ASRock AMD B850i Lightning WiFi 6E Socket AM5 vs GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX

Overview of the ASRock AMD B850i Lightning and GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning is priced at $179.99, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX comes in at $189.99, making the ASRock model about 5.3% cheaper. Both motherboards cater to different user needs, with the ASRock designed for compact builds and the GIGABYTE focusing on high-performance gaming. This comparison will explore their specifications, design, performance capabilities, and connectivity options.

Form Factor and Design

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning features a Mini-ITX compact design, measuring 170x170mm, which is ideal for small form factor builds. This makes it an excellent choice for users looking to build a space-efficient system. On the other hand, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX adopts an ATX form factor, which provides more room for additional components and better thermal management. The ATX design allows for enhanced expandability, accommodating larger heatsinks and more RAM slots, which can be crucial for high-performance gaming setups.

Processor Support

The ASRock B850i Lightning supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is compatible with Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th generation processors. This distinction is significant for users who have a preference for either AMD or Intel architecture. The choice of processor can greatly influence overall system performance, especially in gaming and content creation scenarios. Users invested in either ecosystem will find tailored advantages in their respective motherboard.

Power Delivery and Stability

The ASRock motherboard boasts a 10+1+1 phase power design with a 110A Smart Power Stage, ensuring stable performance even in compact builds. In contrast, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX features a more robust 16+1+2 phase power design with a 70A Power Stage, suggesting that it is designed for handling higher power loads, making it suitable for overclocking. This difference in power delivery systems can affect the stability and performance of high-end processors, especially under heavy workloads or gaming sessions.

Memory Support

The ASRock B850i Lightning supports two DDR5 DIMM slots with speeds up to 8200+ MHz (OC), allowing for extreme overclocking capabilities. This is particularly beneficial for users who intend to push their memory to the limits. Conversely, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX supports four DDR5 slots with XMP 3.0 memory module support, providing more flexibility in memory configuration. The ability to install more RAM can enhance multitasking capabilities and overall system performance, particularly in demanding applications.

Storage Options

For storage, the ASRock model includes dual M.2 slots: one with PCIe Gen5x4 and another with PCIe Gen4x4, which optimize storage performance. This ensures fast data transfer rates and quick loading times for games and applications. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX also offers four M.2 slots, but with only PCIe 4.0 speeds, which may be slightly less advantageous compared to the ASRock's next-gen capabilities. This difference might be crucial for users prioritizing the fastest possible storage solutions.

Connectivity Features

Both motherboards are equipped with advanced networking options, featuring Killer 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E capabilities. The ASRock B850i Lightning also includes Bluetooth, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX incorporates USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C for high-speed data transfer. The inclusion of multiple USB ports and advanced connectivity options can enhance the user experience by allowing seamless connections to various peripherals and devices.

Aesthetic and RGB Features

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is designed with RGB Fusion technology, providing customizable lighting options to enhance the aesthetics of a gaming rig. While the ASRock B850i Lightning does not mention RGB features, it focuses more on functional design rather than visual appeal. The choice between these two may come down to whether or not aesthetics play a significant role in the user's decision-making process.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ASRock AMD B850i Lightning and the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are looking for a compact motherboard that supports AMD processors and offers high-speed memory options, the ASRock is a solid choice at $179.99. Alternatively, if you prefer Intel processors, require more expansion options, and appreciate customizable RGB features, the GIGABYTE at $189.99 may be more suitable. Each motherboard has its strengths, catering to different types of users in the gaming and PC-building communities.