Unleash the Power: Gigabyte X570S Aorus Elite AX vs Gigabyte X570S Aorus Pro AX – Which Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right motherboard for your Ryzen 5000 series CPU can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders from Gigabyte’s Aorus lineup, the X570S Aorus Elite AX and the X570S Aorus Pro AX, both offer impressive features and performance, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.

The X570S Chipset: A Shared Foundation

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the foundation they share. Both the Gigabyte X570S Aorus Elite AX and the X570S Aorus Pro AX are built upon the AMD X570S chipset. This chipset, an evolution of the X570, boasts several improvements, including enhanced power delivery, optimized PCIe 4.0 support, and enhanced connectivity.

Performance: A Tight Race

Both motherboards offer impressive performance, thanks to their robust power delivery systems and support for the latest Ryzen 5000 series processors. The Aorus Pro AX edges out the Elite AX in terms of raw performance due to its more advanced VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) design. The Pro AX features a 12+2+1 phase VRM with a higher current rating, enabling it to handle higher overclocking headroom and deliver more stable power under heavy workloads. However, the Elite AX’s 8+2+1 phase VRM is still capable of handling most users’ needs, even for demanding gaming and content creation tasks.

Features: A Tale of Two Boards

While the performance difference is subtle, the feature set is where the two motherboards truly diverge. Let’s break down the key differences:

Networking: Wired and Wireless Connectivity

Gigabyte X570S Aorus Elite AX:

• Ethernet: Gigabyte’s proprietary 2.5G Ethernet port delivers faster wired connectivity compared to standard Gigabit Ethernet.
• Wi-Fi: Supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster wireless speeds and improved range.

Gigabyte X570S Aorus Pro AX:

• Ethernet: Boasts a premium Intel I225-V 2.5G Ethernet port, known for its low latency and high throughput.
• Wi-Fi: Features the latest Wi-Fi 6E, extending the wireless spectrum for even faster speeds and reduced interference.

Storage: Expanding Your Options

Gigabyte X570S Aorus Elite AX:

• M.2 Slots: Offers two M.2 slots, both supporting PCIe 4.0 for blazing-fast NVMe SSDs.
• RAID: Supports RAID 0, 1, and 10 configurations for increased performance or data redundancy.

Gigabyte X570S Aorus Pro AX:

• M.2 Slots: Features three M.2 slots, allowing for greater storage expansion. One slot is equipped with a heatsink to keep your high-performance SSDs cool.
• RAID: Supports advanced RAID configurations, including RAID 5 and 0+1, offering even more flexibility and data protection.

Audio: Immersive Sound

Gigabyte X570S Aorus Elite AX:

• Audio: Equipped with Realtek ALC897 audio codec, delivering decent audio quality.

Gigabyte X570S Aorus Pro AX:

• Audio: Features the renowned Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, known for its high fidelity and immersive sound. The Pro AX also includes a dedicated audio amplifier and high-quality audio capacitors for a richer listening experience.

Aesthetics and Design: A Matter of Style

Gigabyte X570S Aorus Elite AX:

• Design: Offers a clean and understated design with a black PCB and silver accents.

Gigabyte X570S Aorus Pro AX:

• Design: Features a more aggressive and visually striking design with a black PCB and silver accents, accompanied by RGB lighting elements for a customizable aesthetic.

Choosing the Right Motherboard: A Decision Framework

Ultimately, the choice between the Gigabyte X570S Aorus Elite AX and the X570S Aorus Pro AX hinges on your priorities and budget.
The Gigabyte X570S Aorus Elite AX is an excellent choice if:

• Budget-conscious: You’re looking for a high-quality motherboard at a more affordable price point.
• Solid performance: You need a motherboard that delivers strong performance for gaming, content creation, and everyday tasks.
• Essential features: You prioritize the core features like Wi-Fi 6, 2.5G Ethernet, and multiple M.2 slots.

The Gigabyte X570S Aorus Pro AX is the better option if:

• Premium performance: You desire the best possible performance and overclocking headroom.
• Advanced features: You need the extra features like Wi-Fi 6E, three M.2 slots, and enhanced audio capabilities.
• Customization: You want a motherboard with RGB lighting for a personalized aesthetic.

The Verdict: A Matter of Priorities

Both the Gigabyte X570S Aorus Elite AX and the X570S Aorus Pro AX are excellent motherboard choices for Ryzen 5000 series processors. The Elite AX offers a compelling balance of performance and features at a more affordable price, while the Pro AX delivers top-tier performance, advanced features, and a premium aesthetic. The best option for you depends on your individual needs and budget.

The Future of Ryzen: A Glimpse Ahead

With the release of the Ryzen 7000 series processors, the X570S chipset remains a viable option for those seeking a powerful and feature-rich platform. While newer chipsets like the B650 and X670 offer even more advanced features and support for the latest technologies, the X570S still provides a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious builders.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Are these motherboards compatible with older Ryzen 3000 series CPUs?
A: No, these motherboards are designed specifically for AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors and are not compatible with older Ryzen 3000 series CPUs.
Q: Do these motherboards support PCIe 5.0?
A: No, the X570S chipset only supports PCIe 4.0.
Q: Which motherboard has better cooling capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte X570S Aorus Pro AX features a larger heatsink for the VRM and an additional heatsink for one of the M.2 slots, providing better cooling for demanding workloads.
Q: Are these motherboards compatible with DDR5 memory?
A: No, the X570S chipset only supports DDR4 memory.
Q: Can I upgrade to the latest Ryzen 7000 series CPUs with these motherboards?
A: No, the X570S chipset is not compatible with Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. You would need a motherboard based on the B650 or X670 chipset to support these latest processors.