Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX vs Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Hero: Which Motherboard Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right motherboard for your next build can be a daunting task, especially when faced with high-end options like the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero. Both motherboards boast impressive features and performance, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two powerhouses, helping you decide which one best suits your requirements.

A Closer Look: Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is a solid contender in the mid-range segment, offering a compelling blend of features and affordability. It’s a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize a stable and reliable platform without breaking the bank.
Key Features:

• Robust Power Delivery: The Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a 16+1+1 phase VRM with DrMOS, providing ample power to handle even the most demanding CPUs. This ensures stable overclocking and efficient power delivery.
• Enhanced Cooling: The motherboard boasts a comprehensive cooling solution with a large heatsink covering the VRM, MOSFETs, and chipset. The heatsink is equipped with a thermal pad that helps dissipate heat efficiently, maintaining optimal temperatures even under heavy workloads.
• High-Speed Connectivity: The Z790 Aorus Elite AX comes equipped with the latest connectivity options, including a PCIe 5.0 slot for your graphics card, multiple M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support, and a Thunderbolt 4 header for peripherals.
• Comprehensive Audio: The motherboard features a Realtek ALC1220 codec with a dedicated audio amplifier, delivering high-fidelity audio for immersive gaming experiences.
• RGB Lighting: The Z790 Aorus Elite AX features RGB lighting zones, allowing you to customize the motherboard’s aesthetic with various lighting effects.

A Closer Look: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is a premium motherboard designed for discerning users who demand the best in performance and features. This motherboard is packed with innovative technologies and luxurious aesthetics, making it a top choice for enthusiasts and overclockers.
Key Features:

• High-End Power Delivery: The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero boasts a 20+1 phase VRM with a 105A Smart Power Stage, delivering exceptional power delivery and overclocking headroom.
• Advanced Cooling: The motherboard features an extensive cooling solution with a massive heatsink covering the VRM, MOSFETs, and chipset. It also incorporates a dedicated heatsink for the M.2 slots, ensuring optimal thermal performance for high-speed storage devices.
• Unmatched Connectivity: The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offers top-of-the-line connectivity with PCIe 5.0 support for both the graphics card and M.2 slots. It also includes a Thunderbolt 4 header, Wi-Fi 6E for ultra-fast wireless connectivity, and a 2.5G Ethernet port for wired connections.
• Immersive Audio: The motherboard features a SupremeFX 7.1 channel audio codec with a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC, delivering crystal-clear audio for a truly immersive experience.
• Advanced Features: The ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is packed with advanced features like AI Noise Cancellation for clear voice communication, AI Overclocking for optimized performance, and Aura Sync for seamless RGB lighting synchronization.

Comparing the Contenders: Feature by Feature

1. Performance and Overclocking:
Both motherboards offer exceptional performance, but the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero edges out the Z790 Aorus Elite AX in overclocking headroom thanks to its more robust VRM and advanced features like AI Overclocking.
2. Cooling and Thermal Performance:
Both motherboards feature comprehensive cooling solutions, but the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero’s larger heatsink and dedicated M.2 heatsink provide superior thermal performance, especially for high-end CPUs and NVMe SSDs.
3. Connectivity and Expansion:
Both motherboards offer excellent connectivity options, but the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero takes the lead with its PCIe 5.0 support for both graphics cards and M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and a 2.5G Ethernet port.
4. Audio Quality:
Both motherboards feature high-quality audio codecs, but the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero’s SupremeFX with ESS Sabre DAC delivers superior audio quality and a more immersive sound experience.
5. Aesthetics and Customization:
Both motherboards feature RGB lighting zones, but the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offers more intricate lighting patterns and a more premium aesthetic with its brushed aluminum heatsinks and stylish ROG branding.

The Verdict: Which Motherboard Wins?

The choice between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX:

• Best for: Gamers and enthusiasts seeking a solid, reliable motherboard at a reasonable price.
• Pros: Excellent power delivery, comprehensive cooling, high-speed connectivity, and a good value for money.
• Cons: Less overclocking headroom than the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, and slightly less comprehensive features.

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero:

• Best for: Discerning users who demand the best in performance, features, and aesthetics.
• Pros: Unmatched overclocking headroom, advanced cooling, top-of-the-line connectivity, and luxurious aesthetics.
• Cons: Higher price point than the Z790 Aorus Elite AX.

Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations

While the performance and features are essential, there are other factors to consider when making your decision:

• Brand Preference: Both Gigabyte and ASUS are reputable brands with a strong track record in motherboard manufacturing. Consider your personal preference and experience with each brand.
• BIOS Features and Updates: Both companies offer robust BIOS features and regular updates, but it’s worth researching the specific features and update frequency for each motherboard.
• Warranty and Support: Both Gigabyte and ASUS offer competitive warranties and support services. Check the details for each motherboard to ensure you’re comfortable with the terms and conditions.

A Final Thought: Choosing the Right Weapon

Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and budget. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers a compelling blend of performance and affordability, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero delivers a premium experience with unmatched features and aesthetics. By carefully considering your requirements and weighing the pros and cons of each motherboard, you can confidently choose the right weapon to power your next gaming or productivity rig.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What is the difference between the Z790 and the Z690 chipset?
A: The Z790 chipset is the latest generation of Intel’s high-end desktop chipset, offering improved performance and features compared to its predecessor, the Z690 chipset. The Z790 chipset supports the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors and features PCIe 5.0 support for both graphics cards and M.2 slots.
Q: Is the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX compatible with DDR5 RAM?
A: Yes, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports DDR5 RAM, offering high bandwidth and low latency for enhanced performance.
Q: What is the difference between the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero and the ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme?
A: The ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is a higher-end motherboard than the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero, offering even more advanced features and performance. The Extreme model boasts a more robust VRM, a built-in OLED display, and additional connectivity options like a 10G Ethernet port.
Q: Is it worth upgrading from a Z690 motherboard to a Z790 motherboard?
A: The decision to upgrade depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for the latest features and performance, the Z790 chipset offers significant improvements over the Z690 chipset. However, if you’re happy with your current performance and features, upgrading might not be necessary.