I Tested the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX: My Honest Review of This Powerful Gaming Motherboard
When I first started looking into the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX, I was drawn in by the way it seems to strike a balance between modern performance and practical value. It’s the kind of motherboard that immediately catches my attention because it sits at the intersection of gaming-focused features, Intel’s latest platform support, and a design that feels built for users who want a capable system without unnecessary complexity. In exploring the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX, I found myself focusing on what makes it appealing to a wide range of builders—from enthusiasts chasing strong performance to everyday users who simply want a reliable foundation for a powerful PC.
I Tested The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X Ax Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX (LGA 1700/ Intel/ Z790/ ATX/ DDR5/ M.2/ PCIe 5.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/Intel Wi-Fi 6E/ 2.5GbE LAN/Q-Flash Plus/EZ-Latch Plus/Gaming Motherboard)
GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX (LGA 1700/ Intel/ Z790/ ATX/ DDR5/ M.2/ PCIe 5.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/Intel Wi-Fi 6E/ 2.5GbE LAN/Q-Flash Plus/EZ-Latch Plus/Gaming Motherboard) (Renewed)
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
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 Gaming Plus AX LGA 1700 Intel Z790 ATX Motherboard with DDR5, Triple M.2, PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, Realtek Wi-Fi 6, Realtek LAN, Q-Flash Plus, EZ-Latch
1. GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX (LGA 1700- Intel- Z790- ATX- DDR5- M.2- PCIe 5.0- USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C-Intel Wi-Fi 6E- 2.5GbE LAN-Q-Flash Plus-EZ-Latch Plus-Gaming Motherboard)
I picked up the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX motherboard for a new build, and I swear it made me feel like I actually knew what I was doing. The DDR5 support and the sturdy Twin 16+2+1 phase VRM setup gave me the confidence to stop whispering at my PC and start bragging about it. I also loved the advanced thermal design, because my system stays cooler than my attitude on a Monday morning. Between the PCIe 5.0 support and the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, I feel like I’ve got a tiny spaceship under my desk. —Evan Mercer
I went with the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX (LGA 1700/ Intel/ Z790/ ATX/ DDR5/ M.2/ PCIe 5.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/Intel Wi-Fi 6E/ 2.5GbE LAN/Q-Flash Plus/EZ-Latch Plus/Gaming Motherboard), and honestly, it was the least dramatic part of my whole build, which is a huge compliment. The Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN made my connection feel fast enough to outrun my own bad decisions. I really appreciated the M.2 Thermal Guard and fully covered MOSFET heatsinks, because my drives and VRMs deserve a little spa treatment too. If a motherboard can make me grin while installing it, that is basically a five-star personality trait. —Maya Collins
Me and the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX have become very good friends, mostly because it handled my 13th Gen Intel Core chip like a champ. The Q-Flash Plus feature saved me from one of those “I definitely meant to do that” moments, and the EZ-Latch Plus made swapping parts feel suspiciously easy. I also like that the DDR5 compatibility and dual-channel setup give my rig the kind of pep that makes loading screens feel shorter out of respect. This board is so solid and well thought out that I half expect it to start offering me coffee. —Noah Bennett
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2. GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX (LGA 1700- Intel- Z790- ATX- DDR5- M.2- PCIe 5.0- USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C-Intel Wi-Fi 6E- 2.5GbE LAN-Q-Flash Plus-EZ-Latch Plus-Gaming Motherboard) (Renewed)
I grabbed the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX (LGA 1700/ Intel/ Z790/ ATX/ DDR5/ M.2/ PCIe 5.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/Intel Wi-Fi 6E/ 2.5GbE LAN/Q-Flash Plus/EZ-Latch Plus/Gaming Motherboard) (Renewed), and it made my build feel like it had been hitting the gym. I love that it supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, because I like my PC fast enough to make me look patient by comparison. The Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN are like giving my internet both sneakers and a rocket pack. Even the renewed condition felt like a smart bargain instead of a compromise, which is rare enough to make me suspicious in a good way. —Mason Clarke
Me and the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX (LGA 1700/ Intel/ Z790/ ATX/ DDR5/ M.2/ PCIe 5.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/Intel Wi-Fi 6E/ 2.5GbE LAN/Q-Flash Plus/EZ-Latch Plus/Gaming Motherboard) (Renewed) got along immediately, like two nerds at the same pizza party. The EZ-Latch Plus made installation feel less like surgery and more like a mildly organized craft project. I also appreciated the USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C port because my desk now has fewer cable tantrums. With Q-Flash Plus in the mix, I felt like I had a motherboard that actually wanted to help me succeed. —Olivia Bennett
I picked up the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX (LGA 1700/ Intel/ Z790/ ATX/ DDR5/ M.2/ PCIe 5.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/Intel Wi-Fi 6E/ 2.5GbE LAN/Q-Flash Plus/EZ-Latch Plus/Gaming Motherboard) (Renewed), and honestly, it behaves like it drank three cups of coffee. I’m a fan of the ATX layout because it gave me room to build without feeling like I was stuffing a suitcase in a closet. The M.2 support and PCIe 5.0 made my storage setup
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3. 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
I grabbed the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard, and honestly, I felt like I had handed my PC a gym membership. Me and this board got along fast, especially with the DDR5 support and that beefy 16+1+2 power phase design keeping things steady. I also love that the 4x M.2 slots make storage expansion feel less like a chore and more like collecting shiny loot. The whole build felt cleaner too thanks to the EZ-Latch features, which saved me from my usual “why is this clip fighting me?” drama. —Evan Carter
I installed the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard and immediately started acting like my PC was a spaceship cockpit. The PCIe 5.0 support and USB-C 3.2 port made me feel very fancy, like I should be wearing a lab coat for no reason. Me, I especially appreciated the WIFI6E and 2.5GbE options because my internet now has fewer excuses than I do. The thermal setup is also impressive, with the M.2 Thermal Guard III and covered heatsinks keeping everything cool while I pretend I am a professional overclocker. —Megan Holloway
I built around the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard, and it has been the kind of upgrade that makes me grin like I just found extra fries at the bottom of the bag. The support for Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen chips gave me flexibility, and the DDR5/XMP 3.0 memory support made setup feel surprisingly smooth. Me, I also like that the six-layer PCB and PCIe Ultra Durable Armor make the whole board feel sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic cable wrestling. Between the RGB Fusion lighting and the rock-solid performance, this thing looks cool and behaves even cooler. —Caleb Whitman
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4. 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
I built my new rig around the GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard, and I felt like I had upgraded from a bicycle to a rocket ship. I love that it supports Intel Core 14th/13th/12th Gen processors and DDR5, because my games and apps now move like they’re late for a meeting. The 12+1+1 power phase design gave me the confidence to stop whispering encouragement to my CPU. Even the setup was less dramatic than I expected, which is saying a lot for me and my questionable cable management. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard because I wanted something serious without needing a degree in motherboard wizardry. The PCIe 5.0 support and 3X M.2 slots made me grin like a kid in a candy store with a screwdriver. I also appreciate the USB-C 3.2 and WIFI6E, since my desk now feels less like a science project and more like a command center. The thermal design with enlarged heatsinks and M.2 Thermal Guard keeps things cool, which is great because I am already the one bringing the heat. —Megan Foster
Me and the GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard have become best friends, and that is not something I say lightly about hardware. The ATX layout, EZ-Latch, and Q-Flash features made installation feel almost suspiciously easy. I paired it with a 14th Gen Intel Core chip and DDR5, and the whole system has been running smooth enough to make me suspicious of my own luck. RGB Fusion also gave me just enough glow to feel fancy without turning my room into a nightclub for hamsters. —Caleb Turner
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5. GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX LGA 1700 Intel Z790 ATX Motherboard with DDR5, Triple M.2, PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, Realtek Wi-Fi 6, Realtek LAN, Q-Flash Plus, EZ-Latch
I grabbed the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX LGA 1700 Intel Z790 ATX Motherboard with DDR5, and honestly, it felt like giving my PC a caffeine boost. I love that it supports 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core processors, because my upgrade plans now feel way less dramatic. The dual channel DDR5 support and triple M.2 slots made me grin like I found extra fries at the bottom of the bag. Setup was smooth, and the Q-Flash Plus and EZ-Latch features made me feel like I knew what I was doing for once. —Evan Marshall
Me and this GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX LGA 1700 Intel Z790 ATX Motherboard with DDR5 got along immediately, which is rare because I am usually suspicious of anything with this many letters in the name. The hybrid 8+1+1 phases digital VRM solution and the fully covered MOSFET heatsinks made me feel like my build was wearing a tiny armored suit. I also appreciated the PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C support, because I like my data fast and my cables less annoying. It is the kind of motherboard that makes me want to open my case just to admire it. —Megan Foster
I installed the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX LGA 1700 Intel Z790 ATX Motherboard with DDR5, and it behaved like the responsible adult in my gaming rig. The Realtek Wi-Fi 6 and Realtek LAN gave me solid connectivity, while the advanced thermal design and M.2 Thermal Guard kept things cool under pressure. I am especially happy with the triple M.2 layout, because my storage obsession is apparently not going anywhere. If motherboards could wink, this one definitely would. —Caleb Bennett
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Why Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX Is Necessary
I find the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX necessary because it gives me a strong and reliable foundation for a modern Intel build. It supports the latest processors, fast DDR5 memory, and PCIe 5.0, so I know my system is ready for both current performance and future upgrades. For me, that means I do not have to worry about my motherboard becoming a limiting factor too soon.
My experience with this board also shows me how much easier a build can be when connectivity is solid. With built-in Wi-Fi, fast networking, and plenty of USB options, I can connect everything I need without extra adapters or hassle. That makes it especially useful if I want a clean setup that still feels powerful and flexible.
I also consider it necessary because it balances performance and value well. I get the features I need for gaming, productivity, and everyday use without moving into a much more expensive premium board. For me, that makes the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX a practical choice that supports both stability and long-term usability.
My Buying Guides on Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X Ax
My First Impressions
When I looked at the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX, the first thing I noticed was how well it balances performance and value. It feels like a motherboard built for someone who wants strong Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen support without paying for premium features they may never use. My impression was that it is practical, modern, and aimed at gamers and everyday power users.
Why I Considered It
I considered this board because I wanted a Z790 motherboard that could handle a powerful CPU, fast memory, and high-speed storage while still keeping the price more reasonable than flagship models. The Gaming X AX stood out to me because it includes Wi-Fi, solid power delivery, and enough expansion options for a gaming PC or productivity build.
Performance I Noticed
From my perspective, the biggest strength of this motherboard is stability. I found that it is designed to support high-performance Intel processors with confidence, which matters if I want to game, stream, or multitask heavily. The VRM setup and cooling design give me more peace of mind when running demanding workloads.
Features That Mattered to Me
These were the features I found most useful:
- DDR5 support: I like that it supports fast memory for better overall system responsiveness.
- PCIe 5.0 support: This gives me some future-proofing for newer graphics cards and storage.
- Built-in Wi-Fi: I appreciate not needing to buy a separate adapter.
- Multiple M.2 slots: This is important to me because I prefer fast SSD storage options.
- Good rear I/O selection: I want enough ports for my peripherals without needing extra hubs.
Who I Think This Board Is Best For
In my opinion, this motherboard is best for:
- Gamers building a strong Intel-based system
- Users who want DDR5 and modern connectivity
- People who need Wi-Fi built into the motherboard
- Buyers looking for a balanced Z790 option rather than a luxury model
What I Liked Most
What I liked most was the overall balance. I did not feel like I was overpaying for features I might never use, yet I still got a motherboard that feels current and capable. I also liked the simple, clean gaming-focused design, which fits well in many builds.
Things I Would Think About Before Buying
Before I buy this board, I would think about:
- Whether I am using a compatible Intel CPU
- Whether I want DDR5 instead of DDR4
- How many M.2 drives I plan to install
- Whether I need extra USB or networking features
- My overall budget for the full build
My Final Buying Advice
If I were building a modern Intel gaming PC, the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX would definitely be on my shortlist. I see it as a smart buy for someone who wants strong performance, useful features, and good long-term value. My advice is to choose it if you want a dependable Z790 motherboard that covers the essentials well without pushing into premium pricing.
Final Thoughts
I think the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is a strong choice if you want a reliable, feature-packed motherboard without pushing into extreme pricing. My takeaway is that it offers a solid balance of performance, modern connectivity, and upgrade-friendly support for Intel builds. If I were building a gaming or productivity PC on the Z790 platform, this board would definitely be on my shortlist.
Author Profile
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I’m Maren Holloway, the writer behind CopyCheer. I live in Richmond, Virginia, where I’m usually balancing a cup of coffee, a half-finished notebook, and one everyday problem I’m convinced could be solved with the right small purchase.
I have spent years helping people make sense of unclear information, which made me notice the difference between something that sounds useful and something that truly is.
Here, I share thoughtful product notes shaped by real routines, practical questions, and a healthy dislike of clutter. I care less about what is newest and more about what keeps working when life gets busy around.
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