OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Motherboards Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v1.0

GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX DDR4 Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:microATX

GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX DDR4 Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

8.1

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 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 78% of models
Score components

90%

8.1

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–²Better than 78% of motherboards
8.1

Technical score

Technical score
8.1/ 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 78% of models
Score components

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform & Features

16%

9.4

Storage

15%

8.9

Network

13%

6.9

Ports & USB

8%

7.0

Expansion

8%

8.4

Power & Cooling

5%

7.5

Audio

â–²Better than 78% of motherboards
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 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 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £160

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX DDR4

Technical score
Technical score
8.1/ 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 78% of models
Score components:

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform & Features

16%

9.4

Storage

15%

8.9

Network

13%

6.9

Ports & USB

8%

7.0

Expansion

8%

8.4

Power & Cooling

5%

7.5

Audio

8.1
User score
User score
8.0/ 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 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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 99% of models
Popularity:
GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX DDR4 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 79.1% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
8.6/ 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–² Better than 83% of models
Score components:

60%

8.1

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

8.6
Brand name
Gigabyte
CPU socket
LGA 1700
CPU socket
LGA 1700
â–² Better than 55% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1700 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.6% 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 Z790
Chipset
Intel Z790
â–² Better than 77% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z790 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 77.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.5% of motherboards.
Form factor
microATX
Form factor
microATX
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This motherboard has the microATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 52.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% 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.
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
5,333 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
5,333 MT/s
â–² Better than 63% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 5,333 MT/s, which is higher than that of 62.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
4
N. of M.2 sockets
4
â–² Better than 84% of models
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
?
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.2% 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.
Intel RST support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 69% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.6% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.5% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 40% of models
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/x0/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4
â–² Better than 51% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 51% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.6% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
PCIe bifurcation support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.7% of motherboards support this feature.
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.
Total USB ports (including headers)
10
Total USB ports (including headers)
10
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 91.9% of motherboards and equal to 5.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 18% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This motherboard uses the Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 64.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 28.7% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
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
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 6E (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
â–² Better than 72% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 72.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 29.2% of motherboards.
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
120 dB
Audio SNR
120 dB
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
Headphone amp support
no
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 59.3% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.6% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
12+1+1
VRM phases
12+1+1
â–² Better than 67% of models
This motherboard has 12+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 66.5% of motherboards and equal to 4.1% 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
6
N. of fan headers
6
â–² Better than 50% of models
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
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 Z790M AORUS Elite AX DDR4 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    4
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    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
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
    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.
    10 vs 8
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1700
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 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.
    Pre-installed I/O shield.
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 15.8% better value for money
    GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX DDR4 has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.59 vs 7.4).
    8.59 vs 7.41
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1700
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 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.
    Pre-installed I/O shield.
  • 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.
  • 12.7% higher maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    5,333 MT/s
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (5333 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    5,333 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    4
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    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
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
    N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
    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.
    10 vs 8
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    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
    N. of USB4 / Thunderbolt headers (USB-C)
    2
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
    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
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    2
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    includes internal USB-C header.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    4
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    4 vs 2
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 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.
    Bluetooth 5.3.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    120 dB
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    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
  • 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
    12+1+1
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12+1+1 vs 10
  • 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
  • 61 mm shorter
    Height
    244 mm
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    244 mm vs 305 mm
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    10
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    10 vs 15
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No multi-GPU support
    Multi-GPU support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Secondary slot is chipset-fed / reduced-width only.
  • No headphone amp support
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 5
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z790
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 6.26x less popular
    GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX DDR4 is less popular than the average motherboard (1 vs 6.3).
    1 vs 6.26
  • 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
  • 6.26x less popular
    GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX DDR4 is less popular than the average motherboard (1 vs 6.3).
    1 vs 6.26
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z790
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    microATX
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (microATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    microATX vs ATX
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No multi-GPU support
    Multi-GPU support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Secondary slot is chipset-fed / reduced-width only.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x0/x4
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    10
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    10 vs 15
  • 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
  • No headphone amp support
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 5
  • No rear microphone input
    Dedicated microphone input (rear, 3.5mm)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This motherboard does not have a dedicated rear microphone input, while the average motherboard does. 96.7% of motherboards include a dedicated rear microphone input.
  • No rear line-in
    Line-in (rear, 3.5mm)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This motherboard does not have rear line-in, while the average motherboard does. 94.7% of motherboards include rear line-in.

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

What we like about GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX DDR4

  • Excellent value for a Z790 chipset motherboard compared to competitors
  • Solid power delivery (12+1+1 phases) capable of handling high-end Intel CPUs
  • Great thermal management with large heatsinks for VRMs and M.2 slots
  • Comprehensive connectivity including WiFi 6E, 2.5GbE LAN, and numerous USB ports
  • DDR4 support allows users to reuse existing memory and keep build costs lower
  • User-friendly DIY features like M.2 EZ-Latch and Q-Flash Plus for BIOS updates
  • Clean, understated aesthetic with customizable RGB lighting

What we don't like about GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX DDR4

  • Lack of PCIe 5.0 support for M.2 NVMe SSDs (only available on higher-end models)
  • Some users reported noticeable coil whine from the VRM area under certain loads
  • The 'Dragon' LAN software included in the Gigabyte Control Center can cause latency issues
  • Limited accessories included in the box compared to premium Aorus models
  • BIOS can feel slightly clunky or less intuitive than some competitor interfaces
  • Potential performance penalty when using DDR4 versus the newer DDR5 platform

Verdict

The Gigabyte Z790M Aorus Elite AX DDR4 is a feature-rich Micro-ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z790 chipset, supporting 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It is specifically designed for users wanting to retain older memory, featuring four DDR4 DIMM slots that support dual-channel non-ECC unbuffered memory with overclocked speeds up to 5333MHz. Key characteristics include a robust 12+1+1 phase twin digital VRM design with 60A Smart Power Stages, a PCIe 5.0 x16 primary expansion slot, and three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors for high-speed storage. Main pros include its compact form factor combined with powerful cooling solutions like fully covered MOSFET heatsinks, 2.5GbE LAN, and integrated Intel Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3. However, cons include the lack of PCIe 5.0 support for M.2 SSDs, a more basic audio implementation compared to high-end boards, and fewer SATA ports (four) compared to some full-sized ATX alternatives.

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