GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO motherboard review for gamers and PC builders

Description

Performance and Features: A Gaming Motherboard That Delivers

Testing the GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO was an experience that left me impressed and curious about how far motherboard technology has advanced. Supporting 9th and 8th Gen Intel Core Processors, this motherboard had no trouble keeping up with demanding tasks. I paired it with an i7 processor and some DDR4 RAM (4 DIMMs), and the performance was buttery smooth. The 12+1 Digital VRM Solution with DrMOS ensures efficient power delivery, which is essential for stable overclocking.

The dual NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 slots with thermal guards are a standout feature. These slots not only support ultra-fast storage speeds but also come equipped with thermal guards, which kept my SSDs cooler during extended use. Gaming felt seamless, and loading times were near-instant. The Intel Optane Memory Ready feature is another plus, especially for those looking to speed up traditional HDDs.

What caught my attention, though, was the inclusion of the ALC1220-VB audio chipset with WIMA capacitors. The sound clarity, whether it was through my headphones or speakers, was crisp and immersive. If you’re into gaming or music production, this board’s audio capabilities will not disappoint.

Advanced Cooling and Thermal Design

One thing I’ve learned testing motherboards is that good cooling is non-negotiable, and this one doesn’t cut corners. Its advanced thermal design, featuring multi-cut heatsinks and a heatpipe, is sleek but also highly functional. Temperatures remained impressively low, even when pushing the system during gaming marathons.

The Smart Fan 5 technology deserves a special mention. It features multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers, all of which are controllable through GIGABYTE’s software. The ability to monitor and tweak these settings ensures your system stays cool without unnecessary noise. The FAN STOP feature is a small detail, but it’s one that I appreciated when working late at night in silence.

Key Benefits

• RGB Fusion with Multi-Zone LED Lighting: Fully customizable RGB strips elevate your gaming setup aesthetics.
• Front USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C Header: Convenient access for modern peripherals.
• Intel Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed: Reliable, lag-free network performance for online gaming.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited Wireless Connectivity: While it supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, there is no built-in Wi-Fi module. You’d need a separate adapter, which feels a bit outdated for a premium product.
• BIOS Interface: The BIOS, though functional, could use a modern redesign to make navigation more intuitive.
• Price Sensitivity: While the features justify the cost, budget-conscious buyers might find it a tough pill to swallow.

Competitive Options

Comparing this motherboard to peers like the ASUS ROG STRIX Z390-E or the MSI MPG Z390 GAMING EDGE, the GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO holds its ground well. It offers excellent power delivery and thermal performance, which slightly outshines the MSI option in my experience. However, ASUS has a more polished BIOS and includes built-in Wi-Fi, which might sway some users.

In terms of aesthetics, GIGABYTE’s RGB Fusion is more robust than MSI’s lighting, making it a better choice for those who want to showcase their builds. On the downside, competitors like ASUS include more USB ports and better wireless features, which could be a dealbreaker for some.

Money’s Worth

The GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO falls into a category where you get what you pay for. While it’s not the cheapest option, the combination of performance, cooling, and aesthetics makes it worth considering. If you’re building a system for gaming or content creation, this motherboard offers plenty of value for its price point. It’s not just about raw power; it’s about how effectively that power is managed, and this board excels in that regard.

Additional information