GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard, Support Intel Core

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is an ATX motherboard built around the Intel LGA 1700 socket. It is designed for desktop builders who plan to install an Intel Core 14th, 13th, or 12th Gen processor alongside modern memory and fast storage hardware.

Memory capabilities center on four SMD DIMM slots designed for DDR5 modules with XMP 3.0 support. Power delivery is handled by a twin 16+1+2 phase digital VRM design with 70A power stages. For thermal management, the board incorporates fully covered MOSFET heatsinks, an M.2 Thermal Guard III, PCIe Ultra Durable Armor, and a 6-layer PCB.

Expansion and external connectivity include four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for high-speed solid-state drives. For peripheral connections, the board provides a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port to enable rapid data transfer with compatible external devices.

Because this board requires an LGA 1700 processor and DDR5 RAM, older DDR4 memory kits or processors from other socket families will not work. The ATX form factor also requires a computer chassis with standard full-size motherboard mounting support.

Verdict: The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a solid foundation for builders assembling a desktop rig with a 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel Core CPU. It offers strong power delivery, extensive M.2 storage options, and fast DDR5 memory support.

• Form Factor: ATX
• CPU Socket: Intel LGA 1700
• Processor Compatibility: Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen
• Memory Slots: 4 x SMD DIMM (DDR5, XMP 3.0)
• Power Design: Twin 16+1+2 Phases Digital VRM with 70A Power Stage
• Storage Slots: 4 x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2
• USB Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
• PCB Layers: 6-Layer PCB

A great fit if you:

• Plan to build a system around a 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel Core desktop processor.
• Want to run DDR5 RAM modules with XMP 3.0 configuration.
• Need multiple high-speed storage drives using four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots.
• Require fast external connections through a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port.

Consider something else if you:

• Plan to reuse older DDR4 memory kits.
• Use an AMD processor or an older, non-LGA 1700 Intel CPU.
• Need a compact motherboard for a small-form-factor case.

Which processors are compatible with this motherboard?
It features an Intel LGA 1700 socket that supports Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Generation processors.

What type of memory does this board support?
The board features 4 SMD DIMM slots designed for DDR5 memory with XMP 3.0 module support.

How many M.2 storage drives can I install?
It includes four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for high-speed storage.