GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard - Powerful DDR5

In this review of the GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX the bottom line is clear: this ATX board is aimed at builders who want a modern Intel platform with strong power delivery and next-gen storage without paying for boutique extras. It supports 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core processors on an LGA 1700 socket and brings a conservative, well-engineered feature set-not flashy RGB theater but solid hardware choices. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a sturdy hybrid 8+1+1 phase VRM and DDR5 support, which makes it a reliable foundation for high-performance gaming rigs and productivity builds.

Key Features

• LGA 1700 Socket: Supports 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core processors so upgrades across recent Intel generations are straightforward.
• DDR5 Compatible: Dual channel DDR5 with four DIMM slots lets builders install higher frequency memory for improved gaming and content creation performance.
• Robust Power Design: The hybrid 8+1+1 phase digital VRM solution supplies stable power to the CPU under sustained loads and overclocking attempts.
• Comprehensive Thermal Design: Fully covered MOSFET heatsinks and an M.2 Thermal Guard help keep temperatures down for reliable long-term operation.
• Next Gen Connectivity: PCIe 4.0 lanes and triple NVMe M.2 support offer fast storage bandwidth and expandability for high-speed SSDs.
• Modern I/O: USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C and onboard Realtek Wi-Fi 6 plus Realtek LAN provide a mix of wired and wireless connectivity for gaming and streaming.

Who It's For

The Z790 Gaming Plus AX is best for gamers and power users who want a solid, no-nonsense motherboard that supports the latest Intel CPUs and DDR5 memory. Builders looking for a strong baseline for a high-end GPU, NVMe storage array, and potential CPU overclocking will appreciate the board's power delivery and thermal features.

It is less suited to buyers who want extreme boutique features such as multi-zone RGB controllers, extensive fan controllers built in, or a top-tier audio chipset aimed at audiophiles. If you need the absolute highest-end overclocking platform with more premium connectivity, a higher-tier Z790 variant may be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sturdy hybrid 8+1+1 phase VRM provides stable power delivery for modern Intel CPUs.
• DDR5 support across four DIMMs allows higher memory bandwidth and capacity for demanding tasks.
• Triple M.2 and PCIe 4.0 support deliver flexible, high-speed storage options for fast boot and load times.
• Includes USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C and Realtek Wi-Fi 6 for contemporary connectivity needs.

Cons

• Connectivity feedback is mixed among customers, so wireless or rear I/O expectations should be verified for specific setups.
• Not targeted at users who need premium extras like advanced onboard audio or extensive RGB control.

Specifications

Socket	LGA 1700 (Intel)
Chipset	Intel Z790
Memory	Dual channel DDR5, 4 DIMMs
Power Design	Hybrid 8+1+1 phases digital VRM
Storage	Triple NVMe M.2 with M.2 Thermal Guard
Expansion	PCIe 4.0 support
Connectivity	USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, Realtek Wi-Fi 6, Realtek LAN

Our Verdict

The GIGABYTE Z790 Gaming Plus AX is a practical, value-minded Z790 motherboard that delivers the essentials for modern Intel builds: strong VRM, DDR5 support, and fast NVMe storage options. It is a smart pick for gamers and creators who want reliable performance without paying for premium extras, making it a good foundation for a high-performance system that balances features and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this board support 14th Gen Intel CPUs?
Yes, the Z790 Gaming Plus AX supports 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1700 socket.

Does it support DDR5 memory?
Yes, the board is compatible with dual channel DDR5 memory across four DIMM slots.

How many M.2 drives can I install?
The motherboard supports triple NVMe M.2 drives and includes M.2 Thermal Guard to help manage drive temperatures.