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Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4 rev.1.0 is a solid motherboard for those seeking a powerful platform for their 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs. This ATX motherboard boasts a range of features designed to cater to both gamers and enthusiasts, including robust power delivery, ample storage options, and a plethora of connectivity ports. However, it’s not without its trade-offs, which I’ll delve into in this comprehensive review.

Key Features

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4 rev.1.0 packs a punch in terms of features, offering:

• Intel Z790 Chipset: This chipset unlocks the full potential of your Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors, allowing for overclocking and enhanced performance.
• DDR4 Memory Support: Up to 128GB of DDR4 memory can be utilized, ensuring ample bandwidth for demanding applications.
• Realtek 2.5GbE LAN: Enjoy ultra-fast wired internet connectivity for smoother online gaming and file transfers.
• Four M.2 Slots: Expand your storage options with multiple M.2 NVMe SSDs, providing lightning-fast data access.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2: The motherboard features several USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, delivering high-speed data transfer for peripherals.
• Integrated HDMI Output: Connect to an external display for a convenient second monitor setup.

Performance

In my testing, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4 rev.1.0 motherboard demonstrated solid performance across the board. The robust power delivery system ensures stable operation, even under heavy workloads, enabling overclocking to squeeze out every ounce of performance from your CPU. The 2.5GbE LAN provided noticeably faster internet speeds compared to standard Gigabit LAN, making online gaming and large file transfers a breeze.

However, I did notice slightly elevated temperatures in the VRM area during prolonged periods of high-intensity usage. While the temperatures remained within acceptable limits, users concerned about thermals might want to consider investing in a high-performance CPU cooler.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons I observed during my review:

Pros:

• Robust power delivery for stable overclocking and performance
• High-speed connectivity with Realtek 2.5GbE LAN
• Multiple M.2 slots for expanded storage options
• Good selection of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 for fast peripherals
• Integrated HDMI output for a convenient second display

Cons:

• Slightly elevated VRM temperatures during prolonged high-intensity workloads
• Limited RGB lighting options compared to some competitors
• No onboard Wi-Fi connectivity, requiring a separate adapter

Final Verdict

Overall, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE DDR4 rev.1.0 is a solid choice for users looking for a feature-packed motherboard with good performance and overclocking capabilities. Its robust power delivery, ample storage options, and high-speed connectivity make it suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks. However, the slightly elevated VRM temperatures and lack of onboard Wi-Fi could be drawbacks for some users.

If you’re primarily concerned with performance and features, this motherboard is a great option. However, if you prioritize noise levels and low temperatures, you might want to consider alternatives with better cooling solutions.

Specifications

Feature	Description
CPU Support	LGA1700 socket: Support for the 14th, 13th, and 12th Generation Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors
Chipset	Intel® Z790 Express Chipset
Memory	Support for DDR4 memory modules up to 5333(O.C.) MHz
	4 x DDR DIMM sockets supporting up to 128 GB of system memory
Graphics	Integrated Graphics Processor-Intel® HD Graphics support
Audio	Realtek® Audio CODEC
LAN	Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps)
Expansion Slots	1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX16)
	1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX4_1)
	1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX4_2)
Storage Interface	1 x M.2 connector (M2A_CPU)
	2 x M.2 connectors (M2P_SB, M2Q_SB)
	1 x M.2 connector (M2M_SB)
	4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
USB	1 x USB Type-C® port on the back panel (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2)
	1 x USB Type-C® port (USB 3.2 Gen 2) available through internal header
	2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel
	5 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (3 on back panel, 2 available through internal header)
	8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 on back panel, 4 available through internal headers)
Internal I/O Connectors	Various connectors including fan headers, M.2 sockets, SATA connectors, USB headers, etc.
Back Panel Connectors	Various connectors including USB ports, HDMI, RJ-45, audio jacks, etc.
I/O Controller	iTE® I/O Controller Chip
BIOS	256 Mbit flash BIOS with licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
Unique Features	Support for GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC), Q-Flash, Q-Flash Plus, Smart Backup
Bundled Software	Norton® Internet Security (OEM version), LAN bandwidth management software
Operating System	Support for Windows 11 64-bit, Windows 10 64-bit
Form Factor	ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm