Gigabyte Z790 AORUS PRO X: Is it Worth the Extra Cost?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design and Aesthetics
3. VRM Configuration
4. Cooling Performance
5. Memory Support
6. Storage Options
7. Expansion Slots
8. I/O Connectivity
9. Audio Solution
10. Chipset and Processor
11. Conclusion

Introduction

Gigabyte has released a new lineup of motherboards in honor of the brand new 14th generation of Intel Core processors. In this review, we will be taking a closer look at the Gigabyte Z790 ARs Pro X motherboard. This motherboard is a part of the refresh lineup and brings some exciting features to the table.

Design and Aesthetics

The Z790 ARs Pro X comes with an unsurprisingly solid and premium eight-layered ATX PCB. The white design, a first in Gigabyte's lineup, gives the motherboard a certain aesthetic appeal. The PCB has a distinct gray hue that contrasts nicely with the white cooling components. The RGB lighting on the motherboard is well-executed, with a bright and defined RGB logo. In addition, there are four Fusion-enabled RGB connectors, three of which are addressable, allowing for customization options.

VRM Configuration

The Gigabyte Z790 ARs Pro X features an upgraded VRM configuration compared to its cheaper counterpart, the Elite X. With one Parallel phase and a total of 19 power stages, organized in a 9 + 2 + 1 phase configuration, the Pro X can handle and overclock any of the past three generations of Intel Core processors. However, despite being a good premium solution, the VRM configuration falls closer to the Elite X than the more expensive Master X. This may impact the overall performance of the Pro X and gives an advantage to the Elite X in terms of value.

Cooling Performance

When it comes to cooling, the Z790 ARs Pro X shares a similar configuration with the Elite X. The main cooling block is a visually appealing massive monolith supported by a wide heat-spreading plate. The side block is a denser piece of aluminum that helps dissipate heat efficiently. Both blocks utilize high-quality thermal pads to provide improved heat relief to power stages and chokes. The temperature results are impressive, with the VRM staying at a low 50°C even under heavy stress testing. Overall, the cooling performance of the Pro X is commendable.

Memory Support

The Z790 ARs Pro X supports up to 192 GB of DDR5 RAM in a dual-Channel configuration. It is capable of clocking up to an impressive 8266 MHz. However, it is worth noting that achieving 8 GHz RAM clock will be rare and may only be sustainable on a single stick. Fully populated ports may reach close to 7 GHz clocks, which will have a significant production impact. The Pro X offers the same memory solution as the Elite X, making the latter a more attractive option in terms of value.

Storage Options

The Pro X offers five M.2 solid-state drive connectors, with one of them being PCI 5.0 enabled. This is a notable upgrade compared to the Elite X and provides faster data transfer speeds. The M.2 connectors are equipped with thermal pads and premium heat sinks to ensure optimal performance and cooling. However, it is important to note that using the PCI 5.0 enabled connector may result in a loss of PC lanes for your GPU, impacting future-proofing capabilities.

Expansion Slots

The Gigabyte Z790 ARs Pro X includes a total of three PCI 4.0 enabled expansion slots. The CPU-connected slot offers 16 lanes at the fast PC 5.0 standard, providing 64 GB per Second data swap in each direction. This slot is ideal for optimal GPU performance. The other two 16 slots run at PC 4.0 and PCI 3.0 speeds, which are lower than the Elite X. This is due to the presence of M.2 solid-state drive connectors that share the bandwidth. Overall, the expansion slot configuration is acceptable, with a slight disadvantage in terms of PC 5.0 future-proofing.

I/O Connectivity

In terms of I/O connectivity, the Z790 ARs Pro X offers a range of options. It includes second-generation USB plugs, 5-gig plugs, and 3.2-generation plugs. There are also three display plugs for integrated graphics, including a USB Type-C port that doubles as an integrated graphics output. The motherboard features Wi-Fi 7, which broadcasts at a lower 320 MHz radio spectrum and can transmit data at 50 GB per second with low latency. Additionally, the Pro X is equipped with an upgraded 5 GbE LAN and a high-quality ALC 1220 VB CC audio solution.

Audio Solution

The audio solution on the Z790 ARs Pro X features the ALC 1220 VB CC from Realtek and 500 microfarads worth of capacitors. While it is a good integrated audio solution, it lacks the WIMA film capacitors Present on the cheaper Elite X. This feature, present on the Elite X, provides superior interference suppression and delivers excellent audio quality. The omission of this feature on the Pro X, which is positioned as the more premium option, is puzzling and diminishes the overall audio performance in comparison.

Chipset and Processor

The Z790 ARs Pro X is powered by the aging Z790 chipset, which operates at 48 GB per second. However, the chipset shows its limitations as it lacks native PC 5.0 lanes to supplement the ones available on the processor. This becomes problematic in terms of certain bendwi choices, affecting future-proofing capabilities. The motherboard includes a range of front panel connectors, including a dual-channel Type-C port, a Thunderbolt 4 card connector, and a front panel DisplayPort for a sensor panel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Gigabyte Z790 ARs Pro X is a solid motherboard that offers a range of features. However, the price difference compared to the Elite X, along with minimal differences in performance and build quality, make it difficult to justify the extra cost. The Pro X does offer some upgrades, such as an improved VRM configuration and additional M.2 solid-state drive connectors. However, the lack of significant advantages over the Elite X, coupled with the inconvenience of the PCI 5.0 PC beercation issue, positions the Elite X as a more attractive option in terms of value and performance.