Intel’s 14th generation Core processors or the “Raptor Lake Refresh” is launching today. Being that this is not a new architecture, but rather a refresh it is hard to get real excited about these processors. Motherboard manufacturers know this and are launching brand new motherboards with new features to coincide with the launch of these processors to entice you to upgrade or build a new PC. To be honest when it comes to CPU launches I am always more excited about the motherboards as we get to see technologies for the first time. The board we are taking a look at today is the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WiFi7. This board features a 16+1+2 power phase design, PCI-Express 5.0 graphics, four Gen4 M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, WiFi 7, a unique system for installing M.2 slots and much more! If you are building a new system around a 14th gen processor is this the board to use? Read on as we find out!
Special thanks to Gigabyte for providing us with the Z790 AORUS Elite X WiFi7 Motherboard to review.
Features
– Supports Intel® Core™ 13th and next-gen processors
– Digital twin 16+1+2 phases VRM solution
– Dual Channel DDR5：4*DIMMs with XMP 3.0 memory module support
– PCIe UD Slot X： PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with 10X strength for graphics card
– EZ-Latch Click：M.2 heatsinks with screwless design
– EZ-Latch Plus：M.2 slots with quick release design
– UC BIOS：User-Centred intuitive UX with Quick Access function
– Ultra-Fast Storage：4*PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots
– Efficient Overall Thermal：VRM Thermal Armor Advanced & M.2 Thermal Guard L
– Fast Networking：2.5GbE LAN & Wi-Fi 7 with Ultra-high gain antenna
– Extended Connectivity：DP, HDMI, Front USB-C® 10Gb/s, Rear USB-C® 20Gb/s
– Precision Audio：ALC1220 & Audiophile Grade Capacitors
Packaging
The Z790 AORUS Elite X WiFi7 comes in Gigabyte’s typical motherboard box. On the front there is a large AORUS logo and it lets us know that the board does support Intel’s 14th generation Core processors.
Flipping the box over to the back a handful of the motherboard’s features are detailed, there is a list of specifications and breakdown of the rear I/O ports.
When it comes to accessories with the board all you are going to get us the WiFi / Bluetooth antenna, 2 SATA cables, replacement thermal tape for the M.2 slot, and a G-connector. The G-connector allows you to plug in all of your front panel cables to it, and then easily plug it into the front panel headers on your motherboard.
