ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 AM4 AMD Promontory B450 SATA vs GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX
Updated July 2026 — GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX leads on price and connectivity.
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers superior performance and features compared to the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0, making it the better choice for high-end users.
Why ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 AM4 AMD Promontory B450 SATA is better
Price
ASRock is significantly cheaper at $79.00.
Basic Features
Adequate for budget users.
AMD Compatibility
Supports a wide range of AMD processors.
Why GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX is better
Performance
Designed for high-performance Intel processors.
Memory Support
Supports DDR5 memory for better speeds.
Expansion Options
More PCIe slots for high-speed storage.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 AM4 AMD Promontory B450 SATA | GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Support | AMD AM4 | Intel LGA 1700 |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR5 |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 3.0 | 4x PCIe 4.0 |
| USB Ports | Standard | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 |
| Thermal Management | Basic | Advanced |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 and GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
The ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 is priced at $79.00, making it significantly more affordable than the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX, which costs $189.99. This pricing difference of about 140% reflects the varying target markets and capabilities of these two motherboards.
The ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 is designed for AMD processors and supports a range of Ryzen models, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX caters to Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th generation processors, offering advanced features that appeal to gamers and high-performance users.
Processor Compatibility
Compatibility is a crucial consideration for any motherboard. The ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 supports AMD AM4 Socket processors, including Ryzen 2000, 3000, 4000 G-Series, and 5000 series models. This broad compatibility allows users to choose from a variety of processors based on their performance needs.
In contrast, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX supports Intel’s latest LGA 1700 Socket processors, including the 12th, 13th, and 14th generations. This motherboard is designed for users who prioritize cutting-edge performance, particularly in gaming scenarios. Choosing the right motherboard depends on whether you're more invested in AMD or Intel ecosystems.
Memory Support
When it comes to memory support, the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 supports DDR4 memory with a maximum speed of 3200 MHz, which is adequate for most users. However, it does not have the capability to utilize DDR5 memory.
On the other hand, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX supports the latest DDR5 memory technology with four SMD DIMMs and XMP 3.0 compatibility. This enables higher memory speeds and better overall performance, particularly beneficial for gaming and content creation. The memory support differences are significant, making the GIGABYTE a better choice for future-proofing.
Expansion Slots
Expansion capabilities differ notably between the two products. The ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 includes one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot, allowing for basic expansion but limited in comparison to more modern standards.
Conversely, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX features advanced expansion options, including four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots. This allows for multiple high-speed storage devices, which can be a game-changer for users needing high-performance SSDs. The expansion slot variety and technology present in the GIGABYTE motherboard cater to a more demanding user base.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is another area where the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX shines. It includes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C and Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster data transfer rates and improved wireless connectivity options. Additionally, the motherboard supports a 2.5GbE Ethernet connection for an enhanced network experience.
In comparison, the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 includes standard HDMI graphics output but lacks advanced connectivity features such as USB-C and modern Ethernet options. Users who require high-speed internet and data transfer will find the GIGABYTE motherboard far superior in this regard.
Thermal Management
Thermal management is vital for maintaining system stability, particularly during intensive tasks. The ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 lacks advanced thermal features, which may limit its performance during extended usage.
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX, however, comes with a comprehensive thermal design that includes M.2 Thermal Guard III and fully covered MOSFET heatsinks. These features aim to keep components cool even under heavy loads, making it a more reliable choice for gamers and power users who push their systems to the limit.
Gaming Features
For gaming enthusiasts, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is tailored for high-performance gaming. It includes a commanding power design with a twin 16+1+2 phase digital VRM solution, which enhances stability and performance during gaming sessions. The advanced RGB Fusion allows for customizable lighting effects, adding to the aesthetic appeal of gaming builds.
On the other hand, while the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 supports AMD Quad CrossFireX for multi-GPU setups, its overall feature set is basic in comparison. Gamers seeking a motherboard that can handle demanding titles and provide a rich gaming experience will likely prefer the GIGABYTE option.
Which should you buy?
Ultimately, the decision between the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 and the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with basic features and compatibility for AMD processors, the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 at $79.00 might suit your requirements. However, for users seeking cutting-edge performance, advanced connectivity, and robust gaming features, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX at $189.99 offers significant advantages. The price difference reflects the capabilities, making the GIGABYTE a worthwhile investment for high-performance tasks.