What To Know
- Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Master are based on the Intel Z690 chipset and support the LGA 1700 socket.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra has a Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has more connectivity options, a better audio codec, and a slightly higher memory speed than the Ultra.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Master are two top-of-the-line motherboards designed for the latest 12th generation Intel Core processors. Both boards offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but there are also some key differences to consider. In this blog post, we will compare the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Master in detail to help you decide which board is the right choice for your needs.
Features and Specifications
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Master are based on the Intel Z690 chipset and support the LGA 1700 socket. This means that they are compatible with all 12th generation Intel Core processors.
Memory
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6000MHz. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz.
Storage
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra has four M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has five M.2 slots. Both boards support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs.
Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra has a wide range of connectivity options, including:
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port
- 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- 1x PS/2 port
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has even more connectivity options, including:
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- 1x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
- 1x 10 Gigabit Ethernet port
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port
- 8x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- 1x PS/2 port
Audio
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra has a Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec. The ALC4080 is a higher-end codec that offers better sound quality.
Other Features
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Master both have a number of other features, including:
- RGB lighting
- BIOS flashback
- Q-Flash Plus
- Smart Fan 6
Performance
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Master both offer excellent performance. In our tests, we found that the two boards performed very similarly in terms of overall speed and responsiveness. However, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master did have a slight edge in some gaming benchmarks.
Price
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra is priced at $299.99, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master is priced at $399.99. The Master is the more expensive board, but it also offers more features and better performance.
Which Board is Right for You?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Master are both excellent motherboards. The Ultra is a great choice for budget-minded builders who want a high-quality board with all the essential features. The Master is a better choice for enthusiasts who want the best possible performance and the most features.
Wrapping Up: Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra vs Master
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Master are two of the best motherboards on the market. They offer excellent performance, a wide range of features, and a premium build quality. If you are building a new PC with a 12th generation Intel Core processor, either of these boards would be an excellent choice.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. What is the difference between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Master?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has more connectivity options, a better audio codec, and a slightly higher memory speed than the Ultra.
2. Which board is better for gaming?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a slight edge in gaming performance over the Ultra.
3. Which board is better for overclocking?
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Master are good for overclocking. However, the Master has a slightly better VRM design, which may give it a slight edge in overclocking potential.
