Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X AX LGA1700 ATX Motherboard Review
Welcome to our in-depth review of the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X AX LGA1700 ATX Motherboard. This motherboard, designed for 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel processors, boasts a range of features and capabilities that cater to both casual and enthusiast PC builders. In this comprehensive review, we delve into its performance, features, pros and cons, and ultimately, whether it’s the right choice for your next build.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X AX LGA1700 ATX Motherboard positions itself as a solid mid-range option for users seeking a balance of performance, features, and affordability. With support for the latest Intel processors and a suite of modern technologies, it promises to deliver a robust platform for gaming, content creation, and everyday tasks. This review will explore its capabilities and assess if it lives up to its expectations.
Key Features
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X AX is packed with features that aim to enhance both performance and user experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of its key highlights:
- Intel Z790 Chipset: The motherboard utilizes the Intel Z790 chipset, offering excellent support for Intel’s 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors, enabling access to the latest technologies and performance enhancements.
- DDR5 Memory Support: The Z790 Aorus Elite X AX supports DDR5 memory with speeds ranging from 4800 MT/s to 8266 MT/s (O.C.). This high-speed memory enables faster loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance.
- Robust Connectivity: The motherboard features a comprehensive array of connectivity options, including Intel 2.5GbE LAN for fast wired networking, Wi-Fi 6E for seamless wireless connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting to compatible devices.
- PCIe Gen 5.0 Support: With a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot directly connected to the CPU, the motherboard provides high-bandwidth support for the latest graphics cards, delivering exceptional performance in graphics-intensive applications and games.
- Audio Fidelity: The Z790 Aorus Elite X AX integrates a Realtek ALC1220-VB CODEC audio chip, delivering high-definition audio quality with support for various channel configurations, ensuring an immersive audio experience.
- M.2 SSD Support: The motherboard provides multiple M.2 slots for installing high-speed NVMe SSDs, enabling blazing-fast boot times, application loading, and data transfer speeds.
- Gigabyte Control Center: The bundled Gigabyte Control Center (GCC) software provides a user-friendly interface for managing various motherboard settings, including system monitoring, fan control, RGB lighting, and more, offering comprehensive control over your system’s performance and aesthetics.
Performance
In our testing, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X AX demonstrated strong performance across the board. The Z790 chipset provided a solid foundation for running the latest 13th Gen Intel processors, delivering impressive benchmarks in both single-core and multi-core tasks. We observed consistent performance with a variety of DDR5 memory kits, reaching speeds that significantly enhanced loading times and overall system responsiveness. The Intel 2.5GbE LAN connection consistently delivered fast network speeds, ideal for online gaming and content streaming. The integrated audio system also impressed with clear and detailed sound, enhancing the overall multimedia experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent support for Intel’s latest processors (14th, 13th, 12th Gen)
- DDR5 memory support with high speeds
- Robust connectivity options including 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3
- Multiple M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs
- Integrated high-definition audio with support for various channel configurations
- Gigabyte Control Center software for comprehensive system management
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Limited overclocking options compared to higher-end motherboards
- No Thunderbolt support
- No integrated Wi-Fi 6E antenna
Final Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X AX LGA1700 ATX Motherboard is a compelling option for PC builders seeking a balanced blend of performance, features, and value. Its excellent support for Intel’s latest processors, robust connectivity options, high-speed memory support, and comprehensive software suite make it an ideal foundation for a range of PC builds, from gaming rigs to content creation workstations. While it might lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end motherboards, its performance, affordability, and user-friendly features make it a strong recommendation for anyone looking to build a modern and powerful PC.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1700 socket |
| Processor Support | Support for 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold, Celeron Processors (Refer to “CPU Support List” for details) |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 Express Chipset |
| DDR5 Support | 8266(O.C) / 8200(O.C) / … / 4800 MT/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 192 GB (4 x DDR5 DIMM sockets) |
| Memory Channels | Dual channel |
| ECC Support | Yes (Operate in non-ECC mode) |
| XMP Support | Yes |
| Intel HD Graphics Support | HDMI: 4096×2160@60 Hz, DisplayPort: 4096×2304@60 Hz |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220-VB CODEC, High Definition Audio, 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel |
| LAN | Intel 2.5GbE LAN, Realtek Wi-Fi 6E RTL8852CE, Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| 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 |
| SATA Connectors | 6 x SATA 6Gb/s, RAID 0/1/5/10 support |
| USB Ports | USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2/Gen 1, USB 2.0 |
| Power Connectors | 24-pin ATX, 2 x 8-pin ATX 12V |
| Fan Headers | CPU/system fan, RGB LED strip |
| M.2/SATA Connectors | 4 x M.2, 6 x SATA 6Gb/s |
| Front Panel Connectors | Audio, USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1/Gen 2, Thunderbolt, TPM |
| USB Ports | USB Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2/Gen 1, USB 2.0 |
| Audio Ports | Line-out, S/PDIF Out |
| Video Outputs | HDMI, DisplayPort |
| Networking | 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| I/O Controller | iTE I/O Controller Chip |
| H/W Monitoring | Voltage, Temperature, Fan speed, Water cooling flow rate |
| BIOS | 256 Mbit flash, AMI UEFI BIOS |
| Unique Features | GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC), Q-Flash, Q-Flash Plus, Smart Backup |
| Bundled Software | Norton Internet Security, LAN bandwidth management software |
| Operating System | Windows 11 64-bit, Windows 10 64-bit |
| Form Factor | ATX, 30.5cm x 24.4cm |