GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS ELITE LGA1700 mATX Motherboard Review

The GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS ELITE LGA1700 mATX Motherboard is a compelling option for PC builders looking for a compact yet feature-rich platform to power their next-generation Intel system. This review delves into its strengths, limitations, and overall performance based on extensive testing and real-world usage.

Table of Contents

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

Introduction

The GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS ELITE is a mATX motherboard designed for Intel’s 13th and 12th Gen Core processors, boasting a wealth of features and impressive performance. With its Z790 chipset, DDR5 support, and multiple PCIe 4.0 slots, it’s geared towards both gaming and content creation enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that the mATX form factor necessitates a more compact layout, which may impact some users’ preference for expansion options.

Features

The GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS ELITE packs a punch in its compact footprint. It features:

• Intel Z790 chipset for latest 13th & 12th Gen Intel Core processors
• LGA1700 socket for Intel’s latest CPUs
• 4x DDR5 DIMM sockets, supporting up to 192GB of memory
• 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors, offering blazing-fast storage speeds
• 2.5GbE LAN for high-speed networking
• Integrated audio with support for high-quality audio codecs
• RGB Fusion 2.0 for customizable lighting effects
• Advanced BIOS with a user-friendly interface for system configuration

Performance

The GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS ELITE delivers robust performance. The Z790 chipset ensures maximum compatibility and potential for overclocking. Our tests, using a high-end Intel Core i9-13900K processor, yielded impressive results:

• Gaming: High frame rates across various games, even at demanding settings.
• Content Creation: Smooth and efficient rendering and video editing performance.
• Memory: Excellent memory speeds and stability when utilizing DDR5 RAM.
• Storage: The PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots offered lightning-fast data transfer speeds for NVMe SSDs.
• Networking: The 2.5GbE LAN consistently provided reliable and fast internet connectivity.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Solid performance and stability with Intel’s latest CPUs
• Extensive feature set, including DDR5 support and fast storage options
• Excellent thermal design and cooling solutions
• User-friendly BIOS with intuitive controls
• High-quality audio with dedicated audio components
• 2.5GbE LAN for fast networking

Cons:

• The mATX form factor limits expansion options compared to ATX motherboards
• The lack of integrated Wi-Fi may be a drawback for some users
• The price point can be slightly higher than some other mATX options

Final Verdict

The GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS ELITE is a powerful and well-rounded mATX motherboard. It offers excellent performance, extensive features, and solid build quality. While its mATX form factor may limit expandability, it’s a great choice for gamers and content creators seeking a compact, feature-rich platform for their Intel-based builds. If you value performance, features, and a compact footprint, this motherboard is definitely worth considering.