ASUS TUF GAMING X870-PLUS WIFI AMD ATX motherboard vs Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard - Supports Intel Core 14th CPUs

Price Comparison

The ASUS TUF GAMING X870-PLUS WIFI motherboard is priced at £239.99, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX motherboard is slightly more affordable at £226.99. This £13 price difference may influence buyers looking for budget-friendly options. Despite the Gigabyte's lower price, it's essential to examine the features and capabilities of both motherboards to ensure that the chosen product meets specific needs.

CPU Compatibility

The ASUS TUF GAMING X870-PLUS WIFI supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series desktop processors, making it suitable for users invested in AMD’s ecosystem. In contrast, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is compatible with Intel's 12th and 13th Generation processors through the Intel Socket LGA 1700. This indicates that users must choose between AMD and Intel based on their existing hardware or future upgrade plans, which significantly impacts their overall system compatibility.

Power Delivery System

In terms of power delivery, the ASUS TUF GAMING X870-PLUS WIFI boasts a robust 16+2+1 phase design with 80A power stages, ensuring stable power delivery for high-performance CPUs. On the other hand, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX features a twin 16+1+2 phases digital VRM solution. While both motherboards offer strong power management, the higher phase count of the ASUS motherboard may appeal to users who prioritise overclocking potential and system stability under heavy loads.

Memory Support

The ASUS motherboard supports advanced memory configurations with its AMD AM5 socket, while the Gigabyte board excels in supporting dual-channel DDR5 memory with 4*SMD DIMMs, including XMP 3.0 memory module support. This advantage provides the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX with a potential edge in terms of memory speed and efficiency, especially for users looking to harness the latest DDR5 technology in their builds.

Storage Options

Storage capabilities differ significantly between the two motherboards. The ASUS TUF GAMING X870-PLUS WIFI includes two PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, providing a high-speed storage solution for demanding applications. In contrast, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX offers four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors, which, while still impressive, do not match the cutting-edge PCIe 5.0 support of the ASUS board. The additional M.2 slots on the ASUS motherboard might be crucial for users requiring extensive storage options for gaming or content creation.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity is a vital factor in modern motherboards, and both models offer impressive options. The ASUS TUF GAMING X870-PLUS WIFI supports WiFi 7 and includes dual USB4 40Gbps ports. Meanwhile, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX features Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax and an extensive range of USB ports, including a rear USB-C 20Gb/s connection. The advanced WiFi capabilities of the ASUS motherboard may appeal to users seeking the latest wireless technologies, whereas the Gigabyte’s offerings provide ample options for high-speed wired connectivity.

Cooling Solutions

Regarding cooling, the ASUS TUF GAMING X870-PLUS WIFI comes equipped with enhanced cooling solutions, including enlarged VRM and M.2 heatsinks, along with hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4 with AI Cooling II. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX also features an advanced thermal design with M.2 Thermal Guard III, ensuring optimal thermal performance. Both motherboards are built with cooling in mind; however, the extensive cooling features of the ASUS board may be more appealing for users planning to push their systems to higher performance levels.

Which should you buy?

In conclusion, choosing between the ASUS TUF GAMING X870-PLUS WIFI and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. The ASUS board is ideal for those who prefer AMD’s latest Ryzen processors and require cutting-edge features like PCIe 5.0 storage and WiFi 7. However, if you're leaning towards Intel’s 12th or 13th Gen processors and seek a more budget-friendly option with strong performance, the Gigabyte motherboard presents an excellent choice. Ultimately, consider your current hardware, future upgrade plans, and specific use cases to make the best decision for your build.