors, including the Core i9, Core i7, and Core i5 series.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system is crucial for delivering stable and reliable power to the CPU. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master boasts a 20+1+2 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS Z690 Hero features a 20+1 phase power delivery system. Both motherboards utilize high-quality components, such as premium capacitors and MOSFETs, ensuring efficient and stable power delivery even under heavy loads and overclocking scenarios.
Memory Support
Memory support is another important consideration for enthusiasts and overclockers. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory across four DIMM slots, with speeds up to DDR5-6600MHz. The ASUS Z690 Hero also supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, but it features two additional DIMM slots, allowing for a total of six memory modules. The Hero also supports slightly higher memory speeds, up to DDR5-7000MHz.
Storage Connectivity
Storage connectivity is essential for storing and accessing data at high speeds. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master features four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot and three PCIe 4.0 x4 slots. The ASUS Z690 Hero also offers four M.2 slots, but they are all PCIe 4.0 x4 slots. Both motherboards support Intel Optane Memory for improved system performance.
Expansion Slots
Expansion slots provide the ability to connect additional hardware components to the system. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master features four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. The ASUS Z690 Hero offers a similar configuration, with four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Connectivity and I/O
Connectivity and I/O options are essential for connecting peripherals and external devices. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master features a comprehensive range of I/O ports, including 10GbE LAN, 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports. The ASUS Z690 Hero provides similar connectivity options, but it also includes a 10GbE LAN port and Thunderbolt 4 support.
BIOS and Overclocking Features
BIOS and overclocking features are crucial for enthusiasts and overclockers who want to maximize the performance of their systems. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master features a user-friendly BIOS with advanced overclocking options, including voltage and frequency controls. The ASUS Z690 Hero also offers a comprehensive BIOS with a wide range of overclocking settings. Both motherboards support XMP profiles for easy memory overclocking.
Final Note: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the ASUS Z690 Hero are both exceptional motherboards that offer a wealth of features for enthusiasts and overclockers. The Aorus Master boasts a more aggressive design, a robust power delivery system, and extensive storage connectivity. The Hero, on the other hand, features a more elegant aesthetic, slightly higher memory speeds, and Thunderbolt 4 support. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Information You Need to Know
Q1: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a slight edge due to its slightly more robust power delivery system.
Q2: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
Both motherboards have four M.2 slots, but the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot, while the ASUS Z690 Hero has four PCIe 4.0 x4 slots.
Q3: Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
Both motherboards have a similar number of expansion slots, but the ASUS Z690 Hero has two additional PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
