Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard - Supports Intel Core 14th CPUs vs GIGABYTE B650E AORUS STEALTH ICE Motherboard - Supports AMD Ryzen 9000 CPUs- 12+

Price Comparison

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard is priced at £226.99, while the GIGABYTE B650E AORUS STEALTH ICE Motherboard comes in at £367.32. This substantial price difference of £140.33 may influence your decision based on your budget and requirements. The Z790 model is aimed at users looking for a more cost-effective option without sacrificing high-end features. In contrast, the B650E appeals to those willing to invest more for enhanced specifications tailored for AMD Ryzen processors.

Compatibility with Processors

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX supports Intel Core 14th CPUs and is also backwards compatible with 12th and 13th Gen Series processors. This flexibility may be appealing for users who want to upgrade their systems gradually. On the other hand, the GIGABYTE B650E AORUS STEALTH ICE is designed for AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series processors. If you are firmly within the Intel ecosystem, the Z790 could be the preferred choice, whereas the B650E is better suited for AMD enthusiasts.

VRM Solutions

The Z790 AORUS ELITE AX features a digital VRM solution with a robust configuration of twin 16+1+2 phases, ensuring stable power delivery for intensive tasks. The B650E AORUS STEALTH ICE, while slightly less complex, offers a digital twin 12+2+2 phases VRM solution, which still provides adequate power support for demanding applications. Both motherboards cater to power users, but the superior VRM configuration in the Z790 may offer an edge in extreme performance scenarios.

Memory Support

When it comes to memory, both motherboards support dual-channel DDR5 technology with four DIMM slots. The Z790 AORUS ELITE AX explicitly supports XMP 3.0 memory modules, which can facilitate higher performance and overclocking options. The B650E AORUS STEALTH ICE, while also supporting advanced memory features through AMD EXPO, may appeal to users specifically seeking to optimise AMD platforms. Overall, both motherboards provide advanced memory capabilities, but Intel users might find more optimisation options with the Z790.

Storage Options

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX excels in storage capabilities with four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors, allowing for extensive SSD options and high-speed data transfers. In contrast, the B650E AORUS STEALTH ICE includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, which offers future-proofing for graphics cards but only highlights its single M.2 connection with magnetic alignment for larger heatsinks. Users seeking expansive storage configurations may prefer the Z790, while those prioritising up-to-date graphics performance might lean towards the B650E.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity is a strong point for both motherboards. The Z790 AORUS ELITE AX boasts 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax, ensuring high-speed internet options. It includes multiple USB ports, including front USB-C 10Gb/s and rear USB-C 20Gb/s for extensive peripheral support. The B650E AORUS STEALTH ICE also provides advanced connectivity features, including Wi-Fi EZ-Plug for easy antenna installation and a sensor panel link for simple in-chassis setup. While both motherboards deliver comprehensive connectivity, the Z790 offers a slight edge with faster LAN options.

Thermal Management

In terms of thermal management, the Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is equipped with an advanced thermal design and M.2 Thermal Guard III, which ensures VRM power stability and optimises M.2 SSD performance. The B650E AORUS STEALTH ICE features similar thermal management technologies, including EZ-Latch Click for screwless M.2 heatsink installation. Both boards are built to handle thermal challenges effectively; however, the Z790’s thermal guard may provide a more robust solution for high-performance setups.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX and the GIGABYTE B650E AORUS STEALTH ICE largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re an Intel user looking for a powerful, budget-friendly motherboard that supports the latest 14th Gen CPUs, the Z790 offers exceptional value at £226.99. However, if you are committed to AMD Ryzen processors and desire the latest technologies, including PCIe 5.0 support, the B650E at £367.32 may justify the higher price. Ultimately, your choice should align with your processor preference, budget considerations, and specific performance requirements.