A method of forming a high strength aluminum alloy is disclosed. The method includes solutionizing to a temperature ranging from about 5° C. above a standard solutionizing temperature to about 5° C. below an incipient melting temperature for the aluminum material to form a heated aluminum material, which is then quenched. The aluminum material includes at least one of magnesium and silicon as a secondary component at a concentration of at least 0.2% by weight. The cooled aluminum material is subjected to ECAE processing using one of isothermal conditions and non-isothermal conditions. Isothermal conditions include having a billet and a die at the same temperature from about 80° C. to about 200° C. Non-isothermal conditions include having a billet at a temperature from about 80° C. to about 200° C. and a die at a temperature of at most 100° C. The aluminum material is than aged at a temperature from about 100° C. to about 175° C.