GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX vs NZXT N9 X870E - AMD X870E AM5 ATX Gaming

Price Comparison

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is priced at $189.99, making it about 62% cheaper than the NZXT N9 X870E, which retails for $499.99. This significant price difference may be a deciding factor for gamers and builders on a budget. The GIGABYTE motherboard offers solid features for its price, while the NZXT model, despite being pricier, is packed with advanced specifications catering to high-end users.

Socket Compatibility

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX uses the Intel LGA 1700 socket, supporting Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors. In contrast, the NZXT N9 X870E is designed for AMD's AM5 socket, compatible with Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. This difference in socket compatibility is crucial as it determines which CPUs can be paired with each motherboard, thus influencing overall system performance and upgrade paths.

Power Delivery

The power delivery systems of these motherboards cater to different performance needs. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX features a 16+1+2 power phase design with a robust 70A power stage, ensuring stable power delivery for Intel processors. On the other hand, the NZXT N9 X870E boasts a superior 20+2+1 power phase design with 110A Smart Power Stages. This difference indicates that the NZXT motherboard is better equipped for overclocking and maintaining performance under heavy loads, appealing to enthusiasts looking for high performance.

Memory Support

Memory capabilities vary significantly between the two models. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX supports DDR5 memory with four SMD DIMMs, allowing for enhanced memory speeds and multitasking. The NZXT N9 X870E also supports DDR5 but features four dual-channel DIMM slots capable of reaching speeds of over 8000 MT/s. This higher potential speed makes the NZXT motherboard ideal for users who require top-tier memory performance, particularly in gaming and content creation scenarios.

Cooling Solutions

Both motherboards come with advanced cooling solutions, but they differ in design and efficiency. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX includes M.2 Thermal Guard III and fully covered MOSFET heatsinks, designed to keep critical components cool during intense gaming sessions. In contrast, the NZXT N9 X870E features a VRM heatsink array with thermal pads and dual PWM fans, as well as four dedicated M.2 heatsinks for optimal temperature management. This design suggests that the NZXT motherboard may offer superior cooling capabilities, especially for overclocked systems.

Storage Options

When it comes to storage, both motherboards support M.2 NVMe drives, but the configurations differ. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX provides four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, offering high-speed storage options. The NZXT N9 X870E, however, takes it a step further with four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 and three PCIe 4.0, allowing for faster storage capabilities and quicker load times. This makes the NZXT model more future-proof, especially as PCIe 5.0 devices become more common.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity options are crucial for modern gaming and workstation builds. The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX includes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C and Wi-Fi 6E, providing fast data transfer and wireless capabilities. Meanwhile, the NZXT N9 X870E features even more advanced connectivity with USB 4, Wi-Fi 7, and 5GbE LAN, which can significantly enhance networking speed and reliability. For users requiring the latest in connectivity standards, the NZXT motherboard clearly outshines its competitor.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX and the NZXT N9 X870E largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for an affordable option that supports Intel's latest processors and provides solid performance, the GIGABYTE motherboard is an excellent choice at $189.99. However, for those willing to invest more for superior power delivery, enhanced cooling, and cutting-edge connectivity features, the NZXT model at $499.99 is worth considering. Ultimately, your decision should align with your performance requirements and budget constraints.