Review of GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Motherboard for Gaming and Performance

Description

Impressive Design and Build Quality

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX caught my eye right out of the box. Its sleek black and silver design with subtle RGB accents screams premium. The fully covered MOSFET heatsinks and 6-layer PCB not only look robust but also feel like they’ve been designed with durability in mind. I loved how the PCIe Ultra Durable Armor adds an extra layer of confidence when handling the motherboard. As someone who’s struggled with flimsy components in the past, the EZ-Latch design was a lifesaver—no more fumbling with screws during installations.

The board is compact yet packed with features, and at 10.62 x 3.14 x 13.18 inches, it fits comfortably into most mid-sized cases. Its weight of 4.35 pounds gives it a sturdy feel, which, for me, is always a sign of quality engineering. The RGB FUSION 2.0 lighting support was fun to play with, letting me sync up my LED strips for a personalized setup. While the aesthetic is undeniably appealing, it’s the practical design choices that make it stand out.

Performance That Packs a Punch

This motherboard effortlessly supports both 13th and 12th Gen Intel processors, making it future-proof for those looking to upgrade down the line. I paired it with a 13th Gen i7 processor and DDR5 RAM, and the performance was nothing short of stellar. The DDR5 compatibility with XMP 3.0 support ensured I got the most out of my memory modules, especially when tweaking settings for demanding tasks like video rendering or competitive gaming.

The Twin 16+1+2 Phases Digital VRM Solution with 70A Power Stage is a standout feature. Even during heavy multitasking, the system stayed stable without any throttling. The M.2 Thermal Guard III did a fantastic job of keeping my SSD cool, even under sustained loads. I tested this extensively by transferring large files and, to my surprise, the temperatures barely budged. The next-gen PCIe 5.0 support is another forward-looking addition, giving me peace of mind that this board is ready for future GPU and storage upgrades.

Key Benefits

• Future-proof design supporting 13th and 12th Gen Intel processors.
• DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 compatibility for cutting-edge performance.
• Thermal efficiency with M.2 Thermal Guard III and fully covered heatsinks.
• EZ-Latch system simplifies installations and upgrades.
• Exceptional power delivery with a robust VRM design.

Networking and Connectivity

The networking capabilities on this board are nothing short of impressive. With 2.5GbE LAN and Intel WiFi 6E, I experienced blazing-fast and reliable connections. Streaming 4K content, downloading large files, and hosting online gaming sessions were seamless. The AORUS antenna provided excellent range and stability, even in a house with multiple devices hogging the bandwidth.

Connectivity-wise, the inclusion of USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C is a game-changer. It’s perfect for connecting ultra-fast external storage or peripherals. The four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots are more than enough for even the most storage-hungry setups. For someone like me, who often swaps out SSDs for testing, having that many M.2 slots was an unexpected luxury.

Dynamic Audio for Immersive Experiences

I wasn’t expecting much from the audio, but the high-end audio capacitors and Audiophile WIMA capacitors surprised me. Whether I was listening to music, gaming, or editing videos, the sound clarity was excellent. The dynamic range and low distortion made it feel like I’d upgraded my speakers without actually doing so. It’s clear that audio quality wasn’t just an afterthought here, which isn’t something I can say about every motherboard in this price range.

Areas for Improvement

While the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX excels in many areas, there are a few caveats worth mentioning:

• BIOS navigation feels a bit clunky. Despite the Q-Flash Plus feature, which allows BIOS updates without installing additional components, the interface isn’t as intuitive as I’d hoped.
• The price point, while justified by its features, might be a stretch for budget builders.
• No built-in HDMI or DisplayPort options, which could be a dealbreaker for those relying on integrated graphics.

Product Rivals

Comparing this to other high-end motherboards like the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and MSI MPG Z790 Edge, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX holds its ground admirably. The ASUS board offers slightly better BIOS usability, but it lacks the EZ-Latch system, which I found invaluable. MSI’s thermal solutions are comparable, but it falls behind in terms of next-gen connectivity options like USB 3.2 Gen 2×2.

In my experience, this motherboard’s combination of cutting-edge features and robust build quality makes it a strong contender. It might not have the flashiest BIOS or the lowest price, but it delivers where it matters most—performance and reliability.

True Value

For anyone building a gaming or high-performance PC, this motherboard offers significant value for the price. The future-proofing with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support, coupled with excellent thermal management and networking capabilities, makes it a worthwhile investment. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the quality and features justify the cost. If you’re someone who prioritizes durability, performance, and ease of use, this board is a solid choice.

Additional information