Introduction

Last year, AMD released the Ryzen 5000 series desktop processors in one of the most monumental hardware launches of the modern era. This final step completed the Red brand's ascent back into the forefront of the desktop processor market that began with the launch of the first generation of Ryzen CPUs. While Intel prepares its next move, Z490 and the 10th generation are here to hold the line.

While the 10th Gen Intel Core processors will not support PCIe 4.0 connectivity due to signal integrity issues, many of the Z490 motherboards are designed to support the PCIe 4.0 specification. This is accomplished by adding clock generators to help clean up the signal. Generally speaking, when it comes to long-term platform support, AMD has been the trendsetter. Has AMD's long support of the AM4 socket on its newer generation processors inspired Intel to take similar steps?

So what is Z490 offering right now? For starters, there has been a large focus on VRM and VRM cooling design. With the top-level Intel Core i9-10900K featuring 10 cores along with HyperThreading, the ability to deliver clean, continuous power is going to be one of the primary factors that separates a good Z490 board from the competition. With the introduction of HyperThreading on Intel's mid-range line-up, power delivery is going to be vital in all segments.



The AORUS line from Gigabyte spans a broad range of products—laptops, peripherals, and core components. Across the enthusiast spectrum, the AORUS name denotes Gigabyte's gaming-focused products. The AORUS motherboard range features a consistent naming scheme that includes the Pro, Elite, Ultra, Master, and Extreme motherboards. Within this line up, the Master serves as the high-end mainstream option offering prime features at a high, but attainable price point.

The Gigabyte Z490I AORUS Ultra features a robust VRM utilizing 90 A power stages, along with Q-Flash for a redundant safety net for ambitious overclocking. The Gigabyte Z490I AORUS Ultra also offers a full-coverage aluminium backplate for added rigidity and additional VRM cooling. This little board should pack a punch, so let's see how the Gigabyte Z490I AORUS Ultra stacks up against the competition.

Specifications

Packaging and Contents

The front of the Gigabyte Z490I AORUS Ultra box features a dark background dominated by the AORUS logo. "Z490I AORUS Ultra gaming motherboard" is printed in white and orange on the left side, with the brand badging on the right.

The back of the box has all the highlights: a top-down shot of the board, several panels detailing prominent features, a shot of the rear I/O, and the specifications list. The box design is well executed and matches the board perfectly.


The accessories are a little above standard and include extras like an RGB extension cable. Also included are three fan adapters since the Z490I AORUS Ultra uses smaller form factor headers for three of the four available connections. Notably absent is any kind of rear I/O shield because the shield is integrated into the board.

The full list of accessories includes:

• Manual and support DVD
• 2x SATA 6 Gb/s cables
• USB split header
• RGB extension cable
• 3x Fan adapters
• M.2 hardware
• Wi-Fi antenna

Board Layout

The Z490I AORUS Ultra features a black PCB matched with a black and gray I/O cover and heatsinks. There is a large aluminium backplate that adds rigidity to the board and offers an added element of cooling to the back of the VRM.


The CPU socket is open enough for most air coolers. The VRM and chipset heatsinks are connected via a single wrap-around heat pipe, which allows them to share and disperse the heat load.


There are two M.2 slots on the Gigabyte Z490I AORUS Ultra; one on the front of the board with an included heatsink and another low-profile slot on the back of the board.


The Gigabyte Z490I AORUS Ultra offers one steel-reinforced PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot. The board has four SATA 6 Gb/s ports on the side.


The Gigabyte Z490I AORUS Ultra has a decent I/O offering that includes Wi-Fi 6 and a fair amount of USB connectivity.

• 2x Antenna ports
• HDMI port
• DisplayPort
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports
• Q-Flash Plus button
• 2x USB 2.0 ports
• USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port
• USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port
• RJ-45 LAN port
• 3x 3.5 mm audio jacks

Networking on the Gigabyte Z490I AORUS Ultra is handled by Intel's new 2.5 Gb/s controller. For wireless connectivity, there is an AX201 Wi-Fi 6 module.