ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 ATX motherboard with PCIe 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 aesthetics.
The ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 offers great value with advanced features, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX excels in power delivery and storage options.
Why ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 ATX motherboard with PCIe is better
Price
ASUS is $40 cheaper
Memory Tech
Includes ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II
RGB Features
Aura Sync for customizable lighting
Why GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX is better
Power Design
16+1+2 power phase for better efficiency
M.2 Slots
Four M.2 slots for more storage options
Thermal Design
M.2 Thermal Guard III for improved cooling
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 ATX motherboard with PCIe | GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| DDR Support | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| PCIe Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| USB Type-C | Yes | Yes |
| LAN | 1Gb | 2.5Gb |
Dimension comparison
Overview of ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 and GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
The ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 is priced at $149.99, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX comes at a higher price of $189.99, making it about 27% more expensive. Both motherboards are designed for Intel's LGA 1700 socket and support the latest 14th, 13th, and 12th generation Intel Core processors. While they share some similarities, their features and specifications are tailored for different user priorities.
Power Design and Efficiency
ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 features a 14+1 DrMOS power solution, which ensures stable power delivery through its six-layer PCB and durable capacitors. In contrast, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX boasts a more robust 16+1+2 power phase design with a 70A power stage. This difference indicates that the GIGABYTE motherboard may provide superior power efficiency and stability during high-performance tasks, making it a better choice for overclocking enthusiasts.
Connectivity Options
In terms of connectivity, the ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 offers advanced features like PCIe 5.0, three M.2 slots, and support for USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX also supports PCIe 5.0 but has four M.2 slots, providing more options for high-speed storage. Additionally, it features USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C as well. The enhanced number of M.2 slots on the GIGABYTE motherboard makes it more suitable for users who require extensive storage capabilities.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, but the ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 includes ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II and ASUS OptiMem II technology, which can optimize memory performance and stability. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX supports XMP 3.0 memory modules, indicating good compatibility with high-speed RAM. While both motherboards can handle next-gen memory, the additional features on the ASUS board may appeal to users seeking the best memory performance.
Cooling Solutions
Cooling is a critical aspect for high-performance motherboards. The ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 is equipped with large VRM heatsinks and a comprehensive cooling system that includes hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4 with AI Cooling II. In comparison, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers a cutting-edge thermal design with M.2 Thermal Guard III and fully covered MOSFET heatsinks. Both cooling solutions are robust, but GIGABYTE’s approach may provide better thermal management for extensive gaming sessions.
Additional Features
The ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 stands out with features like Aura Sync for RGB lighting, Q-LED Core indicators, and Two-way AI Noise Cancelation, making it a more versatile choice for gamers looking to enhance their setups. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX includes RGB Fusion for customizable lighting effects, Q-Flash for easy BIOS updates, and EZ-Latch for simplified connections. While both motherboards cater to customization enthusiasts, the ASUS board offers a broader array of features that could enhance user experience.
Price Comparison
The ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 is priced at $149.99, while the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX retails for $189.99, making the ASUS motherboard about $40 cheaper. This price difference might be a significant factor for budget-conscious buyers who still want high performance without breaking the bank. However, for users looking for enhanced power delivery and more M.2 slots, the GIGABYTE option may justify its higher price.
User Experience and Community Feedback
Both motherboards are designed with gamers and power users in mind, offering advanced features that cater to high-performance computing needs. While there are no specific sales ranks available for comparison, the community feedback generally highlights the ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 for its excellent feature set and value, making it a popular choice among users. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX, known for its solid build quality and power delivery, is favored by those who prioritize performance and overclocking potential.
Which should you buy?
Choosing between the ASUS Z790 GAMING WIFI7 and the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize value and advanced features like Aura Sync and excellent memory optimization, the ASUS motherboard is the better choice at $149.99. However, if you are willing to invest an additional $40 for superior power delivery and more M.2 slots, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX could provide the enhanced performance you desire. Your decision should be guided by what features matter most to your computing experience.