OPEN BOX - GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Elite AX DDR4 (LGA 1700/ Intel Z790/ ATX/ DDR4/ Quad M.2/ PCIe 5.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/Intel Wi-Fi 6E/ 2.5GbE LAN/Q-Flash Plus/EZ-Latch Plus/Gaming Motherboard)

I recently rebuilt my system with an Z790 AORUS Master and i7-14700KF. It's been great after flashing the BIOS to work with a 14th gen processor--Q Flash+ works fine. I decided to upgrade my wife's PC (she's not a power user) with the same CPU on a Z790 AORUS Elite AX DDR4, re-using the DRAM from my previous machine. Installed only the CPU, 1 DRAM, and a video card, system would not POST/boot, ending with a VGA fault light and no video. Flashed the BIOS to the latest version, same result. Used 3 different video cards, 3 PSUs, different DRAM, same result. Gigabyte tech support agreed that it was either the board or the CPU and suggested I return the board. Amazon replaced it immediately and...same problem. So I replaced the CPU, this time with the i7-14700K (not KF) to eliminate the video card during troubleshooting. Same problems, and it stumped the Gigabyte tech support as well. I've returned it and will use a different model and DDR5 memory. My suspicion: this is probably a good board, but the latest BIOS (F10) don't seem to work with 14th generation processors. Your results may vary. I've built dozens of systems over the years for personal use, business use (coding), friends, family and some small businesses. Never had this much trouble. Gigabyte tech support, once you finally get off hold, was excellent; the negative results were not their fault.

This motherboard was easier to install than some other comparable models I have worked with. It includes a large heat shield over the M.2 ports next to the PCIe, which is good for large GPUs. The USB-C port on the IO panel is a nice bonus. I have not used the WiFi feature yet, but the magnetic antenna it comes with is very easy to position on the case exterior and looks good. I would definitely get this board again, or suggest it to a friend.

I have my 13th gen overclocked to 5.5ghz pcores and 4.3ghz ecores and it was easy. It has been stressed tested and it's stable. This mobo is worth the money!

I upgraded from a B660 motherboard to the Z790, because this was a great Warehouse Deal, and I am upgrading my CPU in the near future (come on Prime days!!). It fits like a glove, and it was, as far as I can see, never been opened, brand new. The savings were substantial and that already put me in a great mood. What do I not like about the board? Placement of the PWM fan headers could be better spread over the board. What do I like? Well, it is compatible with the LGA1700 Intel chips, and moving the CPU from one motherboard onto this one was a breeze. Because the board is bigger (full ATX) it fit my case snugly, there is still room to poke cables through and overall the cable management was easy. Except for one fan (exhaust) that sits way far from the fan headers, but it is what it is, and luckily I have extension cables. The manual is online, I did not find one in the box, and I printed off the page where I would connect the cables. Worked out perfectly fine. Some tight spots and I would really recommend, if this is the first time, to review some build videos either on Amazon or YouTube. I needed to order some extra motherboard mounting screws and PCI slot covers since the motherboard is larger and the video card is one slot lower. The software that came with the board is fantastic. GCC (management software) is to the point and is great in setting fan curves and setting the motherboard up the way you want it. XMP profiles are new to me, so I have not even attempted to overclock at this moment. Great motherboard and great prices, they go hand in hand. A worthy upgrade!!

Finally said goodbye to all HDD with this MB