What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Elite motherboards are two of the most popular options for building a high-end gaming PC with Intel’s latest 13th-generation processors.
- In terms of performance, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a slight edge over the Elite due to its more robust power delivery system and faster memory support.
- However, if you are on a tighter budget or prefer a smaller mATX form factor, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite is a great alternative that still offers a wide range of features and capabilities.
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Elite motherboards are two of the most popular options for building a high-end gaming PC with Intel’s latest 13th-generation processors. Both boards offer a wide range of features and capabilities, but there are some key differences between them that buyers should be aware of before making a purchase. In this comprehensive comparison, we will examine the key features and differences between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Elite motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Features and Specifications
Form Factor and Aesthetics:
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master is an ATX motherboard, while the Elite is a smaller mATX motherboard.
- Both boards feature a sleek black and gray color scheme with RGB lighting accents.
CPU Support:
- Both the Master and Elite motherboards support Intel’s 13th-generation Core processors.
Memory Support:
- The Master supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 7600MHz.
- The Elite supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz.
Storage Options:
- The Master offers six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots, including three PCIe 5.0 x4 slots.
- The Elite offers four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, including two PCIe 5.0 x4 slots.
Expansion Slots:
- The Master has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
- The Elite has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
Networking:
- Both boards feature 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
Audio:
- The Master has a Realtek ALC4082 audio codec, while the Elite has a Realtek ALC1220 codec.
Power Delivery:
- The Master features a 20+1+2 phase VRM with 105A power stages.
- The Elite has a 16+1+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages.
Performance Comparison
In terms of performance, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a slight edge over the Elite due to its more robust power delivery system and faster memory support. However, both boards offer excellent performance for gaming, content creation, and other demanding tasks.
Price Comparison
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a higher price than the Elite, with an MSRP of $449.99 compared to $249.99 for the Elite.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you need a full-featured ATX motherboard with the best possible performance, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master is an excellent choice. However, if you are on a tighter budget or prefer a smaller mATX form factor, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite is a great alternative that still offers a wide range of features and capabilities.
Final Note: Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master vs Elite – A Tale of Two Motherboards
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master and Elite motherboards are both excellent options for building a high-end gaming PC with Intel’s 13th-generation processors. While the Master offers slightly better performance and more features, the Elite is a more budget-friendly option that still provides a great overall experience. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has a more robust VRM cooling system with larger heatsinks.
Q: Does either motherboard support overclocking?
A: Yes, both the Master and Elite motherboards support overclocking Intel‘s 13th-generation processors.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master has more USB ports than the Elite, including both Type-A and Type-C ports.
