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GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£140
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • CPU socket: LGA 1151
  • Chipset: Intel Z390
  • Form factor: ATX

GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.5

Technical Score

10.0%

9.2

User score

Good
6.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

7.8

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.0

Storage

15.0%

5.3

Network

13.0%

5.6

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.9

Expansion

8.0%

8.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.3

Audio

Good
9.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(570)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(585)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 4.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.7

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    5.5

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    4.7

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Elite is a feature-rich ATX motherboard designed for 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1151 socket, featuring a robust 12+1 phase digital VRM with DrMOS for stable power delivery. Key specifications include support for up to 128GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory (overclocked to 4266MHz+), dual M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4 slots with a single thermal guard, and high-fidelity Realtek ALC1220-VB audio with WIMA capacitors. Main pros include its exceptional VRM thermal performance that competes with higher-end models, an integrated I/O shield for easy installation, and extensive RGB Fusion 2.0 customisation. However, notable cons include the lack of a rear USB Type-C port, shared bandwidth between PCIe and M.2 slots that can disable certain SATA ports, and reports of a somewhat clunky BIOS interface.

Technical Specifications of GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

7.8

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.0

Storage

15.0%

5.3

Network

13.0%

5.6

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.9

Expansion

8.0%

8.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.3

Audio

6.5
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has a technical score of 6.46 points, which is higher than that of 52.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(570)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(585)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.2
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has a user score of 9.16 points, which is higher than that of 86.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
10
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 79.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.6
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.6 points, which is higher than 57% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

Gigabyte
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1151
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite uses the LGA 1151 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 70.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.8% of motherboards.
300-series / v2 revision.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z390
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite uses the Intel Z390 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 60.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

4,266 MT/s
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite supports memory speeds up to 4266 MT/s, which is lower than that of 54.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.8% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

2
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.6% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite offers 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 67.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.8% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
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N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.4% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x0/x4
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite uses x16/x0/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 50.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.3% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

10
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.6% of motherboards and equal to 15.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

16
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 16 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 61.8% of motherboards and equal to 10.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

0
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

1
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.3% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
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LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel I219-V
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite uses the Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 41% of motherboards and equal to that of 14.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC1220-VB
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite uses the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 80% of motherboards and equal to that of 4% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
Smart Headphone Amp.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

12+1
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 12+1 VRM phases, which is more than 59.2% of motherboards and equal to 1.6% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

5
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has 5 fan headers, which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 14.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

2 A
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 43.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 33.4% of motherboards.
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GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more rear USB ports
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.10 vs 8
  • Integrated I/O shield
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O shield comes pre-mounted on the motherboard instead of being installed separately.
    When it matters: When you want an easier motherboard installation process.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=2

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • Includes dual BIOS
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes two BIOS chips for redundancy or recovery.
    When it matters: When BIOS safety and recovery matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster USB-A ports for storage or accessories.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.2 vs 1
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.4 vs 1
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    supports Thunderbolt add-in card
    What it is: The number of internal USB4 or Thunderbolt headers on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to add high-speed front USB-C or Thunderbolt connections.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.1 vs 0
  • 1 more RGB headers
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    What it is: The number of 4-pin RGB headers available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect more standard RGB lighting devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more total USB connections
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (16 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • More VRM phases
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • Older HDMI version
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 61 mm wider
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No BIOS flashback support
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can update BIOS without needing a fully installed or supported CPU to boot first.
    When it matters: When you may need to update BIOS before the system can boot.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.0 vs 1
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
    What it is: Shows whether the external Wi-Fi antenna is included with the motherboard package.
    When it matters: When the board has Wi-Fi and you want it ready to use right away.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    What it is: The number of DisplayPort video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect compatible displays through the rear I/O.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    What it is: The available ways to update the motherboard BIOS.
    When it matters: When you want easier BIOS maintenance and recovery.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.UEFI utility, flashback vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
570 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
585 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite?

  • Exceptional VRM quality (12+1 phases) for its price, rivaling much more expensive motherboards
  • Excellent thermal performance with effective heatsinks and a thick, sturdy PCB design
  • Great for overclocking Intel 9th Gen processors like the i9-9900K
  • Generous number of USB ports, including multiple USB 3.1 Gen 2 and a front-panel Type-C header
  • High-quality onboard audio (ALC1220-VB codec) with WIMA audio capacitors
  • Integrated I/O shield makes installation easier and adds to the premium feel
  • Subdued but attractive RGB lighting through RGB Fusion 2.0

What customers dislike about GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Elite?

  • Lack of integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the standard Elite model
  • Gigabyte's software suite (App Center/RGB Fusion) is often described as clunky or bloatware
  • BIOS interface is functional but considered less intuitive compared to competitors
  • Limited M.2 thermal protection with only one included heatsink for two slots
  • Sharing of PCIe lanes means using certain M.2 slots will disable specific SATA ports
  • Reported issues with flimsy M.2 heatsink screws that can break during installation
  • No support for NVIDIA SLI (only supports AMD Crossfire)

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