• Intel^® Socket LGA 1700：Support 13th and 12th Gen Series Processors
• Unparalleled Performance：Twin 16*+1+2 Phases Digital VRM Solution
• Dual Channel DDR5：4*SMD DIMMs with XMP 3.0 Memory Module Support
• Next Generation Storage：4*PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Connectors
• Advanced Thermal Design & M.2 Thermal Guard III: To Ensure VRM Power Stability & M.2 SSD Performance
• EZ-Latch Plus：M.2 Connectors with Quick Release & Screwless Design
• Fast Networks：2.5GbE LAN & Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax
• Extended Connectivity：DP, HDMI, Front USB-C^® 10Gb/s, Rear USB-C^® 20Gb/s
• Smart Fan 6：Features Multiple Temperature Sensors, Hybrid Fan Headers with FAN STOP
• Q-Flash Plus：Update BIOS Without Installing the CPU, Memory and Graphics Card

* 8+8 phases parallel power design

Overview of the GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W is a high-performance ATX motherboard designed to power modern gaming PCs and enthusiast systems. Built on the Intel Z790 chipset, it supports Intel’s latest LGA1700 processors and offers cutting-edge features including DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 expansion, WiFi 6E networking, and high-speed NVMe storage.

This motherboard is part of GIGABYTE’s premium AORUS gaming lineup, known for performance-oriented engineering and durable construction. The AX-W variant stands out with its elegant white design, making it an ideal choice for white-themed gaming builds and showcase systems.

With powerful VRM architecture, advanced cooling technology, and next-generation connectivity, the Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W provides a solid platform for gaming, streaming, and professional workloads.

Support for Intel 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Processors

The motherboard uses the Intel Z790 Express chipset and features the LGA1700 socket, enabling compatibility with Intel’s newest processors.

Supported processors include:

• Intel Core i9 series

• Intel Core i7 series

• Intel Core i5 series

• Intel Core i3 series

• Intel Pentium Gold processors

• Intel Celeron processors

This flexibility allows system builders to create systems ranging from mid-range gaming PCs to high-end enthusiast rigs.

The Intel Z790 platform offers improved connectivity, increased PCIe lanes, and better performance compared to earlier chipsets.

Powerful Twin 16+1+2 Hybrid Digital VRM

Stable power delivery is essential for maintaining system performance, especially when using high-end processors.

The Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W features a Twin 16+1+2 hybrid digital VRM design with 70A smart power stages to deliver stable and efficient power to the CPU.

Key VRM features include:

• Premium power stages

• Solid pin power connectors

• 6-layer PCB with 2X copper

• Optimized power architecture

This design ensures consistent voltage regulation and allows the motherboard to handle demanding workloads such as gaming, streaming, and content creation.

High-Speed DDR5 Memory Support

The Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W supports the latest DDR5 memory technology, which provides higher bandwidth and improved power efficiency compared to previous DDR4 memory.

Memory features include:

• 4 × DDR5 DIMM slots

• Up to 256GB maximum memory capacity

• Memory speeds up to DDR5-7600 (OC)

• Dual-channel architecture

• Intel XMP memory profile support

High-speed DDR5 memory improves gaming performance, multitasking capabilities, and system responsiveness.

Advanced PCB design and optimized memory routing ensure signal integrity and stable operation at high frequencies.

PCIe 5.0 Graphics Slot

One of the key features of this motherboard is its PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics slot, which delivers double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0.

This slot is reinforced with Ultra Durable PCIe armor, providing additional strength to support heavy modern GPUs.

Expansion slots include:

• 1 × PCIe 5.0 x16 slot

• 1 × PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (x4)

• 1 × PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4)

PCIe 5.0 ensures compatibility with next-generation graphics cards and high-bandwidth expansion devices.

Ultra-Fast Storage with Four M.2 Slots

Storage performance is essential for modern gaming and professional workloads.

The Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W provides excellent storage flexibility with four M.2 connectors supporting PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs.

Storage features include:

• 4 × M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 connectors

• 6 × SATA 6Gb/s ports

• RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support

These storage options allow users to build ultra-fast NVMe storage arrays or combine SSDs with traditional hard drives for larger capacity.

M.2 Thermal Guard heatsinks help maintain optimal SSD temperatures and prevent thermal throttling.

Advanced Thermal Design

High-performance hardware generates significant heat, which must be properly managed to maintain stability.

The motherboard features a comprehensive thermal solution including:

• Fully covered MOSFET heatsinks

• Integrated heatpipe design

• High-conductivity thermal pads

• Enlarged M.2 heatsinks

These cooling components help maintain stable temperatures during heavy workloads and gaming sessions.

Efficient heat dissipation ensures consistent system performance.

Smart Fan 6 Intelligent Cooling System

The Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W includes Smart Fan 6, GIGABYTE’s advanced cooling control system.

Smart Fan 6 provides:

• Multiple temperature sensors across the motherboard

• Hybrid fan headers supporting PWM and DC fans

• Customizable fan curves

• Water cooling pump support

• Fan stop technology for silent operation

This intelligent cooling system allows users to optimize airflow and maintain quiet system operation.

High-Speed Networking with WiFi 6E

Connectivity is another strong feature of the Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W.

Networking options include:

• Intel WiFi 6E 802.11ax wireless connectivity

• Bluetooth 5 support

• Realtek 2.5GbE LAN

WiFi 6E expands wireless connectivity into the 6GHz band, offering faster speeds and lower latency compared to previous WiFi standards.

The 2.5Gb Ethernet controller provides faster wired networking speeds, making it ideal for gaming, streaming, and large file transfers.

Versatile USB Connectivity

The motherboard provides a wide range of USB ports for modern peripherals and high-speed external storage.

USB connectivity includes:

• USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (20Gbps)

• USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports

• USB 3.2 Gen1 ports

• USB 2.0 ports

• Front-panel USB Type-C header

These ports provide excellent flexibility for connecting gaming devices, VR equipment, and professional peripherals.

Integrated Graphics Display Output

The motherboard includes display outputs for processors with integrated graphics.

Display connections include:

• HDMI 2.1

• DisplayPort 1.2

These outputs support high-resolution monitors up to 4K and allow systems to run without a discrete GPU when necessary.

DIY-Friendly Features

GIGABYTE has included several features that simplify PC building.

DIY features include:

• PCIe EZ-Latch for easy GPU installation

• M.2 EZ-Latch Plus tool-free SSD installation

• Q-Flash Plus BIOS updates without CPU or RAM

• Integrated I/O shield

These features help make PC assembly faster and more convenient.

Ultra Durable Construction

The Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W follows GIGABYTE’s Ultra Durable design philosophy, ensuring long-term reliability.

Durability features include:

• 6-layer PCB design

• 2X copper PCB for improved heat dissipation

• Solid pin power connectors

• Reinforced PCIe slots

These components enhance stability and increase motherboard lifespan.

Ideal for Gaming and Enthusiast Builds

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W is an excellent platform for a variety of high-performance systems.

Ideal use cases include:

• High-end gaming PCs

• Streaming setups

• Content creation workstations

• White themed PC builds

• Enthusiast desktop systems

With next-generation connectivity and powerful hardware support, it provides a future-ready platform for modern computing.

Conclusion

The GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX-W is a powerful ATX motherboard designed to deliver exceptional performance for gaming and professional workloads.

With support for Intel’s latest processors, DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 graphics, WiFi 6E networking, and ultra-fast NVMe storage, it offers everything needed to build a high-performance PC.

Its advanced power delivery system, robust thermal design, and stylish white aesthetics make it a standout choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts looking for both performance and visual appeal.

Specifications Sheet