Revolutionary GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE X WIFI7 Motherboard: Unbeatable Performance and Design

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design and Aesthetics
3. CPU Socket and VRM
4. Memory Support
5. Storage Options
6. Cooling System
7. PCIe Support
8. I/O Ports and Connectivity
9. Troubleshooting Features
10. Conclusion

Introduction

The z790 Elite XY 57 motherboard from Gigabyte is creating quite a buzz in the market. With its support for the 14th generation of Intel Core processors, introduction of the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, and innovative design features, this motherboard sets itself apart from its competitors. In this review, we will take a closer look at the z790 Elite XY 57 and explore its key features and performance capabilities.

Design and Aesthetics

The z790 Elite XY 57 motherboard boasts a premium design with a matte low reflection PCB. The components showcase different aluminum brushing techniques, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The cutting precision, angle control, and Shape complexity of this board demonstrate a true engineering masterpiece. However, the RGB strip Hidden below the chipset Shield could have been utilized better, as it does not add much value to the overall aesthetics.

CPU Socket and VRM

The motherboard features the LGA 17 Android Fox con socket, which supports the introduction of both PC5 and DDR5 standards. This means it can support not one, not two, but three Intel Core processors. Gigabyte has also made improvements to the CPU locking mechanism, providing a longer and better locking lever. The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) of the z790 Elite XY 57 is impressive, with 18+2+1 Parallel and dedicated phases. This ensures stable and reliable power delivery even under heavy loads.

Memory Support

The z790 Elite XY 57 offers support for up to 192GB of DDR5 RAM in a dual-Channel configuration. It can achieve clock speeds of up to 8,266MHz, a significant jump compared to its predecessor, the z790 Elite AX. With more RAM and higher clock speeds, users can experience a boost in productivity, especially in tasks like rendering and video editing. Even in AAA gaming, the increased memory capacity and clock speed can result in noticeable gains in frame rates.

Storage Options

The motherboard provides four PCI 4 M.2 slots for fast data transfer speeds of up to 64GB per Second. While it's disappointing to not have a PCI 5.0 M.2 slot, the z790 Elite XY 57 compensates for this with its lack of PCI bifurcation. This means users can use all of their M.2 slots without deducting PCIe lanes from their GPU. The thermal management of the M.2 slots is well-designed, with adequate heat spread and double contact design.

Cooling System

The z790 Elite XY 57 features an efficient cooling system. The VRM blocks, with a larger heat pipe and better thermal pads, deliver excellent heat dissipation and maintain low temperatures under heavy loads. In stress tests with a moderately overclocked CPU, the VRM temperature stayed impressively low at 50°C. The overall cooling design and implementation of the motherboard warrant high praise, with exceptional heat management.

PCIe Support

When it comes to PCIe support, the z790 Elite XY 57 excels as a single GPU motherboard. The CPU-linked PCIe x16 slot offers future-proofing with PCI 5.0 support, providing 64GB per second of bandwidth in both directions. The second PCIe x16 slot runs at PCIe 4.0 standard, providing 8GB per second of bandwidth. This slot is ideal for expansion-based storage options. The metallic reinforcement adds durability and stability, ensuring secure GPU installation.

I/O Ports and Connectivity

The z790 Elite XY 57 offers a range of I/O ports and connectivity options. It includes four USB 2.0 ports, four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 3.1 ports, and a 20Gbps dual-channel type-C port. One of the standout features is the inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) standard, which promises transfer speeds of up to 48Gbps. Additionally, the motherboard features integrated display outputs for integrated graphics, a 2.5G LAN, and premium ALC 1220 VB audio chipset for excellent audio playback and Recording.

Troubleshooting Features

The motherboard includes several troubleshooting features to enhance user experience. It comes with a Q-Flash button for easy BIOS upgrades and a clear CMOS switch for a quick factory reset if necessary. While these features are helpful, it would have been beneficial to have an error OLED screen for more detailed troubleshooting. This feature is missing and could have further improved the overall user experience.

Conclusion

The z790 Elite XY 57 motherboard from Gigabyte is a Game-changer in the market. With its support for the latest Intel processors, new Wi-Fi 7 standard, and innovative design elements, it offers tremendous value for its price point. The motherboard's design and aesthetics, powerful VRM, memory support, storage options, cooling system, PCIe support, I/O ports, and troubleshooting features make it an excellent choice for gamers, content creators, and power users alike. Gigabyte has truly raised the bar with the z790 Elite XY 57, setting a new standard for premium motherboards.

Highlights

• z790 Elite XY 57: A game-changer in the motherboard market
• Premium and aesthetically pleasing design with a matte low reflection PCB
• Improved CPU locking mechanism and support for three Intel Core processors
• Impressive VRM with 18+2+1 parallel and dedicated phases for stable power delivery
• Support for up to 192GB of DDR5 RAM with clock speeds of up to 8,266MHz
• Four PCI 4 M.2 slots for fast data transfer speeds
• Efficient cooling system with excellent heat dissipation
• PCIe support with future-proofing and metallic reinforcement for secure GPU installation
• Range of I/O ports and connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7 standard
• Troubleshooting features for easy BIOS upgrades and resets