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ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi (AM5) vs GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi (AM5)
$399.99 97 reviews analyzed
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard
$189.99 98 reviews analyzed
Scored Dimensions
8.0 Value for Money 9.0
8.5 Build & Ergonomics 5.5
6.5 Connectivity & Ports 9.0
6.0 Compatibility Experience 4.0
7.0 Stability 8.5
7.5 Upgrade Potential 9.0
ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi (AM5)

The Good

  • Exceptional build quality and premium design with robust heatsinks
  • Rock-solid power delivery and stable performance, ideal for overclocking high-end CPUs
  • Extensive and future-proof connectivity, including PCIe 5.0, multiple M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi 7
  • User-friendly BIOS, AI-assisted tuning, and convenient DIY features like Q-Release slots

The Bad

  • Persistent and widespread issues with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality for Linux users
  • PCIe lane sharing limitations, where using certain M.2 slots downgrades GPU bandwidth
  • Occasional, lengthy DDR5 memory training times and intermittent boot issues reported by some users
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard

The Good

  • Exceptional connectivity with multiple M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, WiFi 6E, and 2.5GbE LAN.
  • Strong value for money, offering premium features at a competitive price point.
  • Excellent upgrade potential, supporting current and future high-performance components.
  • Generally stable performance once initial setup and BIOS configurations are complete.

The Bad

  • Frequent compatibility challenges, particularly with BIOS updates for newer CPUs and DDR5 XMP profiles.
  • Reports of quality control issues, including fragile physical components and defective units.
  • Subpar audio quality, with some users experiencing noticeable coil whine or buzzing.
  • The Gigabyte Control Center (GCC) software is reported to cause system instability for some users.
The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi (AM5) Verdict

For Windows users building a high-performance AM5 system, the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi offers a feature-rich and stable foundation. However, potential buyers should be aware of its significant Linux compatibility shortcomings and PCIe lane sharing nuances that can impact performance.

Read the full ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi (AM5) consensus →
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard Verdict

For builders prioritizing extensive connectivity and future-proofing on an Intel platform, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard family presents a compelling value, provided they are prepared to navigate potential BIOS and RAM configuration complexities.

Read the full GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard consensus →
The Bottom Line

Our pick: ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi (AM5) · 7.4/10

Owners rate the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi (AM5) meaningfully higher — 7.4/10 against 7.0/10 for the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard. It wins where it counts: Build & Ergonomics and Compatibility Experience.

ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi (AM5)
$399.99 Best price the consensus found
Check Price →
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard
$189.99 Best price the consensus found
Check Price →

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How ORA built this: We read recent reviews, remove suspected bot or incentivized entries, off-topic complaints, and reviews describing the buyer's own setup problems rather than the product, then synthesize the remainder into a single unbiased verdict. Read our full methodology →