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GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£340
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • CPU socket: LGA 1200
  • Chipset: Intel Z490
  • Form factor: ATX

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

7.7

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%

7.6

Technical Score

10.0%

8.6

User score

Very good
7.6

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%

8.4

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.2

Storage

15.0%

9.2

Network

13.0%

7.1

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.1

Expansion

8.0%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.3

Audio

Very good
8.6

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%

8.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(215)
amazon
3.9
(28)
amazon
4.0
(13)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(219)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 6.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.7

    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

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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 Z490 Aorus Ultra is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for 10th and 11th Gen Intel processors on the LGA 1200 socket, featuring a robust direct 12+1 phase digital VRM with 55A DrMOS for stable overclocking. It supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds exceeding 5000MHz and offers extensive storage options through triple M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slots with thermal guards and six SATA ports. Key pros include high-speed networking with Intel 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6, advanced cooling via the Fins-Array II heatsink, and PCIe 4.0 hardware readiness for future-proofing. However, common drawbacks include a BIOS interface that some users find less intuitive than competitors and the inclusion of four legacy USB 2.0 ports on the rear I/O instead of more modern high-speed alternatives.

Technical Specifications of GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra

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%

8.4

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.2

Storage

15.0%

9.2

Network

13.0%

7.1

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.1

Expansion

8.0%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.3

Audio

7.6
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra has a technical score of 7.62 points, which is higher than that of 74.2% 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%

8.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(215)
amazon
3.9
(28)
amazon
4.0
(13)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(219)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.6
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra has a user score of 8.62 points, which is higher than that of 75.7% 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.
8.2
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra has a popularity of 8.2 points, which is higher than 74.5% 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%

7.7

Overall score

40.0%

8.7

Price

8.0
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra has a quality-to-price ratio of 8 points, which is higher than 71.3% 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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.
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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

3
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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

3x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra offers 3x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 57.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.9% 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra 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

3
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra 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.
Depends on CPU.
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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
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 Ultra 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

?
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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Z490 AORUS Ultra 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.
via ESS DAC.
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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Z490 AORUS Ultra 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

8
GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Z490 AORUS Ultra vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Z490 AORUS Ultra has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra 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 fan headers
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
    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

    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.8 vs 5
  • Integrated I/O shield
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Newer CPU socket
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • More VRM phases
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x 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 PCIe x1 slots
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x 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 Z490 AORUS Ultra has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x 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.3x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
  • 2.13x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra is more expensive than the average motherboard (£340 vs £160).
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra is more expensive than the average motherboard (£340 vs £160).£340 vs £160
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra 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 Ultra and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
215 Reviews
amazon
3.9
28 Reviews
amazon
4.0
13 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
219 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra?

  • Robust 12-phase digital VRM design with 55A power stages for stable overclocking
  • Effective cooling solution featuring Fins-Array II and direct-touch heat pipes
  • Triple M.2 slots with thermal guards for high-speed storage expansion
  • Advanced networking options including Intel 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6 support
  • Comprehensive connectivity with a wide range of USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and Thunderbolt headers
  • Helpful diagnostic features like the onboard POST code display and Q-Flash Plus
  • Premium build quality with metal-reinforced PCIe and memory slots
  • High-quality audio featuring ALC1220-VB and WIMA capacitors

What customers dislike about GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS Ultra?

  • Software suite and App Center are often reported as laggy, dated, or buggy
  • BIOS interface is considered less intuitive compared to competitors like ASUS or MSI
  • Intel 2.5GbE LAN has been noted by some users to have intermittent connection or driver issues
  • Significant number of rear USB ports are still legacy USB 2.0
  • Over-aggressive default voltage settings in BIOS can lead to high CPU temperatures if not adjusted manually
  • SATA ports are disabled when specific M.2 slots are in use, requiring careful manual checking

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