I Tested the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard, Here’s My Honest Take

Are you considering the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX motherboard? I've compared its features against similar models and reviewed buyer feedback for insights. In my view, this option offers a compelling mix of performance and value—stay tuned for an honest, ranked comparison that might just help you make your decision.

1. GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX 1.0 Intel LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard, 4X DDR5~128GB, 3X PCI-E x16, 4X M.2, 6X SATA, 5X USB 3.2, 1x USB-C, 4X USB 2.0

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX 1.0 Intel LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard, 4X DDR5~128GB, 3X PCI-E x16, 4X M.2, 6X SATA, 5X USB 3.2, 1x USB-C, 4X USB 2.0

What earns the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX its top spot in my roundup is its exceptional gaming performance. This motherboard is engineered to handle the latest Intel processors, ensuring that you harness every bit of power from your CPU. It's packed with features that cater specifically to gamers, like support for DDR5 memory and multiple M.2 slots for high-speed storage, providing an edge when you need it the most.

This board suits anyone from casual gamers to eSports enthusiasts who crave performance without the frills. I appreciate its balanced approach to both power and usability, making it user-friendly for newcomers while offering depth for seasoned builders. While the price is on the higher side, the features you gain justify the investment for gaming aficionados.

Buyers appreciate the multiple M.2 slots that enhance storage capabilities.
Many highlight the DDR5 support as a future-proofing aspect.
A common complaint is that it may not offer enough USB ports for some heavy users.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi LGA 1700(Intel 14th,12th &13th Gen) ATX Gaming Motherboard(PCIe 5.0,DDR5,4xM.2 Slots,16+1 DrMOS,WiFi 6,2.5Gb LAN,Front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C,Thunderbolt 4(USB4),Aura RGB)

For those seeking a motherboard rich in features, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi is a fantastic choice. It's best suited for users who want a solid mix of performance and advanced technology. With support for PCIe 5.0, WiFi 6, and Thunderbolt 4, it caters perfectly to tech enthusiasts looking to build a high-performance system.

What stood out to me were its numerous connectivity options, making it ideal for future upgrades and peripherals. This board fits gamers and content creators alike who demand versatility and speed. Keep in mind, while the feature set is impressive, some buyers note that the BIOS can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers.

Buyers highlight the robust feature set that suits various user needs.
Many appreciate the Gaming-oriented design that integrates well with other components.
The most frequent limitation mentioned is the steeper learning curve for BIOS navigation.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard, Support Intel Core 14th/13th/12th Gen, DDR5, 12+1+1 Power Phase, 3X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB-C 3.2, WIFI6E, 2.5GbE, Q-Flash, EZ-Latch, RGB Fusion

GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard, Support Intel Core 14th/13th/12th Gen, DDR5, 12+1+1 Power Phase, 3X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB-C 3.2, WIFI6E, 2.5GbE, Q-Flash, EZ-Latch, RGB Fusion

The GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX introduces a delightful surprise with its budget-friendly pricing while still delivering performance that rivals pricier options. If you're looking to build a capable system without breaking the bank, this motherboard supports the latest Intel CPUs and boasts DDR5 compatibility.

What I found particularly interesting is its power phase configuration—12+1+1—giving you a solid foundation for stability. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious gamers or casual users who don’t want to compromise on quality. However, one limitation is that it may not have as many premium features, like extensive RGB options, which some enthusiasts might miss.

Buyers consistently praise its balance of price and performance for budget builds.
Many highlight the solid power delivery as a key strength.
Some users feel it lacks advanced features found in higher-end models.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7 AMD AM5 LGA 1718 Motherboard, ATX, DDR5, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB4, WIFI7, 2.5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch, 5-Year Warranty

GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7 AMD AM5 LGA 1718 Motherboard, ATX, DDR5, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB4, WIFI7, 2.5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch, 5-Year Warranty

While the GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7 impresses with its state-of-the-art connectivity, it does have a common buyer complaint regarding its compatibility with older components. This motherboard is designed for AMD users and offers cutting-edge features like PCIe 5.0 and WiFi 7, making it a top contender for enthusiasts who want to stay ahead of the curve.

What balances the picture here is its five-year warranty, giving buyers peace of mind about their investment. It suits power users who require the latest technology but may lead to frustration for those trying to utilize older hardware. I appreciate the future-proof features, but the learning curve could catch some new users off guard.

Buyers often cite the advanced connectivity features as a major plus.
Many value the lengthy warranty, enhancing their purchase confidence.
A common issue reported is the limited backward compatibility with older components.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard, Support Intel Core 14th/13th/12th Gen, DDR5, 16+1+2 Power Phase, 4X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB-C 3.2, WIFI6E, 2.5GbE, Q-Flash, EZ-Latch, RGB Fusion

Comparing the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX to its predecessor, I find it’s a solid choice for Intel builds, making it my pick for those committed to the Intel ecosystem. It retains many features from the first product but leans slightly more into power delivery with its 16+1+2 power phase design. This tweak enhances stability during intense gaming sessions, which I appreciate.

It caters well to gamers and creators alike, offering sufficient flexibility for high-performance tasks. However, I did notice that while it has great specs, its price could deter budget-minded shoppers looking for something more economical. Overall, it still offers excellent value for performance-focused users.

Buyers highlight its solid power delivery for overclocking.
Many appreciate the DDR5 support, ensuring compatibility with future RAM.
A common limitation is its premium price point, which may challenge budget-focused consumers.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Choosing Between Them

If you’re a gaming enthusiast, my top recommendation is the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX. It delivers an impressive mix of performance and features tailored for intense gameplay. For those who prioritize additional features, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus is a strong choice, offering advanced connectivity and customization options. If you're on a budget, consider the GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX, which still packs a punch without breaking the bank. For AMD users, the GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite is your best bet, providing excellent compatibility and performance.

While these options cater to specific needs, it’s crucial to be aware that the right motherboard greatly influences your overall build quality and performance. Buyer feedback generally highlights the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX for its balance of value and power, but keep in mind that features can vary significantly across models. Prioritize what matters most to you—performance, connectivity, or budget—and you’ll make a sound choice for your next build.

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Buyer sentiment reflects aggregate ratings and listed features at the time of writing; prices and availability change.

Thomas Stanley
Thomas Stanley

I’m Thomas Stanley, and I’ve always been fascinated by what goes on inside a computer. As a teenager, I spent countless weekends taking apart old PCs, upgrading components, and learning how every piece worked together. What started as a hobby soon became a passion, and over the years I’ve built everything from budget home computers to high-performance gaming and workstation systems for friends, family, and local businesses.

In 2025, I launched BestMotherboardsHub.com to share my knowledge with anyone looking to build or upgrade a PC. Here, I publish honest motherboard reviews, in-depth buying guides, and practical advice on processors, memory, storage, cooling solutions, and other essential computer components. Every recommendation is backed by extensive research, real-world testing whenever possible, and a commitment to helping readers find reliable hardware that fits both their needs and budget. My goal is simple: make PC building less confusing and help every reader choose components with confidence.

Articles: 1232