OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master Review | 107 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£360
  • Avg. price in US: ~$390
  • CPU socket: LGA 1200
  • Chipset: Intel Z490
  • Form factor: ATX

GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

7.9

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%

7.8

Technical Score

10.0%

8.5

User score

Very good
7.8

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%

7.1

Memory

16.0%

9.0

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.2

Storage

15.0%

9.2

Network

13.0%

7.5

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.1

Expansion

8.0%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.3

Audio

Very good
8.5

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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

8.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(211)
amazon
4.1
(79)
amazon
5.0
(3)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(231)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 6.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.2

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    7.8

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    5.8

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • gigabyte-z490-aorus-master
  • gigabyte-z490-aorus-master
  • gigabyte-z490-aorus-master
gigabyte-z490-aorus-master
gigabyte-z490-aorus-master
gigabyte-z490-aorus-master

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Gigabyte Z490 Aorus Master is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors, featuring an overkill 14-phase 90A digital VRM solution and an advanced thermal design with a Fins-Array II heatsink for extreme overclocking stability. Key specifications include four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB at 5000MHz(OC), triple M.2 slots with double-sided thermal guards, and robust connectivity via Intel 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6 AX201. Its main pros are the exceptional power delivery, premium ESS SABRE Hi-Fi audio, and a reinforced metal backplate for added durability; however, notable cons include the lack of PCIe x1 slots and a complex layout that requires disassembly of the thermal armor to reach the CMOS battery.

Technical Specifications of GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master

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%

7.1

Memory

16.0%

9.0

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.2

Storage

15.0%

9.2

Network

13.0%

7.5

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.1

Expansion

8.0%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.3

Audio

7.8
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a technical score of 7.81 points, which is higher than that of 77.8% 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%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

8.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(211)
amazon
4.1
(79)
amazon
5.0
(3)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(231)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.5
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a user score of 8.53 points, which is higher than that of 74.5% 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.
8.9
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a popularity of 8.9 points, which is higher than 76.9% 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%

7.9

Overall score

40.0%

8.6

Price

8.1
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.1 points, which is higher than 73.4% 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 1200
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master uses the LGA 1200 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 61.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.8% of motherboards.
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 Z490
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master uses the Intel Z490 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 56.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.9% 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 Z490 AORUS Master 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.
Show more
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 Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master 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

5,000 MT/s
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master supports memory speeds up to 5000 MT/s, which is higher than that of 57.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Show more
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

3
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.4% of motherboards and equal to 18.6% 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, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master offers 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 57% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% 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 Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
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 Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
requires 11th Gen Intel CPU
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

3
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% 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, x8/x8/x4
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 56.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.7% 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 Z490 AORUS Master supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
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 Z490 AORUS Master 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

17
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 72.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.8% 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

1
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% 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

2
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% 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 Z490 AORUS Master has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
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

2.5 Gbps
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% 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 I225-V
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master uses the Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 86.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.7% 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 Z490 AORUS Master 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

yes
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% 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)

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 60.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.6% of motherboards.
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 Z490 AORUS Master 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.
with ESS DAC.
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 Z490 AORUS Master offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
surround needs jack retasking.
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

125 dB
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has an audio SNR of 125 dB, which is higher than that of 97% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% 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 Z490 AORUS Master supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
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 Z490 AORUS Master 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

14+1
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has 14+1 VRM phases, which is more than 74% of motherboards and equal to 0.4% 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 Z490 AORUS Master has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
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

8
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.2% 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 Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master 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.
Show more

GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 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 Z490 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.3 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.10 vs 8
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    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

    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.3 vs 2
  • Integrated I/O shield
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    What it is: Shows whether the board includes a diagnostic POST code readout for boot troubleshooting.
    When it matters: When you troubleshoot boot issues and want clearer error information.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    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 Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster rear USB-C connectivity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.1 vs 0
  • Integrated I/O shield
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • More BIOS update options
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, UEFI shell vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • Newer CPU socket
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Includes onboard power button
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Supports ECC memory
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master 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 USB-C ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
  • 2 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 2 more total USB connections
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 10 dB higher audio SNR
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (125 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 3 more fan headers
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • More VRM phases
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (14+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.

Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 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 PCIe x1 slots
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
  • Older HDMI version
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master 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 Z490 AORUS Master has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 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 Z490 AORUS Master has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 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 Z490 AORUS Master has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 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, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more standard USB ports with faster transfer speeds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=4

    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    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 Z490 AORUS Master has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
  • 2.25x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master is more expensive than the average motherboard (£360 vs £160).
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master is more expensive than the average motherboard (£360 vs £160).£360 vs £160
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of PS/2 ports on the motherboard rear I/O.
    When it matters: When you want support for older keyboards or mice.

    Importance: LOW

    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.0 vs 1
  • Older HDMI version
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    What it is: The HDMI standard supported by the motherboard video output.
    When it matters: When you plan to use integrated graphics with a monitor or TV.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: 2.1

    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.1.4 vs 2.1
  • Older Bluetooth version
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    What it is: The supported Bluetooth version provided by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about compatibility with newer Bluetooth devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=5.2

    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.5.0 vs 5.4
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network

Graphic comparison of GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
211 Reviews
amazon
4.1
79 Reviews
amazon
5.0
3 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
231 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master?

  • Overbuilt 14-phase 90A VRM design provides exceptional power delivery and stability for high-end CPUs
  • Excellent thermal management featuring a direct-touch heatpipe and a true finned heatsink array
  • Abundant connectivity with 10 rear USB ports and support for up to three M.2 slots with heatsinks
  • Strong overclocking headroom for both CPU and memory, including a 'daisy chain' layout for better high-speed RAM stability
  • Premium build quality with a full-coverage metal backplate for added rigidity and heat dissipation
  • High-end audio solution utilizing the Realtek ALC1220-VB codec and an ESS SABRE DAC
  • Future-proof features including PCIe 4.0 hardware readiness for 11th Gen Intel processors

What customers dislike about GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master?

  • Lacks a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port, which is often found on competing boards in this price range
  • Reported issues with the Intel i225-V 2.5GbE LAN controller, such as connection drops or negotiation bugs
  • Software and BIOS interface are often cited as less intuitive or polished compared to ASUS or MSI alternatives
  • Absence of any PCIe x1 slots limits the use of certain expansion cards like dedicated sound or capture cards
  • Premium pricing makes it a significant investment, especially for users who do not plan to perform heavy overclocking

Video reviews

Compare GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master with

VS
VS

Compare