Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X LGA1700 Motherboard Review – A Comprehensive Look
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X LGA1700 Motherboard Review
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X is a mid-range motherboard aimed at gamers and enthusiasts looking for a solid platform for their 13th or 12th Gen Intel build. Packed with features like 2.5GbE LAN, PCIe 5.0 support, and a generous selection of M.2 slots, this motherboard promises a compelling combination of performance and value. I’ve put it through its paces to see how it stacks up in real-world use.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X caters to users seeking a well-rounded motherboard experience without breaking the bank. It strikes a balance between performance and features, making it a suitable choice for a variety of builds. The motherboard boasts a clean design with a subtle Aorus aesthetic, coupled with robust power delivery and ample connectivity options.
Key Features
Let’s delve into the key features that make the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X stand out:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 socket, Support for 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold, Celeron Processors |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 Express Chipset |
| Memory Support | 4x DDR5 DIMM / 192 GB Max Memory, 8266(O.C) / 8200(O.C) / … / 4000 MT/s |
| PCIe Slots | CPU: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, Chipset: 2 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 mode) |
| M.2 Connectors | CPU: 1 x PCIe 4.0, Chipset: 2 x PCIe 4.0, 1 x SATA |
| LAN | Intel 2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps) |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220-VB CODEC, High Definition Audio, 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel |
| USB Ports | USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2/Gen 1, USB 2.0 |
| Video Outputs | HDMI, DisplayPort |
| Form Factor | ATX, 30.5cm x 24.4cm |
Performance
In my testing, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X performed admirably. The motherboard’s power delivery system proved stable and reliable, even under heavy workloads and overclocking. The 2.5GbE LAN provided noticeably faster network speeds for file transfers and online gaming, making it a welcome addition for those who rely on fast internet connections. The M.2 slots offered excellent bandwidth for NVMe SSDs, enabling lightning-fast boot times and application loading.
I also appreciated the motherboard’s ability to handle DDR5 memory flawlessly. I was able to achieve the desired frequencies and timings without encountering any issues. The BIOS, while not the most intuitive, provided sufficient options for customizing settings and fine-tuning performance. The audio quality was decent, thanks to the Realtek ALC1220-VB CODEC, although I found it slightly lacking in clarity compared to higher-end audio solutions.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent power delivery for stable overclocking
- 2.5GbE LAN for blazing fast network speeds
- Generous selection of M.2 slots for high-performance storage
- Good DDR5 memory support
- Solid audio quality
Cons:
- BIOS could be more user-friendly
- Audio quality isn’t quite top-tier
- Limited RGB lighting options
Final Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X is a solid choice for gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize performance and features without breaking the bank. Its stable power delivery, fast network speeds, and ample storage options make it a capable platform for demanding applications. While the BIOS could be improved and the audio isn’t quite top-tier, these shortcomings are outweighed by its strong overall performance and value proposition. If you’re looking for a feature-rich Z790 motherboard that delivers on its promises, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X is definitely worth considering.
