Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard

Overview

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is an ATX motherboard designed for Intel's 14th, 13th, and 12th Generation Core processors using the LGA 1700 socket. It provides a robust foundation for gaming and content creation with support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and multiple high-speed storage options. This board balances performance, connectivity, and cooling to meet the demands of enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Key features

• Supports the latest Intel Core processors to deliver strong computing power for gaming and multitasking.
• Four DDR5 DIMM slots allow for high memory capacity and bandwidth, ensuring smooth performance during intensive workloads.
• PCIe 5.0 x16 slot offers full bandwidth for cutting-edge graphics cards, enhancing gaming visuals and GPU-accelerated tasks.
• Multiple storage options with four M.2 connectors and six SATA ports provide flexibility for fast boot drives and large data libraries.
• Integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet ensure fast and reliable network connections for streaming, downloads, and online gaming.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C and several USB-A ports simplify connecting VR headsets, external drives, and other peripherals.
• RGB headers compatible with RGB Fusion software enable synchronized lighting effects across compatible components.
• Advanced cooling solutions including a MOSFET heatsink, M.2 Thermal Guard, and Smart Fan 6 help maintain optimal temperatures during extended use.
• Q-Flash Plus allows BIOS updates without needing to install CPU, memory, or graphics card, making firmware upgrades straightforward.

Key specs

• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Memory: 4 x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB
• PCIe slots: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16
• Storage interfaces: 4 x M.2 connectors, 6 x SATA ports
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet
• USB ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, multiple USB-A ports
• Form factor: ATX

Connectivity and compatibility

This motherboard offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options to support a wide range of devices and peripherals. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E provides access to the latest wireless networks with reduced latency and improved bandwidth, while the 2.5Gb Ethernet port ensures fast wired connections for large file transfers and stable online gaming. USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port supports high-speed data transfer and charging, and multiple USB-A ports accommodate legacy and modern accessories. The PCIe 5.0 x16 slot is compatible with the newest graphics cards, making it suitable for high-end gaming and professional workloads.

Cooling and system management

Maintaining optimal temperatures is critical for system stability and longevity, especially during demanding tasks. This motherboard features a MOSFET heatsink and an M.2 Thermal Guard to prevent overheating of key components and storage drives. Smart Fan 6 technology offers customizable fan control, allowing users to balance cooling performance and noise levels based on their specific needs. These features help ensure reliable operation during extended gaming sessions or intensive content creation.

Ideal uses and environments

The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is well suited for gamers building a new rig who want to leverage the latest Intel processors and graphics technology. It also fits creators and streamers who require fast memory, versatile storage, and stable networking to handle multitasking and large media files. Its feature set supports future upgrades, making it a strong choice for users who want a platform that can evolve with their needs over time.