gigabyte z790 gaming x ax manual

Welcome to the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX manual. This guide helps users understand the features and capabilities of their motherboard. Designed for Intel’s 14th Gen processors, it offers robust performance, advanced overclocking options, and premium connectivity. Whether you’re a novice or an enthusiast, this manual ensures optimal setup and utilization of your board.

Key Features

The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is designed for Intel’s 14th Gen processors, offering robust power delivery and high-quality audio. With extensive connectivity options, including multiple USB ports and storage solutions, it appeals to both gamers and enthusiasts. Featuring durable components, customizable RGB lighting, and advanced cooling solutions, this motherboard ensures optimal performance and personalization.

2.1. Chipset and Processor Support

The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is built around Intel’s Z790 chipset, designed to support 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh processors. This pairing ensures compatibility with the latest Intel CPUs, offering enhanced performance and features for gaming, content creation, and high-end computing tasks.

The motherboard supports LGA 1700 socket processors, including Core i9, i7, and i5 models, making it versatile for various user needs. With PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory support, it delivers cutting-edge performance and future-proofing for demanding applications.

The Z790 chipset enables advanced overclocking capabilities, allowing users to push their CPUs and memory to extreme limits. Features like Intel’s Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Hyper-Threading are fully supported, ensuring optimal multitasking and multithreaded performance.

Gigabyte has optimized the power delivery system to handle the increased power requirements of 14th Gen processors. This ensures stable operation during intense workloads, making it ideal for overclocking enthusiasts and professionals seeking reliable performance.

By combining the Z790 chipset with Intel’s latest CPU architecture, the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX offers a robust foundation for high-performance PCs, catering to both gamers and professionals who demand cutting-edge technology and reliability.

2.2. Form Factor and Layout

The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX features a standard ATX form factor, making it compatible with most modern PC cases. Its compact design ensures easy installation while providing ample space for components like graphics cards, RAM, and storage devices.

The motherboard layout is optimized for convenience and performance, with key components like the PCIe slots, M.2 ports, and RAM slots strategically placed for easy access. The PCIe x16 slot supports high-end graphics cards, while dual M.2 slots offer ample storage expansion options.

The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is centrally located and equipped with robust cooling solutions to maintain stable temperatures under heavy workloads. This design ensures reliable performance for both gaming and overclocking applications.

The rear I/O panel is well-organized, featuring a variety of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and high-quality audio jacks. This layout caters to users who need versatile connectivity for peripherals, monitors, and audio equipment.

The PCB is designed with durability in mind, using high-quality materials and an anti-sulfur resistor to prevent damage from moisture and corrosion. The overall layout is user-friendly, making it easier for builders to install and upgrade components.

Additionally, the motherboard incorporates RGB lighting zones, allowing users to customize the aesthetic of their build. This feature, combined with its robust design, makes the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX an excellent choice for both performance and style.

2.3. Power Delivery System

The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is equipped with a robust power delivery system designed to support high-performance computing and overclocking. The motherboard features a 12+1 phase VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) configuration, ensuring stable power distribution to the CPU and other components.

The power delivery system is built with high-quality components, including durable MOSFETs and capacitors, to handle the demands of Intel’s 14th Gen processors. This setup minimizes voltage fluctuations, providing a stable foundation for both gaming and productivity workloads.

The VRM is paired with an advanced cooling system, featuring large heatsinks and heatpipes to maintain optimal temperatures under heavy loads. This ensures consistent performance and prevents thermal throttling during intense tasks like overclocking or running demanding applications.

The motherboard also incorporates smart fan control, allowing users to customize cooling profiles based on system temperatures. This feature helps maintain a balance between performance and noise levels, ensuring efficient cooling without unnecessary fan activity.

Overall, the power delivery system on the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is engineered to deliver reliable and efficient power, making it an excellent choice for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts seeking a stable and high-performance platform.

Installation Guide

Welcome to the installation guide for your Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX motherboard. This section will walk you through the process of setting up your system, ensuring a smooth and successful installation. Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance, so follow the steps carefully to avoid any issues.

3.1. Hardware Installation Steps

Installing the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX motherboard requires careful attention to detail to ensure proper functionality. Start by unpacking the motherboard and preparing your workspace. Ground yourself by touching a grounded metal object or wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent static damage.

Begin by installing the CPU onto the motherboard. Align the CPU with the socket, ensuring the pins on the underside match the socket holes. Gently lower the CPU and secure it using the retention mechanism. Apply a thin layer of thermal paste to the CPU die before installing the cooler.

Mount the motherboard to the chassis using the provided screws. Ensure the stand-offs are correctly placed to match the motherboard’s mounting holes. Secure the motherboard firmly but avoid overtightening, which could damage the board.

Install the memory modules (RAM) into the DIMM slots. Align the notches on the RAM with the tabs on the slot, then gently push the module in until it clicks. For dual-channel configurations, install RAM sticks in matching color-coded slots.

Connect the storage devices, such as SSDs or HDDs, to the M.2 and SATA ports. The Z790 Gaming X AX supports up to four M.2 drives, offering high-speed storage options. Ensure the drives are securely fastened to the chassis.

Install the graphics card into the PCIe x16 slot. Remove any expansion cards from the chassis and align the GPU with the slot. Secure it using screws to prevent movement during operation.

Connect the power supply unit (PSU) to the motherboard and other components. Use the 24-pin ATX connector for the motherboard and the 8-pin EPS connector for the CPU. Connect additional power cables to the GPU and storage devices as needed.

Install the cooling system, including the CPU cooler and case fans. Ensure the cooler is properly seated and connected to the motherboard’s fan headers. Case fans should be connected to the chassis fan headers or a fan controller.

Connect all front panel headers, including the power button, reset button, HDD LED, and USB ports. Refer to the motherboard manual for the correct pinout diagram to avoid incorrect connections.

Finally, double-check all connections and ensure no components are loose. Connect the PSU to a power source and press the power button to test the system. If the system powers on, proceed to the BIOS setup for further configuration.

3.2. BIOS Initial Setup

Accessing and configuring the BIOS on the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is essential for setting up your system. To enter the BIOS, restart your PC and press the designated key (typically F2, DEL, or ESC) during boot. Once inside, you’ll find a user-friendly interface designed to help you configure your system.

Start by navigating to the Main tab to view system information, including the BIOS version, CPU, and memory details. Use the Boot tab to set your preferred boot order, such as prioritizing your SSD or HDD. For faster boot times, enable Fast Boot or Secure Boot if required.

The Performance tab allows you to monitor CPU and memory speeds, while the Advanced tab provides options for tweaking settings like VRM configurations or enabling XMP profiles for RAM overclocking. For most users, the default settings will suffice, but enthusiasts can explore these options for optimization.

Save your changes using the Exit tab. Select Save & Exit to apply your settings and reboot the system. Ensure all hardware is properly connected before making changes. If you’re unsure, refer to the motherboard manual for detailed guidance or reset BIOS to default settings for stability.

The BIOS also includes features like Gigabyte’s Q-Flash Plus for updating the BIOS without installing a CPU or memory. This is useful for future updates to support new processors or enhance compatibility. Always save a backup of your current BIOS version before updating.

After completing the BIOS setup, your system will be ready for operation. Proceed to install your operating system and drivers for full functionality.

Overclocking Guide

The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX supports robust overclocking for CPU and memory. Use the BIOS to adjust voltage, multiplier, and memory timings for optimal performance. Enable XMP profiles for RAM overclocking and monitor stability with built-in tools. Ensure proper cooling and power delivery for sustained overclocking sessions.

4.1. CPU Overclocking

The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX motherboard offers comprehensive CPU overclocking capabilities, enabling users to unlock the full potential of their Intel processors. Designed with enthusiasts in mind, the board supports advanced tuning options through the BIOS and Gigabyte’s proprietary software tools. To begin, ensure your system is equipped with a compatible CPU cooler and power supply to handle increased thermal and power demands.

Access the BIOS to adjust key parameters such as CPU multiplier, core voltage (VCore), and ring voltage. Start with small increments to avoid instability and monitor temperatures using built-in sensors or third-party software. The motherboard also features adaptive voltage tuning, which dynamically adjusts power delivery based on workload demands.

For optimal stability, enable XMP profiles for memory overclocking and ensure proper RAM timings are configured. Gigabyte’s BIOS includes a stress testing utility to validate your settings before applying them. Additionally, the motherboard supports multi-threaded workloads, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity tasks.

Always prioritize system stability during overclocking. Use benchmarking tools like Cinebench or Prime95 to validate your configuration and monitor temperatures closely. If instability occurs, revert to stock settings and incrementally increase parameters until the desired balance between performance and stability is achieved.

Consult the manual for detailed instructions and ensure your cooling solution can handle the increased heat generated during overclocking. With careful tuning, the Z790 Gaming X AX can deliver exceptional performance for even the most demanding applications.

4.2. Memory Overclocking

Gigabyte’s Z790 Gaming X AX motherboard provides robust memory overclocking capabilities, allowing users to push their DDR4 or DDR5 memory modules beyond stock speeds. The board supports Intel’s XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) technology, which simplifies overclocking by enabling pre-configured memory profiles. To access these settings, navigate to the BIOS and select the “Memory” or “Overclocking” tab.

Within the BIOS, you can manually adjust memory-related parameters such as the memory multiplier, voltage (VDimm), and primary and secondary timings. Start with small increments to avoid system instability. For example, increase the memory multiplier gradually while monitoring system stability using stress-testing tools like MemTest86 or AIDA64.

The motherboard also features adaptive voltage tuning, which helps maintain stability during overclocking. Ensure your cooling system can handle the increased heat generated by higher memory speeds. Additionally, enabling the “XMP” profile in the BIOS can automatically configure memory timings and voltages for optimal performance.

Gigabyte’s BIOS includes a stress-testing utility to validate your memory configuration before applying changes. For advanced users, manual tweaking of sub-timings like tCL, tRCD, tRP, and tRAS can further enhance performance. Always save your settings and reboot to test stability in real-world applications.

Consult the manual for detailed instructions on memory overclocking and ensure your RAM modules are compatible with the motherboard’s specifications. With careful tuning, the Z790 Gaming X AX can deliver exceptional memory performance for gaming, content creation, and other high-performance tasks.

Connectivity Options

The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX offers extensive connectivity, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, SATA 6Gb/s ports, HDMI, and DisplayPort for versatile display options. It supports PCIe 5.0 for high-speed storage and peripherals. Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 enable reliable wireless connectivity.

5.1. USB and Storage Ports

The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX motherboard features a comprehensive array of USB and storage ports to cater to diverse connectivity needs. It includes multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, delivering speeds of up to 20 Gbps, as well as USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for backward compatibility. A USB-C port with Power Delivery (PD) support is also available, enabling fast charging and data transfer for modern devices.

For storage, the motherboard supports up to four M.2 slots, accommodating high-speed NVMe SSDs with PCIe 5.0 x4 connectivity. This ensures blazing-fast read and write speeds for demanding applications and workflows. Additionally, six SATA 6Gb/s ports are provided for traditional HDDs or SSDs, offering ample storage expansion options.

The board also incorporates RGB Fusion support, allowing users to customize lighting effects for USB ports and storage devices. Furthermore, the Smart Fan 6 system ensures optimal cooling for connected peripherals and storage drives, maintaining stable performance during intense operations.

With its robust USB and storage solutions, the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is designed to meet the needs of gamers, content creators, and professionals seeking reliable and high-performance connectivity options.