What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6600MHz, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 5600MHz.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a 16-phase VRM with a 70A power stage, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has a 14-phase VRM with a 90A power stage.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has the Gigabyte App Center software suite, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has the MSI Center software.
The arrival of Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors has sparked a new era of motherboard innovation. Among the top contenders are the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi, both promising exceptional performance and features. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Features and Specifications:
Socket and Chipset:
Both motherboards feature the LGA 1700 socket, compatible with Intel’s 13th and 12th-generation processors. They are based on the Z790 chipset, offering extensive overclocking capabilities and support for the latest PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory technologies.
Memory Support:
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6600MHz, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 5600MHz.
Expansion Slots:
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot, and two M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support. The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and three M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support.
Storage:
Both motherboards have eight SATA III ports and support NVMe storage via their M.2 slots. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has two M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has three M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support.
Connectivity:
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features onboard 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1.
Performance and Overclocking:
Both motherboards offer solid performance with their robust power delivery systems and cooling solutions. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a 16-phase VRM with a 70A power stage, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has a 14-phase VRM with a 90A power stage.
Overclocking capabilities are excellent on both motherboards, with the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX providing more granular control over voltage and frequency settings.
Aesthetics and Design:
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a sleek and aggressive design with an RGB-illuminated Aorus logo and heatsink. The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has a more subdued design with a black and white color scheme and minimal RGB lighting.
BIOS and Software:
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that offer extensive customization options. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has the Gigabyte App Center software suite, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has the MSI Center software.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is an excellent choice for enthusiasts who demand the best performance, overclocking capabilities, and aesthetics. It has a robust power delivery system, plenty of expansion slots, and advanced connectivity options.
The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi is a great option for users who prioritize affordability and value. It offers solid performance, good expansion options, and reliable connectivity.
The Verdict:
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi are both excellent motherboards that cater to different needs. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is the superior choice for those who seek the ultimate performance, overclocking, and aesthetics. The MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi is a more budget-friendly option that provides a solid foundation for your next PC build.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which motherboard has better memory support?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory.
2. Which motherboard has more PCIe slots?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot.
3. Which motherboard has better connectivity options?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has onboard 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, while the MSI Pro Z790-A WiFi has 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1.
