GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 ATX Motherboard Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This gigabyte z390 aorus pro wi fi review focuses on the Z390 chipset and LGA1151 socket. It is an ATX motherboard designed for 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors. The board features a 12+1 phase digital VRM with DrMOS for stable power delivery. It also includes onboard Intel CNVi 802.11ac Wi-Fi. These two specs define its core capability for modern desktop builds. You get dual channel DDR4 support and dual M.2 slots for storage. The design targets gamers who need reliable connectivity and processing power.
What stands out
- 12+1 phases digital VRM solution with DrMOS
- Onboard Intel CNVi 802.11ac 2x2 Wi-Fi
- Dual M.2 slots with Thermal Guard
- Alc1220 vb enhance audio with WIMA capacitors
- Intel Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed
Who it fits
Good fit for
This motherboard suits users building a mid-range Intel gaming PC. The 12+1 phase VRM handles 8th and 9th Gen CPUs well. You benefit from onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5, saving PCIe slots. The dual M.2 slots offer fast storage options. Gamers who want reliable networking and good audio quality will find this setup practical. The ATX form factor fits standard cases easily.
Who should skip it
You should look elsewhere if you need the latest LGA1700 socket. This board only supports 8th and 9th Gen Intel processors. If you want DDR5 memory, this Z390 chipset is not compatible. Users seeking USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 connectivity will find this lacking. The Wi-Fi is 802.11ac, not the newer Wi-Fi 6 or 6E standard. It is not for future-proofing with new CPU generations.
Verdict: This board is a solid choice for existing Intel 8th or 9th Gen users. It offers reliable power and essential connectivity for gaming.
Key specs explained for this board
CPU Socket: LGA1151
This socket determines which processors you can install. You must choose an Intel 8th or 9th Gen Core processor. The LGA1151 interface ensures physical compatibility with these specific chips. If you buy a newer or older CPU, it will not fit. This limits your upgrade path to these generations. You should verify your current or intended CPU matches this socket before purchasing to avoid compatibility issues.
Chipset: Z390
The Z390 chipset supports CPU overclocking and multiple storage drives. It allows you to push your processor beyond stock speeds for better performance. This chipset also enables features like Intel Optane memory readiness. You get more flexibility for gaming and content creation compared to entry-level chipsets. It is a mid-to-high tier option for enthusiasts who want to tweak system settings for speed.
Form Factor: ATX
ATX is a standard size measuring 12 by 9.6 inches. This format fits most mid-tower and full-tower cases. You get more expansion slots for graphics cards and add-in cards. The larger board allows for better airflow and more robust power delivery components. If you have a small case, this board might not fit. Check your case dimensions to ensure you have enough space for this standard size.
Power Phases: 12+1
This VRM design uses 12 phases for the CPU and 1 for memory. It provides stable power delivery under heavy loads. The DrMOS technology improves efficiency and reduces heat. This setup helps maintain consistent performance during gaming or rendering tasks. It is suitable for high-end processors that draw significant power. You get better stability compared to boards with fewer phases, reducing the risk of throttling.
Wi-Fi Standard: 802.11ac
Onboard Wi-Fi uses the 802.11ac standard for wireless connectivity. You can connect to your router without using Ethernet cables. This standard offers fast speeds for streaming and online gaming. It supports dual-band connections for reduced interference. You save space by not needing a separate Wi-Fi card. This feature is convenient for building a clean setup in your PC case.
Design and build quality
According to the listing, this ATX motherboard measures 13.2 inches in length, 10.6 inches in width, and 3.14 inches in height. It weighs 3.09 pounds. The standard ATX form factor means it fits most mid-tower and full-tower cases. You need a case with enough room for its length. The weight suggests a solid metal PCB and heatsinks, which helps with durability and heat dissipation.
The board uses a 12+1 phase digital VRM solution with DrMOS. This design provides stable power to your 8th or 9th Gen Intel Core processor. The listing notes an advanced thermal design with multi-cut heatsinks and a heat pipe. These components help keep the voltage regulator modules cool under load. Good thermal management protects your CPU from throttling during intensive tasks.
On the rear, you will find an Intel Gigabit LAN port with cFosSpeed technology. This improves network performance by managing traffic. The board also includes onboard Intel CNVi 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5. You do not need to buy separate expansion cards for wireless connectivity. The layout places these essentials in accessible locations. The finish and materials are chosen to support gaming use cases, as indicated by the product attributes. This build quality suits users who want reliable performance without extra hardware.
Setup and daily use overview
Installing this motherboard requires an Intel 8th or 9th Gen Core processor, as the LGA1151 socket does not support newer generations. You will need dual-channel DDR4 memory modules. The board supports four DIMMs, giving you flexibility for capacity upgrades. It is also Intel Optane memory ready, which you can use for accelerated storage if your workflow demands it. The 12+1 phase digital VRM with DrMOS handles power delivery. This configuration suggests stable voltage regulation under load, which matters when you run demanding applications or games. Thermal management relies on multi-cut heatsinks and heat pipes. These components help dissipate heat from the VRM area, keeping temperatures in check during extended sessions. Connectivity includes onboard Intel CNVi 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5. You do not need a separate adapter for wireless networking. The Intel Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed manages network traffic, prioritizing packets to reduce latency. This is useful for online gaming or large file transfers. Audio is handled by the Alc1220 codec with WIMA capacitors. The listing notes specific signal-to-noise ratios for the rear and front audio jacks. This implies cleaner sound output for headphones or speakers. The ATX form factor ensures it fits standard cases. You simply need to align the I/O shield and secure the standoffs. The setup process follows standard desktop assembly procedures.
Before You Buy This Board
This ATX motherboard supports only Intel 8th and 9th Gen Core processors. You must verify your CPU compatibility before purchasing. The LGA1151 socket does not accept newer generations. You need dual-channel DDR4 memory. The board has four DIMM slots. Check that your RAM matches this requirement. The 12+1 phase VRM handles power well, but ensure your case fits the 13.2-inch length. You also need a compatible cooler for your specific CPU. The onboard Wi-Fi uses the 802.11ac standard. This is older than Wi-Fi 6. If you need faster wireless speeds, consider a different board. The Gigabit Ethernet port is sufficient for most home networks. You should plan your storage around the two M.2 slots. Intel Optane memory is supported if you use compatible modules. This board fits mid-tower and full-tower cases. It is a solid choice for gamers using older Intel chips. It may not suit users seeking the latest connectivity standards.
Check before you buy
- Verify your CPU is an Intel 8th or 9th Gen Core processor.
- Ensure your case fits the 13.2-inch ATX form factor.
- Check if you need Wi-Fi 6 instead of the onboard 802.11ac.
- Confirm you have dual-channel DDR4 memory with four slots available.
The product at a glance
GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 ATX Motherboard
Best for: Gaming builds with 8th or 9th Gen Intel CPUs
- CPU Socket
- LGA1151
- Chipset
- Z390
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR4
- M.2 Slots
- 2
- Wi-Fi Standard
- 802.11ac
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This ATX motherboard uses the Intel Z390 chipset and LGA1151 socket for 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors. It features a 12+1 phase digital VRM with DrMOS for stable power delivery. You get onboard 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5. The board includes two M.2 slots with thermal guards and an Alc1220 audio codec. It suits gamers who need reliable wired and wireless connectivity.
Pros
- 12+1 phase digital VRM solution with DrMOS
- Onboard Intel CNVi 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5
- Alc1220 vb enhance audio with WIMA capacitors
- Two M.2 slots with Thermal Guard
Cons
- Supports only 8th and 9th Gen Intel processors
- Wi-Fi standard is limited to 802.11ac
- No mention of USB Type-C connectivity
Good fit if
- You are building a gaming PC with 8th or 9th Gen Intel CPUs
- You need reliable onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for peripherals
- You want a standard ATX board with strong power delivery
Skip if
- You plan to use 10th Gen or newer Intel processors
- You require Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E speeds
- You need a smaller form factor like Micro-ATX or ITX
Verdict: GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi ATX fits gamers building with 8th or 9th Gen Intel CPUs who value onboard wireless connectivity and robust power phases.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 ATX Motherboard |
|---|---|
| CPU Socket | LGA1151 |
| Chipset | Z390 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Memory Type | DDR4 |
| M.2 Slots | 2 |
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11ac |
| Ethernet Speed | Gigabit |
| Power Phases | 12+1 |
| Use Case | Gaming |
| Dimensions | 13.2 × 10.6 × 3.14 inches |
| Weight | 3.09 pounds |
| Model | Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI |
Frequently asked questions
Is the GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 ATX good for gaming?
Yes, this board is designed specifically for gaming builds using 8th or 9th Gen Intel CPUs. It features a robust 12+1 phase digital VRM with DrMOS to ensure stable power delivery during intense loads. The onboard Wi-Fi also helps reduce cable clutter in your gaming setup.
What CPU socket does this motherboard use?
It uses the LGA 1151 socket. This means you must install an Intel 8th or 9th Gen Core processor. The socket ensures physical compatibility with these specific chips. You cannot use newer or older generation CPUs with this interface, so verify your processor choice before buying.
Does this motherboard support Wi-Fi?
Yes, the model name includes Wi-Fi, indicating onboard wireless connectivity. This feature allows you to connect to networks without needing a separate PCIe card or Ethernet cable. It is particularly useful for gaming builds where cable management and flexibility are important for a clean setup.
What is the form factor of this board?
This is an ATX motherboard. It measures 13.2 inches in length and 10.6 inches in width. This standard size fits most mid-tower and full-tower cases. You should check your case dimensions to ensure there is enough space for the board and its attached components before installation.
Can I use DDR5 memory with this motherboard?
No, this board uses the Intel Z390 chipset, which supports dual-channel DDR4 memory. You need to purchase DDR4 RAM modules to use with this system. DDR5 is not compatible with the LGA 1151 socket or the Z390 platform, so stick to DDR4 for proper functionality.
How many memory slots does this motherboard have?
It has four DIMM slots for DDR4 memory. This gives you flexibility to upgrade capacity by installing multiple sticks. You can run the memory in dual-channel mode for better performance. Ensure you use compatible DDR4 modules to take full advantage of the board's memory capabilities.