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GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£180Avg. price in US:~$190CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:microATX

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

8.6

Overall score

Score
8.6/ 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 87% of models
Score components

90%

8.6

Technical Score

10%

8.1

User score

â–²Better than 87% of motherboards
8.6

Technical Score

Technical score
8.6/ 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 87% of models
Score components

19%

9.6

Memory

16%

9.2

Platform & Features

16%

8.0

Storage

15%

9.3

Network

13%

7.3

Ports & USB

8%

7.7

Expansion

8%

8.4

Power & Cooling

5%

8.2

Audio

â–²Better than 87% of motherboards
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 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–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User reviews

30%

7.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(158)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(89)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–²Better than 61% of motherboards
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Verdict

The Gigabyte Z790M AORUS ELITE AX ICE is a high-performance, all-white Micro-ATX motherboard designed for Intel LGA 1700 processors, including the 12th, 13th, and 14th generations. It features a robust 12+1+1 phase digital VRM solution, support for dual-channel DDR5 memory up to 7600MHz (O.C.), and high-speed connectivity via a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and three PCIe 4.0 M.2 sockets. Key pros include its compact form factor, premium white aesthetic, advanced thermal design with heatpipes, and integrated Wi-Fi 6E with 2.5GbE LAN for low-latency networking. However, notable cons include the lack of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for next-gen SSDs and the use of a budget-oriented Realtek ALC897 audio codec.

Technical Specifications of motherboard GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice

Technical Score
Technical score
8.6/ 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 87% of models
Score components:

19%

9.6

Memory

16%

9.2

Platform & Features

16%

8.0

Storage

15%

9.3

Network

13%

7.3

Ports & USB

8%

7.7

Expansion

8%

8.4

Power & Cooling

5%

8.2

Audio

8.6
GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice has a technical score of 8.6 points, which is higher than that of 86.9% of products in this category.
User score
User score
8.1/ 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–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User reviews

30%

7.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(158)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(89)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.1
GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice has a user score of 8.13 points, which is higher than that of 61.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
7.5/ 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–² Better than 66% of models
Popularity:
GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice has a popularity score of 7.5 points, which is higher than that of 66% of products in this category.
7.5
GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice has a popularity score of 7.5 points, which is higher than that of 66% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
8.9/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

60%

8.6

Overall score

40%

9.6

Price

8.9
GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice has a value-for-money score of 8.9 points, which is higher than that of 91.3% of products in this category.
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
DDR5
DDR memory version
DDR5
â–² Better than 64% of models
This motherboard uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.7% 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
256 GB
Maximum memory capacity
256 GB
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.9% of motherboards and equal to 16.4% of motherboards.
higher limit with high-density DIMMs
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
4,800 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
4,800 MT/s
â–² Better than 51% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 51.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.1% 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
2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
â–² Better than 65% of models
This motherboard offers 2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 65% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.8% 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.
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
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.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
This motherboard uses x16 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 81% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.1% of motherboards.
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.
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)
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.
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
Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I225-V
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I225-V
â–² Better than 86% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 86.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.1% 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 ALC1220
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
â–² Better than 65% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 65.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.9% 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.
surround needs jack retasking.
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.
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 Ice vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    256 GB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    higher limit with high-density DIMMs
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This motherboard has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 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
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I225-V
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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 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
  • 19.6% better value for money
    GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.87 vs 7.4).
    8.87 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    256 GB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    higher limit with high-density DIMMs
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This motherboard has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 54.1% higher overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    7,600 MT/s
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (7600 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    7,600 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • 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
  • 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.
    runs at x4 mode
    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
  • 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.
    supports Thunderbolt add-in card
    2 vs 0
  • 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
  • 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.
    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
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I225-V
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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.
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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.
    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
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 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
  • 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 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.

Graphic comparison of GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
158 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
89 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice?

  • Striking all-white aesthetic including the PCB and heatsinks
  • Excellent value for a Z790 chipset motherboard
  • Tool-less M.2 installation with EZ-Latch clips
  • Strong power delivery (12+1+1 phases) capable of handling high-end i9 CPUs
  • Generous rear I/O connectivity, including multiple USB ports and Wi-Fi 6E
  • High-speed DDR5 memory support (up to 7600 MT/s)
  • Convenient features like Q-Flash Plus for BIOS updates without a CPU

What customers dislike about GIGABYTE Z790M AORUS Elite AX Ice?

  • Lack of PCIe 5.0 support for M.2 SSDs (only PCIe 4.0)
  • Uses a budget-tier audio codec (Realtek ALC897)
  • Potential for 'coil whine' reported by some users
  • Limited expansion slots due to the compact Micro-ATX form factor
  • Bundled 'Dragon' network software can occasionally cause latency issues if not uninstalled
  • Absence of a physical 'Clear CMOS' button on the rear I/O panel

Video reviews

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

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