What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX share a sleek and modern design, adorned with the signature Aorus accents.
- The Pro features a matte black PCB with silver and gray highlights, while the Elite AX boasts a more vibrant black and orange color scheme.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX come with a range of exclusive features and software.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX motherboards stand as formidable contenders in the realm of high-performance computing. Both boards offer a robust feature set, cutting-edge connectivity, and support for Intel’s latest 12th-generation Core processors. However, subtle differences set them apart, leaving enthusiasts wondering which motherboard reigns supreme.
Design and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX share a sleek and modern design, adorned with the signature Aorus accents. The Pro features a matte black PCB with silver and gray highlights, while the Elite AX boasts a more vibrant black and orange color scheme. Both motherboards feature integrated RGB lighting, allowing users to customize their systems’ aesthetics.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX are built around Intel’s Z690 chipset, providing support for Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. The Z690 chipset offers enhanced performance and connectivity compared to previous generations, including support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory.
Expansion Slots
When it comes to expansion slots, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX offer similar capabilities. Both motherboards feature:
- 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
- 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot
- 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
- 1x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4 slot
- 3x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots
Storage and Memory
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX both support DDR5 memory, offering speeds up to 6400MHz. The Pro features four DDR5 slots, while the Elite AX has two. Both motherboards also support M.2 NVMe SSDs, with the Elite AX offering an additional PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot.
Networking and Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX offer comprehensive networking and connectivity options. Both motherboards feature:
- 2.5GbE LAN
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
Audio and Video
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX feature high-quality audio and video capabilities. Both motherboards utilize Realtek ALC4080 audio codecs, providing immersive audio experiences. The Elite AX also includes an HDMI 2.1 port for high-resolution video output.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) plays a crucial role in delivering stable power to the CPU. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX both feature robust VRMs:
- Z690 Aorus Pro: 16-phase VRM with 70A power stages
- Z690 Aorus Elite AX: 16-phase VRM with 60A power stages
Features and Software
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX come with a range of exclusive features and software:
- Aorus RGB Fusion 2.0: Customizable RGB lighting control
- Smart Fan 6: Advanced fan control software
- Q-Flash Plus: BIOS updates without installing a CPU
Summary: Choosing the Right Motherboard
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX are both exceptional motherboards that offer unparalleled performance and features. The Z690 Aorus Pro is a solid choice for enthusiasts seeking a robust VRM and expandable storage options. The Z690 Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, offers additional connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI 2.1, making it ideal for gamers and content creators.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for your needs depends on your specific requirements and budget. Both the Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX deliver exceptional performance and value, making them worthy contenders in the high-end motherboard market.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which motherboard has a better VRM?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has a slightly better VRM with 70A power stages compared to the Elite AX‘s 60A power stages.
Q: Does the Elite AX support PCIe 5.0 SSDs?
A: Yes, the Elite AX features a PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot for high-performance SSDs.
Q: Can I overclock my CPU on both motherboards?
A: Yes, both the Z690 Aorus Pro and Elite AX support CPU overclocking.
