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MOBOMotherboards·Gigabyte

Gigabyte AORUS Elite AX Z790

4.4
Shed ScoreEditorial rating out of 5, based on specs, build quality and value in its class.
  • DDR5 7600MHz Support
  • Wi-Fi 6E Built-In
  • Robust VRM Cooling

The Gigabyte AORUS Elite AX Z790 is a well-rounded mid-range motherboard that balances strong VRM performance, DDR5 speed support, and modern connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E.

  • SocketLGA1700
  • Memory SupportDDR5 up to 7600MHz (OC), 4 slots
  • Expansion SlotsPCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 M.2 x3

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// Datasheet

Technical specifications

AORUS-ELITE-AX-Z7905 fields
SocketLGA1700
Memory SupportDDR5 up to 7600MHz (OC), 4 slots
Expansion SlotsPCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 4.0 M.2 x3
NetworkingWi-Fi 6E + 2.5GbE LAN
Form FactorATX

// Verdict

Our take

4.4

The Gigabyte AORUS Elite AX Z790 is a well-rounded mid-range motherboard that balances strong VRM performance, DDR5 speed support, and modern connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E. It's an excellent choice for enthusiasts building a 13th or 12th Gen Intel system who want reliable overclocking and future-proofing without stepping into premium pricing tiers.

// Trade-offs

Pros and cons

+What we like

  • Robust VRM delivers excellent overclocking headroom for Z790 platform
  • DDR5 7600MHz support future-proofs memory upgrades
  • Wi-Fi 6E offers fast, low-latency wireless networking
  • M.2 thermal guards help prevent SSD throttling under load
  • Clean aesthetic with customizable RGB fusion lighting

−Watch out for

  • Only one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot limits multi-GPU expansion
  • BIOS interface feels less refined than higher-tier AORUS boards
  • Rear I/O lacks sufficient USB-C ports for modern peripherals
  • Price premium over base Z790 boards for similar performance

// Feature set

Key features

  • 01LGA1700 socket for 13th/12th Gen Intel Core processors
  • 02DDR5 support up to 7600MHz (OC) across 4 DIMM slots
  • 03Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 integrated connectivity
  • 04PCIe 5.0 x16 slot plus multiple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with thermal guards
  • 0512+1+2 phase digital VRM design for stable power delivery
  • 06Q-Flash Plus for BIOS updates without a CPU installed
  • 07Realtek 2.5GbE LAN for high-speed wired networking

// Long read

Full review

The Gigabyte Aorus Elite AX Z790 is a mid-to-high range ATX motherboard built for Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Core processors, designed to give enthusiasts and gamers a stable, feature-rich foundation for a modern PC build. It uses the LGA1700 socket and the Z790 chipset, enabling full overclocking support for unlocked K-series CPUs alongside DDR5 memory compatibility, with support for high-frequency memory kits that let builders push performance without sacrificing system stability. The robust power delivery system, reinforced with a beefy heatsink design and thermal pads, ensures consistent voltage delivery to the CPU even under sustained heavy loads, making it a reliable choice for users who intend to run demanding workloads or game at high settings for extended periods.

Connectivity and expansion are strong points of this board, as it comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth for fast, low-latency wireless networking, along with 2.5GbE LAN for wired connections that matter in competitive gaming or content streaming scenarios. The board features multiple M.2 slots with thermal guards to support fast NVMe SSDs while keeping thermals in check, plus PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 lanes for graphics cards and expansion cards that demand maximum bandwidth. Rear and internal USB options include high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports, giving users flexibility for peripherals, external storage, and other accessories without bottlenecking data transfer speeds.

Aesthetically, the Aorus Elite AX Z790 carries Gigabyte's signature black PCB with subtle design accents, appealing to builders who want a clean, professional look inside their case without loud, gaudy styling. RGB fusion lighting is onboard for those who want customizable lighting effects synced with other components, and the board supports addressable RGB headers for further lighting expansion. Combined with its solid VRM design, extensive connectivity, and support for the latest Intel CPUs and DDR5 memory, this motherboard serves as a dependable centerpiece for custom builds ranging from high-performance gaming rigs to capable workstations.

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