GIGABYTE Z490 AORUS PRO-AX Review

WEB: GIGABYTE MSRP: US $269.99 | ZAR TBD | AUTHOR: Neo

 

Z490 AORUS PRO AX

Here it is, the first Z490 based motherboard review from TheOverclocker. Gigabyte’s Z490 AORUS PRO-AX, was not only the first Z490 motherboard received, but happens to be one of the strongest contenders for the value for money throne. Typically, a new platform is evaluated on a high-end board, but this time it’s a mid-level offering. The PRO-AX not only shows the improvements Gigabyte has made, but shows what the 10th Generation Core CPUs can achieve at their best.

Introduction

Similar to the last motherboard reviewed, the PRO-AX brings with it all the basic functionality and a little extra to warrant its pricing. While the Z490 chipset offers near-identical features to the outgoing Z390, the socket does allow future connectivity upgrades. The lack of PCIe 4.0 connectivity has up until now, plagued the Intel ecosystem. With the Z490 chipset, the AORUS PRO-AX is offering a complete platform for today and tomorrow.

Specifications
Socket | CPU LGA 1200 | 10th Gen Core Series CPUs
Chipset Intel Z490
Memory Support 4xDIMM DDR4 2133 – DDR4 5000 (O.C.)
Storage 6x SATA 6Gbps | 3x M.2 (PCIe 3.0 x4)
Audio ALC 1220-VB
Expansion Slots 3x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 | x8 | x4)
Connectivity  Intel I225-V (2.5Gbps) | BT 5.1 | Wi-Fi 6 AX201
Rear Panel I/O 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2-A | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 4x USB 2.0 | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2- C
Total Fan Headers 8x 4-pin (PWM/Voltage)
Power Connectors 1x 24-pin EATX, 2x 8-pin 12V
Form Factor ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm

This specification is as you’d expect. There’s nothing that stands out here save for the DDR 5000 support. Such high-frequency DRAM compatibility is a remarkable feat for any motherboard, let alone a four DIMM model.


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