What To Know
- The latest generation of motherboards has arrived, and two of the most highly anticipated models are the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero.
- The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6600MHz, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6400MHz.
- The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is an excellent choice for users who want a feature-rich motherboard at a reasonable price.
The latest generation of motherboards has arrived, and two of the most highly anticipated models are the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero. Both boards offer a wealth of features and capabilities, but which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX against the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero to help you make an informed decision.
Features and Specifications
Socket and Chipset
Both motherboards feature the latest Intel LGA 1700 socket, supporting 13th and 12th generation Intel Core processors. They utilize the Intel Z790 chipset, offering advanced overclocking capabilities and support for the latest PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 technologies.
Memory
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6600MHz, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6400MHz. Both boards offer dual-channel memory architecture and XMP 3.0 support for easy overclocking.
Storage
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX features six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot and two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero also features six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, but it offers one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot and two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots with support for NVMe RAID.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers four PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, providing ample room for graphics cards and other expansion cards. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero features three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, offering even more bandwidth for high-end graphics cards.
Connectivity
Both motherboards come equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast and reliable wired and wireless connectivity. Additionally, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX features Bluetooth 5.2, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offers Bluetooth 5.3.
Power Delivery
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX boasts a 16-phase VRM with 80A power stages, providing ample power for overclocking even the most demanding processors. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero features a 20-phase VRM with 105A power stages, offering even more power headroom for extreme overclocking.
Design and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX features a sleek and modern design with a black and silver color scheme. The board is accented by RGB lighting that can be customized to match your preferences. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, on the other hand, has a more aggressive design with a black and red color scheme. It also features RGB lighting, but it is more subdued than on the Gigabyte board.
Overclocking Capabilities
Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight edge due to its more robust power delivery system. However, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is no slouch in the overclocking department and can still achieve impressive results.
BIOS and Software
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX features the Gigabyte BIOS, which is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive overclocking options. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero uses the ASUS UEFI BIOS, which is also well-regarded for its intuitive layout and advanced features.
Both motherboards come with a suite of software utilities that provide additional functionality and monitoring capabilities. The Gigabyte App Center includes tools for overclocking, fan control, and RGB lighting. The ASUS Armoury Crate software suite offers similar features, as well as additional tools for game optimization and system monitoring.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is available for around $350, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is priced at around $450. Both boards are widely available from major retailers.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is an excellent choice for users who want a feature-rich motherboard at a reasonable price. It offers strong overclocking capabilities, ample storage options, and a user-friendly BIOS.
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a better choice for users who demand the best possible performance and overclocking headroom. It features a more robust power delivery system, more PCIe 5.0 slots, and a more advanced BIOS.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a high-quality motherboard with plenty of features and overclocking potential, either the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX or the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a great option.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities due to its more robust power delivery system.
2. Which motherboard has more storage options?
Both motherboards have six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, but the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots with NVMe RAID support, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX only has one.
3. Which motherboard has better connectivity?
Both motherboards have Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet, but the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has Bluetooth 5.3, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX has Bluetooth 5.2.
4. Which motherboard is better for gaming?
Both motherboards are excellent for gaming, but the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight edge due to its more powerful power delivery system and additional PCIe 5.0 slots.
5. Which motherboard is better value for money?
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers a better value for money, as it provides similar features and performance to the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero at a lower price.
