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Intel faced a challenging 2019 with AMD’s Ryzen 3000 series dominating the high-end CPU market. This prompted Intel to launch their 10th generation Core processors, accompanied by the new Z490 chipset and LGA 1200 socket. This move marked a significant departure from the LGA 1151 socket used for several previous generations. The Z490 chipset paves the way for larger, more powerful processors from Intel, enabling them to compete with AMD’s offerings. Among the first Z490 motherboards to arrive is the Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master. This review explores the features and capabilities of this high-end motherboard.

Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master Motherboard

Design and Features: A Masterful Approach

Gigabyte positions its AORUS Master line just below the flagship XTREME series, targeting professional users who prioritize practicality over excessive high-end features. The Z490 AORUS Master embodies this philosophy with a clean, minimalist design. The packaging showcases the silver AORUS eagle logo and product name, accented with purple and orange highlights, differentiating it from previous MASTER versions like the X570 and TRX40.

Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master Packaging

The rear panel highlights key features like the 14-phase VRM, 2.5 Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi 6, and “PCI Express 4.0 Hardware Design.” This last point is potentially misleading. While there were rumors of Z490 supporting PCIe 4.0, this motherboard utilizes PCIe 3.0. Gigabyte implemented a robust design and components similar to their X570 and TRX40 boards, likely as a future-proofing measure. The Z490 AORUS Master offers three PCIe slots in a 16x, 8x, and 4x configuration, catering to a variety of user needs.

Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master Rear Panel

A large, continuous heatsink extends from the chipset over the PCIe slots, creating a cohesive and robust appearance while enhancing cooling. However, this design might pose compatibility issues with high-end NVMe drives that have integrated heatsinks, such as the Western Digital Black SN750 or Gigabyte’s own AORUS NVMe Gen4 SSD.

Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master Heatsink

Reinforced PCIe and RAM slots add to the board’s durability, although modern PCB construction already provides significant strength. The 14-phase VRM, capable of handling up to 90A, ensures ample power delivery for high-end 10th gen Intel CPUs, especially considering rumors of the 10-core, 20-thread i9-10900F having a 224W TDP.

Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master PCIe Slots

The redesigned VRM heatsink is significantly more substantial than previous Z390 versions, effectively dissipating heat generated by the powerful components. Overall, the Z490 AORUS Master presents a larger, more robust build than its Z390 predecessors, reflecting Intel’s focus on multi-core performance and the increasing power demands of modern CPUs.

Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master VRM

Advanced Features and Functionality

Despite its minimalist design, the Z490 AORUS Master boasts a rich set of features typically found in high-end motherboards. Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN provide blazing-fast and stable network connectivity, catering to the demands of online gaming and high-bandwidth applications. A debug LED display, previously featured on the Z390 Ultra, allows users to quickly diagnose system issues.

Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master Features

New to the Z490 AORUS Master are features like Q-Flash Plus, enabling BIOS updates without a CPU, and a dual BIOS switch. This suggests Intel’s commitment to optimizing BIOS performance for their new multi-core processors. Other features include RGB Fusion 2.0 for system-wide RGB lighting control and Smart Fan 5 for optimized fan control, balancing cooling performance and noise levels.

Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master Debug LED

While Gigabyte partnered with ESS Tech to integrate a high-quality ESS Sabre audio chip, they omitted the USB DAC-Up feature found on the Z390 AORUS Ultra. This feature provided cleaner power and data delivery to external DAC/Amps via USB.

Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master BIOS Switch

Gigabyte Z490 AORUS Master Audio

Conclusion: A Solid Platform for High-Performance Systems

The Z490 AORUS Master represents a significant step forward for Gigabyte’s Intel motherboard lineup. Its robust design, focus on power delivery, and advanced features make it a solid foundation for high-performance systems based on 10th generation Intel CPUs. This motherboard is a strong contender for enthusiasts and professionals seeking a reliable and feature-rich platform.