The ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-E GAMING and the Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX are tied in this objective comparison, as both motherboards secure an equal number of specification wins across the evaluated categories. The most impactful advantage for the ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-E GAMING is its PCIe x1 slot configuration, which offers a 100% improvement over the alternative. Conversely, the Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX provides a 50% advantage regarding the total number of available M.2 slots.

Users prioritizing expansion via PCIe x1 slots should select the ASUS ROG STRIX Z490-E GAMING for their build. This board is best suited for those requiring additional connectivity for specialized add-in cards. Alternatively, the Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX is the superior choice for builders who need increased storage capacity through a higher count of M.2 slots. Both options offer distinct hardware benefits depending on whether your system configuration emphasizes peripheral expansion or high-density storage.