GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G Review: A Powerful Platform for 13th Gen Intel CPUs

GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G Review: A Powerful Platform for 13th Gen Intel CPUs

Table of Contents

Introduction

The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for 13th Gen Intel Core processors. With its Intel Z790 chipset, support for DDR5 memory, and a comprehensive feature set, it aims to provide a powerful and versatile platform for demanding users. In this review, we’ll dive deep into its features, performance, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right motherboard for your next build.

Features

The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G boasts a wide range of features, including:

  • Intel Z790 Chipset
  • LGA1700 Socket for 13th Gen Intel Core CPUs
  • 4x DDR5 DIMM Slots (Up to 192GB)
  • Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity
  • 2.5GbE Ethernet
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • 5x M.2 Slots (including one PCIe 5.0 slot)
  • PCIe 5.0 Support
  • USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C
  • HDMI and DisplayPort Outputs
  • Advanced Cooling Solution with Multiple Heat Sinks and Fans
  • GIGABYTE’s RGB Fusion 2.0 Lighting Control

Specifications

Feature Specification
Chipset Intel Z790
Socket LGA1700
Memory 4x DDR5 DIMM, up to 192GB
Network Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE LAN
Storage 5x M.2 Slots (1x PCIe 5.0, 4x PCIe 4.0)
Expansion Slots 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4
USB Ports USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A
Audio Realtek ALC1220 Codec
Other Features RGB Fusion 2.0, Q-Flash Plus, BIOS Flashback

Performance

The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G delivers exceptional performance. We tested it with an Intel Core i9-13900K processor, 32GB of DDR5-6000 RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card. The system achieved outstanding scores in benchmarks, including Cinebench R23, Geekbench 5, and 3DMark Time Spy.

The motherboard’s support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory allowed us to push our system to its limits. The 2.5GbE LAN connection provided lightning-fast network speeds, ideal for online gaming and large file transfers. The motherboard also remained cool and stable even under heavy loads, thanks to its robust cooling solution.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Excellent performance with support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory
  • Comprehensive feature set, including Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE LAN, and multiple M.2 slots
  • Robust cooling solution keeps the motherboard stable under heavy workloads
  • GIGABYTE’s intuitive BIOS and software provide easy customization options

Cons:

  • Price may be higher compared to some other Z790 motherboards
  • The motherboard can be a bit bulky for smaller cases

Final Verdict

The GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G is an excellent choice for users looking for a high-performance motherboard with a full range of features. Its support for PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and advanced cooling solution make it ideal for demanding gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts. While it might be slightly pricier than some other Z790 models, the performance and features it offers justify the investment. Overall, I highly recommend the GIGABYTE Z790 AERO G to anyone looking for a top-tier motherboard for their 13th Gen Intel CPU build.