GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX vs MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor
Updated August 2026 — MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor leads on price and performance.
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers excellent value for Intel builds, while the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D excels in high-performance gaming. Choose based on your budget and performance needs.
Why GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX is better
Price
GIGABYTE is significantly cheaper.
Power Design
16+1+2 power phase for stability.
Thermal Management
Includes M.2 Thermal Guard III.
Why MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor is better
Performance
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is faster.
Multitasking
8-core, 16-thread architecture.
Future-proofing
Supports PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX | MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1700 | AM5 |
| Max Boost | N/A | 5.2 GHz |
| Cores | N/A | 8 |
| Threads | N/A | 16 |
| Memory | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| PCIe | 4.0 | 5.0 |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a high-performance motherboard compatible with Intel's 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors. Priced at $189.99, it offers a compelling set of features aimed at gamers and PC builders looking for robust performance. The motherboard's advanced power design, featuring a 16+1+2 power phase configuration, ensures that it can handle demanding workloads and overclocking scenarios with ease. The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 and multiple M.2 slots provides ample connectivity for modern storage solutions.
Overview of the MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor with MSI B850 Gaming Plus
The MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor, bundled with the MSI B850 Gaming Plus motherboard, is a powerhouse in the gaming arena. At $699.99, it features an 8-core 16-thread processor capable of reaching a maximum boost clock of 5.2 GHz. This combination is built on AMD’s Zen5 architecture and boasts 104 MB of L2 and L3 cache, making it an exceptional choice for high-performance gaming and multitasking. The MSI motherboard provides support for PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7, ensuring top-notch connectivity options.
Performance Comparison
In terms of performance, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is designed to pair with Intel's latest processors, delivering impressive results in gaming and content creation. The 16+1+2 power phase design ensures stability even under heavy loads. On the other hand, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, known for being the "world's fastest gaming processor," is optimized for high frame rates and responsiveness in games. With its 5.2 GHz boost and 104 MB cache, it excels in multitasking environments, making it a strong contender for gamers and professionals alike.
Connectivity Features
Connectivity is a significant factor for modern motherboards, and both the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX and the MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D package offer advanced options. The GIGABYTE board includes four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, and supports Wi-Fi 6E, which provides high-speed internet connections. Conversely, the MSI B850 Gaming Plus motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7, which offers faster data transfer rates and improved wireless connectivity. This means that while the GIGABYTE board is well-equipped for current needs, the MSI may offer better future-proofing with its PCIe 5.0 support.
Price Point Consideration
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX retails for $189.99, making it about 73% cheaper than the MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which costs $699.99. This considerable price difference reflects the target audience of each product; while the GIGABYTE motherboard is aimed at those building a powerful Intel-based system, the AMD package is for those seeking top-tier performance in gaming and multitasking. Therefore, budget constraints will play a crucial role in selecting between these two options.
User Experience and Build Quality
Both products are built with high-quality materials and feature designs that enhance user experience. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is equipped with features such as M.2 Thermal Guard III and fully covered MOSFET heatsinks, which contribute to better thermal management. This is particularly important for gamers who push their systems to the limits. Meanwhile, the MSI B850 Gaming Plus motherboard emphasizes ease of installation with features like EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II and high-performance thermal pads, ensuring that users can build reliable systems without excessive hassle.
Gaming Performance and Capabilities
When it comes to gaming capabilities, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D stands out with its advanced architecture and high clock speeds, making it an ideal choice for gamers who demand the highest performance. The combination of this processor with the MSI B850 Gaming Plus motherboard ensures a seamless gaming experience, especially in titles that require high frame rates and quick response times. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX also holds its own in gaming, particularly when paired with Intel’s latest processors, but it may not match the raw performance metrics of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
Which should you buy?
Choosing between the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX and the MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D with MSI B850 Gaming Plus boils down to your specific needs. If you are building a powerful Intel rig and are conscious of budget, the GIGABYTE motherboard offers excellent performance at a significantly lower price point. However, if you are looking for a top-tier gaming processor and are willing to invest more for higher performance, the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D bundled with the MSI motherboard is the way to go. Each option has its strengths, so your choice will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize cost or peak performance.