Review

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a mid-range ATX motherboard designed for Intel 12th and 13th Generation processors. This product is notable for its modern features and effective use of DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and Intel WiFi 6E. Let's delve into its specifications and performance to understand why it has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts and gamers alike.

Design and Build Quality

The Z790 AORUS Elite AX embodies a pragmatic design with significant attention to functionality over aesthetics. It features a black and grey color scheme, with certain parts of the PCB exposed to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality components. The board includes a large heatsink that effectively cools its VRMs, aided by thick copper heat pipes and high-performance thermal pads (Latest in Tech). This functional design is complemented by RGB lighting, customizable through the RGB Fusion 2.0, adding a touch of personal flair to the otherwise utilitarian design.

Performance and Feature Set

This motherboard excels with its robust performance capabilities. It features a 16+1+2 power phase design using Infineon's cutting-edge SPS technology for the VCore, ensuring stable and efficient power delivery. Moreover, it supports DDR5 RAM up to 7600MHz with proper BIOS updates, thanks to its four DIMM slots (Latest in Tech).

Connectivity

The Z790 AORUS Elite AX offers a comprehensive array of connectivity options, catering to high-speed demands. It houses a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, ideal for future-proofing your setup for next-generation GPUs. Furthermore, its quad M.2 slots, although PCIe 4.0, are equipped with EZ-Latch Plus mechanisms for easy installation (Latest in Tech).

In terms of networking, the motherboard is equipped with an Intel WiFi 6E AX211 module that supports Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast wireless connections. It includes a 2.5GbE LAN powered by Realtek RTL8125BG, offering superior network speeds and reliability (PCMag UK).

Audio and Software

The audio experience is powered by a Realtek ALC897 codec, supported by WIMA and Fine Gold capacitors renowned for delivering superior audio quality. Despite lacking fancy DACs or amplifiers, it provides a satisfactory sound experience for most users (PCMag UK).

On the software front, the Gigabyte Control Centre offers comprehensive utility, providing settings for fan control, RGB customization, and overclocking functions. This user-friendly interface allows for easy navigation and configuration, making it accessible for both novices and experienced builders alike (The Overclocker).

Performance Testing

In testing scenarios, the Z790 AORUS Elite AX showcased stellar performance, maintaining stable operations under duress, and efficiently dissipating heat thanks to its design (Latest in Tech). Performance on CPU-intensive tasks remained consistently reliable, affirming its capability to handle demanding processes with aplomb.

Final Thoughts

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX stands as an impressive and powerful piece of hardware, perfectly suited for gamers and PC builders seeking a balance between cost and top-end features. Its support for future technologies like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 make it a worthy investment for those looking to ensure longevity in their gaming or productivity builds. While its design might not captivate those seeking an RGB-laden aesthetic, its performance and connectivity options certainly make it a compelling choice in the mid-range motherboard market.