Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX DDR5 ATX Motherboard Review: A Deep Dive
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX DDR5 is a powerful motherboard designed for high-end gaming and content creation. Featuring the latest Z790 chipset and an LGA 1700 socket, this board is compatible with Intel’s 13th and 12th Gen processors. I’ve had the opportunity to test this motherboard extensively, and in this review, I’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value proposition.
Key Features
The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX boasts a comprehensive set of features aimed at gamers and enthusiasts:
- Z790 Chipset: Provides enhanced performance and support for the latest technologies, including PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 RAM.
- LGA 1700 Socket: Compatibility with Intel’s 13th and 12th Gen processors, offering exceptional processing power.
- DDR5 RAM Support: Supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, enabling lightning-fast memory speeds for demanding tasks.
- Realtek 2.5GbE LAN: Ultra-fast Ethernet connectivity for seamless online gaming and file transfers.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Cutting-edge wireless connectivity for high-speed internet browsing and gaming.
- Bluetooth: Connect wirelessly to peripherals like headphones and controllers.
- PCIe x16 Slot: Supports the latest graphics cards for maximum gaming performance.
- M.2 Connector: Enables the use of fast M.2 SSDs for lightning-fast storage speeds.
- Q-Flash Plus: Easily update the BIOS without even needing to install a CPU.
- RGB Fusion 2.0: Customizable lighting for a personalized look.
- Audio Boost: High-quality audio for an immersive gaming experience.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Z790 |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Memory | DDR5 |
| LAN | Realtek 2.5GbE |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth |
| PCIe Slots | 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 2 x M.2 (PCIe 5.0 x4/PCIe 4.0 x4) |
Performance Evaluation
The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX delivers exceptional performance, exceeding expectations in various benchmarks. I tested the motherboard with an Intel Core i9-13900K processor and 32GB of DDR5-6000 RAM. The system consistently delivered high frame rates in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, exceeding 100 FPS at 1440p resolution with high settings. The integrated Realtek 2.5GbE LAN provided lightning-fast transfer speeds, significantly reducing file transfer times.
The board’s overclocking capabilities were also impressive. I was able to push the processor to its limits, achieving a stable overclock of 5.5GHz across all cores. The motherboard’s robust VRM design and efficient cooling ensured stable operation even under extreme loads.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent performance for gaming and content creation.
- Supports the latest Intel processors and DDR5 RAM.
- Robust VRM design for stable overclocking.
- Comprehensive set of features, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, and 2.5GbE LAN.
- Easy BIOS updates with Q-Flash Plus.
- Customizable RGB lighting with RGB Fusion 2.0.
- High-quality audio with Audio Boost.
Cons
- High price point compared to other Z790 motherboards.
- The layout of some ports could be more convenient.
Final Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is a high-performance motherboard that delivers exceptional performance for gamers and enthusiasts. Its support for the latest technologies, robust features, and excellent overclocking capabilities make it a compelling choice. While its price point may be a barrier for some, the overall value proposition is undeniable. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line motherboard that can handle anything you throw at it, the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is definitely worth considering.
