What To Know
- The battle for the ultimate motherboard for Intel’s 13th generation processors has reached a new level with the introduction of the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite and Master.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite motherboard is available at a price of approximately $250, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master motherboard is priced at around $350.
- If you seek a high-performance motherboard with ample features and connectivity options at a reasonable price, the Elite is an excellent choice.
The battle for the ultimate motherboard for Intel’s 13th generation processors has reached a new level with the introduction of the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite and Master. These two powerhouses offer an array of features and capabilities, making them ideal choices for enthusiasts, gamers, and content creators alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these motherboards to help you make an informed decision and unlock the full potential of your next-gen build.
Specifications and Features Overview
| Feature | Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite | Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 | Intel Z790 |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR5-6600 | Up to 128GB DDR5-6800 |
| Storage | 4x M.2 NVMe slots (PCIe 4.0 x4), 6x SATA III ports | 5x M.2 NVMe slots (PCIe 4.0 x4), 8x SATA III ports |
| Networking | 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E | 10GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220-VB | Realtek ALC4082 |
| RGB Lighting | RGB Fusion 2.0 | RGB Fusion 2.0 |
Memory and Storage
Both the Elite and Master motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, providing ample headroom for demanding applications and memory-intensive tasks. However, the Master has a slight edge with its support for higher memory speeds of up to DDR5-6800, while the Elite supports up to DDR5-6600.
In terms of storage, the Master offers a more robust setup with 5x M.2 NVMe slots and 8x SATA III ports, providing ample connectivity options for fast SSDs and traditional hard drives. The Elite, on the other hand, features 4x M.2 NVMe slots and 6x SATA III ports.
Networking and Connectivity
The Elite and Master motherboards come equipped with a 2.5GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, ensuring lightning-fast internet speeds and seamless wireless connections. However, the Master stands out with its additional 10GbE LAN port, providing ultra-high-speed network performance for demanding applications and professional use cases.
Audio and Lighting
For audio enthusiasts, the Master motherboard offers a superior sound experience with its Realtek ALC4082 audio codec, providing high-fidelity audio playback. The Elite, on the other hand, utilizes the Realtek ALC1220-VB codec, which still delivers good audio quality but may not be as immersive as the Master.
Both motherboards feature RGB Fusion 2.0, allowing users to customize and synchronize RGB lighting effects across compatible components and peripherals.
Expansion Slots and Features
The Elite and Master motherboards offer a comprehensive range of expansion slots, including multiple PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for graphics cards, PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for high-speed storage, and PCIe 3.0 slots for additional peripherals. The Master motherboard additionally includes a Thunderbolt 4 header, providing high-speed data transfer capabilities.
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards feature intuitive and feature-rich BIOS environments, providing users with comprehensive control over system settings and overclocking options. The Master motherboard offers slightly more advanced overclocking capabilities, with additional voltage control options and memory overclocking presets.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite motherboard is available at a price of approximately $250, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master motherboard is priced at around $350. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online marketplaces.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite and Master motherboards depends on your specific needs and budget. If you seek a high-performance motherboard with ample features and connectivity options at a reasonable price, the Elite is an excellent choice.
However, if you demand the absolute best in terms of memory speed, storage capacity, networking performance, and audio quality, the Master motherboard is the clear winner. Its premium features and overclocking capabilities make it the ideal choice for enthusiasts and professionals who seek the ultimate computing experience.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q1: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master motherboard has superior audio quality with its Realtek ALC4082 codec.
Q2: Which motherboard has more M.2 NVMe slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master motherboard has 5x M.2 NVMe slots, while the Elite has 4x M.2 NVMe slots.
Q3: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master motherboard offers slightly more advanced overclocking capabilities, with additional voltage control options and memory overclocking presets.
