GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX LGA 1700 Intel Z790 ATX Motherboard with DDR5, M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE LAN, Q-Flash Plus, EZ-Latch
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AI Verdict
This is an ATX Z790 motherboard with LGA 1700, DDR5 7600(O.C.) support, and PCIe 5.0, for users building a 13th/14th Gen Intel system on a budget.
This motherboard is a strong contender for users building a 13th or 14th Gen Intel system who prioritize a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot and DDR5 memory support on a mid-range budget. Its inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN is a plus. However, the slower rear USB Type-C port and the absence of PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots mean it's not for those chasing the absolute fastest connectivity and storage options.
If you need 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C or PCIe 5.0 M.2 storage, look for Z790 boards explicitly listing those features in their detailed specifications, not just the product title.
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Pros
- Supports 14th and 13th Gen Intel Core Series Processors on the LGA 1700 socket.
- Features a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for current generation graphics cards.
- Includes Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN for fast wireless and wired networking.
- Offers 4 DDR5 DIMM slots supporting up to 256 GB and speeds up to 7600(O.C.) MT/s.
- Comes with Q-Flash Plus for BIOS updates without a CPU or RAM, and EZ-Latch for the PCIe slot.
- Equipped with three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors for NVMe SSDs.
Cons
- Rear USB Type-C port is USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), not the faster USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) as implied by the product title.
- Only two of the seven rear USB Type-A ports are USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), with the remaining five being USB 2.0/1.1.
- Features only three physical audio jacks, which can be limiting for some users.
- M.2 slots are all PCIe 4.0, with no PCIe 5.0 M.2 support.
- Limited to four SATA 6Gb/s connectors, which is fewer than some competing Z790 boards.
Dimension Scores
The Twin 12*+1+1 Phases Digital VRM Solution is robust enough for most 13th/14th Gen Intel CPUs, even with some overclocking.
It includes Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE LAN, Q-Flash Plus, and EZ-Latch, but lacks PCIe 5.0 M.2 and the fastest USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C.
Offers one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, but only four SATA ports and limited fast USB Type-A ports.
Users report a user-friendly BIOS and straightforward installation process, with Q-Flash Plus simplifying updates.
Best For
- Building a mid-range to high-end gaming PC with a 13th or 14th Gen Intel CPU.
- Users who need Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN without spending on premium Z790 boards.
- Systems utilizing a single PCIe 5.0 graphics card and multiple PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs.
- Anyone looking for a Z790 board with Q-Flash Plus for easy BIOS updates.
Not Recommended For
- Enthusiasts requiring the fastest USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) Type-C port on the rear I/O.
- Users with many SATA drives, due to only four available ports.
- Extreme overclockers who might need more robust VRM solutions than 12+1+1 phases.
Watch Out For
- The rear USB Type-C port is USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), despite the product title suggesting USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps).
- Only two of the seven rear USB Type-A ports offer USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) speeds; the remaining five are slower USB 2.0/1.1.
- While it has a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, none of the three M.2 slots support PCIe 5.0, limiting the fastest NVMe SSDs to PCIe 4.0 speeds.
- The board includes only three physical audio jacks, which may require re-tasking for specific 7.1 channel setups.
Full Specifications
| RAM | DDR5 |
| ASIN | B0CTNPZLNH |
| Brand | GIGABYTE |
| Color | Black |
| Series | Z790 EAGLE AX |
| Platform | Windows |
| CPU Model | Core i7 |
| Processor | core_i7 |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Model Name | Z790 EAGLE AX |
| Item Weight | 3.52 pounds |
| Chipset Type | Z790 D5 |
| Manufacturer | GIGABYTE |
| Memory Speed | 5600 |
| Item model number | Z790 EAGLE AX |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 5600 |
| Product Dimensions | 3.31 x 10.87 x 13.35 inches |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR5 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.31 x 10.87 x 13.35 inches |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 2 |
What Buyers Say
Many users found this motherboard easy to set up, praising its user-friendly BIOS and simple installation process. It's seen as a budget-friendly Z790 option that still packs a PCIe 5.0 slot for graphics cards. However, some pointed out that while it has a USB Type-C port, it's only 10Gbps, not the faster 20Gbps, and that the M.2 slots are all PCIe 4.0. The limited number of fast USB Type-A ports on the rear I/O was also a recurring observation.
“Man, I bought this thinking the Type-C was gonna be super fast, but it's just 10Gbps. Still, it works, and my 4080 fits fine, so whatever.”
Common Praise
- Straightforward installation and setup process.
- User-friendly BIOS interface.
- Compatibility with current 13th and 14th Gen Intel processors.
- Ample fan headers for cooling solutions.
- Includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics cards.
Common Complaints
- Rear USB Type-C port is only 10Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2), not 20Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2).
- Only two of the seven rear USB Type-A ports are high-speed (USB 3.2 Gen 2).
- All M.2 slots are PCIe 4.0, lacking PCIe 5.0 M.2 support.
- Only three physical audio jacks on the rear I/O.
- Limited to four SATA 6Gb/s ports.
Ownership Tips
- The EZ-Latch for the PCIe slot is genuinely helpful for GPU installation and removal.
- Q-Flash Plus makes BIOS updates less stressful, especially for new CPU generations.
- The Wi-Fi 6E performance is solid, providing stable and fast wireless connections.
- The VRM heatsinks are substantial and keep temperatures in check even under load.
- The included Realtek 2.5GbE LAN provides a noticeable speed bump over standard Gigabit Ethernet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this motherboard support Intel 12th Gen processors?
Yes, the GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX supports 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core Series Processors with the LGA 1700 socket.
What is the maximum RAM speed supported?
This motherboard supports DDR5 memory modules up to 7600(O.C.) MT/s for 14th and 13th Gen Intel Core i9/i7 processors, and up to 4800/4400 MT/s for 13th Gen i5/i3 and 12th Gen processors.
How many M.2 slots does it have and what generation are they?
It has three M.2 slots, all supporting PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 NVMe SSDs. One of these slots also supports SATA M.2 drives.
Does this motherboard have Wi-Fi?
Yes, it includes Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (or Realtek RTL8852CE) with Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity.
Is the rear USB Type-C port 20Gbps?
No, the rear USB Type-C port is USB 3.2 Gen 2, which operates at 10Gbps, not the faster 20Gbps of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at motherboards, you're essentially picking the central nervous system for your PC. It dictates what CPU you can use, what kind of RAM, how many storage drives, and what expansion cards you can add. Don't just look at the price; consider the features you actually need for your current and future components.
LGA 1700 Socket
This specifies the type of CPU it can hold. LGA 1700 means it's compatible with Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core processors. If you have an older Intel CPU or an AMD one, this board won't work.
DDR5 RAM
This refers to the generation of memory it supports. DDR5 is the latest standard, offering higher speeds and bandwidth than older DDR4. You need DDR5 RAM modules to go with this board; DDR4 won't fit.
PCIe 5.0 x16
This is the slot where your graphics card goes. PCIe 5.0 is the newest, fastest standard, providing maximum bandwidth for high-end GPUs. While a PCIe 4.0 card will still work, this ensures you're ready for future, more demanding graphics cards.
M.2 Slots (PCIe 4.0)
These are for NVMe SSDs, which are much faster than traditional SATA drives. PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots offer very fast storage speeds, but some newer, more expensive motherboards might offer PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots for even faster, though currently rare, SSDs.
Alternatives
If you need faster USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) Type-C or PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots for cutting-edge storage, look for Z790 motherboards that explicitly list these specifications. For a tighter budget, consider B760 chipsets if you don't plan on CPU overclocking.
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