GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Xtreme Motherboard: A High-End Option with Impressive Features
Motherboard manufacturers have continually pushed the boundaries of high-end motherboards, offering striking designs and a plethora of the latest features. The GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Xtreme is a prime example of this trend, standing as the direct successor to the Z690 Aorus Xtreme. With support for DDR5-8000 memory, dual Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, and enhanced connectivity options, this motherboard is designed for Intel's 13th and 12th generation Core series processors, epitomizing leading-edge performance.
Premium Feature Set and Design
The Z790 Aorus Xtreme is packed with premium features including PCIe 5.0 support, native USB 3.2 G2x2 connectivity, and an impressive array of USB 3.2 G2 Type-A ports. This motherboard is tailored for users seeking the best in design and technology. Although it comes with a high price tag, GIGABYTE's consistent delivery of value and solid performance levels across both AMD and Intel chipsets makes it an appealing option.
Detailed Overview of GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Xtreme
GIGABYTE offers a diverse selection of Z790/LGA1700 motherboards catering to various user needs. The Z790 Aorus Xtreme is designed for gamers and tech enthusiasts, consolidating top features and controller sets. This motherboard features a large E-ATX-sized PCB, allowing for the integration of more controllers and features. It's predominantly covered by Aorus-inspired armor, including a large metal chipset and PCIe armor cover, and a 2.8-inch digital LCD monitor on the rear panel cover displaying real-time system information.
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Unique Features and Cable Management
The Z790 Aorus Xtreme stands out with its right-angled headers, connectors, and power inputs around the board's edges, facilitating easier cable management for a clutter-free look. Additionally, PCIe and M.2 EZ-latches make installation and re-installation of drives straightforward. The board also boasts five M.2 slots and four right-angled SATA ports, supporting various RAID arrays.
Impressive Power Delivery and VRM Thermals
GIGABYTE has equipped the Z790 Aorus Xtreme with a 20+1-phase design and premium components, featuring Renesas smart power stages and a PWM controller. A large pair of heatsinks connected by an 8mm thick heat pipe with a nanocarbon-coated fin array ensures optimal cooling. The nanocarbon coating on the fins reportedly reduces VRM temperatures by up to 10%, indicating that thermal dissipation should be efficient.
Market Positioning and Price Considerations
Flagship motherboards like the GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Xtreme generally come with a higher price than mid-range options. Despite this, the inclusion of premium controllers and additional features offsets the cost. At its launch, the Z790 Aorus Xtreme was priced at $800, which is competitive considering its feature set and the pricing of other flagship models from competitors.
Conclusion: A High-End Option for Demanding Users
The GIGABYTE Z790 Aorus Xtreme is a top-tier motherboard offering an impressive array of features and performance capabilities. Its design, power delivery, and advanced features make it a compelling option for users looking for a high-end motherboard to support Intel's latest processors. While the price is substantial, the value provided by the extensive feature set and solid performance justifies the investment for users seeking the best in motherboard technology.
