The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX motherboard stands out as a compelling option for PC builders eyeing AMD’s AM5 platform, delivering a robust feature set and solid performance without the premium price tag often associated with high-end X670E boards.

This motherboard strikes an excellent balance between cutting-edge technology and practical value, making it a strong contender for enthusiasts and gamers looking to leverage the power of Ryzen 7000 series processors.

Its comprehensive power delivery, ample connectivity, and thoughtful design elements cater well to both current and future hardware needs, making it a worthwhile investment for a high-performance system build.

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX is engineered to support the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series desktop processors, offering a platform that embraces DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 connectivity.

This ensures users can tap into the fastest available RAM and storage solutions, future-proofing their build to a significant extent.

With its robust VRM design, it handles even the most demanding CPUs with ease, providing stable power delivery for optimal performance and overclocking potential.

Furthermore, the board’s extensive cooling solutions for M.2 SSDs and the VRM itself underscore Gigabyte’s commitment to sustained performance, preventing thermal throttling during intense workloads.

Product Name	CPU Socket	Memory Type	PCIe Version	Form Factor	Key Feature 1	Key Feature 2
Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX	AM5	DDR5	PCIe 5.0	ATX	Robust 16+2+2 Phase VRM	Wi-Fi 6E & 2.5GbE LAN
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-F Gaming WiFi	AM5	DDR5	PCIe 5.0 GPU & SSD	ATX	PCIe 5.0 x16 slot	AI Networking
MSI MEG X670E ACE	AM5	DDR5	PCIe 5.0 GPU & SSD	E-ATX	Dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots	M.2 XPANDER-Z Gen5 Dual
ASRock X670E Taichi	AM5	DDR5	PCIe 5.0 GPU & SSD	ATX	24+2+1 Power Phase	Killer Wi-Fi 6E
NZXT N7 Z790	LGA 1700	DDR5	PCIe 5.0	ATX	Integrated CAM Smart Device	All-metal cover
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D	AM5	N/A CPU	N/A CPU	N/A CPU	3D V-Cache Technology	Exceptional Gaming Performance
G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000	N/A RAM	DDR5	N/A RAM	DIMM	Optimized for AMD EXPO	RGB Lighting

Table of Contents

Power Delivery and VRM Design

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX boasts a formidable power delivery system, which is crucial for handling the demanding power requirements of AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors, especially under sustained loads or during overclocking. Gigabyte has equipped this board with a 16+2+2 phase digital VRM design. Let’s break down what that means and why it matters:

16 Phases for vCore: These phases are dedicated to the CPU’s core voltage vCore, which is the most critical power rail. A higher number of phases allows for better load balancing, lower operating temperatures for individual components, and more stable power delivery. This translates to greater stability, especially during peak loads or when pushing for higher clock speeds.
2 Phases for SoC: The System on Chip SoC voltage powers integrated components like the memory controller, integrated graphics if present, and PCIe lanes. Stable SoC power is essential for memory stability and overall system performance.
2 Phases for VDDIO/VDD_MISC: These phases typically handle auxiliary voltages for components like the I/O die and other miscellaneous power rails.
Digital VRM Controller: Digital VRM controllers offer more precise voltage regulation and faster response times compared to analog designs. This allows for tighter control over voltage levels, which is crucial for efficient power delivery and reduced ripple, contributing to better overclocking potential and system stability.
90A Power Stages: Each of these phases utilizes 90-amp power stages. This is a significant specification, indicating that each phase can handle a substantial amount of current. When combined with the high phase count, it provides immense headroom for even the most power-hungry Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, like the Ryzen 9 7950X, ensuring they receive clean, stable power.

Benefits of this Robust VRM:

Enhanced Stability: A well-designed VRM ensures that the CPU receives consistent power, preventing crashes or instability, especially during computationally intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, or rendering.
Superior Overclocking Potential: Clean and stable power delivery is the bedrock of successful CPU overclocking. The Aorus Elite AX’s VRM provides the necessary foundation to push your Ryzen CPU to its limits.
Improved Efficiency and Longevity: By distributing the load across more phases and using high-quality components, the VRM operates more efficiently and generates less heat. This not only improves power efficiency but also extends the lifespan of the motherboard’s power delivery components.
Lower Operating Temperatures: Less heat generated by the VRM translates to cooler overall system temperatures, which can indirectly benefit CPU performance by allowing it to maintain higher boost clocks for longer periods.

Real-world impact: When you’re running a demanding application or playing a graphically intensive game, your CPU draws significant power. A weak or poorly designed VRM can lead to voltage drops, throttling, and instability. The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX mitigates these issues effectively, providing a reliable foundation for your high-performance system.

Cooling Solutions and Thermal Design

Effective thermal management is paramount for any high-performance motherboard, especially with the power-hungry components found on the AM5 platform.

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX incorporates several key cooling features to ensure stable operation and prevent thermal throttling. Gigabyte Aorus 10000 Gen5 Ssd Review

Extended VRM Heatsinks: The large, aluminum heatsinks covering the VRM components are crucial. They are designed with a multi-cut, finned surface area to maximize heat dissipation. This substantial surface area allows for efficient transfer of heat generated by the power stages into the surrounding air, keeping the VRM temperatures in check even under heavy loads.
M.2 Thermal Guards: The board features multiple M.2 slots, and critically, each Gen4 and Gen5 M.2 slot is equipped with a dedicated M.2 Thermal Guard. These are essentially aluminum heatsinks that sit directly on top of your NVMe SSDs.
- Why are M.2 heatsinks important? High-speed NVMe SSDs, especially PCIe Gen4 and Gen5 drives, can generate significant heat during sustained read/write operations. When an SSD overheats, it can throttle its performance to protect itself, leading to slower data transfer speeds. The M.2 Thermal Guards help to wick away this heat, maintaining optimal operating temperatures and ensuring consistent, high performance from your storage devices.
- Dedicated Heatsinks: Having individual heatsinks for each M.2 slot is a superior design compared to a single, shared heatsink, as it provides more targeted cooling for each drive.
Southbridge Heatsink: While often overlooked, the X670 chipset southbridge also generates heat. The Aorus Elite AX includes a passive heatsink over the chipset to ensure its stable operation and contribute to overall system cooling.
Smart Fan 6: Gigabyte’s Smart Fan 6 technology provides advanced control over your system’s cooling.
- Multiple Temperature Sensors: The motherboard has multiple temperature sensors strategically placed across the board CPU, VRM, Chipset, M.2 slots.
- Hybrid Fan Headers: It features multiple hybrid fan headers that support both PWM Pulse Width Modulation and DC fans.
- Customizable Fan Curves: Users can create custom fan curves based on different temperature readings, allowing for precise control over fan speeds. This means fans can ramp up when temperatures rise and slow down when the system is idle, optimizing for both cooling performance and noise levels.
- Fan Stop Feature: This allows fans to completely stop when temperatures are below a specified threshold, resulting in a silent system during light workloads.

Impact on Performance and Longevity:

Effective cooling is not just about keeping components from failing.

It’s about maintaining their optimal performance over time. When components run hot, they can:

Throttle: Reduce their clock speeds to prevent overheating, leading to a noticeable drop in performance.
Degrade Faster: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can shorten the lifespan of electronic components.

By implementing robust cooling solutions, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX ensures that your CPU, VRM, and NVMe SSDs can operate at their peak performance for extended periods, contributing to a stable and durable system.

Connectivity and I/O Options

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX is well-equipped with a comprehensive array of connectivity options, catering to a wide range of peripherals, storage devices, and networking needs. Nzxt Player One Review

This makes it a versatile choice for gamers, content creators, and general users alike.

Rear I/O Ports

The rear I/O panel is packed with essential ports, providing ample connectivity for external devices:

USB Ports:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C® port: Offers blazing-fast data transfer speeds of up to 20Gbps, ideal for external SSDs or high-speed peripherals.
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports: Provide speeds of up to 10Gbps, suitable for fast external drives or VR headsets.
- 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports: Standard 5Gbps USB ports for general peripherals like keyboards, mice, and external hard drives.
- 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 Type-A ports: Ideal for less speed-sensitive devices such as mice, keyboards, or printers.
Video Output:
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 port: Supports resolutions up to 4K@120Hz or 8K@60Hz, allowing you to utilize the integrated graphics of Ryzen 7000 series CPUs if your specific CPU has one for basic display output or troubleshooting without a dedicated GPU.
Networking:
- 1 x RJ-45 port Realtek 2.5GbE LAN: Provides high-speed wired internet connectivity, essential for online gaming, large file transfers, and streaming. The 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet is a significant upgrade over standard Gigabit Ethernet.
- Wi-Fi 6E Intel AX210: Supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, including the 6GHz band, for extremely fast, low-latency wireless connectivity, especially in congested Wi-Fi environments.
- Bluetooth 5.3: For connecting wireless peripherals like headphones, controllers, and smart devices.
Audio Jacks:
- 3 x Audio Jacks Realtek ALC1220-VB Codec: For connecting speakers, headphones, and microphones. The ALC1220-VB codec is a high-definition audio solution providing decent audio quality for most users.

Internal Connectors

Beyond the rear I/O, the motherboard offers a wealth of internal headers and slots for expanding your system:

Storage:
- 4 x M.2 connectors:
  - 1 x PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2-A, from CPU: For the fastest NVMe SSDs, perfect for your primary boot drive.
  - 3 x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2-B, M.2-C, M.2-D, one from CPU, two from Chipset: For additional high-speed NVMe storage. This ample M.2 provision ensures you can install multiple ultra-fast SSDs without relying on SATA.
- 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors: For traditional 2.5-inch SSDs or 3.5-inch HDDs. This is a good number for those who still utilize mass storage HDDs or older SATA SSDs.
Expansion Slots:
- 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot: The primary graphics card slot, offering full PCIe 5.0 bandwidth for future-proof GPU support.
- 2 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slots running at x4: Useful for expansion cards like capture cards, sound cards, or additional NVMe expansion cards.
USB Headers:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C® header: For front panel USB-C connectivity, offering 10Gbps.
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header: For two front panel USB 3.0 ports 5Gbps.
- 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers: Each supporting two USB 2.0 ports for additional front panel or internal device connectivity.
Fan and RGB Headers:
- Multiple fan headers with Smart Fan 6 support for comprehensive cooling control.
- Addressable RGB ARGB and standard RGB headers for controlling lighting on components like fans, RAM, and LED strips.

Practical Implications:

This comprehensive connectivity suite ensures that the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX is highly adaptable. Leica Summilux M 35Mm F14 Asph 2022 Review

Whether you’re building a gaming rig with multiple NVMe drives and a high-end GPU, a workstation requiring extensive USB connectivity for peripherals, or a home server utilizing numerous SATA drives, this board has the necessary ports and headers to accommodate your needs.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN also means you’re getting top-tier networking capabilities right out of the box.

BIOS and Software Features

Gigabyte’s approach to the user experience extends beyond the hardware, with a robust BIOS Basic Input/Output System and a suite of software tools designed to maximize the motherboard’s potential.

UEFI BIOS

The UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface BIOS on the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX offers a user-friendly graphical interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.

EZ Mode: For new users or those who prefer simplicity, EZ Mode provides a quick overview of essential system information CPU temperature, fan speeds, boot order, etc. and allows for straightforward adjustments to common settings.
Advanced Mode: This is where the power users reside. It offers granular control over virtually every aspect of the system:
- Tweaker Section: This is the heart of overclocking. Here, you can adjust CPU core ratios, BCLK, voltages vCore, SoC, DRAM, and memory timings EXPO/XMP profiles, primary and secondary timings. Gigabyte provides extensive options for fine-tuning performance.
- Settings Menu: Covers integrated peripherals LAN, Wi-Fi, audio, power management, PCIe slot configuration, and other system-level settings.
- Boot Options: Allows you to configure boot priorities, enable/disable Fast Boot, and manage secure boot settings.
- Smart Fan 6 Control: Within the BIOS, you can directly set up custom fan curves based on various temperature sensors, a fantastic feature for optimizing acoustics and cooling.
- Q-Flash Plus: A standout feature, Q-Flash Plus allows you to update the BIOS without installing a CPU, RAM, or graphics card. You simply need a USB drive with the BIOS file and power connected to the motherboard. This is incredibly useful for supporting new CPUs that might require a newer BIOS version out of the box.
- BIOS Flashback/Reset: Buttons or headers for easily resetting the BIOS to default settings if overclocking attempts go awry.

Gigabyte Software Suite Gigabyte Control Center – GCC

Gigabyte bundles a collection of Windows-based utilities under the umbrella of Gigabyte Control Center GCC, which aims to provide a centralized platform for managing motherboard features. Canon Eos R50 Review

System Information Viewer SIV: Monitors hardware status, including temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds. It also allows for fan curve adjustments within Windows, offering a convenient alternative to the BIOS.
RGB Fusion 2.0: This software controls the onboard RGB lighting and any connected RGB/ARGB strips or devices. It offers various lighting effects, synchronization options, and the ability to customize colors. While sometimes criticized for its intuitiveness, it gets the job done for most users.
EasyTune: A utility for basic CPU and memory overclocking directly from the Windows desktop. While experienced overclockers often prefer the BIOS for stability, EasyTune can be a good starting point for beginners to explore light overclocking.
App Center Legacy – now integrated into GCC: Historically, Gigabyte used App Center as a central hub for installing and managing all their utilities. GCC has largely replaced this, streamlining the experience.
LAN/Wi-Fi Optimization Tools: Often includes utilities for prioritizing network traffic for gaming or specific applications, ensuring lower latency and better performance.

Considerations for Software:

While these tools offer convenience, it’s worth noting that like many motherboard vendor software suites, they can sometimes be resource-intensive or have occasional bugs.

Many advanced users prefer to make critical adjustments directly in the BIOS for maximum stability and only use Windows-based utilities for monitoring or less critical tasks like RGB control.

However, for casual users, the GCC provides an accessible way to manage their system without into the BIOS.

PCIe 5.0 and M.2 Support

One of the most significant upgrades introduced with the AMD AM5 platform, and prominently featured on the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX, is the widespread adoption of PCIe 5.0. This next-generation interconnect standard doubles the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, unlocking new levels of performance for graphics cards and, more notably, NVMe SSDs. Dyson Zone Review

PCIe 5.0 for Graphics Cards

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX comes equipped with:

1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot: This is the primary slot designated for your graphics card.
- Bandwidth: PCIe 5.0 x16 offers a theoretical bandwidth of approximately 64 GB/s. This is double the 32 GB/s provided by PCIe 4.0 x16.
- Future-Proofing: While current-generation graphics cards like NVIDIA’s RTX 40 series and AMD’s RX 7000 series typically don’t saturate a PCIe 4.0 x16 link, let alone PCIe 5.0, having PCIe 5.0 provides significant headroom for future GPU generations. As graphics card technology advances, the demand for higher bandwidth will increase. By having a PCIe 5.0 slot, you are ensuring your motherboard won’t be a bottleneck for a considerable time.
- Reinforced Slot: Gigabyte often uses their “Ultra Durable PCIe Armor” which involves a stainless steel shield over the PCIe slot. This reinforcement helps prevent bending or shearing of the slot when heavy graphics cards are installed, and it also offers better EMI shielding.

PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD Support

This is where PCIe 5.0 truly shines on the current generation of motherboards, as storage is typically the first component to benefit from the increased bandwidth.

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX features a robust M.2 storage configuration:

1 x PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 connector from CPU:
- Bandwidth: This slot provides a theoretical bandwidth of up to 16 GB/s. For comparison, PCIe 4.0 x4 offers around 8 GB/s.
- Next-Gen SSDs: This slot is designed for the cutting-edge PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSDs, which are starting to hit the market. These drives can offer sequential read/write speeds exceeding 10,000 MB/s, significantly improving load times for large files, games, and professional applications.
- Dedicated Heatsink: As mentioned in the cooling section, this crucial slot comes with a robust M.2 Thermal Guard to manage the heat generated by these incredibly fast drives.
3 x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors one from CPU, two from Chipset:
- Bandwidth: Each of these slots offers up to 8 GB/s bandwidth.
- Ample Storage: Having three additional PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots provides immense flexibility for building a high-capacity, high-speed storage solution. You can have a Gen5 boot drive and multiple Gen4 drives for games, projects, or archives.
- Dedicated Heatsinks: These slots also typically come with M.2 Thermal Guards to prevent thermal throttling on your Gen4 NVMe drives.

Why Multiple M.2 Slots and PCIe Generations Matter:

Versatility: Allows you to mix and match different generations of NVMe drives based on your budget and performance needs. You can place your most critical applications or games on the fastest Gen5 drive, and use Gen4 drives for other data.
Reduced Cable Clutter: NVMe SSDs eliminate the need for SATA data and power cables, leading to cleaner PC builds and improved airflow.
Optimized Performance: By having dedicated high-bandwidth lanes for storage, you reduce the potential for bottlenecks, ensuring that your data can be accessed and written at blistering speeds. This is particularly beneficial for content creators working with large video files, professional applications, and avid gamers who want to minimize loading screens.

The integration of both PCIe 5.0 and ample PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots on the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX positions it as a highly capable and future-ready platform for advanced PC builds, especially those prioritizing ultra-fast storage and next-generation graphics. Msi Vigor Gk20 Review

Audio and Networking Capabilities

The audio and networking components of a motherboard might not always be the headline features, but they are crucial for a complete and satisfying user experience.

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX integrates high-quality solutions for both.

Audio Solution Realtek ALC1220-VB Codec

Gigabyte has equipped the Aorus Elite AX with the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec. This is a widely used and well-regarded high-definition audio chip, often found on mid-to-high-end motherboards.

High-Definition Audio: The ALC1220-VB supports 7.1-channel high-definition audio, providing a rich and immersive sound experience for gaming, movies, and podcast.
SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio: The “VB” variant often denotes improved specifications, particularly in terms of SNR for the microphone input typically 110dB for the DAC and 110-120dB for the ADC. A higher SNR means less background noise and clearer audio for both output and input, which is particularly beneficial for online gaming, streaming, and voice calls.
Capacitors: Motherboards often use dedicated audio-grade capacitors Nichicon Fine Gold or similar in the audio circuitry. These capacitors help to filter out noise and deliver a cleaner, warmer sound.
Isolated Audio Design: The audio circuitry on motherboards is typically isolated from other noisy components like the CPU and VRM on the PCB. This physical separation, often visible as a distinct line on the motherboard, helps prevent electrical interference from degrading audio quality.
Front Panel Audio: The board supports high-definition audio via the front panel header, ensuring you get quality audio whether you’re using the rear jacks or your case’s front panel outputs.

User Experience: While dedicated sound cards still offer the absolute best audio fidelity for audiophiles, the integrated ALC1220-VB on the Aorus Elite AX is more than sufficient for the vast majority of users. It provides clear, punchy audio for gaming headsets, external speakers, and general multimedia consumption.

Networking Solutions

The Aorus Elite AX shines in its networking capabilities, offering both a high-speed wired and the latest wireless solution. Corsair Xeneon 27Qhd240 Oled Review

Realtek 2.5GbE LAN RTL8125BG:
- Speed: This onboard Ethernet controller provides speeds of up to 2.5 Gigabits per second Gbps. This is 2.5 times faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet 1Gbps, which has been the norm for many years.
- Benefits:
  - Faster Downloads/Uploads: Significantly reduces the time it takes to download large game files, software updates, or transfer files across a local network.
  - Lower Latency Gaming: While not a direct speed increase, faster network throughput can contribute to a more responsive online gaming experience by reducing the potential for network bottlenecks.
  - Future-Proof: As internet service providers offer increasingly faster speeds, 2.5GbE provides the necessary bandwidth to take full advantage of gigabit+ internet plans.
- Reliability: Wired connections are inherently more stable and less prone to interference than wireless connections, making them ideal for critical tasks like competitive online gaming or network-attached storage NAS access.
Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 & Bluetooth 5.3:
- Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax: This is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, building upon Wi-Fi 6. The “E” stands for “Extended,” meaning it gains access to the 6GHz frequency band.
  - 6GHz Band: This new band is much less congested than the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, offering significantly lower latency, higher speeds, and reduced interference, especially in dense environments with many Wi-Fi networks.
  - Higher Throughput: Wi-Fi 6E can achieve theoretical speeds well over 2 Gbps, often approaching wired Gigabit Ethernet speeds.
  - Improved Efficiency: Better handling of multiple devices on a single network, leading to reduced congestion and improved performance for all connected devices.
- Bluetooth 5.3: This is the latest iteration of the Bluetooth standard, offering:
  - Improved Reliability: Enhanced connection stability.
  - Lower Power Consumption: More efficient for battery-powered devices.
  - Better Security: Stronger encryption and privacy features.
  - Increased Range: Potentially better range compared to older Bluetooth versions.

Overall Impact:

The combination of Realtek 2.5GbE LAN and Intel Wi-Fi 6E provides a comprehensive and high-performance networking solution.

Whether you prefer the rock-solid stability of a wired connection or the convenience and speed of cutting-edge wireless technology, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX has you covered. Roku Indoor Smart Plug Se Review

This ensures a seamless online experience for gaming, streaming, content creation, and everyday browsing.

Build Quality and Aesthetics

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX pays considerable attention to both its physical construction and visual appeal, reflecting its position in the Aorus lineup.

Build Quality

Gigabyte’s “Ultra Durable” philosophy is evident in the construction of this motherboard, aiming for enhanced longevity and stability.

PCB Printed Circuit Board: The motherboard utilizes a 8-layer PCB. More layers in a PCB typically mean:
- Improved Signal Integrity: Better routing for high-speed signals like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, reducing interference and crosstalk. This translates to greater stability, especially during high-frequency operations and overclocking.
- Enhanced Power Delivery: Allows for more efficient power planes, ensuring cleaner power delivery to components.
- Better Thermal Performance: The additional copper layers can help dissipate heat more effectively across the board.
2X Copper PCB: Often Gigabyte PCBs include a “2X Copper” design, meaning they have double the copper thickness in the power and ground layers compared to standard PCBs. This further enhances thermal dissipation and improves power efficiency.
Reinforced PCIe Slots: As mentioned earlier, the primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot features Ultra Durable PCIe Armor. This metal shielding, typically stainless steel, reinforces the slot against the weight of heavy graphics cards, preventing bending or shearing over time. It also provides a degree of EMI electromagnetic interference shielding.
Reinforced DIMM Slots: The DDR5 DIMM slots are often reinforced with metal shielding as well, providing greater durability when installing and removing memory modules.
High-Quality Components: Beyond the VRM’s 90A power stages, Gigabyte uses solid capacitors and low RDSon MOSFETs throughout the power delivery system, chosen for their efficiency, stability, and longevity.

Aesthetics

The Aorus Elite AX generally follows a modern, understated aesthetic, which appeals to a broad range of builders.

Color Scheme: The board primarily features a matte black PCB with gray and silver accents on the heatsinks. This neutral color scheme makes it highly compatible with various build themes and RGB lighting setups.
Heatsink Design: The VRM and M.2 heatsinks are substantial and well-machined, featuring angular cuts and grooves that contribute to both thermal performance and a sleek, aggressive look characteristic of the Aorus line. The chipset heatsink is also well-integrated.
Subtle RGB Lighting: Unlike some higher-end boards that might feature extensive RGB zones, the Aorus Elite AX typically incorporates minimal, tasteful RGB lighting. This usually includes a small Aorus logo on the chipset heatsink and possibly some illumination along the audio separation line. This allows users to add their own RGB components fans, RAM, strips to create their desired lighting scheme without being overwhelmed by excessive onboard lighting.
Clean Layout: The layout of components is generally clean and logical, making cable management easier and improving overall airflow within the case. The placement of headers and connectors is intuitive for most standard PC builds.

Overall Impression: Arcade1Up Mortal Kombat Deluxe Arcade Machine Review

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX strikes a balance between rugged build quality and a refined aesthetic.

Its robust PCB, reinforced slots, and high-quality components ensure long-term reliability.

Aesthetically, its stealthy black and gray design with subtle RGB accents makes it suitable for both minimalist builds and those looking to integrate their own vibrant lighting schemes.

It provides a solid foundation that looks good in almost any modern PC case.

Value Proposition and Target Audience

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX carves out a compelling niche in the AM5 motherboard market, positioning itself as a strong value offering for a specific segment of PC builders. Redfall Review

Value Proposition

When considering the X670 chipset, many boards quickly escalate into the premium price bracket, often exceeding $400 or even $500. The Aorus Elite AX aims to deliver core X670 features without the extreme cost.

“Sweet Spot” Pricing: It typically sits in the upper mid-range price segment for X670 boards, often coming in significantly cheaper than its “X670E” counterparts or flagship X670 models from other brands. This makes it an attractive option for those who want AM5’s benefits without breaking the bank.
Core Feature Set: It provides the essential features of the X670 platform:
- Robust Power Delivery: More than capable of handling any Ryzen 7000 series CPU, including the top-tier Ryzen 9s, with room for stable overclocking.
- PCIe 5.0 for GPU and Primary M.2: Ensures future compatibility and peak performance for the most critical components.
- Ample M.2 Storage: Four M.2 slots one Gen5, three Gen4 offer extensive high-speed storage expansion.
- High-Speed Networking: 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E are standard, delivering excellent wired and wireless connectivity.
- Solid Audio: The ALC1220-VB codec is a well-performing integrated audio solution.
Balanced Design: It avoids some of the extravagant features found on more expensive boards e.g., multiple PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, extreme phase counts like 24+, dual LAN, Thunderbolt headers that many users simply don’t need or won’t fully utilize. This allows Gigabyte to keep the cost down while maintaining high performance for the essentials.
Gigabyte Ecosystem: Benefits from Gigabyte’s long-standing reputation for reliable hardware and access to their software suite, albeit with typical quirks.

Target Audience

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX is ideally suited for:

Mainstream to High-End PC Gamers: For those building a gaming rig with a Ryzen 7000 series CPU like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D or Ryzen 9 7900X/7950X and a high-end graphics card. It provides the necessary power, cooling, and connectivity for a premium gaming experience without overspending on features that don’t directly impact gaming performance.
Content Creators on a Budget: Users involved in video editing, 3D rendering, or graphic design who need the multi-core performance of a Ryzen 9 processor and fast NVMe storage, but might not require all the bells and whistles of an extreme workstation motherboard. The ample M.2 slots are particularly appealing for large project files.
Enthusiasts Looking for Value: PC enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering and overclocking but are also price-conscious. The robust VRM and comprehensive BIOS options provide excellent overclocking potential without the flagship price tag.
Builders Prioritizing Future-Proofing within reason: Those who want PCIe 5.0 for their primary GPU and at least one ultra-fast NVMe drive, but understand that the benefits of PCIe 5.0 x16 for graphics are largely theoretical for current-gen cards. They are investing in a platform that will support future upgrades.
Anyone Building on AM5 Who Needs More Than a B650: While B650 boards offer great value, they often have fewer M.2 slots, might lack PCIe 5.0 for the GPU, or have less robust VRMs. The X670 Aorus Elite AX bridges the gap, offering more features than most B650s but stopping short of the extremely high-priced X670E options.

Who it might NOT be for:

Extreme Overclockers: While capable, boards with 20+ phase VRMs or dedicated LN2 features might be preferred by those pushing the absolute limits.
Users Needing Multiple PCIe 5.0 x16 Slots: If your workflow genuinely requires two full-bandwidth PCIe 5.0 graphics cards a niche use case, an X670E board would be necessary.
Budget-Conscious Builders: If saving every dollar is paramount and you’re comfortable with slightly fewer features, a well-spec’d B650 or B650E board might offer better bang-for-buck.

In essence, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX is for the savvy builder who understands the critical features of the AM5 platform and wants to invest in them without paying for unnecessary extravagance.

It’s a pragmatic choice for a high-performance system. Nvidia Geforce Rtx 4060 Ti Founders Edition Review

Compatibility with Ryzen 7000 Series Processors

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX is purpose-built for the AMD AM5 platform, which inherently means it is designed to be fully compatible with the entire range of AMD Ryzen 7000 Series desktop processors. This is a fundamental aspect of its design and a key selling point.

AM5 Socket LGA 1718

New Socket Type: Unlike previous AMD desktop sockets which were PGA Pin Grid Array, AM5 utilizes an LGA Land Grid Array design, similar to Intel’s recent desktop sockets. This means the pins are on the motherboard socket itself, rather than on the CPU. The Aorus Elite AX, being an AM5 board, features this LGA 1718 socket.
Exclusivity: The AM5 socket is exclusive to Ryzen 7000 series processors and future generations of AMD CPUs that will utilize this socket. It is not backward compatible with older Ryzen CPUs e.g., Ryzen 5000 series or older which used the AM4 socket.

Supported Processors

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX supports all currently released AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, including:

Ryzen 9 series: e.g., Ryzen 9 7950X, Ryzen 9 7950X3D, Ryzen 9 7900X, Ryzen 9 7900X3D
Ryzen 7 series: e.g., Ryzen 7 7800X3D, Ryzen 7 7700X
Ryzen 5 series: e.g., Ryzen 5 7600X

The robust 16+2+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages ensures that even the most power-hungry Ryzen 9 7950X or 7950X3D can be adequately powered and perform stably, even under sustained heavy loads or during overclocking.

The ample cooling solutions for the VRM further contribute to this stability.

DDR5 Memory Requirement

Mandatory DDR5: A crucial point for compatibility is that the AM5 platform, and therefore the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX, exclusively supports DDR5 memory. It is not backward compatible with DDR4 RAM.
EXPO Support: The motherboard fully supports AMD EXPO Extended Profiles for Overclocking, which is AMD’s equivalent of Intel’s XMP. EXPO profiles allow users to easily enable pre-configured, optimized memory speeds and timings with a single click in the BIOS, ensuring stable and high-performance DDR5 operation. The Aorus Elite AX is capable of supporting very high DDR5 frequencies, often exceeding 6000 MT/s, depending on the quality of the CPU’s integrated memory controller IMC and the memory modules themselves.

BIOS Updates for Newer CPUs

While the X670 Aorus Elite AX is designed for Ryzen 7000, new processor models released after the motherboard’s initial production may require a BIOS update to be fully recognized and optimized. Nordlocker Review

Q-Flash Plus: As mentioned earlier, Gigabyte’s Q-Flash Plus feature is invaluable here. It allows users to update the BIOS of the motherboard without needing to install a CPU, RAM, or a graphics card. This means if you acquire a newer Ryzen 7000 series CPU that shipped after your motherboard’s production date and requires a more recent BIOS version, you can still update the board to support it. This significantly reduces compatibility headaches for early adopters or those buying components from different production batches.

In summary, if you are building a system with any AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX provides full and robust compatibility, leveraging all the platform’s features, provided you pair it with DDR5 RAM.

Its power delivery and thermal design are well-suited for any CPU in the lineup, making it a reliable foundation for your AM5 build.

Frequently Asked Questions

What CPU socket does the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX use?

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX uses the AMD AM5 socket LGA 1718, which is designed exclusively for AMD Ryzen 7000 series desktop processors.

Does the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX support DDR4 RAM?

No, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX only supports DDR5 RAM. It is not backward compatible with DDR4 memory.

What PCIe generation does the primary graphics card slot support?

The primary graphics card slot on the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX supports PCIe 5.0 x16, offering double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0. Motorola Moto Edge Plus 2023 Review

How many M.2 slots are on the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX?

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX has four M.2 slots: one PCIe 5.0 x4 and three PCIe 4.0 x4.

Does the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX have Wi-Fi?

Yes, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX includes Intel Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3.

What kind of wired Ethernet port does it have?

It features a Realtek 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet 2.5GbE LAN port, which is 2.5 times faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet.

Is the VRM on this motherboard sufficient for a Ryzen 9 7950X?

Yes, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX features a robust 16+2+2 phase digital VRM with 90A power stages, which is more than sufficient for stably powering and even overclocking a Ryzen 9 7950X.

Can I update the BIOS without a CPU installed on this board?

Yes, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX supports Q-Flash Plus, allowing you to update the BIOS using only a USB drive and power, without needing a CPU, RAM, or graphics card installed. Corsair Mp700 Gen5 M2 Ssd Review

Does this motherboard have integrated RGB lighting?

Yes, it has subtle integrated RGB lighting, typically around the chipset heatsink with the Aorus logo, and supports additional RGB/ARGB headers for custom lighting.

What audio codec does the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX use?

It uses the Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec for high-definition 7.1-channel audio output and clear microphone input.

Are the M.2 slots cooled on this motherboard?

Yes, all M.2 slots on the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX are equipped with dedicated M.2 Thermal Guards heatsinks to prevent thermal throttling of NVMe SSDs.

What is the form factor of the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX?

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX is an ATX form factor motherboard, suitable for most standard PC cases.

Does it support AMD EXPO for memory overclocking?

Yes, the motherboard fully supports AMD EXPO Extended Profiles for Overclocking for easy one-click optimization of DDR5 memory speeds and timings. Tp Link Kasa Smart Wi Fi Plug Slim With Energy Monitoring Kp125M Review

How many USB ports are on the rear I/O panel?

The rear I/O panel includes one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, and four USB 2.0/1.1 Type-A ports, totaling ten USB ports.

Does it have a clear CMOS button?

Yes, it typically features a Clear CMOS button or header on the rear I/O panel for easy resetting of BIOS settings.

Is the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX good for gaming?

Yes, it is an excellent choice for gaming due to its robust power delivery, PCIe 5.0 support for GPUs and fast SSDs, high-speed networking, and stable platform for Ryzen 7000 series processors.

What is the difference between X670 and X670E chipsets?

The main difference is that X670E Extreme boards are guaranteed to have at least one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the GPU and at least one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. Standard X670 boards like the Aorus Elite AX guarantee PCIe 5.0 for M.2, but PCIe 5.0 for the GPU is optional though the Elite AX does have it.

What is the build quality like?

The Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX features an 8-layer PCB, reinforced PCIe and DIMM slots Ultra Durable PCIe Armor, and high-quality components, contributing to excellent build quality and durability.

Can I connect multiple RGB fans to this motherboard?

Yes, it includes multiple Addressable RGB ARGB and standard RGB headers for connecting and controlling various RGB-enabled components.

Does it support integrated graphics from the CPU?

Yes, if your specific Ryzen 7000 series CPU has integrated graphics e.g., Ryzen 7 7700X, the motherboard’s HDMI 2.1 port allows you to utilize it for display output.

What is the maximum supported memory frequency?

The maximum supported memory frequency can vary with BIOS updates and CPU IMC quality, but the board is capable of supporting DDR5-6000MHz and beyond with EXPO profiles enabled.

Does it have enough SATA ports for my drives?

Yes, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX comes with six SATA 6Gb/s connectors, providing ample connectivity for traditional HDDs and SATA SSDs.

Is this board good for content creation?

Yes, its powerful VRM, extensive high-speed M.2 storage options, and support for high-core count Ryzen 7000 CPUs make it a strong platform for content creation tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.

What is Smart Fan 6?

Smart Fan 6 is Gigabyte’s advanced fan control software/BIOS feature that allows users to monitor multiple temperature sensors and create custom fan curves for optimal cooling performance and noise levels.

Does it come with a clear CMOS button on the rear I/O?

Yes, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX typically features a dedicated Clear CMOS button on its rear I/O panel for convenient troubleshooting.

Can I connect a front panel USB-C to this motherboard?

Yes, the motherboard includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C header for connecting front panel USB-C ports found on modern PC cases.

Is this motherboard compatible with older Ryzen CPUs like the 5000 series?

No, the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX uses the AM5 socket and is not compatible with older AM4 Ryzen CPUs.

What software does Gigabyte provide for this motherboard?

Gigabyte provides the Gigabyte Control Center GCC, which includes utilities like System Information Viewer SIV for monitoring, RGB Fusion 2.0 for lighting, and EasyTune for overclocking.

How many fan headers does it have?

The board offers multiple hybrid fan headers with Smart Fan 6 support, allowing extensive control over case fans and CPU coolers.

Is the Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite AX a good value?

Yes, it offers an excellent value proposition by providing core X670 features, robust power delivery, and extensive connectivity at a competitive price point compared to higher-end X670E motherboards.

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