GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX Motherboard Review DDR5 Power and Advanced Features

Description

Exceptional Performance with the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX

Testing the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX motherboard felt like stepping into a whole new dimension of gaming and computing. With its LGA 1700 socket, this piece of tech supports 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core Series Processors, ensuring top-tier performance and compatibility. I paired it with a 13th Gen Intel Core processor, and the experience was buttery smooth, from gaming marathons to demanding multitasking. The DDR5 support with dual-channel, 4 DIMMs, and a memory speed of up to 5600 MHz ensures blazing-fast data transfer rates, opening up possibilities I didn’t think were possible before.

As someone who loves tinkering, I appreciated the EZ-Latch feature, which made installing my PCIe 4.0 graphics card a breeze. The Q-Flash Plus functionality was another lifesaver, allowing me to update the BIOS without needing to install a CPU or memory—a feature that feels like a blessing for tech enthusiasts and first-time builders alike.

Key Benefits

• Supports multiple Intel processor generations, offering flexibility.
• Dual-channel DDR5 compatibility for superior performance.
• Includes advanced thermal design with MOSFET heatsinks and M.2 thermal guards.
• PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C for next-gen connectivity.

Advanced Thermal Design for Intense Usage

One of the standout features I couldn’t stop admiring was the comprehensive thermal design. The fully covered MOSFET heatsinks and M.2 thermal guard kept my system cool even during extended gaming sessions and heavy rendering tasks. This motherboard makes overheating feel like a relic of the past. I also noticed how silent the system remained, thanks to the efficient cooling mechanisms.

However, the size of the heatsinks might be a tight fit for those using smaller cases. I had to readjust my cable management slightly to accommodate everything neatly.

Drawbacks

• Large heatsinks can be challenging to fit in smaller cases.
• Dark brown color might not match all PC builds aesthetically.

Connectivity That Keeps Up with Modern Needs

With its Realtek Wi-Fi 6 and Realtek LAN, the connectivity options on this motherboard are stellar. I tried both wired and wireless connections, and the performance was consistently reliable. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port is a game-changer, allowing faster data transfers and charging, which feels essential in today’s tech ecosystem.

The triple M.2 slots supporting NVMe SSDs were another high point, as I could easily install multiple high-speed storage devices. This feature alone makes the motherboard an excellent choice for those dealing with massive files or extensive game libraries.

Good Points

• Triple M.2 slots for excellent storage flexibility.
• Wi-Fi 6 and Realtek LAN provide stable and fast connections.
• USB Type-C support adds convenience and speed.

How It Stacks Up Against Market Rivals

Comparing it to similar products like the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E or the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon, the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX holds its ground remarkably well. While the ASUS model offers slightly flashier RGB lighting options, the GIGABYTE motherboard excels with its thermal design and Q-Flash Plus feature, which are more practical for daily use.

MSI’s Z790 Carbon, on the other hand, has a similar performance range but comes at a higher price point, making the GIGABYTE motherboard more appealing for those looking for excellent performance without overspending.

Affordable Quality

One thing that stood out to me about this motherboard is its balance of features and cost. While it offers high-end capabilities like DDR5 compatibility, PCIe 4.0, and advanced cooling, it doesn’t feel overpriced compared to its competitors. For those who need robust performance without burning a hole in their pocket, this motherboard offers an excellent price-to-quality ratio.

I’d recommend this product to serious gamers, content creators, or anyone passionate about building a system with next-gen features. It’s the kind of hardware that feels like an investment, not just an expense.

Additional information