Intel Z790 yonga setini temel alan Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 anakartının incelemesi

When looking at the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 motherboard, it's important to note a few key features. Despite its belonging to the Aorus line, it is not a flagship and is relatively affordable. One of the interesting aspects is the presence of WiFi 7 support. The motherboard is designed to support the next generation of Intel processors, and it is important to note that the new generation of Core processors will be fully compatible with previously released Intel Z690/790 based motherboards, you just need to update the BIOS.

The Z790 chipset provides 38 high-speed HSIO (High Speed In Out) ports. There is also support for up to 5 integrated USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (up to 20 Gb/s), however, each of them requires support from two USB 3.2 Gen2, whether from the Z790 or third-party hubs.

The 12th and 13th generations of processors have PCIe 5.0 support with 16 lanes (used for PCIe x16 slots) and 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes directed to the M.2 slot, which receives data directly from the processor. As for memory, the 13th generation, like the 12th, is capable of working with both DDR5 and DDR4. The next generation of Intel processors in this regard is no different from those mentioned above.

The software is not supplied (you still need to download the latest versions from the manufacturer's website).

The “plug” for the rear panel with connectors is already mounted on the board itself.

The ATX form factor has dimensions up to 305x244 mm, and E-ATX — up to 305x330 mm. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 motherboard has dimensions of 305x244 mm, therefore it is made in the ATX form factor, and it has 9 mounting holes for installation in the case.

Traditional table with a list of functional features.

In the context of the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 motherboard, support for DDR5 memory up to 5600 MHz is formally provided. However, motherboard manufacturers actively advertise the ability to use frequencies up to 7000 MHz and higher through XMP profiles. This board has confirmed support for frequencies up to 7600 MHz.

Intel Core processors compatible with the LGA1700 socket and supported by the Z790 have 20 I/O lanes (16 PCIe 5.0 and 4 PCIe 4.0). They do not include USB and SATA ports. Interaction with the Z790 occurs through a special Digital Media Interface 4.0 (DMI 4.0 x8) channel. All PCIe lines of the processor go to PCIe expansion slots and the M.2 port. Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) is used to interface with the UEFI/BIOS system, and the Low Pin Count (LPC) bus provides communication with I/O devices that do not require high bandwidth (for example, fan controllers, TPMs, legacy peripherals).

The Z790 chipset, in turn, supports a total of 38 I/O lines, which can be distributed as follows:

— Up to 14 USB ports (including up to 5 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports, 10 USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, up to 10 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, up to 14 USB 2.0 ports. USB 2.0 lanes can also be used to support 3.2 ports. Each USB 3.2 Gen2x2 port requires support from two USB 3.2 Gen2);
— Up to 8 SATA 6Gb/s ports;
— Up to 28 PCIe lanes (8 version 3.0 and 20 version 4.0).

Once again, we must remind you that the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 supports Intel Core processors of the 12/13th and next generations, made for the LGA1700 socket.

To install memory modules, the Gigabyte board has four DIMM slots (for memory to work in Dual Channel, if only 2 modules are used, they should be installed in A2 and B2.

The board supports unbuffered DDR5 memory (non-ECC), and the maximum memory capacity is 192 GB.

The DIMM slots do not have a metal frame that prevents deformation of the slots and the printed circuit board when installing memory modules, but the conductors to the RAM are carefully shielded and protected from electromagnetic interference.

Above, we examined the potential capabilities of the Z790+Core tandem, and now let’s see what of this and how it is implemented in this motherboard.

On the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 motherboard, in the context of PCIe lane allocation, the following configuration:

— PCIe x16_2 slot: 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes;
— PCIe x16_3 slot: 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes;
— SATA_4/5/6/7 ports: 4 PCIe 3.0 lines;
— M.2 slot (M2Q_SB): 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes;
— M.2 slot (M2P_SB): 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes;
— Switch: either M.2 slot (M2M_SB) (4 PCIe 4.0 lanes) or SATA_2/3 ports (2 PCIe 4.0 lanes) (maximum 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes in total);
— Intel i225-V (Ethernet 2.5Gb/s): 1 PCIe 3.0 line;
— MediaTek MT7927 WIFI/BT (wireless interface): 1 PCIe 3.0 line.

Thus, 26 PCIe lanes were allocated (20 PCIe 4.0 lanes and 6 PCIe 3.0 lanes). Communication with audio codecs of the Realtek RTL408x level passes through USB 2.0, and with codecs of the RTL1220 level and below — through HDA (PCI bus emulation), as a result of which the USB 2.0 line is not consumed. However, one USB 2.0 line is consumed for BT support, and 2 GL850G controllers use USB 2.0 signal lines for their needs.

As for the processor, it has only 20 PCIe lanes. 4 of them, PCIe 4.0 versions, are allocated to the M.2 port (M2A_CPU). The remaining 16 PCIe 5.0 lanes go to the PCIe x16_1 slot.

The PCIe x16_1 slot on the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 motherboard has additional reinforcement and provides effective protection against electromagnetic interference. Its “armor” is made of zinc alloy, rubber inserts protect the video card from scratches. All this is secured with a rigid metal insert on the back of the board.

The remaining two PCIe x16 slots, although they have a physical x16 form factor, actually use only 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes each. They are connected to the Z790 chipset and operate in x4 modes.

For convenient removal of video cards from the slot, there is a special elongated “tail” on the PCIe x16_1 lock, because sometimes it is inconvenient to reach the usual “tail” of the slot, where you need to press the latch to unlock the card in the slot: after all, as a rule, above the first PCIe slot there is M. Slot 2 has a high heatsink, and you can’t even reach the latch with your finger.

The motherboard allows you to mount a CO of any size.

The board is a mid-budget solution, so there is no external clock generator or PCIe 4.0/5.0 signal amplifiers (re-drivers).

Next up are storage devices.

In total, the board has 6 Serial ATA 6 Gb/s connectors + 4 slots for drives in the M.2 form factor. All SATA 2,3,4,5,6,7 ports are implemented via the Z790 chipset and support RAID creation.

At the same time, 2 SATA 2/3 ports share resources with one of the M.2 slots, so let's move on to the latter.

The motherboard has 4 M.2 form factor slots.

The second, third and fourth M.2 slots (M2Q_SB, M2P_SB, M2M_SB) receive data from the Z790 chipset, and the first M2A_CPU receives data from the CPU, receiving from the PCIe 4.0 processor.

And only M2M_SB supports modules with any interface, and all others work with modules only with a PCIe interface. The M2M_SB slot shares resources with two SATA ports: 2 and 3. For this purpose, a multiplexer from Diodes Inc. is installed on the motherboard.

All M.2 slots support modules with sizes 2280 and 22110. And M2A_CPU also has mounts for modules with sizes 2242/2260.

All M.2 can be configured with RAID. Of particular note is the way M.2 drives are secured in the slots using twist locks mounted on the stands, which eliminates the need for those very small screws.

All M.2 slots have heatsinks. The top M2A_CPU has a separate heatsink (it is very conveniently made — on latches, no screws are required), while, like the rest, all M.2 slots have a common heatsink.

Now comes USB ports and other I/O. And let's start with the back panel, where most of them are located.

Let's repeat: the Z790 chipset is capable of implementing no more than 14 USB ports, of which there can be up to 10 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, up to 10 USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, up to 5 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports, and/or up to 14 USB 2.0 ports.

We also remember about 28 PCIe lanes, which are used to support drives, network and other controllers (I have already shown above what and how 26 out of 28 lines are spent).

So what do we have? There are a total of 17 USB ports on the motherboard:

• 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 port: implemented using the Z790 and represented by a Type-C port on the rear panel;
• 3 USB 3.2 Gen2 ports: all implemented via the Z790, and 2 are represented on the rear panel by Type-A ports (red); 1 more is represented by an internal Type-C port

• (for connection to the corresponding connector on the front panel of the case);
• 5 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports: all implemented via Z790 and 2 are represented by an internal connector on the motherboard for 2 ports;

• 3 more are represented on the rear panel by Type-A ports (blue);
• 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports: 4 implemented via Genesys Logic GL850G controller

(it uses 1 USB 2.0 line from the Z790) and is represented by two internal connectors (each with 2 ports);

4 more are implemented through the second Genesys Logic GL850G controller

• (1 USB 2.0 line from the Z790 was spent on it) and are presented on the rear panel with Type-A ports (black).

Thus, we have 3 controllers using USB lines from the Z790:

• Genesys Logic GL850G (4 USB 2.0 via 2 internal connectors) ( 1 USB 2.0 line );
• Genesys Logic GL850G (4 USB 2.0 via 4 Type-A ports) ( 1 USB 2.0 line );
• Bluetooth (MT7927) ( 1 USB 2.0 line).

So, high-speed USB ports are implemented through the Z790 chipset:

• 1 dedicated USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (does not count, because it came from other HSIOs);
• + 3 dedicated USB 3.2 Gen2
• + 5 dedicated USB 3.2 Gen1
• + 2 USB 3.2 Gen2 to provide USB 3.2 Gen2x2

= 10 high speed ports . Don't forget that every high-speed USB port is equipped with a USB 2.0 port, that is, 10 USB 2.0 ports are already occupied. Plus 3 USB 2.0 ports to provide controllers. A total of 13 USB ports are implemented .

Well, 26 PCIe lanes allocated to support other peripherals.

In total, the Z790 in this case has 36 high-speed ports out of 38 .

All fast USB Type-C ports are equipped with re-drivers that provide a stable voltage that can ensure fast charging of mobile gadgets through them.

Now about networking matters.

The motherboard is equipped with communication facilities very well. There is a high-speed Intel i225-V Ethernet controller capable of operating according to the 2.5 Gbit/s standard.

And for the first time we see a comprehensive wireless adapter on the MediaTek MT7927 controller, through which Wi-Fi 7 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be) and Bluetooth 5.3 are implemented, WiFi 802.11be 320 MHz mode is supported. The adapter is installed in the M.2 (E-key) slot, and its connectors for screwing in external antennas are located on the rear panel. The presence of such a new controller is the main “highlight” of this motherboard.

The plug, traditionally placed on the back panel, in this case is already put on and is shielded from the inside to reduce electromagnetic interference.

We know that for quite a long time in most modern motherboards the sound was controlled by the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec. In general, it provides audio output in schemes up to 7.1 with a resolution of up to 24 bits / 192 kHz. We have already seen the ALC4082 from the same manufacturer with improved 32-bit / 384 kHz performance. However, in this case we see a return to the previous ALC1220, and the output circuit has been simplified to 5.1. The chip itself is covered with a metal cover.

The VCCIO unit has its own two-phase power supply circuit (with Om Semi mosfets, up to 60 A), controlled by an MP2940A PWM controller (Monolithic Power Systems).

Now about cooling.

All potentially very hot elements have their own heat sinks.

As we can see, the cooling of the chipset (one radiator) is organized separately from the power converters. The VRM section has its own two radiators connected by a heat pipe at a right angle.

As I mentioned earlier, M.2 slots also have heatsinks: the top one has its own personal heatsink, the rest have a common one.

The motherboard does not have a backplate or a protective plate on the reverse side.

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 motherboard is illuminated through four LEDs located under the chipset heatsink. This backlight can be controlled via Gigabyte Control Center software. Some case manufacturers have certified their products to be pre-lit and compatible with software from leading motherboard manufacturers, including Gigabyte. The user always has the option to turn off the backlight through software or in the BIOS if this is necessary or not desired.

Control is carried out using the RGB Fusion utility already built into the Gigabyte Control Center.

All software can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website Gigabyte.com.

We again meet with the universal Gigabyte Control Center program, which incorporates all the utilities previously released separately by this company.

You can configure the operation of the board not only by frequencies or voltages, but also by regulating the operation of fans, and also by monitoring the status of installed SSD drives.

The downside is that this software is somewhat crude: GCC (even the latest version) may not work correctly on some modern motherboards, which manifests itself in inactive menu items or incorrect status monitoring information.

All modern boards now have UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which are essentially operating systems in miniature. To enter the settings when booting the PC, you traditionally need to press the Del or F2 key.

We find ourselves in the general “simple” menu, which has been greatly updated. And if previously there was essentially only information here, now you can control some functions without going to the “advanced” menu. Of course, the latter is needed for equally “advanced” users.

Peripheral management. In this section, you can control everything that the motherboard is equipped with, but you cannot control every USB port (apparently, the level of this board is not good enough for such a luxury -).

Particular attention should be paid in the section on managing M.2 and PCIe slots.

Monitoring and boot menu options are well known to everyone.

There is also a Smart Fan 6 utility for configuring the fan slots.

For overclocking, there are essentially standard options within the framework of what Core processors and DDR5 RAM support.

There are few options, as it should be in a mid-budget series, however, for modern top-end processors, many options are useless, because the processor itself already operates at greatly increased frequencies (using Intel TurboBoost, etc.).

Gigabyte now has PerfDrive technology — intelligently determining the maximum possible operating frequencies of processor cores; there are different operating modes. It is also possible to automatically select the maximum possible operating frequencies for a given set of memory modules.

Test system configuration

Full test system configuration :

• Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 motherboard;
• Intel Core i9-13900K processor 4.5-5.8 GHz;
• RAM TeamGroup T-Force Delta RGB 32 GB (2×16) DDR5 (CL36-46-46-84) (XMP 7600 MHz);
• SSD drive Gigabyte Aorus Gen4 SSD 500 GB (GP-AG4500G) ;
• Palit GeForce RTX 3050 StormX video card ;
• power supply Super Flower Leadex Platinum 2000W (2000 W);
• LSS Sapphire Nitro+ S360-A AIO CPU Cooler ;
• TV LG 55Nano956 (55″ 8K HDR);
• Logitech keyboard and mouse.

Software:

• operating system Windows 11 Pro, 64-bit
• AIDA 64 Extreme
• 3DMark Time Spy CPU benchmark
• 3DMark Fire Strike Physics benchmark
• 3DMark Night Raid CPU benchmark
• HWInfo64
• OCCT v.12.0.14
• Adobe Premiere CS 2019 

We launch everything in default mode (MCE is in automatic mode). Then we load it with tests.

The system configuration based on the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 motherboard, using auto-overclocking mode, demonstrated a frequency of 5 to 5.5 GHz for P-cores and 4.3 GHz for E-cores. The P cores, referred to as Performance, are conventional cores with two threads, while the E cores (Efficient) are energy-efficient cores with a single thread.

The system, having detected the powerful power supply of the motherboard, automatically set significant frequencies, although flagship motherboards can support even higher frequencies by default, reaching, for example, 5.5 GHz for all P-cores. However, all heating parameters of the components remained within normal limits, and CPU consumption was about 209 W.

It's important to note that the motherboard supports DDR5 memory up to 8266 MHz, which is impressive and requires a next-gen processor with an improved memory controller. The BIOS also contains a DDR5 XMP Booster utility, which allows you to analyze installed memory chips, setting higher frequencies to improve performance. In the future, it is planned to use artificial intelligence and neural networks to create similar automatic settings.

The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WiFi7 motherboard is a product of a top sub-brand and is based on the high-performance Intel Z790 chipset, providing wide functionality at a relatively affordable price, which is expected to be about 30 thousand rubles. The board has 17 USB ports of various standards, including three high-speed USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, as well as one USB 3.2 Gen2×2 Type-C port. There are also three PCIe x16 slots, one of which receives 16 PCIe version 5.0 lanes from the processor, while the other two slots operate in x4 mode and are connected to the Z790 chipset.

As for data storage, the board has 4 M.2 slots: one of them is directly connected to the processor via PCIe 4.0 lines, and the other three are connected to the chipset also via PCIe 4.0 (the last slot shares resources with two SATA ports). 6 SATA ports are also provided for data storage. The processor power supply provides sufficient power to run compatible processors, with additional resources for overclocking.

The board is equipped with an effective cooling system that covers all heating elements, including devices in M.2 slots. In the area of networking capabilities, it includes a fast wired controller with support for 2.5 Gbps and the latest wireless standard (Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.3). There are also possibilities for connecting additional lighting in the form of ARGB/RGB devices.