GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS PRO AX motherboard review powerful features for gaming enthusiasts

Description

A Solid Gaming Foundation with the GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS PRO AX

Testing the GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS PRO AX, I quickly realized why this motherboard is such a popular choice among PC enthusiasts. Designed to support 11th and 10th Gen Intel Core Series Processors, it offers a robust platform for gaming, content creation, and multitasking. I paired it with an Intel Core i7 processor, and it performed beautifully, but there are a few nuances worth noting.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my eye was the sleek and premium design. With its Fins-Array II Heatsink and Direct Touch Heatpipe II, it not only looks futuristic but keeps temperatures in check. Even during intense gaming sessions, the thermal performance was impressive. The RGB Fusion 2.0 lighting adds a customizable flair, allowing me to sync the motherboard’s aesthetics with the rest of my setup. That said, if you’re into minimalist setups, the multi-zone LED light show might feel over the top.

The motherboard’s 13.18 x 10.62 x 3.14-inch dimensions fit perfectly into my mid-tower case, leaving plenty of room for cable management. However, at 4.44 pounds, it’s slightly heavier than some competitors, so ensure your case and mounting points can handle the weight.

Performance and Features

Performance-wise, this motherboard is a beast. The Direct 12+1 Phases Digital VRM Solution with 90A Smart Power Stage delivers smooth and stable power, which was evident when I pushed my CPU to its limits. Overclocking was almost effortless, thanks to the board’s smart power delivery system. It also supports Intel Optane Memory, which I utilized to accelerate my hard drive, and the difference in loading times was noticeable.

With dual-channel DDR4 memory support across four DIMM slots, I installed 32GB of RAM running at 3200 MHz. The Shielded Memory Routing ensures interference is minimized, which is a crucial feature if you’re working with high-speed memory. For those looking to upgrade their RAM in the future, this motherboard offers plenty of headroom.

The inclusion of Intel WiFi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN adds versatility for networking. I tested the LAN connection while downloading large files, and the speeds were consistently reliable. On the wireless side, the AORUS antenna gave me excellent coverage, even in a house with multiple walls between the router and my setup.

Storage and Expansion Options

Triple NVMe PCIe 4.0/3.0 x4 M.2 slots offer blazing-fast storage potential. I installed a single PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, and the read/write speeds were nothing short of impressive. Each M.2 slot comes with Thermal Guards II, which kept the drives cool even under heavy workloads.

The board also features USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C, which is a game-changer for transferring large files. It’s perfect for creators who need to move data quickly between devices. However, with only two USB 2.0 ports, I had to use a hub to connect my older peripherals. That’s something to consider if you rely on multiple USB accessories.

Key Benefits

• Advanced cooling solution with Fins-Array II Heatsink and Thermal Guard II.
• Support for 11th and 10th Gen Intel processors, catering to a wide range of users.
• Triple PCIe 4.0/3.0 M.2 slots for ultra-fast storage.
• RGB Fusion 2.0 for customizable lighting.
• Intel WiFi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN for versatile networking options.

Caveats

• Limited USB 2.0 ports, which might be inconvenient for users with older peripherals.
• At 4.44 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, which could be an issue for compact cases.
• The RGB lighting options might not appeal to fans of understated setups.

Product Rivals

Comparing this to competitors like the ASUS ROG Strix Z590-E and the MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WiFi, each has its strengths. The ASUS board excels with its AI overclocking and cooling features, but it doesn’t feel as thermally efficient under heavy loads. MSI’s offering, on the other hand, has a more gamer-focused aesthetic but lacks the refined power delivery system of this motherboard.

Where the GIGABYTE Z590 AORUS PRO AX stands out is its thermal design and M.2 support. The Thermal Guards II are a game-changer for keeping storage drives cool, and its 90A Smart Power Stage ensures stellar overclocking performance. Still, the ASUS board edges it out slightly in terms of software features.

Quality for Price

Evaluating the price-to-performance ratio, this motherboard delivers excellent value, especially for gamers and creators who push their systems to the limit. While it might not be the cheapest option, the inclusion of cutting-edge features like PCIe 4.0, advanced thermal solutions, and WiFi 6 makes it a worthy investment. If you’re looking for a motherboard that balances performance, aesthetics, and future-proofing, this is a strong contender.

Additional information