Overview
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is a mid‑range ATX motherboard featuring Intel’s Z790 chipset, 4 DDR5 DIMM slots, PCIe 5.0 x16, M.2 slots, Wi‑Fi 6E, and robust VRM. It balances performance and price, offering solid power delivery, ample connectivity, and a sleek design for mainstream builds. and future‑proof features.
Key specifications and features
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is a mid‑range ATX motherboard built around Intel’s Z790 chipset, supporting 12th and 13th Gen Core processors. It offers four DDR5 DIMM slots with a maximum capacity of 128 GB and a 4800 MHz base speed, enabling high‑performance memory configurations. PCIe 5.0 x16 slots provide 32‑lane bandwidth for next‑generation GPUs, while additional PCIe 4.0 x1 and x4 slots allow for expansion cards such as NVMe SSDs or sound cards. M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 and SATA modes, with a dedicated heatsink for thermal management. Integrated Intel Wi‑Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 deliver fast, low‑latency wireless connectivity. The motherboard features a 12‑phase VRM design, 12 V rail, and a 6‑phase power stage, ensuring stable power delivery for overclocking. Dual 8‑pin EPS connectors support high‑current CPUs, and a 4‑pin ATX12V connector powers the chipset. The front‑panel header includes USB 3.2 Gen 2, audio, and power button connectors. The board’s BIOS is UEFI with an EZ‑BIOS interface, and the Q‑Flash Plus feature allows firmware updates without a CPU. The Aorus Elite AX also includes RGB lighting support, a reinforced PCIe slot design, and a comprehensive set of I/O ports: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type‑C, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet 2.5 Gbps. These specifications make the board suitable for mainstream gaming, content creation, and future‑proofing. The board’s robust power delivery and versatile connectivity make it a choice for enthusiasts seeking performance and future upgrades!!!
Unboxing
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX arrives in a sturdy cardboard box with a clear window. Inside, the motherboard sits in a foam cradle, surrounded by a quick‑start guide, a 3.5mm audio cable, a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, a 4‑pin power cable, and a 2‑pin USB cable. The box contains a 2‑inch rubber gasket and a new tiny sticker.
Included accessories
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX bundle is thoughtfully curated to give you everything you need for a straightforward installation. Inside the box you’ll discover the motherboard itself, nestled in a foam cradle that protects it from shocks during transport. A concise Quick‑Start Guide is also included, presenting clear, step‑by‑step instructions for mounting the board, installing the CPU, and connecting the initial power supply. The kit supplies a 3.5 mm front‑panel audio cable, a 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm front‑panel audio cable, a 4‑pin ATX power cable, and a 2‑pin USB 3.0 cable for the front‑panel USB port. Additionally, a small rubber gasket is provided to seal the rear I/O panel, and a brand‑new sticker is included for branding or labeling purposes. All accessories are neatly organized in a small plastic pouch, ensuring you have every component in one place and eliminating the need to hunt for missing cables. The inclusion of these cables and guides reflects Gigabyte’s commitment to user convenience and a hassle‑free build experience, allowing you to focus on assembling your system rather than searching for the right connector. The careful packaging and comprehensive list of accessories make the Z790 Aorus Elite AX an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned builders who value a smooth, efficient setup process.
Installation Preparation
Before installing the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX, ensure a static‑safe workspace, gather a Phillips head screwdriver, anti‑static wrist strap, and a clean, dust‑free surface. Verify the power supply meets the board’s 12V rail requirements and that all cables are ready carefully
Required tools and workspace
Before installing the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX, set up a clean, static‑free workstation. A flat, non‑conductive surface such as an anti‑static mat or a wooden table is ideal. Ensure adequate lighting and a well‑ventilated area to keep components dry. Gather the following tools: a precision Phillips #0 or #1 screwdriver for mounting standoffs and securing the board; a set of small flat‑head screwdrivers for the I/O shield; a pair of tweezers or needle‑nose pliers; a high‑quality thermal paste or paste applicator; cable ties or Velcro straps to organize power and data cables; and a small brush or compressed air can to clean dust from the motherboard’s headers. An anti‑static wrist strap is strongly recommended to prevent electrostatic discharge. Keep the power supply unit (PSU) and any other peripherals within easy reach, but avoid placing them directly on the same surface to reduce the risk of static buildup. Finally, verify that the case interior can accommodate the ATX board’s dimensions, including clearance for the rear I/O panel and the front panel connectors. With these tools and a prepared workspace, you’ll be ready to proceed with the installation of the Z790 Aorus Elite AX. This meticulous preparation ensures that the motherboard’s components are handled with care, reducing the risk of damage and facilitating a smooth installation process, ultimately leading to a stable and high‑performance system ready for overclocking or demanding workloads. This foundation paves the way for a flawless build, ensuring longevity and performance.
Component Installation
Install the Z790 Aorus Elite AX by first securing the motherboard to the case standoffs, then aligning the I/O shield. Mount the CPU, apply thermal paste, attach the cooler, insert RAM, and slot M.2 drives. Finally, connect power, SATA, and PCIe cards, ensuring all cables are tidy.!
CPU, cooler, thermal paste and memory modules
Begin by placing the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX on a static‑free surface. Carefully align the CPU socket with the motherboard’s marked notch, lift the socket lever, and set the processor in place, ensuring the gold contacts line up with the socket pins. Gently lower the lever to secure the CPU. Next, apply a pea‑size amount of high‑performance thermal paste to the center of the processor. Spread the paste evenly with a plastic spreader or by rotating the cooler, allowing the paste to cover the entire die without excess. Mount the included air cooler by aligning its mounting brackets with the motherboard’s screw holes. Tighten the screws in a cross‑pattern to distribute pressure evenly, and attach the fan’s power connector to the dedicated CPU fan header. Verify that the fan spins and the cooler is firmly seated. For memory, insert DDR5 modules into the DIMM slots, ensuring the notches align. Push down firmly until the locking tabs click into place. The board supports up to 128 GB of RAM across four slots, with dual‑channel operation at 4800 MHz or higher. After installing the CPU, cooler, paste, and memory, double‑check all connections: the CPU power connector (8‑pin EPS), the 24‑pin ATX main power, and the 4‑pin CPU fan header. Finally, route the cables neatly to maintain airflow, and proceed to the next installation step. This procedure ensures optimal thermal performance and stable memory operation, setting a solid foundation for the rest of the build.
M.2 SSDs, PCIe slots, and expansion cards
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers a versatile expansion layout. Two M.2 slots are located near the rear I/O, one supporting PCIe 5.0 x4 (M.2 E) and the other PCIe 4.0 x4 (M.2 F). Both slots feature a dedicated heatsink and a 2‑pin fan header for active cooling. To install an M.2 SSD, remove the screw, insert the drive at a 30° angle, and secure it with the screw. The board’s M.2 slots support NVMe SSDs up to 4 TB, providing raw throughput of up to 7,000 MB/s on the PCIe 5.0 slot. For PCIe expansion, the motherboard includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (x16 mode) and two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots. The x16 slot is ideal for high‑end GPUs, while the x1 slots accommodate sound cards, NVMe adapters, or other add‑ons. The board also features a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for NVMe M.2 adapters, allowing you to add additional SSDs via a PCIe expansion card. The rear I/O panel hosts a USB‑C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, two USB‑3.2 Gen 2 ports, and a USB‑3.2 Gen 1 port, all routed through the PCIe lanes. For full compatibility, ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version, as newer firmware improves NVMe detection and PCIe lane allocation. When installing expansion cards, insert them firmly into the slot until the latch clicks, and secure with a screw. Verify that the card’s power connectors are attached if required. Proper cable management and airflow will keep the system cool and stable during operation. When installing expansion cards, it is recommended to use a non‑conductive mat and to keep the system static‑free. Proper cable management and airflow will keep the system cool and stable during operation. The board’s PCIe lanes are shielded to reduce EMI, ensuring stable operation. The rear I/O includes a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port and a 3.5mm audio jack. The 12‑phase VRM provides ample power for overclocking. Dual‑BIOS support offers a failsafe option in case of firmware issues. The board’s Q‑Flash Express feature allows BIOS updates without a CPU. All expansion slots support PCIe4.0.
Power and Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a 12‑phase VRM, dual 8‑pin EPS, 2×6‑pin PCIe power connectors, and a 24‑pin ATX main connector. It supports 2.5Gbps Ethernet, Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB‑C Gen 2×2. Front panel headers include power, reset, USB‑3.2, audio, and LED controls. and 2;5Gbps USB 3.2. Gen
Power connectors and front panel headers
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX motherboard is engineered with a comprehensive power and front‑panel interface to support high‑performance builds. At the core of its power delivery is a 12‑phase PWM‑controlled VRM that ensures stable voltage to the CPU, memory, and PCIe devices even under heavy load. The board provides a dual 8‑pin EPS 12V connector for the CPU, allowing for 12V/12A per pin, and two 6‑pin PCIe power connectors for GPUs, each capable of delivering 12V/6A. Additionally, a 24‑pin ATX main power connector supplies the board’s logic and peripheral circuits, while a 4‑pin peripheral power connector (P5VSB) powers the system standby functions. The power section also includes a dedicated 12V rail connector for the motherboard’s internal components, ensuring consistent power distribution to the chipset, VRM, and I/O headers. Front‑panel connectivity is equally robust. The board features a 20‑pin ATX power switch header, a 20‑pin reset switch header, and a 4‑pin power‑LED header that supports a 5V/3.3V LED indicator. For audio, a 5‑pin front‑panel audio header supports HD Audio, while a 2‑pin USB 3.2 Gen‑1 header allows for a front‑panel USB 3.0 port. The USB‑C Gen‑2×2 header is positioned on the rear I/O panel, but a 2‑pin USB‑C header is also present on the motherboard for front‑panel USB‑C connectivity. The board includes a 4‑pin RGB header for lighting control, and a 3‑pin RGB header for additional lighting options. The front‑panel headers are designed to accommodate the standard Gigabyte front‑panel connectors, ensuring a smooth installation process. The power and front‑panel layout is thoughtfully organized to minimize cable clutter and maximize airflow within the case, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency for builders who demand reliability and performance. This design supports lighting via the motherboard’s headers LED!
BIOS Setup
Enter BIOS by pressing DEL during POST. Update to latest firmware via Q-Flash for stability. Configure XMP for DDR5, set CPU voltage to Intel Adaptive, enable PCIe 5.0, adjust fan curves, and enable integrated Wi‑Fi. Save and exit. BIOS settings auto‑save; use Advanced > CPU tweak voltage.
Initial BIOS access and firmware update
To begin, power on the system and press DEL repeatedly as the POST screen appears. This brings up the UEFI BIOS interface. Gigabyte’s Z790 Aorus Elite AX ships with a pre‑installed firmware that supports the latest Intel 13th‑gen CPUs, but for optimal stability and feature support, it’s recommended to update to the newest release available on Gigabyte’s support site. Navigate to the Q‑Flash utility from the BIOS main menu. If you prefer a USB‑based update, download the latest .7z package, extract the .rom file, and place it on a FAT32‑formatted USB drive. Back in Q‑Flash, select Update BIOS from device, locate the .rom file, and follow the on‑screen prompts. The system will reboot automatically once the flash completes. After the update, revisit the BIOS to verify that the new firmware version is displayed in the System Information section. It’s also a good practice to reset to default settings (Load Optimized Defaults) before re‑configuring performance options, as the firmware upgrade may reset custom profiles. Finally, ensure that the BIOS is set to Legacy/UEFI Boot Mode that matches your operating system installation, and confirm that the Secure Boot setting is enabled if you plan to use signed drivers. This completes the initial BIOS access and firmware update process for the Z790 Aorus Elite AX. After updating, you may want to check the BIOS version displayed in the System Information tab. The latest firmware for the Z790 Aorus Elite AX as of August 2026 is version 1.00.00.00. If you encounter any issues, refer to the Gigabyte support page or the included manual for troubleshooting steps. Also, note that the Q‑Flash utility can be accessed from the BIOS main screen or from the Windows environment via the Q‑Flash application, allowing for a quick firmware update without rebooting. When using the Windows utility, ensure that the system is not in sleep mode and that the USB drive is recognized. After the update, it is advisable to perform a full system reboot and run a quick POST to confirm that all components are detected correctly. If the system fails to POST, use the BIOS recovery option by holding the Q‑Flash button during power‑on for 5 seconds, which will restore the previous firmware. It is recommended to perform BIOS updates after installing a new CPU or adding new memory modules, as the firmware may include optimizations for specific silicon revisions. Additionally, Gigabyte’s BIOS includes a feature called BIOS Flashback that allows you to update the firmware even if the system fails to POST. To use this feature, connect a USB drive with the firmware file to the dedicated USB port, press the BIOS Flashback button on the rear panel, and wait for the LED to indicate completion. This can be a lifesaver if the motherboard becomes unresponsive after a failed update. Finally, keep a copy of the firmware file on a separate USB drive for future reference, and note the date of the update in your system documentation for warranty and support purposes. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum nec odio et ante tincidunt tempus. Cras ultricies ligula sed magna. Phasellus euismod, justo at dignissim luctus, metus erat convallis dolor, non porta ligula dolor sit amet. In addition, the BIOS firmware supports overclocking profiles, power-saving modes, and advanced thermal monitoring, ensuring optimal performance workloads.
Troubleshooting & Support
Check power, BIOS, and drivers. Use Q‑Flash for firmware. If POST fails, try BIOS Flashback. For memory errors, reseat DIMMs. Contact Gigabyte support via website or phone. Warranty covers hardware defects for 3 years. Keep serial number handy.
Contact Gigabyte support.
Common issues, fixes, and warranty information
Users may see POST failures when installing a 13th‑Gen Intel CPU without first updating the BIOS. Use Q‑Flash to load firmware from USB. Memory issues arise if DDR5 DIMMs are not seated in matching slots; reseating them resolves this. PCIe 5.0 cards may not spin up if power connectors are not attached. Wi‑Fi 6E modules may fail to pair; reinstalling drivers from Gigabyte’s site restores connectivity. A “CMOS checksum error” can be fixed by clearing the CMOS via the jumper or battery removal. The Z790 Aorus Elite AX includes a three‑year limited warranty for manufacturing defects. Register the board on Gigabyte’s portal for firmware updates, troubleshooting, and warranty claims. If not covered, contact Gigabyte for repair. The board supports dual‑channel memory. Ok. Users often encounter POST failures when installing the latest Intel 13th‑Gen CPU without updating the BIOS first. The fix is to use Gigabyte’s Q‑Flash to load the newest firmware from a USB drive before powering on. Another frequent problem is memory not being recognized in dual‑channel mode; reseating the DDR5 DIMMs and ensuring they are in matching slots solves this. PCIe 5.0 devices may not spin up due to insufficient power; connecting the 8‑pin EPS and 6‑pin PCIe power connectors properly resolves the issue. Wi‑Fi 6E modules sometimes fail to pair; resetting the network adapter and reinstalling the latest drivers from Gigabyte’s website restores connectivity. If the board shows a “CMOS checksum error,” clear the CMOS by moving the jumper or removing the battery for 30 seconds. The Z790 Aorus Elite AX comes with a three‑year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Register the product on Gigabyte’s support portal to access firmware updates, troubleshooting guides, and to submit a warranty claim. For any hardware malfunction not covered by the warranty, contact Gigabyte’s customer service for repair or replacement options. Additionally, Gigabyte’s support team offers live chat assistance and a comprehensive knowledge base, ensuring users can resolve complex configuration issues quickly and efficiently.