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GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£360Avg. price in US:~$390CPU socket:LGA 1200Chipset:Intel Z490Form factor:ATX

GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

8.1

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

90%

8.0

Technical Score

10%

8.4

User score

â–²Better than 77% of motherboards
8.0

Technical Score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components

19%

7.1

Memory

16%

9.1

Platform & Features

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

9.1

Network

13%

8.0

Ports & USB

8%

5.1

Expansion

8%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5%

9.3

Audio

â–²Better than 77% of motherboards
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User reviews

30%

8.4

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)

â–²Better than 70% of motherboards
  • 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.
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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 motherboard GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master

Technical Score
Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Score components:

19%

7.1

Memory

16%

9.1

Platform & Features

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

9.1

Network

13%

8.0

Ports & USB

8%

5.1

Expansion

8%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5%

9.3

Audio

8.0
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a technical score of 8 points, which is higher than that of 76.8% of products in this category.
User score
User score
8.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User reviews

30%

8.4

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)

8.4
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a user score of 8.37 points, which is higher than that of 69.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
8.4/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 77% of models
Popularity:
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a popularity score of 8.4 points, which is higher than that of 76.8% of products in this category.
8.4
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a popularity score of 8.4 points, which is higher than that of 76.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
8.2/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 72% of models
Score components:

60%

8.1

Overall score

40%

8.6

Price

8.2
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master has a value-for-money score of 8.2 points, which is higher than that of 71.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
Gigabyte
CPU socket
LGA 1200
CPU socket
LGA 1200
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1200 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 61.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z490
Chipset
Intel Z490
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z490 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 56.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.9% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Form factor
ATX
â–² Better than 48% of models
This motherboard 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
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
5,000 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
5,000 MT/s
â–² Better than 57% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 5,000 MT/s, which is higher than that of 57% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
N. of M.2 sockets
3
â–² Better than 65% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.2% of motherboards and equal to 18.8% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
This motherboard offers 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 57.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
â–² Better than 53% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
requires 11th Gen Intel CPU
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
3
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
3
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.7% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
â–² Better than 63% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 62.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.4% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.5% of motherboards and equal to 15.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 5.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I225-V
LAN controller
Intel I225-V
★ Better than 90% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 90.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
â–² Better than 60% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 60.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220-VB
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220-VB
â–² Better than 80% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 80.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 4% of motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard 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
125 dB
Audio SNR
125 dB
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 125 dB, which is higher than that of 96.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
14+1
VRM phases
14+1
â–² Better than 75% of models
This motherboard has 14+1 VRM phases, which is more than 75.2% of motherboards and equal to 0.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
8
N. of fan headers
8
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Pump header max current
2 A
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Intel I225-V
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    3
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard 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
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    10
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard 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
    N. of M.2 sockets
    3
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220-VB
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard 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.
    2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    Dual BIOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • More BIOS update options
    BIOS update methods
    UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, UEFI shell
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This motherboard 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.
    UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, UEFI shell vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1200
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1200 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151
  • Includes onboard power button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Supports ECC memory
    ECC memory support
    yes
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 21% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    3
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    6
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    3
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard 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
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    10
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard 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 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard 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
  • 3 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    18
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 2 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    N. of USB4 / Thunderbolt headers (USB-C)
    2
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard 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 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    2
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    4
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    4 vs 2
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Intel I225-V
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 60% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220-VB
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897
  • 10 dB higher audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    125 dB
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (125 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    125 dB vs 115 dB
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard 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.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    14+1
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (14+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    14+1 vs 10
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    8
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z490
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    This motherboard 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
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). 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
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard 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
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 2.25x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master is more expensive than the average motherboard (£360 vs £160).
    £360 vs £160
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard 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
    HDMI version
    1.4
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard 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
    Bluetooth version
    5.0
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.0 vs 5.4
  • 2.25x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master is more expensive than the average motherboard (£360 vs £160).
    £360 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z490
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    This motherboard 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
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). 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
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard 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
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.4
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard 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
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard 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 Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.0
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.0 vs 5.4

Graphic comparison of GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Master and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
211 Reviews
amazon
4.1
79 Reviews
amazon
5.0
3 Reviews
United States
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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

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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