GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Pro X Review: Powerful Z790 Motherboard for High-End Builds
GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Pro X Review: Powerful Z790 Motherboard for High-End Builds
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Features
Performance
Pros & Cons
Final Verdict
Introduction
The GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Pro X motherboard is a flagship offering designed for high-end PC enthusiasts and gamers. This ATX motherboard is built on the Intel Z790 chipset and offers a wealth of features to satisfy demanding users. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its capabilities, performance, and overall value to determine if it’s the right choice for your next high-end PC build.
Features
The GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Pro X is packed with features that cater to both performance and aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown of key highlights:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | LGA1700 socket: Support for 14th, 13th, 12th Gen Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold, Celeron® Processors |
| Chipset | Intel® Z790 Express Chipset |
| Memory | Support for DDR5 up to 8266(O.C.), 4 x DDR5 DIMM, up to 256 GB, Dual channel, ECC and non-ECC DIMM |
| Onboard Graphics | 1 x USB Type-C® (USB 3.2 Gen 2 & DisplayPort, max 4096×2304@60Hz), 1 x USB Type-C® (USB 2.0 & DisplayPort, max 1920×1080@30Hz), 1 x HDMI (max 4096×2160@60Hz) |
| Audio | Realtek® ALC1220-VB CODEC, High Definition Audio, 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel, Support for S/PDIF Out |
| LAN | Realtek® 5GbE LAN chip |
| Wireless Communication | MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 MT7927/RZ738 (PCB rev. 1.0), Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (PCB rev. 1.1), Qualcomm® Wi-Fi 7 QCNCM865 (PCB rev. 1.2), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Expansion Slots | CPU: 1 x PCIe x16 (PCIe 5.0 x16); Chipset: 1 x PCIe x16 (PCIe 4.0 x4), 1 x PCIe x16 (PCIe 3.0 x4) |
| Storage Interface | CPU: 2 x M.2 (PCIe 5.0/4.0); Chipset: 3 x M.2 (PCIe 4.0), 1 x M.2 (SATA & PCIe 4.0), 4 x SATA 6Gb/s |
| RAID | Support for NVMe and SATA RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 |
| USB | Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, Gen 2, Gen 1, and USB 2.0/1.1 ports |
| Internal I/O Connectors | Various power connectors, fan headers, RGB headers, USB headers, and more |
| Back Panel Connectors | Multiple USB ports, HDMI, RJ-45, optical S/PDIF Out, audio jacks, antenna connectors |
| I/O Controller | iTE® I/O Controller Chip |
| H/W Monitoring | Voltage, temperature, fan speed, water cooling flow rate detection, fan fail warning, noise detection |
| BIOS | 256 Mbit flash, 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 |
| Form Factor | ATX, 30.5cm x 24.4cm |
Performance
In our testing, the GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Pro X demonstrated exceptional performance, as expected from a high-end motherboard. The combination of the Intel Z790 chipset and the robust feature set enables smooth operation and excellent stability.
The Z790 Aorus Pro X handled demanding tasks with ease. It effortlessly powered a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and high-end graphics card, achieving impressive frame rates in gaming and smooth multi-tasking. The ample PCIe slots and M.2 connectors allowed for flexible and high-speed storage configurations.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Pro X:
Pros:
- Robust feature set: Includes PCIe 5.0 support, multiple M.2 slots, high-quality audio, and advanced networking.
- Excellent performance: Handles demanding tasks with ease and delivers impressive frame rates in gaming.
- User-friendly BIOS: Easy to navigate and offers a wide range of configuration options.
- Extensive I/O connectivity: Includes multiple USB ports, HDMI, RJ-45, and more.
- Durable build quality: Features high-quality components and construction for long-lasting performance.
Cons:
- Price: It’s a premium motherboard, making it a significant investment.
- Limited RGB customization: While it offers RGB lighting, customization options are somewhat limited.
Final Verdict
The GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Pro X is a truly exceptional motherboard for users demanding the very best in performance and features. If you’re building a high-end gaming PC or workstation, this motherboard is a top contender. It offers outstanding performance, a robust feature set, and excellent build quality. The only drawback is its premium price point, which might not be suitable for budget-conscious users.
Overall, I highly recommend the GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Pro X motherboard to anyone looking for a powerful and feature-packed foundation for their next high-end PC build.
