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GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£920Avg. price in US:~$900CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z390Form factor:E-ATX

GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

7.7

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 70% of models
Score components

90%

7.8

Technical Score

10%

6.5

User score

â–²Better than 70% of motherboards
7.8

Technical Score

Technical score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform & Features

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

8.0

Ports & USB

8%

5.0

Expansion

8%

7.9

Power & Cooling

5%

9.3

Audio

â–²Better than 73% of motherboards
6.5

User score

User score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

User reviews

30%

5.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(21)
amazon
3.2
(10)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(21)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–¼Worse than 95% of motherboards
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Verdict

The Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Xtreme Waterforce is a flagship E-ATX motherboard designed for 8th and 9th Gen Intel processors, distinguished by its massive all-in-one monoblock that liquid-cools the CPU, 16-phase digital VRM, and Z390 chipset. It boasts elite connectivity including dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, Aquantia 10GbE LAN, and Intel 802.11ac Wi-Fi, alongside a high-fidelity ESS SABRE 9018K2M DAC for premium audio. Key pros include exceptional thermal management for extreme overclocking, a robust power delivery system, and extensive RGB customization via RGB Fusion 2.0. However, its primary drawbacks are the extremely high price point, large E-ATX footprint that limits case compatibility, and the necessity of a custom liquid cooling loop for operation.

Technical Specifications of motherboard GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce

Technical Score
Technical score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components:

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform & Features

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

8.0

Ports & USB

8%

5.0

Expansion

8%

7.9

Power & Cooling

5%

9.3

Audio

7.8
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce has a technical score of 7.8 points, which is higher than that of 73.2% of products in this category.
User score
User score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

User reviews

30%

5.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(21)
amazon
3.2
(10)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(21)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

6.5
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce has a user score of 6.5 points, which is lower than that of 95.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Popularity:
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce has a popularity score of 5.5 points, which is lower than that of 57.9% of products in this category.
5.5
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce has a popularity score of 5.5 points, which is lower than that of 57.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Score components:

60%

7.7

Overall score

40%

5.7

Price

7.1
GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce has a value-for-money score of 7.1 points, which is lower than that of 59.8% of products in this category.
Brand name
Gigabyte
CPU socket
LGA 1151
CPU socket
LGA 1151
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1151 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 70.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z390
Chipset
Intel Z390
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z390 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 60% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Form factor
E-ATX
Form factor
E-ATX
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
This motherboard has the E-ATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 92% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.8% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
capacity depends on supported CPU
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
4,400 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
4,400 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,400 MT/s, which is lower than that of 51.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 3% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
N. of M.2 sockets
3
â–² Better than 65% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.2% of motherboards and equal to 18.8% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 56.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
â–² Better than 53% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
3
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
3
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.7% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x8/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x8/x4
★ Better than 91% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 90.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
Depends on slot/M.2 population.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.5% of motherboards and equal to 15.5% of motherboards.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
â–² Better than 71% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 71.3% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
â–² Better than 84% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 84.2% of motherboards and equal to 12.3% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 84.6% of motherboards and equal to 11% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
10 Gbps
LAN speed
10 Gbps
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is higher than that of 95.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% of motherboards.
also includes 1GbE secondary port
LAN controller
?
N. of RJ45 ports
2
N. of RJ45 ports
2
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than that of 49.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.7% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220-VB
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220-VB
â–² Better than 80% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 80.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 4% of motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
127 dB
Audio SNR
127 dB
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 127 dB, which is higher than that of 97.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on front panel.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
16
VRM phases
16
â–² Better than 80% of models
This motherboard has 16 VRM phases, which is more than 79.6% of motherboards and equal to 3.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
8
N. of fan headers
8
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Pump header max current
2 A
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    4
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    10
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    10 vs 8
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    3
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    LAN speed
    10 Gbps
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 1GbE secondary port
    10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    2
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
    2 vs 1
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220-VB
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    Dual BIOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    Onboard reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
    Power and reset buttons.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    3
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    6
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x8/x4
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    Depends on slot/M.2 population.
    x16/x8/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    2
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    4
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    10
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    10 vs 8
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    2
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    3
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    includes internal USB-C header.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    17
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    17 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    LAN speed
    10 Gbps
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 1GbE secondary port
    10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220-VB
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897
  • 12 dB higher audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    127 dB
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (127 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    127 dB vs 115 dB
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    16
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16 vs 10
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    8
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z390
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • More basic chipset cooling
    Chipset cooling type
    liquid
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    This motherboard has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (liquid vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.
    integrated monoblock
    liquid vs Passive
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 5.75x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce is more expensive than the average motherboard (£920 vs £160).
    £920 vs £160
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    E-ATX
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (E-ATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    E-ATX vs ATX
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 5.75x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce is more expensive than the average motherboard (£920 vs £160).
    £920 vs £160
  • 23.2% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce
    the average motherboard
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce has a lower user score than the average motherboard (6.50 vs 8.000).
    6.5 vs 8
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z390
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    E-ATX
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (E-ATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    E-ATX vs ATX
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.4
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    1.4 vs 2.1
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.0
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.0 vs 5.4
  • 1 fewer RJ45 ports
    N. of RJ45 ports
    2
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More basic chipset cooling
    Chipset cooling type
    liquid
    â–¼ Worse than 100% of models
    This motherboard has more basic chipset cooling than the average motherboard (liquid vs Passive). The average motherboard uses Passive chipset cooling.
    integrated monoblock
    liquid vs Passive
  • 61 mm wider
    Width
    305 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is wider than the average motherboard (305 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    305 mm vs 244 mm

Graphic comparison of GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
21 Reviews
amazon
3.2
10 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
21 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce?

  • Exceptional thermal performance with an AIO monoblock covering the CPU, VRM, and chipset
  • Robust 16-phase digital VRM design highly capable of extreme overclocking
  • High-end connectivity features including dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and 10GbE LAN
  • Advanced leak detection sensors that automatically shut down the system if coolant is detected
  • Extensive and customizable RGB lighting through the included RGB Fan Commander
  • Excellent onboard audio quality utilizing an ESS SABRE DAC

What customers dislike about GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce?

  • Extremely high price point that is difficult for most users to justify
  • Installation can be frustrating due to an 'unbearably short' RGB cable on the monoblock
  • Requires a custom water cooling loop, making it unusable with standard air or AIO coolers
  • Large E-ATX form factor may not fit in standard mid-tower cases
  • Lack of a PLX chip limits the number of available PCIe lanes for multi-GPU setups
  • Memory overclocking configuration can be finicky compared to some competitors

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Compare GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS Xtreme Waterforce with other products in the Motherboards category

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