GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Wifi ATX DDR4

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a high-performance ATX motherboard designed for Intel's 12th to 14th generation processors using the LGA 1700 socket. It features support for DDR4 RAM with a maximum memory capacity of 256 GB, quad M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, and comes with built-in Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN for enhanced connectivity.
Popularity: Low
Specifications:
Model: GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Wifi ATX DDR4
Chipset: Intel® Z790 Express Chipset
Form Factor: ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
CPU Compatibility: LGA1700 socket: Support for the 14th, 13th, and 12th Generation Intel® Core™, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors
Memory Support: Support for DDR5 7600(O.C.) /7400(O.C.) /7200(O.C.) /7000(O.C.) /6800(O.C.) /6600(O.C.) / 6400(O.C.) / 6200(O.C.) / 6000(O.C.) / 5800(O.C.) / 5600(O.C.) / 5400(O.C.) / 5200(O.C.) / 4800 / 4000 memory modules
Maximum Memory Capacity: 256 GB (64 GB single DIMM capacity)
Memory Speed:
Memory Features: Dual channel memory architecture, Support for ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8 memory modules (operate in non-ECC mode), Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules, Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
RAM Slots: 4.0
Graphics Output: 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160@60 Hz; 1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2304@60
Expansion Slots: 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 5.0 and running at x16; 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 4.0 and running at x4; 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 3.0 and running at x4
Storage Options: 1 x M.2 connector (PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSD support); 2 x M.2 connectors (PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSD support); 1 x M.2 connector (SATA and PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD support); 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors; RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support
Ethernet: Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps)
Wireless Bluetooth: Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX211, BLUETOOTH 5.3
USB Ports (Rear): 1 x USB Type-C® port with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support; 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red); 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports; 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
USB Ports (Front): 1 x USB Type-C® port with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support; 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
Audio: Realtek® Audio CODEC, High Definition Audio, 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel, Support for S/PDIF Out
Back Panel I/O Ports: 1 x USB Type-C® port, with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support; 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red); 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports; 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports; 2 x SMA antenna connectors; 1 x HDMI 2.0 port; 1 x DisplayPort; 1 x RJ-45 port; 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector; 2 x audio jacks
Internal I/O Connectors: 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector; 2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors; 1 x CPU fan header; and others
Cooling Headers: 1 x CPU fan header; 1 x water cooling CPU fan header; 3 x system fan headers; 1 x system fan/water cooling pump header
Power Connectors: 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector; 2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
BIOS: 1 x 256 Mbit flash, Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
Manufacturer Page: Link
Review
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard is a standout choice for PC builders looking for a high-performance and future-ready motherboard. Designed to support Intel's 12th to 14th generation processors, this mainboard offers a comprehensive feature set aimed at enthusiasts and serious gamers.
Design and Build
The visual appeal of the Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is characterized by a sleek black PCB with subtle RGB lighting under the chipset cover, customizable through RGB Fusion 2.0. The motherboard offers a robust thermal solution with its large heatsinks and integrated cooling elements. This design ensures that the motherboard stays cool even under extreme loads, thanks to its copper heatsinks and heat pipes that efficiently transfer heat [source].
Features and Specifications
- CPU Compatibility: LGA1700 socket, supporting Intel's 12th to 14th generation Core™, Pentium® Gold, and Celeron® processors.
- Memory Support: Up to 256GB of DDR4 RAM across four slots, with support for overclocking via XMP profiles to achieve maximum memory speeds. [source]
- Expansion Options: Includes PCIe 5.0 for upcoming GPUs and four M.2 slots for extensive storage capabilities.
- Connectivity: Features Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN for high-speed networking. [source]
- Audio: High-definition audio supported by Realtek CODEC, ensuring excellent sound quality for multimedia use.
Performance
Benchmark tests reveal that the Z790 AORUS ELITE AX performs exceptionally well, managing to sustain high performance under demanding workloads. The board employs a powerful 16+1+2 digital power phase design, ensuring stable power delivery even during overclocking sessions [source]. Users will appreciate the board's excellent thermal performance, achieved through its extensive cooling features.
Connectivity and Networking
The Z790 AORUS ELITE AX supports the latest connectivity options with numerous USB 3.2 ports and a high-speed USB Type-C port, making it ideal for a wide range of peripherals. The inclusion of dual 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E ensures fast, reliable internet connectivity, critical for online gaming and streaming activities. [source]
Verdict
In conclusion, the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX motherboard is packed with features that cater to high-end users looking to build a powerful and future-proof system. Its solid design, exceptional performance, and broad compatibility make it a great value for its price [source]. Whether you are an enthusiast or a gamer, this motherboard provides the tools to create a truly high-performance PC.