What To Know
- Both the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX are based on the Intel Z690 chipset and support Intel’s 12th generation LGA 1700 processors.
- 5GbE LAN port and a Wi-Fi 6 module, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a 10GbE LAN port and a Wi-Fi 6E module.
- The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec.
The release of Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake CPUs has sparked a wave of new motherboards from various manufacturers. Among the most popular options are the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX. Both motherboards offer a comprehensive set of features for enthusiasts and gamers alike. However, there are some key differences between the two that potential buyers should be aware of before making a decision.
Feature Comparison
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX are based on the Intel Z690 chipset and support Intel‘s 12th generation LGA 1700 processors. This means they offer full compatibility with the latest CPUs, including the Core i9-12900K and the Core i5-12600K.
Memory
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory. DDR5 memory is the latest standard and offers higher speeds and lower latency than DDR4. However, it is also more expensive.
Storage
Both motherboards offer a variety of storage options. The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots. The M.2 slots on the Aorus Elite AX support PCIe 4.0, which offers faster speeds than PCIe 3.0.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot on the Aorus Elite AX provides more flexibility for multi-GPU configurations.
Networking
Both motherboards offer a variety of networking options. The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has a 2.5GbE LAN port and a Wi-Fi 6 module, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a 10GbE LAN port and a Wi-Fi 6E module. Wi-Fi 6E is the latest Wi-Fi standard and offers faster speeds and lower latency than Wi-Fi 6.
Audio
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec. The ALC1220 codec offers higher quality audio output and supports Dolby Atmos surround sound.
RGB Lighting
Both motherboards offer RGB lighting, but the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has more extensive lighting options. It has a built-in RGB LED strip and supports RGB headers for additional lighting components.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX is available for around $200, while the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX is available for around $300. Both motherboards are widely available from a variety of retailers.
Which Motherboard Is Right for You?
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX is a great option for budget-minded buyers who want a solid motherboard with all the essential features. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX is a better choice for enthusiasts and gamers who want a motherboard with more advanced features, such as DDR5 memory support, PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, and Wi-Fi 6E.
Performance
In terms of performance, the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX are very similar. Both motherboards offer excellent stability and overclocking potential. However, the Aorus Elite AX has a slight edge in performance due to its support for DDR5 memory and PCIe 4.0 x16 slots.
Features
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX offer a similar set of features, but there are some key differences. The Aorus Elite AX has more PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, a 10GbE LAN port, and a Wi-Fi 6E module. It also has a more advanced audio codec and more extensive RGB lighting options.
Design
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX have different designs. The UD AX has a more traditional ATX design, while the Aorus Elite AX has a more modern and aggressive design. The Aorus Elite AX also has a larger heatsink, which helps to keep the motherboard cool under load.
In a nutshell: Which Motherboard to Choose?
The Gigabyte Z690 UD AX and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX are both excellent motherboards for Intel’s 12th generation CPUs. The UD AX is a great option for budget-minded buyers, while the Aorus Elite AX is a better choice for enthusiasts and gamers who want a motherboard with more advanced features.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe 4.0 x16 slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX has two.
Q: Which motherboard has a 10GbE LAN port?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a 10GbE LAN port, while the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX does not.
Q: Which motherboard has a Wi-Fi 6E module?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite AX has a Wi-Fi 6E module, while the Gigabyte Z690 UD AX does not.
