What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master are packed with features and boast a premium design, but they cater to different user needs.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master have a significant price difference, with the Xtreme being significantly more expensive.
- The Xtreme offers a premium experience with its advanced features and luxurious design, while the Master provides a more affordable option without compromising on performance.
Choosing the right motherboard for your next Intel 13th Gen build can be a daunting task, especially when considering the high-end Gigabyte Z790 Aorus lineup. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master are both top-tier options, each offering impressive features and performance. But which one comes out on top? This in-depth comparison will help you decide which motherboard best suits your needs and budget.
Performance: A Close Race
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master are built on the Z790 chipset, capable of supporting Intel‘s latest 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors. They offer excellent overclocking potential and high-bandwidth connectivity.
Memory: Both motherboards support DDR5 memory with speeds up to 7600 MHz (overclocked). The Xtreme boasts a higher maximum memory capacity of 128GB, while the Master supports up to 64GB.
Storage: Both motherboards feature multiple PCIe 5.0 NVMe slots, enabling blazing-fast storage speeds. The Xtreme offers two PCIe 5.0 slots, while the Master has one.
Networking: Both motherboards feature Intel’s latest Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless connectivity. The Xtreme includes a dedicated 10GbE LAN port for ultra-fast wired connections, while the Master has a 2.5GbE LAN port.
Overall, both motherboards offer excellent performance, capable of handling demanding workloads and gaming scenarios. The Xtreme edges out the Master in terms of maximum memory capacity and networking speed, but the difference is negligible for most users.
Features and Design: A Tale of Two Titans
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master are packed with features and boast a premium design, but they cater to different user needs.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme:
- Design: The Xtreme boasts a bold and aggressive design with a black and silver color scheme. It features a massive heatsink with a built-in OLED display that displays system information.
- Features: This flagship motherboard comes loaded with features, including:
- Onboard RGB lighting: Customizable RGB lighting zones across the board.
- Audio: High-end ESS Sabre DAC and amplifier for superior audio quality.
- Cooling: Multiple active fan headers and passive heatsinks for optimal cooling.
- Expansion: Multiple PCIe slots, including two PCIe 5.0 slots, and a wealth of USB ports.
- BIOS: Advanced UEFI BIOS with a user-friendly interface for easy customization.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master:
- Design: The Master features a more understated design, with a black and gold color scheme. It also features a large heatsink, but without the OLED display.
- Features: The Master still offers a comprehensive feature set, including:
- Onboard RGB lighting: Customizable RGB lighting zones, but less extensive than the Xtreme.
- Audio: High-quality ALC4080 codec for excellent audio fidelity.
- Cooling: Multiple fan headers and passive heatsinks for effective cooling.
- Expansion: Multiple PCIe slots, including one PCIe 5.0 slot, and a good selection of USB ports.
- BIOS: Advanced UEFI BIOS with a user-friendly interface for easy customization.
The Xtreme is a feature-packed beast, offering the best of the best in terms of design, features, and performance. The Master, on the other hand, strikes a balance between features and affordability, providing a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance.
Price: A Significant Difference
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master have a significant price difference, with the Xtreme being significantly more expensive.
- Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme: This motherboard typically retails for around $1000 or more.
- Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master: This motherboard is available for around $500 or more, significantly cheaper than the Xtreme.
The price difference reflects the difference in features and performance between the two motherboards. The Xtreme offers a premium experience with its advanced features and luxurious design, while the Master provides a more affordable option without compromising on performance.
Target Audience: Who Should Choose Each Motherboard?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master cater to different user needs and budgets.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme:
- Target Audience: Enthusiasts, overclockers, and gamers who demand the best performance and features, regardless of the cost.
- Ideal For: High-end gaming rigs, content creation workstations, and demanding tasks that require maximum performance.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master:
- Target Audience: Gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts who value performance and features but are on a tighter budget.
- Ideal For: High-end gaming rigs, content creation workstations, and demanding tasks that require a balance of performance and affordability.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Motherboard
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master are exceptional motherboards, offering top-tier performance and features. The Xtreme is the ultimate choice for those who want the best of the best, while the Master provides a more affordable option without sacrificing performance.
The best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for the absolute best and are willing to pay a premium, the Xtreme is the way to go. If you’re looking for a great motherboard that offers excellent performance at a more reasonable price, the Master is a fantastic option.
The Verdict: A Champion for Every Need
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master are both excellent motherboards, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The Xtreme is the flagship model, offering the best features and performance, but at a premium price. The Master provides a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
Questions You May Have
Q: What is the main difference between the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master?
A: The main difference is the price and features. The Xtreme is a feature-packed flagship motherboard with a premium design and advanced features, while the Master is a more affordable option with a good selection of features.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking potential, but the Xtreme might have a slight edge due to its more robust VRM design and advanced BIOS features.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are excellent for gaming, offering high-bandwidth connectivity, fast storage speeds, and top-tier performance. The Xtreme might have a slight advantage due to its 10GbE LAN port, but the difference is negligible for most gamers.
Q: Which motherboard is better for content creation?
A: Both motherboards are suitable for content creation, offering high-bandwidth connectivity and fast storage speeds. The Xtreme might be a better choice for demanding workloads due to its more robust VRM design and advanced features.
Q: Can I upgrade from the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Master to the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme later?
A: You can upgrade from the Master to the Xtreme, but you’ll need to purchase a new motherboard and potentially new components, as the two motherboards have different features and layouts.
