Introduction
The Z790 AORUS MASTER X is a premium motherboard designed for high-performance gaming and content creation. Built on Intel’s Z790 chipset, it boasts advanced features that cater to overclocking enthusiasts and gamers alike. But does it truly stand out as the ultimate gaming motherboard? Let's dive in.
Key Features
Power Delivery
20+1+2 VRM power phase design
105A Smart Power Stages
Durable capacitors and chokes for stability
Cooling System
Enlarged heatsinks with direct-touch heat pipes
Multiple fan headers with smart fan controls
Dedicated water pump support
PCIe Slots
PCIe 5.0 x16 for GPUs
Multiple PCIe 4.0 x4 slots for expansion
Performance
Benchmark Results
In synthetic benchmarks, the Z790 AORUS MASTER X delivers impressive scores, rivaling top-tier motherboards from ASUS and MSI.
Gaming Experience
Faster frame rates due to optimized memory support
Low latency networking for competitive gaming
BIOS Overclocking
BIOS Interface
User-friendly UEFI BIOS with an intuitive layout
AI-driven overclocking suggestions
Overclocking Potential
Supports DDR5 up to 8000MHz
Robust VRMs ensure stable CPU overclocks
Connectivity Expansion
USB Ports
Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports
Thunderbolt 4 support
Networking
Intel 2.5GbE LAN
WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3
Storage Options
4x M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots
6x SATA III ports
Build Quality Design
Reinforced PCIe slots for heavy GPUs
RGB Fusion 2.0 for customizable lighting
Premium alloy heatsinks for durability
Comparison with Competitors
Feature | Z790 AORUS MASTER X | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 | MSI MEG Z790 |
Power Phases | 20+1+2 | 18+2 | 19+1 |
Memory Support | DDR5 8000MHz | DDR5 7800MHz | DDR5 7600MHz |
Networking | 2.5GbE + WiFi 7 | 10GbE + WiFi 6E | 2.5GbE + WiFi 6E |
Pros Cons
Pros
✔️ Powerful VRMs for stable overclocking
✔️ High-speed DDR5 support
✔️ Multiple M.2 slots for fast storage
✔️ Robust cooling solution
Cons
❌ Expensive compared to rivals
❌ Limited PCIe 5.0 lanes for SSDs
❌ Requires high-end cooling for overclocking
Conclusion
The Z790 AORUS MASTER X is a powerhouse motherboards built for gamers and enthusiasts. While it comes at a premium price, its advanced features, robust power delivery, and high-speed connectivity make it a top-tier choice. If you're looking for the ultimate gaming motherboard, this might just be it.
FAQs
1. Does the Z790 AORUS MASTER X support DDR4 RAM?
No, it only supports DDR5 memory modules.
2. Is the motherboard good for overclocking?
Yes, with its powerful VRMs and robust cooling, it's an excellent choice for overclockers.
3. Does it support WiFi 7?
Yes, it comes with built-in WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3.
4. How many M.2 slots are available?
It features four M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots for high-speed storage.
5. Can I use this motherboard for a workstation?
Yes, it offers excellent performance for both gaming and content creation.
6. Is it compatible with Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPUs?
Yes, the motherboard is designed for both Intel 13th and 14th Gen processors.