What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX utilizes the Intel Z790 chipset, while the Gigabyte B760 uses the B760 chipset.
- Both the Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the B760 support Intel’s 13th Gen Core processors, including the Core i9, Core i7, Core i5, and Core i3 series.
- The more powerful power delivery system on the Z790 Aorus Elite AX ensures stable power delivery for even the most demanding processors.
The latest generation of Intel processors, the 13th Gen Core series, brings significant performance gains and improved efficiency. To fully harness the potential of these CPUs, you need a motherboard that offers a robust feature set and reliable performance. In this blog post, we will compare two popular ATX motherboards from Gigabyte: the Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the B760. We will delve into their key specifications, features, and performance to help you make an informed decision about which motherboard is right for your needs.
Chipset and Socket
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX utilizes the Intel Z790 chipset, while the Gigabyte B760 uses the B760 chipset. The Z790 chipset is the flagship chipset for Intel’s 13th Gen CPUs, offering a wide range of features and overclocking capabilities. The B760 chipset, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option that still provides essential features for mainstream users.
CPU Support
Both the Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the B760 support Intel‘s 13th Gen Core processors, including the Core i9, Core i7, Core i5, and Core i3 series. However, the Z790 chipset offers greater overclocking potential, allowing you to push your CPU to its limits.
Memory Support
The Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 6400MHz (OC). The B760, on the other hand, supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 5600MHz (OC). Both motherboards feature four DIMM slots, allowing for flexible memory configurations.
Expansion Slots
The Z790 Aorus Elite AX comes equipped with three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The B760 has one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. The additional PCIe 5.0 slots on the Z790 Aorus Elite AX provide greater flexibility for connecting high-performance graphics cards or other PCIe devices.
Storage Options
The Z790 Aorus Elite AX features four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe SSDs. The B760 has four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs. The additional M.2 slot and PCIe 5.0 support on the Z790 Aorus Elite AX allow for faster storage speeds and greater storage capacity.
Networking and Connectivity
Both the Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the B760 offer comprehensive networking and connectivity options. The Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a 2.5GbE LAN port, a Wi-Fi 6E module, and Bluetooth 5.3. The B760 has a 1GbE LAN port, a Wi-Fi 6 module, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Z790 Aorus Elite AX’s faster LAN port and Wi-Fi 6E support provide superior network performance for gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive applications.
Power Delivery and Cooling
The Z790 Aorus Elite AX boasts a robust 16+1+2 phase digital power design with 90A power stages. The B760 has a 12+1+1 phase digital power design with 60A power stages. The more powerful power delivery system on the Z790 Aorus Elite AX ensures stable power delivery for even the most demanding processors. Both motherboards feature large heatsinks and dedicated cooling zones to keep the system running cool under heavy loads.
Overclocking
The Z790 Aorus Elite AX is designed for overclocking enthusiasts, offering comprehensive BIOS settings and overclocking tools. The B760, while not as focused on overclocking, still allows for some basic overclocking options. If you plan on pushing your CPU to its limits, the Z790 Aorus Elite AX is the better choice.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX typically retails for around $280, while the Gigabyte B760 is priced at around $180. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Final Thoughts: Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the B760 are both excellent motherboards for Intel’s 13th Gen CPUs. The Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers a more robust feature set, including support for PCIe 5.0, faster networking, and more powerful power delivery. It is an ideal choice for power users, overclockers, and enthusiasts who demand the best performance and features. The B760, on the other hand, provides a more budget-friendly option with essential features for mainstream users. It is suitable for users who prioritize value and do not require advanced overclocking capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports higher memory speeds (up to 6400MHz) compared to the B760 (up to 5600MHz).
Q: Does the Z790 Aorus Elite AX support PCIe 5.0?
A: Yes, the Z790 Aorus Elite AX features three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots.
Q: Which motherboard offers faster networking?
A: The Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a 2.5GbE LAN port and supports Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster network speeds compared to the B760’s 1GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 6 support.
