Motherboards / Compare

ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero vs GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

A

Product A: ASUS

ROG Crosshair X870E Hero

69 of 78 known

Change ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero

Compare the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX with

Search motherboards

B

Product B: GIGABYTE

Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

61 of 78 known

Change GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Compare the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero with

Search motherboards

All 78 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

Only differences

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero

BGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

General

2 of 9 differ

Series

ROG Crosshair2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026The product page sits in the ROG Crosshair line.

AORUS7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC: AORUS motherboard. AORUS is the GIGABYTE line name in the product name.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

ROG CROSSHAIR X870E HERO, 90MB1IE0-M0EAY011Retailer pageshop.sumanet.cz/90mb1ie0-m0eay0-asus-mb-sc-am5-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-amd-x870-4xddr5-1xhdmi-2xthunderbolt-wifiRead 15 October 2026Type designation 90MB1IE0-M0EAY0.

Z790 AORUS ELITE AX1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Manual cover: Z790 AORUS ELITE AX.

GTIN / EAN

471138771030210Retailer pagearvutitark.ee/en/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-amd-x870e-socket-am5-atx-1402616Read 15 October 2026The listing gives EAN 4711387710302 for the manufacturer code 90MB1IE0-M0EAY0.11Retailer pageshop.sumanet.cz/90mb1ie0-m0eay0-asus-mb-sc-am5-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-amd-x870-4xddr5-1xhdmi-2xthunderbolt-wifiRead 15 October 2026The listing gives GTIN (EAN) 4711387710302.

4719331849467, 8895230340025Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/Motherboard/v9byrya49/Gigabyte-Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-DDR5-ATX-LGA1700Read 15 October 2026BuildCores: UPC 889523034002 and EAN 4719331849467 for the Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. Retailers in Cyprus and Spain list the same EAN.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

Not available

Not available

Status

Available13Spec databasemaxmybuild.com/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026Newegg and Amazon list the board in stock on 2026-10-14.

Available2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026On 2026-10-15 Geizhals shows 33 offers.6Spec databasemaxmybuild.com/motherboards/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-axRead 15 October 2026MaxMyBuild shows the board in stock at Newegg for 189.99 USD on 2026-10-15.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

Not available

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS ELITE WIFI710Reviewhwcooling.net/en/gigabyte-z890-aorus-elite-wifi7-in-test-with-core-ultra-9-285k-reviewRead 23 October 2026HWCooling's review of the Z890 Aorus Elite WiFi7 names the Z790 Aorus Elite AX as the previous generation and as its predecessor.

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

$699.996Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review says the Hero is priced at the same MSRP as the X670E Hero, $699.99. US price from a reviewer, not a statement by ASUS. Tax is not included.

Not available

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Not available

Not available

SegmentiThe maker's own product category, e.g. ASUS ProArt is Creator. It is not assigned from price or features. Maker lines that are not gaming, creator or workstation lines, such as ASUS PRIME, MSI PRO and ASRock Pro, are mainstream.

Gaming1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026The page sits under ROG gaming motherboards (page title: ROG Crosshair, Gaming Motherboards).2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026The product sits in the ROG Crosshair line of ROG gaming motherboards.

Gaming7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC calls it a Gigabyte AORUS gaming motherboard.

Board revisioniThe maker's revision name, e.g. rev. 1.1, for variant rows of revisions that keep the board's name and model number. Leave it out when the maker names no revision.

Not available

Not available

Platform

3 of 4 differ

CPU socketiSocket name without spaces, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851.

AM51Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026CPU row: AMD Socket AM5.

LGA17001Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

ChipsetiChipset with its brand and without the word chipset, e.g. AMD B850, AMD X870E or Intel Z890. Same form as desktop PCs and as compatible chipsets on CPUs.

AMD X870E1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Chipset row: AMD X870E.

Intel Z7901Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Supported processorsiProcessor series the maker lists for the board, one item per series in the chip maker's name. BIOS updates can add series later.

AMD Ryzen 9000 Series, AMD Ryzen 8000 Series, AMD Ryzen 7000 Series1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026CPU row: AMD Ryzen 9000 & 8000 & 7000 Series Desktop Processors. The page refers to the ASUS download center for the CPU support list. Read on 2026-10-15.

Intel Core (14th Gen), Intel Core (13th Gen), Intel Core (12th Gen), Intel Pentium Gold, Intel Celeron1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 13th and 12th Generation Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron on LGA1700. The 14th Gen is from Geizhals and Tech4Gamers, which list it for the current BIOS. The manual refers to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU list. Read on 2026-10-15.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals CPU compatibility: Celeron G6000, Pentium Gold G7000, Core i-12000, i-13000 and i-14000.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Key specifications table: Intel 14th, 13th and 12th Gen.

CPU overclockingiThe board allows multiplier overclocking of an unlocked CPU. Memory overclocking alone does not count.

Yes12Maker product pageamd.com/en/products/processors/chipsets/am5.htmlRead 15 October 2026AMD's chipset comparison lists Ryzen processor overclocking enabled: Yes for the X870E. This is the chip maker's page and not the board maker's.

Yes4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review (2022-12-17): the board overclocked an i9-13900K from the BIOS to 5.6 GHz on the P-cores and 4.3 GHz on the E-cores at 1.38 V.

Board

1 of 5 differ

Form factoriThe maker's stated board standard. Other covers sizes such as XL-ATX or Mini-DTX.

ATX1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Form Factor row: ATX Form Factor.

ATX1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: ATX form factor, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm.

Board dimensionsiSize of the board itself. Height runs along the rear I/O edge, as the board stands in a tower case. ATX is 244 mm wide and 305 mm high. Micro ATX is 244 mm high and up to 244 mm wide. A size with a cover that reaches past the board, as NZXT prints, is not used when the maker also states the board size.

Width244Height305mm(9.6 × 12 in)3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM5/ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO/E27104_ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO_EM_V5_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications summary, Form Factor: ATX Form Factor, 12 inch x 9.6 inch (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm). Stored as 244 mm wide and 305 mm high.8Reviewkitguru.net/components/motherboard/leo-waldock/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list: ATX 305mm x 244mm.

Width244Height305mm(9.6 × 12 in)1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm, stored as 244 mm wide and 305 mm high.

PCB layersiCopper layers in the circuit board as published.

85Maker product pagerog.asus.com/tw/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/awardRead 15 October 2026The awards page, in a quoted award text, says the ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR X870E HERO features an 8-layer 2oz Copper PCB. The same text is on the Swiss German, Philippine and Hong Kong pages. The spec page and overview do not state the layer count.

63Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: the 6-layered and 2x copper PCB.

Back-connect designiPower, fan and front-panel connectors sit on the back of the board to hide the cables, e.g. ASUS BTF, MSI Project Zero or GIGABYTE Stealth. It needs a case made for it.

No1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026The internal connector list shows the usual front-side headers. The BTF version is a separate model and is not this board.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026The section 2-8 connector layout shows the usual front-side connectors. The board is not a back-connect design.

RGB lighting on the boardiLEDs on the board itself. Headers for external lighting are counted under Internal connectors. True only when the maker's spec or feature list names lighting on the board. A single small LED that a reviewer sees does not count.

Yes2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026Overview: the board features the Polymo Lighting II effect on the I/O zone, with ROG lettering lit by LEDs on the rear I/O cover.

Yes2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals lighting: RGB, 1 zone (chipset heatsink). Tech4Gamers and Profesional Review see the same RGB Fusion 2.0 zone under the chipset cover. GIGABYTE's manual names no lighting.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: subtle RGB lighting under the chipset cover.

Power delivery

4 of 6 differ

Power stage layoutiAs the maker publishes it, e.g. 18+2+2. The first number is the CPU core (Vcore) rail. Makers group the other rails differently, so compare the first number. Doubled or teamed stages are written as the maker prints them, such as MSI's 12+2+1 Duet Rail. A review's count of real phases goes in the source note.

18+2+22Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026Overview: ROG Ultimate Power Solution 18(110A)+2(110A)+2(80A) Power Stages, and 18+2+2 power stages.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: 22 Phase (18x 110A SPS MOSFETs for Vcore).8Reviewkitguru.net/components/motherboard/leo-waldock/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list: 18+2 x110A +2x80A Vishay Smart Power Stages with Asus Digi+ ASP2205 controller.9Reviewguru3d.com/review/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Product showcase page: an 18+2+2 phase VRM configuration with 110A power stages.

16+1+22Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals reads 16+1+1 from the board (17 virtual CPU phases, 9 real phases). GIGABYTE's text, which LDLC and Tech4Gamers copy, is Twin 16+1+2 (8+8 parallel).7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC text: VRM 16+1+2 phases (8+8 parallel).

CPU core (Vcore) power stagesiPower stages on the Vcore rail. Makers call them phases or power stages. A doubled design has more stages than controller phases. Use the first number of the maker's layout, such as 14 for MSI's 14+2+1 Duet Rail. A review's different count goes in the source note.

182Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026Overview: 18+2+2 power stages, with 18 on VCORE rated 110A, 2 on SoC and 2 on MISC.8Reviewkitguru.net/components/motherboard/leo-waldock/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list: 18 Vcore stages at 110A.13Spec databasemaxmybuild.com/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026Phase config 2x9+2+2, which is 18 stages on the Vcore rail.

162Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 16 x 70 A FDMF5062 smart power stages for Vcore, 1 x 60 A NCP303160 for GT.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: 16 phases in parallel for Vcore using Infineon TDA21472 70 A power stages. Profesional Review and Geizhals read onsemi 5062 stages, so the stage maker is not stored.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: 16 phases for Vcore, 1 for VccGT and 2 for VccAUX, with 18 onsemi 5062 MOSFETs rated 70 A and 1 NCP302155 rated 60 A.

Vcore power stage ratingiCurrent rating of each Vcore power stage. Only a figure the maker or a copy of the maker's text states. A review's reading of the chip markings is not enough.

110A2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026Overview: VCORE (110A). The SoC stages are 110 A and the MISC stages 80 A. Each power stage has a choke rated 45 A.8Reviewkitguru.net/components/motherboard/leo-waldock/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list: 110A stages. This agrees with the maker.

Not available

VRM controlleriPWM controller chip with maker, e.g. MPS MP2857. One name: the maker's when published, otherwise the one name a review uses. No parentheses. Other names go in the source note. Use the part number without the date code in the chip marking.

ASUS ASP22056Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Power delivery has 22 phases, 18 of them Vcore. Power moves from the EPS connector to a Digi+ ASP2205 PWM controller, then to 18 Vishay SiC850A 110A power stages. KitGuru also names the ASP2205. ASUS is the maker of the Digi+ controllers.8Reviewkitguru.net/components/motherboard/leo-waldock/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list: Asus Digi+ ASP2205 controller.

onsemi NCP81530R2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: PWM controller NCP81530R (max 10 phases). Profesional Review names the same chip.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: the controller is an onsemi NCP81530R.

CPU power connectorsiEPS 12 V connectors for the CPU as pin counts, e.g. 8+8 pin, 8+4 pin or 8 pin.

8+8 pin1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Power Related row: 2 x 8-pin +12V CPU Power connectors.2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026Overview: 8 + 8-pin ProCool II power connectors for the EPS 12V lines.

8+8 pin1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors.

Extra slot power connectoriA PCIe or other power connector on the board that feeds the expansion slots. The 24-pin and CPU connectors do not count. A connector the maker ties only to a front USB-C header does not count.

No1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Power Related row lists 1 x 8-pin PCIe Power connector. The page ties it to the front USB 20Gbps Type-C port: to support 60W the power cable must go to this connector, or only 27W is supported. It is not described as feeding the expansion slots, so it does not count.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM5/ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO/E27104_ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO_EM_V5_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Layout item 25 is the 8-pin PCIe Power Plug LED for PCIE_8PIN_PWR. The manual says nothing about slot power from it.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026The section 2-2 internal connector list has no extra slot power connector.

Memory

2 of 6 differ

Memory type

DDR51Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Memory row: 4 x DIMM slots, DDR5.

DDR51Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Memory slotsiDIMM slots on the board.

41Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Memory row: 4 x DIMM slots.

41Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Max memoryiMaximum total capacity the maker states for the board. The maker's product page wins over an older manual, since a BIOS update can raise the value.

256GB1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Memory row: max. 256GB. Tom's Hardware and KitGuru list 192GB from the launch specification.

256GB2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 4 DDR5 DIMM slots, max. 256 GB UDIMM non-ECC. BuildCores and MaxMyBuild also say 256 GB. The launch manual says 128 GB (32 GB per DIMM), LDLC says 192 GB (48 GB per DIMM) and a later manual for the white ICE model says 256 GB. BIOS updates raised the limit.5Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/Motherboard/v9byrya49/Gigabyte-Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-DDR5-ATX-LGA1700Read 15 October 2026BuildCores: max memory 256 GB.6Spec databasemaxmybuild.com/motherboards/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-axRead 15 October 2026MaxMyBuild: max capacity 256 GB.

Max memory speed (overclocked)iHighest overclocked speed the maker lists for one module per channel, with the newest CPU family the board is sold for, e.g. Ryzen 9000 or Core Ultra 200S. Ryzen 8000 values are never used. The source note names the family and the other module setups. It is not the CPU's official speed. A JEDEC-only list such as 5600/4800 is not this value. When the maker lists a manual overclock and a memory profile speed, the higher one is stored. The maker's product page wins over an older manual, since a BIOS update can raise the value. A table that names the CPU family wins over a headline speed that names none.

8,200MT/s1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Memory row: up to 8200+MT/s (OC) with Ryzen 9000 Series Processors, 8600+ with Ryzen 8000 and 8000+ with Ryzen 7000. The Ryzen 9000 value is stored. The 8600 value is for Ryzen 8000 APUs. The page gives no table for other module setups.

7,600MT/s2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: max. DDR5-7600 OC. LDLC (GIGABYTE text) and Tech4Gamers say DDR5 7600 MHz (OC) too, with a BIOS update. CPU defaults are 5600 MT/s for 13th and 14th Gen i9 and i7. The speed is not tied to a CPU family in these sources.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Key specifications table: DDR5 up to 7600 MHz+ (OC). The review says it works with a BIOS update.7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC text: support for DDR5 7600 MHz memory (OC).8Reviewtheoverclocker.comRead 15 October 2026The Overclocker says the board officially supports DDR5 7600 at its price.

ECC memoryiThe board runs unbuffered ECC modules with ECC active. A board that runs ECC modules in non-ECC mode does not count. DDR5 on-die ECC does not count. A maker list of ECC and non-ECC unbuffered memory with no non-ECC mode qualifier counts as true, as on ASUS and ASRock AM5 boards. A note that ECC mode depends on the CPU, as ASUS writes for AM4 boards, still counts as true.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Memory row: ECC and Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory. The note says non-ECC DDR5 supports On-Die ECC, which does not count. The manual says ECC or non-ECC DDR5 DIMMs can be installed. The page does not say that ECC runs with ECC active.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM5/ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO/E27104_ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO_EM_V5_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Memory configurations: You may install ECC or Non-ECC DDR5 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: support for ECC unbuffered DIMM (operate in non-ECC mode) and for non-ECC unbuffered DIMM.

CUDIMM supportiThe board runs clocked unbuffered DIMMs (CUDIMM) with the clock driver active. Clock driver bypass mode only does not count. A plain "Supports CUDIMM" with no bypass limit, as ASRock and ASUS write it, counts as true.

Not available

Not available

Expansion slots

2 of 3 differ

Expansion slotsiPhysical card slots. Storage M.2 slots are listed under Storage. The M.2 slot of a pre-installed Wi-Fi module is not listed. A full-length slot wired for x4 is PCIe x16 with 4 lanes.

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero

Physical slot	Electrical lanes	PCIe generation	Connected to	Count
PCIe x16	16	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	8	5	CPU	1

Source1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Expansion Slots row for Ryzen 9000 and 7000: 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots with Q-Release Slim (supports x16 or x8/x8 or x8/x4/x4 modes). With both slots in use each runs at x8. Tom's Hardware says both slots connect to the CPU, the top one at x16 or x8 and the bottom one at x8. Ryzen 8000 limits the slots to PCIe 4.0 and turns the second slot off.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Both reinforced PCIe slots are CPU-connected at PCIe 5.0. The top slot runs at x16 or x8 and the bottom slot runs at x8, or x4/x4 with some M.2 setups.

BGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Physical slot	Electrical lanes	PCIe generation	Connected to	Count
PCIe x16	16	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	4	4	Chipset	1
PCIe x16	4	3	Chipset	1

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: CPU PCIEX16 supports PCIe 5.0 and runs at x16. Chipset PCIEX4_1 is an x16 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 at x4, and PCIEX4_2 is an x16 slot supporting PCIe 3.0 at x4.

Full-length PCIe slotsiCounts full-length slots, whatever their lane count.

2=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

3=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

Fastest PCIe x16 slot generationiHighest PCIe generation of a full-length slot. This is normally the graphics card slot.

5=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

5=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

Storage

4 of 4 differ

M.2 storage slotsiOne row per M key storage slot on the board, front or back. Slots on an included add-in card are not listed. Values are with the CPU family that gives the board its full connectivity. A slot listed for 25110 counts as M.2 22110. A slot listed for 2260 counts as M.2 2280.

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero

Slot	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Connected to	Longest drive	Takes SATA drives	Heatsink	Shares lanes with
M.2_1	5	4	CPU	M.2 2280	No	Yes	Not available
M.2_2	5	4	CPU	M.2 2280	No	Yes	PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2. With M.2_2 in use and M.2_3 not, PCIEX16_1 runs at x8 and PCIEX16_2 is disabled
M.2_3	5	4	CPU	M.2 2280	No	Yes	PCIEX16_1 and PCIEX16_2. With M.2_3 in use and M.2_2 not, PCIEX16_1 runs at x8 and PCIEX16_2 runs at x4. With both in use, PCIEX16_1 runs at x8 and PCIEX16_2 is disabled
M.2_4	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	No	Yes	Not available
M.2_5	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	No	Yes	Not available

Source1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Storage row for Ryzen 9000 and 7000: M.2_1, M.2_2 and M.2_3 (CPU) support type 2242/2260/2280 at PCIe 5.0 x4. The AMD X870E chipset gives M.2_4 (2242/2260/2280) and M.2_5 (2280) at PCIe 4.0 x4. The lane sharing footnote is on M.2_2 and M.2_3. With Ryzen 8000 only M.2_1 works, at PCIe 4.0. The full slot list names no SATA mode. The page lists M.2 heatsinks and each of the three PCIe 5.0 slots has a backplate. The ASUS overview says heatsinks for five M.2 slots. A SlimSAS connector at PCIe 4.0 x4 is not an M.2 slot and is not listed.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026The top three M.2 sockets, M.2_1/2/3, are CPU-connected at PCIe 5.0 x4 and take up to 80 mm. The bottom two take up to 80 mm and connect through the chipset at PCIe 4.0 x4. M.2_2 and M.2_3 together turn off PCIEX16_2.13Spec databasemaxmybuild.com/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026Lists a heatsink on all M.2 slots.

BGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Slot	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Connected to	Longest drive	Takes SATA drives	Heatsink	Shares lanes with
M2A_CPU	4	4	CPU	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M2P_SB	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M2Q_SB	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M2M_SB	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	Yes	Yes	SATA3 2 and SATA3 3 are unavailable when a PCIe SSD is in M2M_SB

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2 and 2-8: M2A_CPU on the CPU, M2P_SB and M2Q_SB on the chipset, each PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 for 22110/2280 SSDs. M2M_SB on the chipset takes PCIe 4.0 x4 or SATA SSDs. The 2-8 table: a PCIe SSD in M2M_SB turns off SATA3 2 and SATA3 3. Only M2M_SB takes M.2 SATA SSDs. The heatsinks are from Tech4Gamers and Geizhals.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 3 M.2 M-key PCIe 4.0 x4 (22110/2280) and 1 M.2 M-key PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA (22110/2280). 4 passive M.2 heatsinks.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: a thicker silver M.2 thermal guard on the top slot, which is the only slot wired to the CPU, and a single low-profile cover over the other three.

M.2 slots

5=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

4=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots

3=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

0=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

SATA portsiSATA 6Gb/s connectors on the board. SlimSAS connectors and M.2 slots that take SATA drives do not count.

41Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Storage row: 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports. The SlimSAS connector is not counted.

61Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (the DDR4 AX model has 4).

Rear ports

4 of 5 differ

Rear portsiPhysical connectors on the rear I/O panel. Wi-Fi antenna connectors and buttons are not ports. 3.5 mm audio counts analog jacks of any role. A video input, such as the DisplayPort In of a Thunderbolt board, is Other.

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero

Type	Version	Count	Max link rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	DP Alt Mode
USB-C	USB4	2	40	USB4	Yes
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2	2	10	Not available	No
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	6	10	Not available	Not available
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Not available	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	5	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	2.5	Not available	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	2	Not available	Not available	Not available
Optical S/PDIF	Not available	1	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Back Panel I/O Ports: 2 x USB4 (40Gbps) Type-C, 8 x USB 10Gbps (6 Type-A and 2 Type-C), 1 x HDMI, 1 x Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, 1 x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet, 2 x gold-plated audio jacks, 1 x optical S/PDIF out, 1 x Wi-Fi module, the BIOS FlashBack button and the Clear CMOS button. HDMI supports 4K@60Hz as specified in HDMI 2.1. Only the 2 USB4 ports support USB Type-C display outputs (max 4K@60Hz as specified in DisplayPort 1.4a). The USB4 ports are not Thunderbolt, since ASUS writes USB4 only. The rear USB Type-C power output is not stated.

BGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Type	Version	Count	Max link rate (Gbps)
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2	1	20
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	2	10
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 1	3	5
USB-A	USB 2.0	4	0.48
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Not available
DisplayPort	DisplayPort 1.2	1	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	2.5
3.5 mm audio	Not available	2	Not available
Optical S/PDIF	Not available	1	Not available

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2 back panel: 1 USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2), 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (red), 3 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 USB 2.0/1.1, 2 SMA antenna connectors, 1 HDMI 2.0, 1 DisplayPort, 1 RJ-45, 1 optical S/PDIF out, 2 audio jacks. The 3 Gen 1 ports are Type-A per Profesional Review. HDMI is stored as 2.1 from Geizhals, see that source. DisplayPort 1.2 is from the onboard graphics text. USB 2.0 is stored as 0.48 Gbps.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals external ports: 1 DisplayPort 1.2, 1 HDMI 2.1 TMDS, 1 USB-C 20 Gb/s, 2 USB-A 10 Gb/s, 3 USB-A 5 Gb/s, 4 USB-A 2.0, 1 S/PDIF out, 2 audio jacks, 1 RJ-45 2.5G. The launch manual says HDMI 2.0 and the manual of the white ICE model says HDMI 2.1.

Rear USB ports

10=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

10=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Rear USB-C portsiIncludes Thunderbolt and USB4 ports.

4=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Fastest rear USB port

40Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

20Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

ThunderboltiThunderbolt on the rear panel. A header for an add-in card does not count.

No=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Not available

Internal connectors

5 of 5 differ

Internal USB headersiHeaders for front-panel USB ports. The header count may be left out when the maker states only the front ports served.

AASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served	Power out (W)
USB-C header	20	1	1	60
USB-C header	20	1	1	15
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	2	4	Not available
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	2	4	Not available

Source1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Internal USB: 1 x USB 20Gbps (Type-C, up to 60W PD/QC4+), 1 x USB 20Gbps connector (Type-C), 2 x USB 5Gbps headers for 4 ports and 2 x USB 2.0 headers for 4 ports. The 60 W needs the 8-pin PCIe power connector, or the port gives 27 W. The page also says USB Type-C power delivery output max. 5V/3A, stored as 15 W for the second Type-C connector.

BGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served
USB-C header	10	1	1
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	1	2
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	2	4

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 1 USB Type-C header with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 header (2 ports) and 2 USB 2.0/1.1 headers (4 ports).2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 1 USB 3.1 Key-A header (10 Gb/s, 1 USB-C), 1 USB 3.0 20-pin header (5 Gb/s, 2 USB-A) and 2 USB 2.0 9-pin headers (4 USB-A).

Front USB-C header speed

20Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

Fan headersiAll fan and pump headers on the board, including CPU, CPU optional, AIO pump and chassis fan headers. Combination connectors that carry fan power together with other lines, such as MSI EZ Conn, do not count. A header that drives several fans, such as GIGABYTE 3_FANS, counts once. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

81Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Fan and Cooling Related: 1 CPU, 1 CPU OPT, 1 AIO Pump, 4 chassis fan headers and 1 W_PUMP+ header, 8 in total. Tom's Hardware also counts 8.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: 8 four-pin fan and pump headers (CPU, CPUOPT, AIO Pump, Chassis, W_PUMP+).

61Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 1 CPU fan header, 1 CPU fan/water cooling pump header, 3 system fan headers and 1 system fan/water cooling pump header.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 1 CPU fan, 1 CPU fan/pump, 3 fans and 1 fan/pump header.

ARGB headersi3-pin 5 V addressable RGB headers. Combination connectors do not count. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

31Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Miscellaneous: 3 x Addressable Gen2 headers.2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026Overview: 3 x 3-pin addressable Gen 2 RGB headers.

21Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 2 x addressable LED strip headers (D_LED1, D_LED2, 5 V).

RGB headersi4-pin 12 V RGB headers. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

01Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026The complete internal connector list has no 4-pin 12 V RGB header, only 3 addressable Gen2 headers and an ARGB extension cable in the box.

21Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 2 x RGB LED strip headers (LED_C1, LED_C2, 12 V).

Networking

7 of 9 differ

Ethernet controllersiOne item per Ethernet chip, as maker plus chip family without suffix letters, e.g. Realtek RTL8126 or Realtek RTL8125. Suffixes and revisions go in the source note. Leave it empty when no maker document or review names the chip. A Killer chip is written with Intel as its maker, such as Intel Killer E3100G.

Realtek RTL8126, Intel I2261Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Ethernet row: 1 x Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet and 1 x Realtek 5Gb Ethernet. The chip names come from Tom's Hardware (Intel i-226 and Realtek 8126).6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Intel i-226 (2.5 GbE) and Realtek 8126 (5 GbE). Stored without suffix letters.8Reviewkitguru.net/components/motherboard/leo-waldock/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list: Realtek 5Gbps and Intel 2.5Gbps Ethernet.

Realtek RTL81251Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: Realtek 2.5GbE LAN chip. The chip family is from Tech4Gamers and Profesional Review (RTL8125B or RTL8125BG).3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE chip.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: 2.5 Gbps LAN with a Realtek RTL8125B.

Ethernet ports

2=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Ethernet speediFastest Ethernet port.

5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Wi-Fi includediA Wi-Fi module comes installed. A board sold with and without Wi-Fi is two products.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Wireless row: Wi-Fi 7 and 1 x Wi-Fi module on the back panel, with the Q-Antenna in the box.

Yes1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, WIFI a/b/g/n/ac/ax on 2.4/5/6 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, 11ax 160 MHz and up to 2.4 Gbps.

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi 71Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Wireless row: Wi-Fi 7, 2x2, 802.11be.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Wi-Fi 7 2x2.

Wi-Fi 6E1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Wi-Fi bandsiBands the installed module supports.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Wireless row: supports 2.4/5/6GHz frequency band.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel the installed module supports, e.g. 320 or 160. It follows the Wi-Fi module, so a board revision can change it.

320MHz1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Wireless row: supports Wi-Fi 7 320MHz bandwidth.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: 320 MHz.

160MHz1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: support for the 11ax 160 MHz wireless standard.

Wi-Fi moduleiChip as published. A board revision can change the chip. One name: the maker's when published, otherwise the one name a review uses. No parentheses. Other names go in the source note. Use the chip's part number with its maker when any source gives it, such as Qualcomm QCNCM865 for a module also written NCM865. A platform name such as FastConnect 7800 is used only when no part number is published.

MediaTek MT79271Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Wireless row: Wi-Fi 7 (Qualcomm QCNCM865 or MediaTek MT7927). The actual module may vary, so see the label on the product. The reviewed boards had the MediaTek MT7927, so it is the base value.8Reviewkitguru.net/components/motherboard/leo-waldock/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec list: Wireless: MediaTek MT7927 Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4.

Not available

BluetoothiVersion of the Bluetooth radio on the Wi-Fi module.

5.41Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Wireless row: Bluetooth v5.4. The Bluetooth version may vary with the Wi-Fi module.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: BT 5.4.

5.31Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: Bluetooth 5.3. GIGABYTE's later manuals for sibling white models list the same for both PCB revisions.

Audio

2 of 2 differ

Audio codeciMaker and model, e.g. Realtek ALC4080. A board revision can change the codec.

Realtek ALC40821Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Audio row: ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4082. The codec is a Realtek part (Tom's Hardware: Realtek ALC4082).6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Realtek ALC4082 w/ESS Sabre9219 DAC.

Not available

DAC chipiA separate DAC chip next to the codec, e.g. ESS ES9219. Maker plus part number as the maker writes it, with suffix letters, e.g. ESS ES9219Q. A marketing name that stands for a part number is written as the part number, so ESS SABRE9219 is ESS ES9219 and the maker wording goes in the source note. Leave it empty on boards with only a codec.

ESS ES92191Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Audio features: ESS ES9219 QUAD DAC.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: ESS Sabre9219. ASUS names it ESS ES9219.

Not available

Features

3 of 7 differ

BIOS flashbackiA button that updates the BIOS from a USB drive without a CPU or memory installed. Maker names include BIOS FlashBack, Flash BIOS Button and Q-Flash Plus.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Back Panel I/O Ports: 1 x BIOS FlashBack button.

Yes1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Q-Flash Plus button on the board (section 2-7) with a dedicated USB port on the rear panel.

Clear CMOS button (rear)iA button on the rear panel that resets the BIOS settings. A jumper or header does not count. A board whose only clear CMOS button sits on the board itself is false.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Back Panel I/O Ports: 1 x Clear CMOS button.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-7: CLR_SW is a Clear CMOS button on the board. The rear panel list has no button.

POST code displayiA two-digit display that shows boot codes, e.g. ASUS Q-Code or ASRock Dr. Debug. Single status LEDs do not count. Taken from the maker's spec or manual only. A review spec table is not enough.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026ASUS Q-Design lists Q-Code and Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device). The manual's layout lists a Q-Code LED that shows a 2-digit error code.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM5/ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO/E27104_ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO_EM_V5_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Layout item 21, Q-Code LED: a 2-digit error code that displays the system status.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Diagnostics Panel with Q-Code and Q-LED.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-7: four status LEDs (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT). No two-digit display. Tech4Gamers also says there is no debug LED.

Power button on the boardiA power or start button on the board itself, for use outside a case. A button with another label counts when the maker says it can turn the PC on, such as GIGABYTE's quick button labelled RESET. A button on the rear I/O panel counts. A button on a module that ships fitted to the board, such as MSI's EZ BRIDGE, counts.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Miscellaneous and Extreme OC Kit: 1 x Start button. The manual says it powers up the system or puts it to sleep or soft-off.3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM5/ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO/E27104_ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO_EM_V5_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026Layout item 19, Start button: press it to power up the system, or put the system into sleep or soft-off mode.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: internal buttons are Start, Flex, Retry and an alternate PCIe mode switch.

Yes1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-7: the RST_SW reset button lets users quickly turn on or off the computer in an open-case environment.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals buttons: internal Clear CMOS, power, reset and Q-Flash Plus buttons.

Dual BIOSiTwo BIOS chips, so the board can start from the second chip after a failed update. Two flash chips alone do not count.

No1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026BIOS row: 256Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS. Dual BIOS is not stated.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: BIOS is 1 x 256 Mbit flash. Dual BIOS is not stated.

Pre-installed I/O shieldiThe rear I/O shield is fixed to the board.

Yes1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026ASUS EZ DIY lists a pre-mounted I/O shield.

Yes2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals features: I/O shield integrated.

Tool-free featuresiM.2 latch holds a drive without a screw. M.2 heatsink comes off without a tool. PCIe slot release is a button or lever that frees the graphics card. Push-on antenna connector fits the Wi-Fi antenna without screwing.

Tool-free M.2 latch, Tool-free M.2 heatsink, PCIe slot release, Push-on antenna connector1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026ASUS Q-Design: M.2 Q-Latch (tool-free SSD latch), M.2 Q-Release (removes the M.2 heatsink without screws), M.2 Q-Slide, Q-Release Slim (PCIe slot release, with SafeSlot) and Q-Antenna (the antenna snaps into place).2Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-heroRead 15 October 2026Overview: Q-Release for the M.2 heatsink (a switch frees it), the new M.2 Q-Latch, PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim and Q-Antenna are described.6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review describes the Q-Release Slim PCIe slot, which releases the card without a button.

Tool-free M.2 latch, PCIe slot release1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026M.2 EZ-Latch Plus clip, section 2-8. The PCIe release lever is from Tech4Gamers (EZ-Latch on the PCIe slot) and Profesional Review (extended release tabs). The manual says the M.2 heatsink is held by screws, and the Wi-Fi antenna uses SMA screw connectors.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: EZ-Latch on the PCIe slot (extended locker) and EZ-Latch on the M.2 ports.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: the PCIe 5.0 slot has extended release tabs. The M.2 SSD anchor is the EZ-Latch type.

Measured

3 of 3 differ

VRM temperature under CPU loadiHighest VRM temperature a reviewer measured during a sustained all-core CPU stress test at stock settings. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. The reviewer's probe reading when given, otherwise the board sensor. The sensor and the CPU package power during the test go in the source note.

46°C7Measurementtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-review/3Read 15 October 2026CPU at stock, AIDA64 stress test on all threads for 30 minutes, about 24 C ambient. The test system on page 2 is a Ryzen 9 9900X with an Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420. The CPU drew about 145 W. The review text says the VRM peaked just under 46 C, and the sentence names the Taichi, which looks like a copied word. The chart for this board shows thermocouple 1 at about 45.8 C after 30 minutes. The HWiNFO VRM sensor line is higher at about 47 C. The probe reading is stored, rounded to 46. The exact value is not printed.

66°C4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Profesional Review test of the VRM at stock under a CPU stress test: Core i9-13900K, Corsair H150i ELITE LCD, open bench, BIOS F3g, PL2 unlimited so the CPU drew up to 300 W. The HWiNFO VRM sensor read 66 C. A FLIR One camera read 59 C on the outside of the VRM and 28 C at idle. The ambient temperature and test duration are not stated. The review lists the Z790 AORUS MASTER in its test bench table, which looks like a copy error. Tech4Gamers measured about 48 C with a thermal camera on an i7-12700K at about 170 W (Cinebench R23, 30 minutes, ambient 30 C). That figure is not stored.

Power draw idleiWhole test system at the wall at idle, measured by a reviewer. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. A chart of CPU and board power without a wall meter does not count.

103W7Measurementtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-review/3Read 15 October 2026Whole test system idle at the wall with a Kill-A-Watt meter, Windows Balanced power plan, a Ryzen 9 9900X system. Chart and text: idle 103 W.

Not available

Power draw CPU stressiWhole test system at the wall at the peak of a CPU stress test, measured by a reviewer. The graphics card is not loaded. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. A chart of CPU and board power without a wall meter does not count.

245W7Measurementtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-review/3Read 15 October 2026Peak of the whole test system at the wall (Kill-A-Watt) during the AIDA64 System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, Cache and Memory enabled. The graphics card was not stressed. Stock settings. Chart and text: load 245 W, with the CPU using around 145 W.

Not available

In the box

1 of 1 differ

In the boxiItems as the maker lists them.

1 x ARGB RGB extension cable, 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cables, 1 x ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna, 1 x Q-connector, 2 x M.2 Q-Latch package, 3 x M.2 Q-Slide package, 5 x M.2 rubber package, 1 x ROG stickers, 1 x ROG thank you card, 1 x ROG Bottle Opener, 1 x USB drive with utilities and drivers, 1 x Quick start guide1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026Accessories row: cables, miscellaneous, installation media and documentation, as listed.

1 x Wi-Fi antenna, 2 x SATA cables, 1 x G Connector, M.2 SSD screws, Paper leaflet3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Accessories: 1 motherboard, 1 Wi-Fi antenna, 2 SATA cables, 1 front panel G Connector, 1 paper leaflet. No user manual. Profesional Review adds SSD installation screws.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Package: board, external Wi-Fi antenna, 2 SATA 6 Gbps cables, SSD installation screws and F-panel adapter.

Links

Not compared

Product page

rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026The maker's product page, features tab.

www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-rev-1x9Maker product pagegigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-rev-1xRead 15 October 2026The GIGABYTE page for rev. 1.x. gigabyte.com blocks agents, so the page was not read and no value comes from it.

Spec sheet

rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/spec1Maker product pagerog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-crosshair/rog-crosshair-x870e-hero/specRead 15 October 2026The maker's Tech Specs tab, read on 2026-10-15.

Not available

Manual

dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM5/ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO/E27104_ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO_EM_V5_WEB.pdf3Owner's manualdlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/SocketAM5/ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO/E27104_ROG_CROSSHAIR_X870E_HERO_EM_V5_WEB.pdfRead 15 October 2026ASUS user's manual E27104 (EM V5), English edition, found through the ASUS support API manual list for this model. It also covers the model number in its title.

www.trovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdf1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026GIGABYTE User's Manual Rev. 1001 (2022) for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX, Z790 AORUS ELITE and the two DDR4 models, hosted by trovaprezzi.it. gigabyte.com blocks agents. Features marked for the DDR5 models with an AX are the ones used. Newer manual revisions were not readable for the black board.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

0 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

3years6Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: Warranty 3 Years. The review is a US review.10Retailer pagearvutitark.ee/en/pc-components/motherboards/asus-rog-crosshair-x870e-hero-amd-x870e-socket-am5-atx-1402616Read 15 October 2026The listing gives Warranty (months) 36 in Estonia.

3years2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals warranty field: 3 years, German and Austrian listing.

Both are also in the API. Back to all motherboards.