Overview
The Gigabyte Z790 GAMING X AX is an ATX motherboard built around Intel's Z790 chipset, supporting LGA1700 processors (12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core). It embraces the DDR5 memory standard, allowing up to 192GB of RAM, and includes modern connectivity like Wi-Fi 6E and a PCIe 5.0 slot. Priced around ¥75,700 in Japan, this board sits comfortably in the mid-high tier?offering enthusiast-level expansion without the flagship price tag. It's a solid foundation for gaming rigs, creative workstations, or any build that wants to leverage Intel's latest CPUs and fast DDR5 memory.
Compatibility Guide
Socket is LGA1700, compatible with Intel Core i5-14600K, i7-14700K, i9-14900K, and all other 12th/13th/14th Gen LGA1700 CPUs. Memory: 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, dual-channel, up to 192GB (48GB modules). Form factor: standard ATX (305×244mm). Power connectors: 24-pin main + 8-pin and 4-pin CPU power. Recommended PSU wattage: 650W or higher, 750W+ for builds with high-end GPUs. Storage: 1x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4, 6x SATA 6Gbps. Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 electrical), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1. Back panel includes USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1/2 ports, HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort for integrated graphics, 5+1 audio jacks, and 2.5GbE LAN.
Product Info
Released late 2022 as part of Intel's Z790 lineup. Warranty: 3 years (manufacturer standard). Sale channels: major electronics retailers and online stores (Yahoo Shopping, Japanese online retailers, etc.). This board is mid-high tier?it offers core Z790 features (PCIe 5.0, DDR5, ample M.2 slots) at a price well below premium models. The VRM is rated at 12+1+1 phases (60A each), adequate for i7 and i9 processors under sustained load. TDP handling depends on the CPU, but the board supports power limits up to 253W (PL2 for i9).
Best Use Cases
Gaming Builds: Perfect for a high-FPS 1440p or 4K gaming PC. Pair with an Intel Core i5-14600K or i7-14700K and an RTX 4070-class GPU using the PCIe 5.0 slot. DDR5 memory reduces latency and boosts bandwidth in CPU-demanding titles. Not ideal for budget-conscious builders who already own DDR4 RAM?those should look at a Z790 DDR4 variant.
Content Creation: Video editors and 3D artists benefit from DDR5's bandwidth and multiple M.2 slots for fast storage. The single PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot is sufficient for a boot drive; PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots handle project storage. However, if you need multiple PCIe 5.0 devices, consider a higher-end Z790 board with additional Gen5 lanes.
General Enthusiast Upgrade: For users upgrading from an older LGA1200/AM4 platform, this board provides a modern feature set without overspending. It works well in a mid-tower case with good airflow. Not suitable for small-form-factor builds (ITX users need a different board).
Things to Consider
This motherboard uses DDR5 exclusively?no DDR4 support. If you have existing DDR4 memory, you must either buy new DDR5 or choose a Z790 DDR4 board (like the Gigabyte Z790 UD AX DDR4). The secondary PCIe x16 slot runs at x4 speed (PCIe 4.0), limiting multi-GPU setups. The single PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot may be a bottleneck for users needing many ultra-fast NVMe drives. The 8+4 pin CPU power connector requires a power supply with a 4-pin CPU cable?some older PSUs may lack it, though the board will still run with only the 8-pin connected (not recommended for high-power CPUs).
FAQ
Q: Can I use Core i9-14900K with this motherboard?
A: Yes, Gigabyte officially supports 14th Gen Core CPUs including the i9-14900K. The VRM can handle it, but ensure adequate case cooling?an i9 can draw over 200W under load. Update the BIOS to the latest version for best compatibility.
Q: Does this board support overclocking?
A: Yes, the Z790 chipset allows CPU and memory overclocking. The BIOS includes Gigabyte's EasyTune and advanced voltage controls. For memory, it supports XMP 3.0 profiles up to DDR5-7600+ (depending on CPU IMC and BIOS maturity).
Q: Is Wi-Fi 6E really worth it over Wi-Fi 6?
A: If you have a Wi-Fi 6E router, the 6GHz band offers less interference and higher throughput. For most home networks, Wi-Fi 6 (5GHz) is still excellent, but future-proofing with Wi-Fi 6E is a nice bonus. The board also includes Bluetooth 5.3 for peripherals.
