ASUS TUF Gaming A520M vs GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX
Updated August 2026 — GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX leads on power design and cooling.
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers superior performance and features, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS is a more budget-friendly option. Choose based on your CPU preference and budget.
Why ASUS TUF Gaming A520M is better
Price
ASUS is significantly cheaper at $99.99.
RGB Lighting
ASUS features customizable Aura Sync RGB.
Basic Gaming
Adequate for casual gaming needs.
Why GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX is better
Performance
GIGABYTE supports DDR5 for better performance.
Power Design
GIGABYTE has a 16+1+2 phase VRM for stability.
Connectivity
GIGABYTE includes PCIe 5.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | ASUS TUF Gaming A520M | GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Type | AM4 | LGA 1700 |
| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR5 |
| Power Phases | 4+2 | 16+1+2 |
| M.2 Slots | 1 | 4 |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6E |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS and GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS is priced at $99.99, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX costs $189.99, making the ASUS model about 47% cheaper. Both motherboards are designed for gamers but target different processor generations. The ASUS motherboard supports AMD's 3rd Gen Ryzen CPUs, while the GIGABYTE model caters to Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors. This price difference reflects the distinct features and capabilities of each motherboard, catering to different user preferences and needs in the gaming community.
Compatibility and Socket Type
The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS is built for AMD AM4 socket processors, specifically supporting Ryzen 5000, 4000 G-Series, and 3000 Series. Conversely, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX utilizes the LGA 1700 socket, accommodating the latest Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen CPUs. This fundamental difference in compatibility means that users must choose based on their preferred CPU brand, impacting the overall performance and upgrade potential of their gaming rigs.
Memory Support
The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS supports DDR4 memory, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is compatible with the more advanced DDR5. This distinction allows the GIGABYTE motherboard to leverage faster memory speeds and improved performance metrics, which can significantly benefit gaming and high-performance computing tasks. Users who prioritize speed and future-proofing their systems may find the GIGABYTE option more appealing.
Power Design and Stability
The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS features a comprehensive cooling solution with a large VRM heatsink and Fan Xpert 2+, ensuring stability during intense gaming sessions. However, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX boasts a more sophisticated power design with a 16+1+2 phase digital VRM solution, delivering 70A power stages. This advanced power distribution can lead to better performance, particularly when overclocking or running demanding applications, making the GIGABYTE motherboard a stronger contender for performance enthusiasts.
Connectivity Options
In terms of connectivity, the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS includes essential ports such as USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, DisplayPort, and HDMI, making it suitable for casual gaming and general use. In contrast, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is equipped with cutting-edge features like PCIe 5.0, four M.2 slots, and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C. This array of modern connectivity options allows for faster data transfer and more versatile configurations, catering to gamers who require extensive storage and peripheral connectivity.
Cooling Solutions
The cooling solutions differ significantly between the two motherboards. The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS utilizes a basic cooling setup with a PCH heatsink and Fan Xpert 2+ software, making it adequate for standard gaming. Meanwhile, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX includes M.2 Thermal Guard III and fully covered MOSFET heatsinks, enhancing its thermal management capabilities. These advanced cooling solutions can help maintain optimal operating temperatures during high-performance tasks, crucial for serious gamers and content creators.
Aesthetics and Design
Aesthetically, the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS features ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting, which adds a customizable flair to any gaming setup. In contrast, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX also includes RGB Fusion for lighting effects but is designed with a more aggressive, performance-oriented look. While both motherboards offer RGB customization, the choice between them may come down to personal preference regarding visual appeal and overall design philosophy.
Which should you buy?
Ultimately, the decision between the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS and the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX hinges on your specific gaming needs and hardware preferences. The ASUS motherboard is significantly cheaper at $99.99, providing a solid foundation for AMD users with its reliable performance and adequate features. On the other hand, the GIGABYTE model, priced at $189.99, offers superior power design, memory support, and connectivity options, making it ideal for Intel users seeking cutting-edge performance. If your budget allows and you prefer the latest technology, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX may be the better choice. However, if you are looking for an economical option without compromising too much on performance, the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS is a compelling option.