Gigabyte Z790 GAMING PLUS AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard

Overview

The Gigabyte Z790 GAMING PLUS AX is an ATX motherboard designed to support Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th generation processors through its LGA 1700 socket. It offers a robust platform for gamers, content creators, and power users who need high memory capacity and fast storage options. With support for up to 256GB of DDR5 memory and multiple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, this motherboard balances performance and expandability for demanding applications.

Key features

• Supports the latest Intel processors, allowing upgrades without changing the motherboard
• Four DDR5 DIMM slots provide ample memory capacity for multitasking and gaming
• Reinforced PCIe 4.0 x16 slot ensures secure installation of large graphics cards
• Three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots enable fast NVMe SSD storage alongside traditional SATA drives
• Integrated Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 offer reliable wireless connectivity for peripherals and networking
• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port delivers low latency for competitive online gaming
• Front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C header supports high-speed data transfer at the case front panel
• Smart Fan 6 system monitors temperatures and adjusts fan speeds to keep the system cool and quiet
• Q-Flash Plus allows BIOS updates without needing to install CPU or memory, simplifying maintenance

Key specs

• Socket: LGA 1700
• Processor support: Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen CPUs
• Memory: 4 DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 256GB
• Storage interfaces: 3 PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, 4 SATA ports
• Expansion slots: PCIe 4.0 x16 (reinforced)
• Networking: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
• USB ports: Front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C (10Gbps)
• Cooling: Smart Fan 6 with multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers

Connectivity and compatibility

This motherboard offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options to fit modern setups. The integrated Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 support wireless devices with fast and stable connections, while the 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port ensures a wired network with minimal lag. The front USB Type C port provides convenient access for high-speed peripherals, making it easier to connect external drives or devices without reaching behind the case.

• Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless internet and device connections
• Bluetooth 5.3 for improved peripheral compatibility and range
• 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for low latency and high-speed wired networking
• Front USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port for easy access to fast data transfer

Performance and reliability

The motherboard’s design focuses on stable performance and durability. The reinforced PCIe slot prevents sagging from heavy graphics cards, maintaining a secure connection during intense gaming or rendering sessions. Smart Fan 6 technology uses multiple sensors to monitor system temperatures and adjust fan speeds accordingly, keeping noise levels low during light use and providing effective cooling when the system is under load.

Ideal uses and environments

This motherboard suits users building high frame rate gaming rigs, streaming workstations, or versatile home PCs that require both speed and expandability. Its support for the latest Intel processors and DDR5 memory makes it a strong choice for those who want to future-proof their system while maintaining excellent performance for multitasking, gaming, and content creation.