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- Best overall: Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX V2
- Best budget: Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX
- Best premium: Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7
- Best for AM5 storage expansion: Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2
- Gigabyte B650 Gaming X boards use AMD’s AM5 platform; Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite boards use Intel’s LGA1700 platform.
- Choose a B650 board for an AM5 Ryzen build and a Z790 board for a compatible Intel Core build.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X WIFI7 stands out for Wi-Fi 7 and five M.2 slots.
- Compare CPU compatibility, memory support, storage slots, and connectivity before choosing a motherboard.
The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X and Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite are built for different processors, so the right Black Friday 2026 pick depends first on your CPU. Gigabyte B650 boards use AMD’s AM5 socket and DDR5 memory; Gigabyte Z790 boards use Intel’s LGA1700 socket and also support DDR5 on the models in this guide. Neither chipset is a universal upgrade over the other.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to narrow this list to seven Gigabyte boards for gaming builds. Here's the bottom line: match the motherboard to your processor, then compare M.2 storage, wireless features, and the rear I/O you need. The picks range from focused AM5 gaming boards to premium Intel options with expansive connectivity.
How We Picked
- Platform fit: We separated AM5 motherboards for compatible AMD Ryzen processors from LGA1700 boards for compatible Intel Core processors.
- Gaming-build essentials: We compared DDR5 support, M.2 storage capacity, networking, and the USB connections builders use most.
- Feature value: We looked for meaningful differences such as Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, and additional M.2 slots instead of treating chipset names as a performance guarantee.
- Buyer feedback: We researched owner feedback and reviews for recurring comments about setup, connectivity, and everyday use.
- Clear use cases: We chose boards that serve different builds, from straightforward gaming systems to premium rigs with more expansion headroom.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | CPU socket | M.2 slots | Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX V2 | AM5 gaming builds with Wi-Fi | AM5 | 3 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX | Everyday Ryzen gaming PCs | AM5 | 3 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2 | Well-equipped AM5 builds | AM5 | 3 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX | Balanced AM5 gaming builds | AM5 | 3 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX | Intel gaming PCs with several SSDs | LGA1700 | 4 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 | Premium Intel builds with Wi-Fi 7 | LGA1700 | 5 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX | Intel gaming builds with Wi-Fi | LGA1700 | 4 | Wi-Fi 6E |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX V2
The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX V2 is the best AM5 gaming motherboard for Ryzen builders who want onboard wireless, with 3 M.2 slots for fast storage expansion.
Best for: AM5 gaming builds with Wi-Fi
- CPU socket
- AM5
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ethernet
- 2.5GbE
- Supports compatible AMD Ryzen AM5 processors
- Three M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE networking
- Does not support Intel LGA1700 processors
- No Wi-Fi 7
Is the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX V2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX V2 is worth considering for a compatible AM5 gaming build. Three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE make it a well-equipped choice for players who want wireless networking and room for additional SSDs.
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#2
Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX
The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX is the best straightforward AM5 option for Ryzen gamers who want built-in wireless, with 3 M.2 slots for game storage.
Best for: Everyday Ryzen gaming PCs
- CPU socket
- AM5
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ethernet
- 2.5GbE
- AM5 platform for compatible Ryzen CPUs
- Three M.2 slots
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE onboard
- Not compatible with Intel processors
- Check the board revision before comparing features
Is the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX worth buying for a gaming PC?
The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX is a sensible fit for a Ryzen AM5 gaming PC that needs onboard wireless. The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX's three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE cover key expansion and network needs without stepping up to a premium AORUS model.
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#3
Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2
The Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2 is the best feature-rich AM5 pick for Ryzen builders who want expansion, with 3 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for: Well-equipped AM5 builds
- CPU socket
- AM5
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ethernet
- 2.5GbE
- Three M.2 slots support multiple SSDs
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE networking
- AORUS positioning suits a feature-focused gaming build
- AM5-only processor compatibility
- No Wi-Fi 7
Is the Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2 good for gaming?
The Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2 is a strong choice for a compatible Ryzen gaming build that needs onboard wireless and multiple SSD connections. Three M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E support a flexible system, while the AM5 socket sets the CPU compatibility boundary.
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#4
Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX
The Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX is the best practical AM5 motherboard for Ryzen gamers prioritizing core expansion, with 3 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for: Balanced AM5 gaming builds
- CPU socket
- AM5
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ethernet
- 2.5GbE
- Three M.2 slots for storage
- Includes Wi-Fi 6E
- 2.5GbE wired networking
- Does not fit Intel LGA1700 builds
- Fewer premium extras than higher-tier options
Is the Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX worth buying for Ryzen?
The Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX is worth considering for a Ryzen AM5 build focused on gaming and everyday expansion. Three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE provide useful essentials; choose another board if premium extras or Wi-Fi 7 are priorities.
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#5
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is the best all-around Intel gaming motherboard here for compatible LGA1700 builds, with 4 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for: Intel gaming PCs with several SSDs
- CPU socket
- LGA1700
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ethernet
- 2.5GbE
- Four M.2 slots for storage expansion
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE networking
- Supports compatible Intel LGA1700 processors
- Not compatible with AM5 Ryzen CPUs
- No Wi-Fi 7
Is the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a good fit for a compatible Intel gaming PC that needs several SSD connections. Four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE offer useful flexibility, but confirm the processor uses the LGA1700 socket.
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#6
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 is the best premium Intel pick for builders wanting next-generation wireless, with 5 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for: Premium Intel builds with Wi-Fi 7
- CPU socket
- LGA1700
- M.2 slots
- 5
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 7
- Ethernet
- 2.5GbE
- Five M.2 slots for substantial SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 onboard
- 2.5GbE wired networking
- Requires a compatible Intel LGA1700 processor
- Premium features are unnecessary for simpler builds
Is the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 worth buying?
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 is worth a look for premium Intel builds that need extensive storage and newer wireless. Five M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7 distinguish it from simpler boards; confirm your CPU and case fit the platform.
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#7
Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX
The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX is the best practical Intel gaming pick for builders who want wireless and storage expansion, with 4 M.2 slots.
Best for: Intel gaming builds with Wi-Fi
- CPU socket
- LGA1700
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ethernet
- 2.5GbE
- Four M.2 slots
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE networking
- Supports compatible Intel LGA1700 processors
- Not compatible with AM5 Ryzen processors
- No Wi-Fi 7
Is the Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX good for a gaming PC?
The Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX suits an Intel gaming build that needs built-in wireless and several SSD connections. Four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE provide practical expansion, while LGA1700 compatibility determines which processors fit.
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Which is better, Gigabyte B650 Gaming X or Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite?
The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X is the right choice for a compatible AMD Ryzen AM5 processor, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite is for compatible Intel LGA1700 processors. The processor decides the winner: the sockets are different, and neither board accepts the other platform’s CPU.
Both families support DDR5 in the models covered here, but the Z790 AORUS Elite AX adds four M.2 slots, compared with three on the B650 Gaming X AX V2. The Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 adds Wi-Fi 7 and five M.2 slots for a more expansive Intel build.
For a new Ryzen system, start with B650 and compare the specific board features. For a compatible Intel system, choose Z790. Check the exact board model and revision before buying, since model names and feature sets vary.
Do Gigabyte B650 and Z790 motherboards use the same processor?
Gigabyte B650 motherboards use AMD’s AM5 socket, while Gigabyte Z790 motherboards use Intel’s LGA1700 socket. The platforms are not interchangeable, so check the CPU model before choosing any board in this guide.
B650 boards support compatible AMD Ryzen processors designed for AM5. Z790 boards support compatible Intel Core processors using LGA1700. A matching socket is essential, but processor support also depends on the motherboard’s specifications and BIOS version.
Memory is another build-planning detail: all seven listed models are DDR5 boards. Confirm the memory kit type and the motherboard’s support information before purchase. A CPU-and-board compatibility check helps prevent a costly mismatch during a new build.
Which Gigabyte motherboard gives a gaming PC more storage expansion?
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 offers the most listed M.2 expansion here, with five slots; the other Z790 selections provide four, and the B650 picks provide three. More slots give builders additional places for compatible M.2 SSDs.
Extra slots do not automatically make games run faster. Storage speed depends on the SSD, the connection, and system configuration. A three-slot board already accommodates a primary drive and additional game libraries for many gaming PCs.
Choose based on how many drives the build needs, not on the largest number alone. Check the board’s manual for slot sharing and supported drive sizes, then plan around the graphics card and other expansion cards.
Are Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 important motherboard features?
Wi-Fi 6E covers wireless needs on six of the seven boards listed, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 is the pick with Wi-Fi 7. The best option depends on the router, network environment, and whether a wired connection is available.
Wi-Fi 7 is a newer wireless standard, but using it requires compatible network equipment to access its benefits. Wi-Fi 6E remains a useful built-in feature for compatible networks. Every listed board also includes 2.5GbE Ethernet, providing a wired alternative.
For competitive gaming, a wired Ethernet connection is a dependable first choice when practical. For a wireless setup, match the motherboard’s networking features to your router instead of paying attention to the Wi-Fi label alone.
How should you choose a Gigabyte motherboard for Black Friday 2026?
Choose the Gigabyte motherboard that matches your processor, then compare storage, wireless features, and the connections your build needs. Black Friday 2026 is a useful time to compare the exact board models side by side rather than treating B650 and Z790 as direct substitutes.
For AM5 Ryzen systems, the B650 Gaming X AX V2 is a balanced starting point; the B650 AORUS Elite AX V2 and B650 Eagle AX provide alternatives with similar key expansion. For Intel LGA1700 builds, compare the four-slot Z790 options with the five-slot Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7.
Before checkout, verify the full model name, board revision, CPU support, DDR5 requirements, case size, and required wireless features. Prioritize components that affect compatibility first, then choose the extras that fit your system plan.
Buying Guide
Start with your processor
Match AMD Ryzen AM5 processors with a B650 board and compatible Intel LGA1700 processors with a Z790 board. Check the CPU support information for the exact motherboard model before you choose.
Count your M.2 drives
The B650 options here offer 3 M.2 slots; the Z790 choices offer 4 or 5. Count current and planned SSDs, then review the manual for slot sharing and supported drive configurations.
Choose wireless deliberately
Wi-Fi 6E appears on six models, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 includes Wi-Fi 7. Confirm your router supports the standard you want, or plan to use 2.5GbE Ethernet.
Check memory and case fit
Every model in this guide is a DDR5 motherboard. Verify the memory kit type, motherboard form factor, case compatibility, and required power connections before completing a gaming PC build.
FAQ
Gigabyte B650 Gaming X vs Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite: which should I buy?
Buy the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X for a compatible AMD Ryzen AM5 system, or the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite for a compatible Intel LGA1700 system. CPU compatibility decides the comparison. Then compare M.2 capacity, wireless features, and rear connections for your build.
Does the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X support Intel CPUs?
No. The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X uses AMD’s AM5 socket and is designed for compatible AMD Ryzen processors. Intel LGA1700 processors require a compatible motherboard such as a Gigabyte Z790 Gaming X AX or Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX.
Does the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite support Ryzen processors?
No. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite uses Intel’s LGA1700 socket and supports compatible Intel processors. Choose a Gigabyte B650 motherboard for a compatible Ryzen AM5 build, and verify the processor support list for the exact board model.
Which Gigabyte board in this guide has the most M.2 slots?
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 has the most listed M.2 slots, with five. The other Z790 boards listed have four, while the B650 selections have three. Check the board manual for slot sharing and drive compatibility details.
Is the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 a good gaming motherboard?
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite X WIFI7 is a strong gaming motherboard for compatible Intel LGA1700 builds that benefit from Wi-Fi 7 and five M.2 slots. Choose a simpler board if those extra wireless and storage features do not fit your system plan.