What To Know
- In the realm of high-performance motherboards, Gigabyte’s Z690 Aorus Ultra and Z690 Aorus Pro stand out as formidable options for gamers and enthusiasts seeking the ultimate foundation for their PCs.
- While the Z690 Aorus Pro offers a more budget-friendly option, the Z690 Aorus Ultra provides better value for those seeking a premium motherboard with exceptional performance and features.
- The Z690 Aorus Pro, on the other hand, offers a more budget-friendly option with solid performance and essential features, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable motherboard.
In the realm of high-performance motherboards, Gigabyte’s Z690 Aorus Ultra and Z690 Aorus Pro stand out as formidable options for gamers and enthusiasts seeking the ultimate foundation for their PCs. Both motherboards boast the latest Intel Z690 chipset and support for the latest 12th-generation Intel Core processors, but they differ in several key aspects that cater to specific user needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of these motherboards, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and which one emerges as the superior choice for various scenarios.
Chipset and Processor Support
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Z690 Aorus Pro utilize the Intel Z690 chipset, providing broad compatibility with Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. This chipset enables support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, ensuring ample bandwidth for demanding applications and future-proofing your system.
Power Delivery and VRM
The power delivery system (VRM) is crucial for delivering stable and efficient power to the CPU. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra features a 16+1+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the Z690 Aorus Pro employs a 14+1+2 phase VRM with 80A power stages. Both motherboards provide ample power for even the most power-hungry processors, ensuring stability and optimal performance under heavy loads.
Memory Support
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Z690 Aorus Pro support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 6400MHz (OC). Both motherboards feature four DDR5 DIMM slots, allowing for flexible memory configurations.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra offers more extensive storage options compared to the Z690 Aorus Pro. It includes six SATA III ports and five M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot. In contrast, the Z690 Aorus Pro provides four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, including one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. The additional storage options on the Z690 Aorus Ultra make it a more suitable choice for users requiring ample storage capacity.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer comprehensive connectivity options. They feature a 2.5GbE LAN port, multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port. However, the Z690 Aorus Ultra has the edge in wireless connectivity, including built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, while the Z690 Aorus Pro only offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
Aesthetics and Features
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Z690 Aorus Pro exhibit distinct aesthetics, with the Ultra featuring a more premium and aggressive design. Both motherboards incorporate RGB lighting, but the Ultra offers more customization options and lighting zones. Additionally, the Z690 Aorus Ultra includes several exclusive features, such as the Q-Flash Plus button for easy BIOS updates, while the Z690 Aorus Pro focuses on a more pragmatic approach.
Price and Value
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra typically retails for a slightly higher price than the Z690 Aorus Pro. The price difference is primarily attributed to the Ultra’s more robust power delivery system, additional storage options, and enhanced connectivity features. While the Z690 Aorus Pro offers a more budget-friendly option, the Z690 Aorus Ultra provides better value for those seeking a premium motherboard with exceptional performance and features.
Choosing the Right Motherboard
The choice between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Z690 Aorus Pro depends on specific user requirements and budget constraints. For users prioritizing maximum performance, extensive storage options, and premium features, the Z690 Aorus Ultra is the clear choice. However, for those seeking a more affordable option that still delivers solid performance and essential features, the Z690 Aorus Pro is a compelling choice.
Final Verdict
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra and Z690 Aorus Pro are exceptional motherboards that cater to the needs of gamers and enthusiasts. The Z690 Aorus Ultra shines with its superior power delivery, ample storage options, and comprehensive connectivity features, making it an ideal choice for those seeking the ultimate foundation for their high-performance PC. The Z690 Aorus Pro, on the other hand, offers a more budget-friendly option with solid performance and essential features, making it a great choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable motherboard.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra has a more robust power delivery system, providing better overclocking headroom for the CPU and memory.
Q: Does the Z690 Aorus Pro support PCIe 5.0?
A: No, the Z690 Aorus Pro only supports PCIe 4.0.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting zones?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Ultra offers more RGB lighting zones for customizable lighting effects.
