OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£310CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:ATX

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX Review: Compare 109 technical specifications, 8 expert and video reviews and 2 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX
8.2/10

Overall score

Score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components

40%

8.0

Technical score

20%

8.4

Reviews score

20%

8.5

List score

10%

7.5

Sentiment score

10%

9.2

User score

★Better than 95% of motherboards
8.4

Value for money

Value for money
8.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

▲Better than 88%
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components

19%

8.9

Memory

16%

8.9

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

8.3

Network

13%

7.2

Ports

8%

6.0

Expansion

8%

8.7

Power & Cooling

5%

7.2

Audio

▲Better than 85%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 57% of models

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

8.9

Popularity

Grades by review (8)
5 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▲Better than 57%
9.2

User score

User score
9.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 87% of models

70%

8.8

Rating

30%

10

Popularity

▲Better than 87%
8.5

List score

List score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (2)
List score: in 2 of 62 lists (3%)
★Better than 96%
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-ice
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Based on 5 · 3

Reviewers like the solid networking and performance, are split on storage, and note the cooling could be better.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Based on 71 owners sharing their experience in online comments

35%positive7%mixed58%negative

Owners praise its reliable operation and strong performance, but boot failures, instability and network problems make the board frustrating.

What owners dislike

  • Some boards would not power on or show video, with the debug LED staying lit, and one owner had a faulty board that needed replacing.10
  • Some BIOS updates or Q-Flash attempts failed, leaving boards stuck or bricked, and recovery needed the CPU removed.8
  • Loading XMP at high RAM speeds, such as 6000 MT/s or above, caused freezes, blue screens or no display for several owners, and some had to settle for 7200 MT/s.5
  • Games crashed or the whole PC froze on some 13th gen builds with the 6 GHz boost, and some owners fixed it by disabling E-cores or hyper-threading.5
  • Some owners had Wi-Fi that did not work at boot or dropped out, and Ethernet on the Realtek 2.5GbE port sometimes needed several minutes to reconnect after sleep.4
  • Some boards arrived with a bent PCB near the CPU socket or a fault that stopped them from powering on.3
  • Owners find the Realtek audio drivers and console give little control, and one reports the SPDIF 5.1 output stopped working.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of motherboard GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components:

19%

8.9

Memory

16%

8.9

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

8.3

Network

13%

7.2

Ports

8%

6.0

Expansion

8%

8.7

Power & Cooling

5%

7.2

Audio

8.0
Reviews score
8.4
User score
9.2
List score
8.5
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models
Score components:

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

8.4
CPU socket
LGA 1700
This motherboard uses LGA 1700, which is more up-to-date than 54.7% of Motherboards and the same as 22.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z790
This motherboard uses Intel Z790, which is more capable than 77% of Motherboards and as capable as 6.3% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
192 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 72% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
7,600 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 7,600 MT/s, which is higher than that of 80.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.3% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
4
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 4 M.2 sockets, which is more than 84.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
3x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, which is faster than 73.9% of Motherboards and the same as 1.9% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.4% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.7% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x4/x4, which is more generous than 88.1% of Motherboards and the same as 1.7% of Motherboards.
Depends on slot/M.2 population.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.7% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
22
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 22 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 97.2% of motherboards and equal to 1.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 82.1% of motherboards and equal to 17.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8125 LAN controller, which is faster than 82.7% of Motherboards and equal to 2.6% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than 71.5% of Motherboards and the same as 16.7% of Motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC897, which is higher-end than 20.2% of Motherboards and the same as 29.9% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
?
Headphone amp support
no
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.8% of motherboards and equal to 10.8% of motherboards.
also has optical S/PDIF out
Show more
VRM phases
16+1+2
This motherboard has 16+1+2 VRM phases, which is more than 89.8% of motherboards and equal to 1.3% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8125 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 7 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (22 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    22 vs 15
  • 15.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 57% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (8)
    5 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • 24.3% higher user score
    User score
    9.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 87% of models

    70%

    8.8

    Rating

    30%

    10

    Popularity

    9.2 vs 7.4
  • 9.0% higher list score
    List score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (2)
    List score: in 2 of 62 lists (3%)
    8.5 vs 7.8
  • 9.6% better value for money
    GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.44 vs 7.7).
    8.44 vs 7.7
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 50% more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (192 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    192 GB vs 128 GB
  • 61.7% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (7,600 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    7,600 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 52% higher overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (7,600 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    7,600 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    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
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    1 vs 0
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    Depends on slot/M.2 population.
    x16/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 7 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (22 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    22 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    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
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8125 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16+1+2 vs 10
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    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
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
    integrated RGB Fusion lighting
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Secondary slot is chipset-fed / reduced-width only.
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    3 vs 4
  • 2.07x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is more expensive than the average motherboard (£310 vs £150).
    £310 vs £150
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    also has optical S/PDIF out
    2 vs 3
  • 2.07x more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is more expensive than the average motherboard (£310 vs £150).
    £310 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Secondary slot is chipset-fed / reduced-width only.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    3 vs 4
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 1 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    also has optical S/PDIF out
    2 vs 3
  • No rear microphone input
    This motherboard does not have a dedicated rear microphone input, while the average motherboard does. 96.8% of motherboards include a dedicated rear microphone input.

Video reviews

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

9.0
Funkykit
≈ estimated
22/06/2024
Quick look · unboxing and benchmark results
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a feature-packed, affordable all-white board that is hard to beat in its price range.
8.0
Actually Hardcore Overclocking
≈ estimated
19/02/2023
Teardown and PCB analysis · memory and power notes
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a solid board with a useful safe boot button, but set your memory expectations around 7200 for stability.
7.0
OC3D TV
≈ estimated
20/10/2022
Hands-on review · overclocking and setup tests
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX suits builders who want to run stock settings without tweaking.
9.0
Christopher Flannigan
≈ estimated
28/02/2024
Unboxing · feature and connector overview
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is an attractive board with a solid feature set, judged from an unboxing and overview only.
Brand video
Not graded
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.6
funkykit.com
✓ explicit
21/06/2024
Feature overview · Intel Z790 board
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX ICE suits Intel 12th to 14th Gen builds with plenty of M.2 and SATA storage, though only its top slot is PCIe 5.0.
7.0
me.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
25/05/2024
Lab test · Midrange Z790 board
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX Ice suits builders who want a white midrange board with plenty of storage, though it lacks PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots and has basic audio.
8.0
en.overclocking.com
≈ estimated
16/02/2023
Lab test · Overclocking focus
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is a budget-friendly Z790 board with strong power delivery and a complete BIOS, but it isn't built for extreme overclocking.
8.0
overclock3d.net
≈ estimated
20/10/2022
Editor's review · Budget Z790 board
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is a good-value Z790 board with ample storage and USB, best paired with a Core i5, though it feels basic for the Aorus name.
9.0
gameblur.net
✓ explicit
24/10/2022
Hands-on test · Thermals and build
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is a strong 13th Gen Intel board with good cooling and built-in Wi-Fi 6E, though its Core i9-13900K runs very hot under load.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX

  • Striking all-white PCB and silver/gray aesthetic, ideal for themed builds.
  • Comprehensive storage options with four M.2 NVMe slots.
  • User-friendly DIY features like EZ-Latch Plus for screwless M.2 and PCIe installation.
  • Robust 16+1+2 phase VRM power delivery capable of handling high-end i9 processors.
  • Excellent thermal performance thanks to large, effective heatsinks on VRMs and M.2 slots.
  • Solid connectivity including Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE LAN, and a 20Gbps USB-C port.
  • Stable DDR5 memory support with easy XMP profiling up to 7600MT/s.

What customers don't like about GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX

  • Lacks a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 socket; all M.2 slots are limited to PCIe 4.0.
  • Uses a budget-tier audio codec (Realtek ALC897) compared to some competitors.
  • Populating the bottom M.2 slot (M2M_SB) disables two SATA ports (ports 2 & 3).
  • Gigabyte Control Center (GCC) software is often criticized by users for being buggy or bloated.
  • Limited rear audio interface with only two analog jacks (no full 7.1 surround output).
  • May require a BIOS update out of the box for optimal stability with 14th Gen Intel CPUs.

Verdict

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a midrange ATX motherboard featuring a striking white/gray aesthetic and robust support for Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen LGA 1700 processors. It is equipped with a 16+1+2 phase digital VRM design with 90A Smart Power Stages and advanced thermal armor to ensure stable performance during heavy workloads. Key specifications include dual-channel DDR5 support up to 7600MHz (OC), one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for modern GPUs, four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 sockets for high-speed storage, and extensive connectivity via 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E. Main pros include its premium white design, DIY-friendly features like M.2 and PCIe EZ-Latches, and a generous array of rear USB ports including a 20Gbps Type-C. However, notable cons include the lack of a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 socket and the use of a budget-tier Realtek ALC897 audio codec.

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