GIGABYTE B760 Aorus Elite AX Review: Powerful Performance for Your Next Build
Table of Contents
Introduction
The GIGABYTE B760 Aorus Elite AX is a solid mid-range ATX motherboard designed for Intel’s 13th and 14th generation CPUs. This motherboard offers a compelling mix of performance, features, and value, making it an attractive option for both gamers and enthusiasts. I’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly test this board, putting it through various real-world scenarios to gauge its capabilities and identify any potential drawbacks. Here’s my detailed review.
Features
The GIGABYTE B760 Aorus Elite AX packs a punch in terms of features, catering to a wide range of user needs. Let’s take a look at some of the key highlights:
- Intel B760 Chipset: The B760 chipset is a strong foundation for this motherboard, offering robust performance and ample connectivity options. It supports Intel’s latest 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, ensuring compatibility with cutting-edge processors.
- DDR5 Memory: The motherboard supports DDR5 memory, allowing for faster speeds and lower latencies compared to DDR4. You can configure up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, providing ample capacity for demanding applications and multi-tasking.
- PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot: The GIGABYTE B760 Aorus Elite AX features a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, allowing you to harness the latest high-speed graphics cards and other peripherals. This is a significant advantage for gamers and content creators who demand maximum performance.
- 2.5GbE LAN: The onboard Realtek 2.5GbE LAN chip provides lightning-fast internet speeds, ideal for online gaming and high-bandwidth data transfers. This is a welcome feature for users who prioritize fast and reliable network connectivity.
- Wi-Fi 6E: With built-in Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 or Realtek Wi-Fi 6E RTL8852CE, you can enjoy blazing-fast wireless speeds and stable connections. This is a fantastic option for users who prefer a cable-free setup or want to take advantage of the latest Wi-Fi technology.
- M.2 Slots: The motherboard includes three M.2 slots, providing ample storage options. You can easily install high-performance NVMe SSDs for blazing-fast boot times and application loading.
- Comprehensive I/O: The rear panel offers a wide array of I/O ports, including USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and more, ensuring you have enough ports for all your devices.
- Robust Cooling: The board features multiple fan headers for effective cooling, ensuring your system remains stable even under demanding workloads.
Performance
The GIGABYTE B760 Aorus Elite AX delivers impressive performance, particularly in gaming and demanding applications. It handled everything I threw at it, from running AAA titles at high frame rates to editing large video files with ease. The DDR5 memory support definitely contributes to its overall responsiveness, while the PCIe 4.0 slot allows for optimal performance with high-end graphics cards.
I tested the motherboard with an Intel Core i7-13700K processor, and the system consistently delivered smooth and stable performance. I experienced no hiccups or crashes even while running multiple applications simultaneously. The 2.5GbE LAN connection proved to be incredibly fast, significantly reducing loading times for online games and large downloads.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supports Intel’s latest 13th and 14th Gen CPUs
- DDR5 memory support for faster speeds and lower latencies
- PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for optimal performance with high-end graphics cards
- 2.5GbE LAN for lightning-fast network connectivity
- Built-in Wi-Fi 6E for blazing-fast wireless speeds
- Three M.2 slots for ample storage options
- Comprehensive I/O with multiple USB ports
- Robust cooling features for stable performance
Cons
- No integrated sound card (uses Realtek Audio CODEC)
- Limited overclocking capabilities compared to higher-end chipsets
Final Verdict
The GIGABYTE B760 Aorus Elite AX is a compelling motherboard offering a great blend of performance, features, and value. It delivers a solid platform for building a high-performance PC, especially if you’re prioritizing gaming, content creation, or general productivity. The combination of DDR5 memory, PCIe 4.0 support, 2.5GbE LAN, and Wi-Fi 6E makes it a future-proof investment. While the lack of an integrated sound card and limited overclocking capabilities are minor downsides, they are outweighed by its overall strengths. Overall, I highly recommend the GIGABYTE B760 Aorus Elite AX as a reliable and feature-rich option for your next build.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | LGA1700 socket: 14th, 13th, 12th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold, Celeron®; L3 cache varies |
| Chipset | Intel® B760 Express Chipset |
| Memory | DDR5 7800(O.C.)/…/4000 MT/s; 4 x DDR5 DIMM sockets up to 256 GB; ECC and non-ECC support |
| Onboard Graphics | Intel® HD Graphics; 1 x HDMI (4096×2160@60 Hz), 1 x DP (4096×2304@60 Hz) |
| Audio | Realtek® Audio CODEC; 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel; S/PDIF Out |
| LAN | Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN chip |
| Wireless | Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211 / Realtek® Wi-Fi 6E RTL8852CE; Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (CPU), 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 (Chipset) |
| Storage Interface | 1 x M.2 (PCIe 4.0 x4/x2) (CPU), 2 x M.2 (PCIe 4.0 x4/x2) (Chipset), 4 x SATA 6Gb/s |
| USB | 2 x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 |
| Internal I/O Connectors | 1 x 24-pin ATX, 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V, 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V, 4 x fan headers, 3 x M.2, 4 x SATA, etc. |
| Back Panel Connectors | 1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 2.0/1.1, etc. |
| I/O Controller | iTE® I/O Controller Chip |
| H/W Monitoring | Voltage, Temperature, Fan speed, Water cooling flow rate detection |
| BIOS | 256 Mbit flash, AMI UEFI BIOS, PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0 |
| Unique Features | GIGABYTE Control Center, Q-Flash, Q-Flash Plus |
| Bundled Software | Norton® Internet Security (OEM), LAN bandwidth management software |
| Operating System | Windows 11 64-bit, Windows 10 64-bit |
| Form Factor | ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm |