GIGABYTE Z790 ATX Motherboard Review: Specs, Pros and Cons

What stands out

• 16+1+1 Twin Hybrid Phases Digital Power Design with 60A DrMOS for stable CPU power
• Dual Channel DDR5 support with four DIMM slots for high-speed memory
• PCIe 5.0 support for next-generation graphics cards and storage devices
• Triple NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots with Thermal Guard protection
• Integrated Wi-Fi 5 and 2.5GbE Ethernet for network connectivity

Who it fits

Key specs explained

CPU Socket: LGA 1700

This socket fits Intel Core 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors. You can upgrade your CPU later without changing the motherboard. It is the standard for recent Intel desktop chips. If you buy an older LGA 1200 board, it will not work with these newer CPUs. Choose this socket for future-proofing within the current Intel generation.

Memory Type: DDR5

DDR5 offers faster data speeds than the older DDR4 standard. You need DDR5 RAM sticks to use this board. It helps with heavy multitasking and gaming performance. You cannot mix DDR4 and DDR5 modules. When shopping, ensure you buy DDR5 memory kits to match this specification for optimal system stability and speed.

PCIe Version: PCIe 5.0

PCIe 5.0 doubles the bandwidth of the previous generation. This is mainly for the graphics card slot and top M.2 drive. It prepares your system for next-generation SSDs and GPUs. Current hardware often uses PCIe 4.0. This spec ensures you have enough bandwidth for future high-speed components as technology advances and requirements increase over time.

Power Phases: 16+1+1

This design uses 16 phases for the CPU, one for integrated graphics, and one for other components. It provides stable power delivery under load. The board uses 60A DrMOS for efficiency. This setup handles high-end processors well. It reduces heat and improves longevity compared to boards with fewer phases. It is suitable for users who push their CPU hard.

Design and build quality

According to the listing, this ATX board measures 13.2 inches by 10.6 inches. It weighs 3.88 pounds. The 6-layer PCB provides a stable foundation for components. This thickness suggests rigidity, which helps prevent bending during heavy CPU cooler installation. The form factor fits standard mid-tower and full-tower cases. You should check your case dimensions before purchasing.

The power delivery uses a 16+1+1 Twin Hybrid Phase design with 60A DrMOS. This setup handles modern Intel processors efficiently. Fully covered MOSFET heatsinks manage heat under load. The M.2 Thermal Guard protects storage drives. These thermal solutions keep temperatures lower, allowing sustained performance during long rendering tasks or gaming sessions.

Connectivity includes SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C. Triple NVMe slots offer ample storage expansion. The 2.5GbE port speeds up local network transfers. Wi-Fi 5 provides wireless internet access. While not the latest standard, it remains reliable for most home users. The overall layout prioritizes stability and connectivity over flashy aesthetics. It suits builders who value consistent performance and solid construction.

Setup and daily operation

You install this motherboard by aligning the LGA 1700 socket with compatible Intel Core 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen processors. The ATX form factor requires a standard mid-tower or full-tower case. You insert dual-channel DDR5 memory into the four DIMM slots. The board supports up to 13.2 inches by 10.6 inches of space. You connect storage devices to the three M.2 slots. Two of these slots operate on PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. The third slot supports the newer PCIe 5.0 standard for future high-speed drives. The 16+1+1 power phase design with 60A DrMOS handles processor power delivery. This configuration suggests stable voltage under load. You benefit from fully covered MOSFET heatsinks that manage heat during intensive tasks. The M.2 Thermal Guard helps maintain drive performance. For networking, you use the built-in Wi-Fi 5 adapter for wireless connections. The 2.5GbE Ethernet port provides faster wired throughput than standard Gigabit connections. You can connect peripherals to the SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port for high-bandwidth transfers. The six-layer PCB adds structural rigidity. This helps prevent bending when you install heavy CPU coolers. You do not need extra cooling fans for the VRMs due to the comprehensive thermal design. Daily use involves booting your chosen Intel processor and loading your operating system. The board supports standard desktop workloads. You can add multiple NVMe drives for storage. The layout allows for straightforward cable management in most ATX cases. You rely on the motherboard BIOS to configure system settings. The hardware supports modern connectivity standards without requiring additional adapters for basic setup.

Before you buy this motherboard

This GIGABYTE Z790 board requires DDR5 memory. You must purchase separate DIMMs compatible with the four slots. The LGA 1700 socket accepts Intel Core 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors. Ensure your chosen CPU fits this socket. The ATX form factor needs a compatible mid-tower or full-tower case. Verify your case supports the 13.2 by 10.6 inch dimensions. The 16+1+1 power phase design handles modern chips well. You should check your power supply unit for sufficient wattage. This board includes Wi-Fi 5. If you need faster wireless speeds, consider the Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 variations. It sits alongside other Z790 options. This model offers a solid foundation for Intel builds. Focus on your specific connectivity and memory needs before choosing.

Check before you buy

• Confirm your case supports ATX form factor dimensions.
• Buy separate DDR5 memory modules for the four slots.
• Verify your Intel CPU fits the LGA 1700 socket.
• Check if Wi-Fi 5 meets your network speed needs.

The product at a glance

1

GIGABYTE Z790 ATX Motherboard with Wi-Fi 5

Best for: Intel 12th-14th Gen DDR5 builds

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

3

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE Z790 ATX Motherboard with Wi-Fi 5 Affiliate link

This GIGABYTE Z790 ATX motherboard supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features a robust 16+1+1 power phase design with 60A DrMOS for stable performance. You get DDR5 memory support and PCIe 5.0 connectivity. The board includes three M.2 slots and 2.5GbE Ethernet. Wi-Fi 5 is included for wireless networking. It suits builders seeking solid specs without premium extras.

Pros

• Supports Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen CPUs
• 16+1+1 power phase design with 60A DrMOS
• Dual channel DDR5 support with 4 DIMMs
• PCIe 5.0 and triple NVMe M.2 slots
• 2.5GbE Ethernet connectivity

Cons

• Wi-Fi 5 is older than current Wi-Fi 6E standards
• No mention of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port in attributes
• Heavier at 3.88 pounds compared to lighter boards

Good fit if

• You need reliable DDR5 support for modern Intel CPUs
• You want a sturdy ATX board with good thermal coverage
• You prefer wired 2.5GbE networking over faster wireless

Skip if

• You require the latest Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7
• You are building a small form factor PC
• You want USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C speeds

Verdict: GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC ATX provides a solid foundation for Intel 12th through 14th Gen builds with its 16+1+1 power design and DDR5 support. It is ideal for users who prioritize wired connectivity and thermal stability over cutting-edge wireless speeds.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• gigabyte z790 ud AC lga 1700 atx motherboard alternatives
• best GIGABYTE LGA 1700 motherboards
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