Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master Vs Asus Rog Strix Z790-e

With the advent of Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors, the motherboard market has seen a resurgence of high-performance options. Two contenders that stand out are the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit these two behemoths against each other to determine which one reigns supreme.

Features and Specifications

Form Factor and Design

Both motherboards adhere to the standard ATX form factor, offering ample space for expansion and cooling. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master sports a striking black and silver aesthetic, adorned with intricate armor and RGB lighting. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E, on the other hand, exudes a more understated elegance, with its matte black finish and subtle RGB accents.

Socket and Chipset

Both motherboards feature the latest Intel LGA 1700 socket, compatible with 13th and 12th-generation Intel Core processors. They utilize the Intel Z790 chipset, providing support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory.

Power Delivery

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master boasts a robust 20+2+1 phase power delivery system, ensuring stable and efficient power delivery to the CPU. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E features a slightly leaner 18+1+1 phase power delivery system, but it is still capable of handling even the most demanding processors.

Memory Support

Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory in a quad-channel configuration. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master supports speeds of up to DDR5-6600, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E supports slightly faster speeds of up to DDR5-6800.

Storage Connectivity

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master offers a total of six SATA III ports and five M.2 slots, four of which support PCIe 4.0 and one supports PCIe 5.0. The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E also provides six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots, but only three of them support PCIe 4.0.

Expansion Slots

Both motherboards offer ample expansion options. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. Additionally, both motherboards have multiple PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 x1 slots for additional expansion.

Connectivity

Both motherboards provide comprehensive connectivity options, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1, Gen 2, and Gen 2×2 ports, a 2.5GbE LAN port, and Wi-Fi 6E. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has an additional 10GbE LAN port, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has an additional Thunderbolt 4 port.

Performance

Benchmarking

In independent benchmarks, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E perform very similarly. Both motherboards offer excellent CPU and memory performance, with only minor differences in specific tests.

Overclocking

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities, thanks to its more robust power delivery system. However, both motherboards are capable of achieving impressive overclocks with minimal effort.

Thermal Performance

Both motherboards have robust heatsink designs to keep the CPU and other components cool under load. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master‘s larger heatsinks provide slightly better thermal performance, but the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E’s heatsinks are still ample for most users.

Features and Extras

RGB Lighting

Both motherboards feature extensive RGB lighting options, allowing you to customize your system’s aesthetics. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has more RGB headers and zones, giving you greater control over the lighting.

Software

Gigabyte provides the Aorus Engine software suite, while ASUS offers the ROG Armoury Crate software. Both suites offer a range of features for monitoring, overclocking, and customizing your system.

BIOS

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E both have well-designed BIOSes with intuitive interfaces. They provide comprehensive settings for overclocking, memory tuning, and other system parameters.

Pricing and Availability

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E are both premium motherboards with similar pricing. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master typically retails for around $550, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E retails for around $500.

Verdict: Which Motherboard is Right for You?

Choosing between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master:

• Ideal for enthusiasts and overclockers who want the best possible performance and features.
• More robust power delivery system and thermal performance.
• More RGB lighting options and headers.

ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E:

• Excellent choice for gamers and content creators who value aesthetics and connectivity.
• Slightly more affordable than the Aorus Master.
• Comes with a Thunderbolt 4 port.

If you prioritize raw performance and overclocking potential, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master is the better choice. However, if you value aesthetics, connectivity, and a slightly lower price point, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E is a solid option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities due to its more robust power delivery system.

Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has more RGB headers and zones, giving you greater control over the lighting.

Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E is typically more affordable than the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master.

Q: Which motherboard has more storage connectivity options?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has more M.2 slots, including one that supports PCIe 5.0.

Q: Which motherboard has better software support?
A: Both motherboards have well-regarded software suites from their respective manufacturers.