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 X review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:ATX

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 10 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

40%

8.3

Technical score

20%

8.7

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

7.4

Sentiment score

10%

8.5

User score

★Better than 92% of motherboards
8.5

Value for money

Value for money
8.5/ 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
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

★Better than 93%
8.3

Technical score

Technical score
8.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components

19%

9.0

Memory

16%

9.2

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

7.0

Ports

8%

6.6

Expansion

8%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5%

8.9

Audio

â–²Better than 89%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

9.1

Popularity

Grades by review (10)
6 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 4 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.
â–²Better than 88%
8.5

User score

User score
8.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 55% of models

70%

8.4

Rating

30%

8.8

Popularity

â–²Better than 55%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 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 (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-x
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-x
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-x
  • gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-x
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-x
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-x
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-x
gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-x
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 X

Based on 6 · 4

Reviewers love the easy M.2 mounting and cool temperatures, but question its value and the lack of PCIe 5.0 storage.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X

Technical score
Technical score
8.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components:

19%

9.0

Memory

16%

9.2

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

7.0

Ports

8%

6.6

Expansion

8%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5%

8.9

Audio

8.3
Reviews score
8.7
User score
8.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.5/ 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
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components:

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

8.5
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
8,266 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 8,266 MT/s, which is higher than that of 93.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.1% 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
2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 4.0x4, which is faster than 76.4% of Motherboards and the same as 0.2% 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
2
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 90.9% of motherboards and equal to 6.4% 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.
runs at x4 mode
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.
x8/x8.
Show more
What reviewers say
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)
17
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)
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
?
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 7.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is newer than 88.2% of Motherboards and the same as 11.8% of Motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220-VB
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220-VB, which is higher-end than 80.4% of Motherboards and the same as 3.8% 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
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
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.
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 X 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
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 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
  • 2 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    2 vs 0
  • 19.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 88% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    6 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 4 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.
    8.7 vs 7.3
  • 9.8% better value for money
    GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.45 vs 7.7).
    8.45 vs 7.7
  • 14.9% higher user score
    User score
    8.5/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 55% of models

    70%

    8.4

    Rating

    30%

    8.8

    Popularity

    8.5 vs 7.4
  • 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.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 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
  • 75.9% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,266 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    8,266 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 65.3% higher overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,266 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    8,266 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
  • 2 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    2 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    2 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
  • 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 total USB connections
    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
  • 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.
    Gen 2 Type-C header
    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 recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
    Bluetooth 5.3.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220-VB vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 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 ARGB headers
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • 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
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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.
    No dedicated PCIe x1 slot.
    0 vs 1
  • 73.3% more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £150).
    £260 vs £150
  • 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.
    2 vs 3
  • No rear line-in
    This motherboard does not have rear line-in, while the average motherboard does. 94.9% of motherboards include rear line-in.
  • 73.3% more expensive
    GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £150).
    £260 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 (2x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 4.0x4 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.
  • 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.
    No dedicated PCIe x1 slot.
    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
  • 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.
    2 vs 3
  • No rear line-in
    This motherboard does not have rear line-in, while the average motherboard does. 94.9% of motherboards include rear line-in.

Video reviews

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

9.0
Funkykit
≈ estimated
19/04/2024
Unboxing and setup · benchmark tests
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X is a feature-rich gaming board with solid performance that is surprisingly affordable for what it offers.
9.5
Laurent's Choice
≈ estimated
19/10/2023
Hands-on review · features, audio, cooling and troubleshooting
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X is the best value in its class, with small gaps such as the lack of an error display.
9.0
TheOverclocker
≈ estimated
17/10/2023
Hands-on review · BIOS, memory overclock and benchmark tests
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X is recommended for buyers who want strong memory overclocking and a much better BIOS.
9.0
ThinkComputers
≈ estimated
23/10/2023
First look · layout, connectivity and BIOS
Verdict
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X looks excellent and has nearly everything buyers want, apart from Gen 5 storage.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
28/10/2023
Lab test · 14th Gen refresh board
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi 7 is a solid choice for 14th Gen Intel builds that need no BIOS update, though it has no PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots.
9.3
thefpsreview.com
✓ explicit
17/10/2023
Lab review · Midrange Z790 board
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi 7 is a well-laid-out Intel board with Wi-Fi 7 and tool-free M.2 slots, though its power stage is midrange.
8.8
funkykit.com
✓ explicit
17/04/2024
First look · Feature rundown
Verdict
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X WiFi 7 is a well-equipped Intel board with Wi-Fi 7, tool-free M.2 slots and a reinforced graphics slot, though its speed is still untested.
8.0
back2gaming.com
≈ estimated
31/10/2023
Layout review · Refresh board
Verdict
The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X WiFi 7 suits new 14th-gen builds, with tool-free M.2 covers, but it has no PCIe 5.0 SSD slot.
8.0
hardwareand.co
≈ estimated
17/10/2023
Lab test · Midrange Z790 board
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi 7 is a well-built midrange board with Wi-Fi 7 and a reinforced PCIe slot, held back by its price and end-of-life LGA1700 socket.
9.0
tuttotech.net
≈ estimated
18/10/2023
Lab test · Overclocking focus
Verdict
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi 7 is a strong overclocking board with fast DDR5 support, but cooling, not the board, usually sets the limit.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite X

  • Native support for 14th Gen Intel processors without needing an immediate BIOS update
  • High-speed Wi-Fi 7 integration with an ultra-high gain antenna
  • Excellent DDR5 memory overclocking support, reaching speeds up to 8266 MT/s
  • User-friendly DIY features like the EZ-Latch mechanism for toolless M.2 and PCIe installation
  • Robust thermal design with large heatsinks and 8mm heat pipes for efficient VRM cooling
  • Upgraded audio codec (ALC1220-VB) with high-quality WIMA capacitors
  • Solid I/O selection including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and 2.5GbE LAN

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

  • Lack of any PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots for the latest generation of ultra-fast SSDs
  • Higher price point compared to its predecessor (Z790 Aorus Elite AX)
  • Limited Windows 10 support; users report Wi-Fi and chipset driver issues unless using Windows 11
  • Occasional reports of coil whine coming from the VRM area during idle or load
  • Realtek LAN 'Dragon' software is often cited as bloatware that can cause latency issues if not uninstalled
  • No dedicated clear CMOS button on the rear I/O panel, making troubleshooting slightly more difficult

Verdict

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X is an ATX motherboard designed for 14th Gen Intel Core processors, featuring a robust 16+1+2 phase digital VRM with 90A Smart Power Stages to handle flagship CPUs like the i9-14900K. Key technical specifications include support for up to 192GB of DDR5 memory at speeds reaching 8266 MT/s (O.C.), a primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors. Main pros include its 'DIY-friendly' innovations like the tool-less EZ-Latch for M.2 drives and PCIe slots, integrated ultra-fast Wi-Fi 7, and a 20Gbps USB-C port at the rear. However, notable cons include the lack of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 socket and a higher price point compared to its predecessor for relatively iterative upgrades.

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