Aorus Ultra Durable Z790M AORUS ELITE AX ICE Gaming Desktop Motherboard - Intel Z790 Chipset - Socket LGA-1700 - Micro ATX

The Aorus Ultra Durable Z790M AORUS ELITE AX ICE motherboard is engineered to unleash the full potential of Intel’s 14th generation processors. Built around the robust Z790 chipset and a compact Micro ATX footprint, this board blends flagship performance with a smart, space-efficient design. From power delivery to cooling and connectivity, it’s crafted for gamers and creators who demand reliability under long gaming sessions and heavyweight workloads. The ICE cooling concept, combined with a state-of-the-art digital power design, ensures thermal efficiency and rock-solid stability so you can push clocks, tune memory, and run demanding configurations without hesitation. This motherboard isn’t just about speed; it’s about keeping the system cool, stable, and responsive so you can focus on your gameplay or workflow.

• Advanced power design for Intel 14th Gen: A robust digital power delivery system paired with high-quality components ensures clean, stable power to the CPU even during peak loads. This translates to stronger overclocking headroom, consistent performance, and reduced thermal throttling during intense gaming marathons or rendering sessions. With dedicated power stages and engineered layouts, the Z790M AORUS ELITE AX ICE keeps voltage droop to a minimum and response times sharp, giving you dependable performance when it matters most.
• ICE cooling technology for peak performance: The ICE (Integrated Cooling Engine) approach combines premium thermal solutions and smart heat dissipation pathways to manage the heat generated by high-power CPUs and PCIe devices. Large heat sinks, thoughtfully routed heat conduits, and optimized airflow paths work together to keep critical components cooler under load. The result is sustained performance, quieter operation, and longer component life even in sustained gaming sessions or demanding workloads.
• Next-generation connectivity for faster, smarter networking: Built-in high-speed connectivity includes modern wireless and wired options designed for online gaming, streaming, and content creation. Expect Wi-Fi 6E support along with robust wired networking and essential USB connectivity for peripherals, game controllers, external storage, and more. This combination minimizes latency, stabilizes downloads, and provides flexible options for network configurations in any gaming or workstation setup.
• PCIe 5.0 readiness and expansive storage options: The motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards and NVMe storage, enabling blazing-fast data transfer and future-proof expansion. With multiple M.2 slots and PCIe slots, you can install high-speed NVMe drives for the OS and games, plus additional PCIe devices such as GPUs, sound cards, or capture hardware. The design emphasizes bandwidth prioritization and thermal management so performance remains consistent as you add devices.
• User-centric design and durability: The ELITE AX ICE is built with premium materials and thoughtful engineering to deliver durability and ease of use. Features such as a reinforced PCIe slot design, high-quality capacitors, and a well-organized layout simplify installation and maintenance. The BIOS and bundled software provide intuitive tuning options for enthusiasts who want to optimize performance, monitor system health, and customize lighting and behavior without a steep learning curve.

Technical Details of Aorus Ultra Durable Z790M AORUS ELITE AX ICE Gaming Desktop Motherboard

• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Socket: LGA 1700
• Form Factor: Micro ATX
• Memory Support: DDR5 memory with optimized profiles for speed and stability
• Networking: Integrated wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 6E AX) and standard wired networking options; Bluetooth support included
• Storage Innovation: Multiple M.2/NVMe storage expansion with PCIe support for high-speed SSDs
• Expansion: PCIe expansion slots to accommodate modern GPUs, add-on cards, and peripherals
• Cooling and Durability: Premium cooling solutions and durable components designed for long life under heavy use

How to install Aorus Ultra Durable Z790M AORUS ELITE AX ICE Gaming Desktop Motherboard

• Step 1: Prepare your case, gather the case standoffs, screws, and the necessary tools. Ensure you have a compatible CPU cooler and memory modules ready for installation.
• Step 2: Install the CPU into the LGA 1700 socket, aligning the notches correctly. Secure the locking mechanism and apply a small amount of thermal paste if your cooler does not come with pre-applied paste.
• Step 3: Install the memory modules into the appropriate DDR5 slots. Use the recommended slots for dual-channel configurations and enable XMP profiles in the BIOS later for optimal memory performance.
• Step 4: Mount the motherboard into the case using the correct standoffs. Connect the 24-pin ATX power connector and the CPU power connector(s) from the power supply to the motherboard, ensuring solid, snug connections.
• Step 5: Install storage drives (M.2/NVMe) into the designated slots, securing with screws. Install any discrete PCIe devices, such as a graphics card or sound card, into their proper slots and tighten the retention screws.
• Step 6: Connect case fans and the CPU cooler, paying attention to fan headers and a fan controller if included. Wire the BIOS/UEFI jumper if you’re updating or customizing boot options.
• Step 7: Power on the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI to configure fundamental settings. Enable XMP for memory, ensure the CPU multiplier and voltage are within safe ranges, and update to the latest BIOS if available.
• Step 8: Install the operating system, drivers, and utilities. Install chipset, audio, LAN, and wireless drivers from the official Gigabyte/AORUS software package or the motherboard’s support page. Run system stability tests to confirm temperatures and performance are within expected ranges.
• Step 9: Customize fans, power profiles, and LED lighting to fit your preferences. Save a profile for gaming scenarios and another for idle or intensive workloads if your motherboard supports multiple profiles.
• Step 10: Regularly check for BIOS updates and driver updates to maintain compatibility with new games and software, ensuring that your system remains secure and optimized for performance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What CPUs are supported by this motherboard?
  A: The Aorus Ultra Durable Z790M AORUS ELITE AX ICE is designed for Intel’s 14th generation processors that use the LGA 1700 socket. Always verify CPU compatibility on the official product page or motherboard manual before purchase.
• Q: Does this board support DDR5 memory?
  A: Yes, the board is built to support DDR5 memory modules with optimized profiles for performance and stability. Enabling XMP in the BIOS can help you achieve higher memory speeds.
• Q: What kind of networking options does it offer?
  A: The board includes built-in wireless connectivity (Wi‑Fi 6E AX) along with standard wired networking options and Bluetooth support, providing flexible options for online gaming, streaming, and file transfer.
• Q: How many PCIe slots and M.2 slots are available?
  A: The Z790M AORUS ELITE AX ICE provides multiple PCIe expansion slots and M.2 NVMe slots for fast storage and expansion cards, designed to maximize bandwidth and improve overall system performance.
• Q: Is this motherboard suitable for gaming and content creation?
  A: Absolutely. Its robust power design, advanced cooling, and versatile connectivity are tailored to high-end gaming and demanding content creation workloads, ensuring stable performance under sustained load.