This article covers GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX (LGA 1700.

Overview

The GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX is an ATX motherboard built for Intel's 13th and 12th Gen Core processors, featuring the Z790 chipset with full DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support. It strikes a solid balance between features and price, making it a popular choice among mid-range PC builders who want modern connectivity without breaking the bank.
Equipped with a 16+2+1 phase digital VRM, this board delivers clean and stable power for everyday gaming and productivity workloads. It also includes 2.5GbE LAN and Intel Wi-Fi 6E for fast wired and wireless networking, plus Q-Flash Plus for BIOS updates without a CPU installed.
Positioned as a mid-to-upper midrange offering, the Z790 Gaming X AX competes directly with ASUS TUF and MSI MAG series boards. It's a well-rounded option for anyone building a new LGA 1700 system with DDR5 memory.

Compatibility Guide

This motherboard uses the LGA 1700 socket, compatible with Intel 13th Gen (Raptor Lake) and 12th Gen (Alder Lake) Core processors. It supports dual-channel DDR5 memory across four DIMM slots, with a maximum capacity of 128GB and XMP 3.0 profiles for easy overclocking.
The form factor is standard ATX (305mm x 244mm), fitting most mid-tower and full-tower cases. Expansion includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Storage options are three M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0, two PCIe 4.0) and four SATA 6Gbps ports.
Power delivery uses a 24-pin main connector plus two 8-pin CPU power connectors. A 650W PSU is the minimum recommendation, but pairing with a high-end GPU like an RTX 4070 or above calls for 750W or more.

Product Info

Released in October 2022, the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming X AX is a mid-to-high tier motherboard priced around $200–$230 USD (approximately ¥40,000 JPY). It comes with a standard 3-year manufacturer warranty.
Key specs include a 16+2+1 phase digital VRM, PCIe 5.0 M.2 support, 2.5GbE LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, RGB FUSION 2.0, and Smart Fan 6. The board sits comfortably in the upper-midrange segment, offering robust power delivery and modern I/O without the premium price tag of flagship Z790 models.

Best Use Cases

  • Mid-Range Gaming Builds: Ideal with a Core i5-13600K or i7-13700K for 1440p or 4K gaming. DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support future-proof your system for upcoming GPUs and SSDs.
  • Cost-Conscious Enthusiasts: If you want Z790 features like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 but don't need extreme VRMs for overclocking an i9, this board delivers excellent value.
  • Network-Heavy Users: Built-in 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E make it a great fit for streamers, content creators, or anyone who relies on fast, stable internet.
    For users planning to run a Core i9-13900K or 14900K under sustained heavy loads (rendering, encoding), a higher-end board with more robust VRM cooling may be a better choice.

Things to Consider

This motherboard supports DDR5 memory only — DDR4 is not compatible. Make sure you purchase DDR5 RAM when building. Also, only one of the three M.2 slots supports PCIe 5.0; the other two are PCIe 4.0. If you need multiple Gen5 SSDs, consider a higher-tier Z790 board.
The 16+2+1 phase VRM is sufficient for most CPUs, but under prolonged heavy loads with an i9, the VRM heatsink can get warm. Good case airflow is recommended.
Competitors in the same price bracket include the ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI and MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI. Compare BIOS features, audio codec, and included accessories before deciding.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a Core i5-13400F with this motherboard?
A: Yes, any LGA 1700 12th or 13th Gen Core processor works. However, it's a good idea to update the BIOS to the latest version using Q-Flash Plus before installing the CPU, especially if the board has been sitting on a shelf for a while.
Q: Does it support PCIe 5.0 graphics cards?
A: Absolutely. The primary PCIe x16 slot runs at PCIe 5.0, so cards like the RTX 40-series or RX 7000-series will run at full bandwidth.
Q: What memory speed should I aim for?
A: Officially supports up to DDR5-7600 (OC). For reliable everyday performance, a DDR5-6000 or DDR5-6400 kit with tight timings is a safe and effective choice.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: GIGABYTE
  • Seller: Reg shop
  • Fulfilled by: Reg shop
  • ASIN: B0BSVYXM5C
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.