The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E APEX and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4 result in an objective tie across the evaluated specifications. While both motherboards offer distinct benefits, the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E APEX provides a significant advantage in maximum memory speed, which is 80% better than the alternative. Conversely, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4 holds a substantial lead in affordability, featuring an MSRP that is 67% better than its competitor.

Users prioritizing high-performance memory configurations should select the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E APEX to leverage its superior speed capabilities. Alternatively, those focused on budget-conscious builds will find the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX DDR4 to be the more economical choice. Your final decision should depend on whether your primary requirement is maximizing memory throughput or minimizing the initial cost of your motherboard investment.