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The Z590 chipset, launched by Intel at CES 2021, introduced a range of new features for 11th generation processors, catering to the needs of high-end users. Gigabyte quickly followed suit with the release of their high-end Z590 AORUS Master motherboard. But what does this latest iteration of the Master series offer? Let’s delve into the details and discover what sets this motherboard apart.

alt text: GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master motherboard out of the box

Design and Packaging: Familiar Yet Refined

The GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master maintains a familiar design philosophy, echoing its predecessors in the Master series. The packaging features the signature AORUS eagle logo, similar to the Z490 AORUS Master’s packaging, prioritizing a clean aesthetic over showcasing the board itself. This consistent packaging design extends across the Master product line, with subtle variations seen in models like the AORUS B550 Master.

alt text: Back of the GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master motherboard box

The rear of the box highlights key features, many of which are similar to the Z490 version, but with notable improvements in power delivery and the inclusion of the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard. Unboxing the Z590 AORUS Master reveals a board strikingly similar to the Z490 model, with the Z590 chipset marking the primary visual difference. This design continuity allows Gigabyte to leverage existing manufacturing processes, reducing production costs and time-to-market.

Cooling and Power Delivery: A Robust Upgrade

The Z590 AORUS Master sports a large heatsink covering the M.2 slots and PCI-E area, reinforced with steel bracing for added durability. This ensures stability even with heavy, high-end graphics cards like the Gigabyte RTX 3080 Vision OC 10G, preventing bending or warping. The most significant difference between the Z490 and Z590 versions lies in the VRM design and heatsink.

alt text: Close-up of the GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master motherboard heatsink

While the Intel Core i9 11900K has fewer cores than the i9 10900K, its new architecture and higher clock speeds (up to 5.3GHz single-core and 4.8GHz all-core) demand a robust power delivery system. Gigabyte has addressed this by upgrading the VRM from a 14+1 phase design on the Z490 to an 18+1 phase design on the Z590 AORUS Master. This enhanced power delivery system, while seemingly overkill for typical gaming, is ideal for professional users and overclocking enthusiasts. The steel-reinforced PCI-Express slots now support PCIe 4.0, thanks to the 11th generation Intel CPUs.

alt text: GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master motherboard with M.2 heatsinks

Another noticeable improvement is the pre-installed I/O shield with numerous ventilation holes, working in conjunction with the finned heatsink to enhance cooling for the VRMs. This subtle yet innovative design demonstrates Gigabyte’s attention to detail and commitment to stable operation, especially with power-hungry, high-end CPUs.

alt text: VRM heatsink of the GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master

Features and Connectivity: Continuing Excellence

Many features from the previous generation carry over to the Z590 AORUS Master. These include the debug LED, noise-detecting microphone for smart fan control, aesthetically pleasing steel-reinforced RAM slots, and a backplate for added rigidity.

alt text: PCI-E slots and M.2 heatsink on GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master

Gigabyte upgrades the wireless connectivity with Intel’s high-end WiFi 6E 802.11ax 2T2R and Bluetooth 5.0, providing low latency and compatibility with energy-efficient devices. The Z590 AORUS Master also features a premium ESS Tech audio solution with dedicated audio capacitors and isolated circuitry to minimize interference.

alt text: Rear I/O panel of the GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master motherboard

Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade

The GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master may appear visually similar to its predecessor, but it boasts significant under-the-hood upgrades catering to the demands of high-end users. By retaining positive aspects from the previous generation, Gigabyte ensures a smooth transition for users upgrading their systems. The enhanced power delivery, PCIe 4.0 support, and improved cooling make the Z590 AORUS Master a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful and stable platform for their 11th generation Intel CPUs.

alt text: Audio section of the GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS Master