Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX vs Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro

Verdict

Overall, the Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX is a solid choice for those looking for a mini ITX motherboard with good features and performance. The VRM heatsinks are chunky and the BIOS is easy to navigate, but there are some minor drawbacks such as the lack of a front Type C header and only one front USB 3 header. It is recommended to update the BIOS to avoid CPU temperature spikes and to ensure compatibility with Windows 11 in the future. It is also important to note that some users have experienced issues with used or older models, so thorough physical inspection is recommended.

Verdict

Overall, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro is a solid choice for those looking for a mid-range overclocking motherboard with a postcode and capable VRM. However, some users have noted design issues with the NVME daughterboard and lack of integrated graphics options. The Gigabyte software is effective but basic, and the BIOS is not difficult to navigate. Upgradability is a concern for some, but the board offers some upgrade paths. The board's aesthetics are generally praised, but some users have had issues with RGB Fusion 2.0. The Realtek 2.5mbps ethernet works well, and the lack of a debug LED screen is noted. Overall, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro holds its ground well against the competition.