Unleashing the Beast: Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX vs Aorus Elite AX – Which One Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right motherboard for your gaming PC is a crucial decision, and the Gigabyte Z790 chipset offers a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in this arena are the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX. Both motherboards boast impressive features, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key aspects, helping you make an informed choice.

Performance and Features: A Close Race

Both the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX are built on the Intel Z790 chipset, offering excellent performance for 13th Gen Intel Core processors. They support DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 slots, and the latest connectivity standards. However, subtle differences exist that might sway your decision.
Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX: This motherboard emphasizes a balance between performance and budget-friendliness. It features a robust VRM design with 16+1+1 phases, ensuring stable power delivery for demanding workloads. It also includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics cards and a PCIe 5.0 x4 slot for NVMe SSDs. However, it lacks some premium features found in its Aorus counterpart.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX: This motherboard takes performance to the next level with a more sophisticated VRM design featuring 20+1+1 phases. It boasts a wider array of connectivity options, including a built-in Wi-Fi 6E module and a dedicated Thunderbolt 4 port. Additionally, it features a more robust audio solution with a dedicated audio amplifier and high-quality audio capacitors.

Networking and Connectivity: A Clear Advantage

Both motherboards excel in connectivity, offering a comprehensive suite of ports and features. However, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a slight edge in this department.
Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX: This motherboard provides a solid selection of ports, including a Gigabit Ethernet port, multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and a front panel header for USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX: This motherboard takes connectivity to the next level with its built-in Wi-Fi 6E module, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections. It also features a dedicated Thunderbolt 4 port, providing blazing-fast data transfer speeds and the ability to connect to high-resolution displays.

Audio and Aesthetics: A Matter of Preference

Both motherboards offer decent audio capabilities, but the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX takes the lead with its dedicated audio amplifier and high-quality audio capacitors.
Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX: This motherboard features a basic Realtek ALC897 audio codec, providing decent sound quality for everyday use. Its aesthetic features a black and silver color scheme with subtle RGB lighting.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX: This motherboard boasts a premium ALC4080 audio codec with a dedicated audio amplifier, delivering a more immersive audio experience. It also features a dedicated audio capacitor, further enhancing sound quality. The aesthetics lean towards a more premium look with a black and gold color scheme and customizable RGB lighting.

Expansion and Storage: Meeting Your Needs

Both motherboards offer ample expansion and storage options, catering to various user needs.
Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX: This motherboard provides a good balance of expansion slots, including two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot, and multiple PCIe 3.0 slots. It also supports up to four NVMe SSDs through M.2 slots.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX: This motherboard offers a more robust expansion setup with three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot, and multiple PCIe 3.0 slots. It also supports up to six NVMe SSDs through M.2 slots, providing ample storage capacity.

Overclocking and BIOS: Features for Enthusiasts

Both motherboards offer robust BIOS features for enthusiasts looking to push their components to the limit.
Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX: This motherboard features a user-friendly BIOS with a wide range of overclocking options. It allows you to adjust voltage, frequencies, and other parameters to fine-tune your system’s performance.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX: This motherboard goes a step further with its advanced BIOS, offering even more granular control over overclocking settings. It also features a dedicated overclocking profile section, making it easier to manage different overclocking configurations.

Price and Value: Balancing Performance and Cost

The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is generally more affordable than its Aorus counterpart, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users.
Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX: This motherboard offers a solid value proposition for its price, delivering excellent performance and a good selection of features.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX: This motherboard commands a higher price, reflecting its more premium features and performance capabilities. It is a worthwhile investment for users who demand the best possible performance and connectivity.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Motherboard

The choice between the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is an excellent option for budget-conscious users who prioritize solid performance and a good selection of features. It’s a great choice for gamers and content creators who don’t require the most advanced features.
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is a premium motherboard that delivers top-tier performance and a comprehensive set of features. It’s the perfect choice for enthusiasts and professionals who demand the best possible experience.

Beyond the Battlefield: Final Thoughts

The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX are both excellent motherboards that offer exceptional performance and features. The choice between the two comes down to your budget and specific needs. The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX provides a solid balance of performance and value, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX delivers a premium experience with advanced features and connectivity.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you is the one that meets your individual requirements and fits your budget.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer robust BIOS features for overclocking, but the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX provides more granular control over settings, making it the better choice for experienced overclockers.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent gaming performance, but the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a slight edge with its dedicated audio amplifier and high-quality audio capacitors, delivering a more immersive audio experience.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX boasts better connectivity with its built-in Wi-Fi 6E module and dedicated Thunderbolt 4 port, providing faster and more reliable connections.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is generally more affordable than the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX.
Q: What is the main difference between the two motherboards?
A: The main difference lies in the features and price. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers a premium experience with advanced features and connectivity, while the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX provides a solid balance of performance and value.