Comprehensive review of the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX motherboard for gamers

Description

Design and Build Quality

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a motherboard that feels premium from the moment I held it. Its sleek black-on-black finish looks incredible and fits effortlessly into a modern PC build. Measuring 9.61 x 12.01 x 1.38 inches, it’s an ATX form factor, ensuring compatibility with most standard PC cases. The durable build quality impressed me, as the materials feel solid and reliable. The layout is designed thoughtfully, with enough space around key components to simplify installation. I particularly appreciated the reinforced PCI-E slots, which provide additional stability for heavier GPUs. This feature is ideal if you’re someone who frequently swaps or upgrades components.

Performance and Features

What really stands out with this motherboard is its DDR5 RAM support, offering a memory speed of up to 7600 MHz. I tried out some high-performance RAM, and it handled multitasking, gaming, and even intense rendering workflows without breaking a sweat. The 4x M.2 slots are a game changer for those who need blistering fast storage, and the 6 SATA ports provide ample options for traditional drives. The 802.11a Wi-Fi connectivity was surprisingly stable, even in areas where my other devices struggled with weak signals. During testing, the USB 3.2 ports (five of them!) and the USB-C port were lifesavers for connecting a variety of peripherals, transferring data at lightning-fast speeds.

The BIOS interface is another strong point. It’s intuitive, making overclocking and tweaking system settings straightforward. The RGB Fusion software added a nice touch for customizing lighting, syncing beautifully with the rest of my setup.

Key Benefits

• Supports 13th and 12th Generation Intel processors, ensuring compatibility with the latest CPUs.
• Four DDR5 slots, allowing up to 128GB of memory for demanding applications.
• Multiple M.2 slots with thermal guards for high-speed NVMe SSDs.
• Comprehensive connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6, USB-C, and multiple USB 3.2 ports.
• Solid power delivery, keeping the system stable under heavy loads.

Caveats

• The price point may be a concern for budget-conscious builders.
• Limited USB 2.0 ports—while there are four, some users may find this insufficient given the number of older peripherals still in use.
• The BIOS update process could feel intimidating for beginners, despite the clear instructions.

Good Points

The stability of the power delivery system really stood out. Even under heavy loads, the system remained cool and steady, which is crucial for overclockers or anyone running demanding tasks. I also loved the ample PCI-E x16 slots, which are perfect for multi-GPU setups or other expansion cards. The audio performance was another unexpected highlight. Thanks to the onboard audio chipset, gaming and streaming sessions sounded crystal-clear, free of interference or static.

Areas for Improvement

• The lack of onboard troubleshooting features like a debug LED or power/reset buttons could make diagnosing issues a bit more tedious.
• The Wi-Fi antenna placement could be better designed; it felt a bit awkward attaching and adjusting it during setup.
• While the RGB Fusion software worked for the most part, it occasionally froze, requiring a restart.

Competing Products

Comparing this motherboard to its rivals, I found that the MSI MPG Z790 Edge and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E are strong competitors. The MSI board offers similarly robust features but doesn’t quite match the GIGABYTE unit’s PCI-E slot reinforcement. It does, however, feature a debug LED, which the Z790 AORUS Elite AX sorely lacks. On the other hand, the ASUS motherboard excels in BIOS usability, with a slightly more polished interface, though it comes at a higher price point. Where the GIGABYTE model shines is its combination of high-speed RAM support, ample storage options, and overall build quality, giving it an edge in terms of value for money.

Worth Every Penny

Given its feature set, this motherboard strikes a balance between performance and price. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the quality of components and overall performance justify the investment. It’s especially appealing for gamers, content creators, and anyone looking to future-proof their build with DDR5 support and PCI-E 5.0 compatibility. That said, those with tighter budgets might want to look into more affordable options with fewer features.

Whether you’re building a high-end gaming rig or a powerful workstation, this product delivers where it matters most: reliability, performance, and connectivity. It’s not flawless, but its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings for anyone serious about their PC builds.

Additional information