If you are building a high end Intel gaming or productivity PC in India, the Z790 motherboard decides how far your system will go. It controls CPU power delivery, RAM speed, SSD performance, future GPU support, and connectivity for years. A solid Z790 board keeps an i5, i7, or i9 12th, 13th, or 14th gen processor stable even under heavy loads, whether you are gaming, editing 4K video, or streaming.
For Indian buyers, the choice is not only about specs on paper. You need to think about real world thermals in our hot climate, VRM quality for long gaming sessions, Wi Fi stability in crowded apartments, and the service network of brands in your city. Budget is always sensitive, so you want a board that offers strong value without forcing you to upgrade again in a short time. In this guide I walk through 5 of the best Z790 motherboards easily available in India, with a focus on practical usage, upgrade paths, and long term peace of mind.
Gigabyte Z790 D AX
A balanced Z790 ATX motherboard with PCIe 5.0, triple M.2, and Wi Fi 6E that suits high refresh gaming and productivity builds.
Pros
- PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for next gen GPUs
- Triple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with RAID support
- Wi Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast wireless
- 2.5 GbE LAN for high speed wired networking
Cons
- Limited M.2 count compared to some rivals
- No heavy aesthetic focus, basic gaming look
- Onboard audio is adequate, not premium
- Requires good case airflow for best thermals
Gigabyte Z790 D AX targets users who want strong performance without going into flashy flagship territory. The PCIe 5.0 x16 slot gives you headroom for future GPUs, so if you upgrade from an RTX 30 series to a newer card later, the board will still feel modern. For storage, you get three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support, which suits users who want one fast boot SSD plus one or two large SSDs for games and projects. For most Indian gamers this is already plenty of storage expansion.
Connectivity suits urban Indian homes quite well. Intel Wi Fi 6E AX211 supports 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands. If you have a modern dual band or tri band router, your ping in games and download speeds stay consistent even if multiple family members share the connection. Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN works well if you prefer wired networking for esports titles. HDMI and DisplayPort outputs support up to 4096×2160 at 60 Hz with Intel integrated graphics, handy for troubleshooting before you plug in a GPU or for office use.
Gigabyte has a decent service presence in India, especially in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. RMA experience is generally acceptable, though availability of exact replacement models can vary by region. For someone assembling a performance oriented but value focused Intel 13th or 14th gen build, the Z790 D AX fits nicely. It suits a wide range of use cases, from a mid range i5 gaming rig to an i7 workstation, as long as your case airflow is sensible and you pick a reliable power supply.
MSI PRO Z790 S WiFi
A workhorse Z790 board aimed at productivity and creator systems, with solid VRM, Wi Fi 6E, and clean design for office or home rigs.
Pros
- 12 phase Duet Rail VRM with Core Boost
- Dedicated cooling features for VRM and M.2
- PCIe 5.0 x16 with Steel Armor for GPU support
- Two M.2 Gen4 slots with Shield Frozr on one
Cons
- Only two M.2 slots, rivals offer more
- Plain aesthetics, not a showpiece gaming board
- No advanced RGB ecosystem on board
- Audio section is functional, not tuned for audiophiles
MSI PRO Z790 S WiFi targets users who want stability, not flashy RGB. It suits office, creator, and productivity builds that also handle gaming. The 12 Duet Rail VRM with MSI Core Boost keeps even high core count Intel CPUs stable under long render sessions or code compilation, which matters in Indian homes and studios where ambient temperatures stay high for long periods. VRM thermal pads rated at 7 W/mK and an extended heatsink help maintain temperatures during summer afternoons when room temperatures climb.
Cooling related features are useful if you stay in cities where AC usage is limited. The board includes a chipset heatsink, M.2 Shield Frozr for one of the SSDs, Frozr AI responsive fan control, and a dedicated pump fan header if you use an AIO liquid cooler. Four DDR5 DIMM slots with Memory Boost isolated circuitry support high frequency memory over 6600 MHz (OC), which helps in productivity tasks and improves 1 percent lows in gaming when paired with a capable CPU.
On the connectivity side, you get Intel Wi Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 2.5 Gbps LAN controller. Rear I/O includes USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type C with 20 Gbps bandwidth, HDMI, DisplayPort, and 7.1 channel HD audio. MSI has a strong presence in the Indian market with service centers in major cities and tier 2 hubs. RMA support for motherboards is generally regarded as reliable. If you want a practical ATX Z790 board for mixed work from home, productivity, and gaming, and you prefer a clean professional look, PRO Z790 S WiFi is a sensible choice.
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi
A gaming focused Z790 board with stronger memory overclocking, four M.2 Gen4 slots, and Wi Fi 6E for heavy Indian gamers and streamers.
Pros
- Supports DDR5 speeds above 7200 MHz (OC)
- Quad M.2 Gen4 x4 slots for large SSD arrays
- PCIe 5.0 x16 with Steel Armor for high end GPUs
- Strong VRM cooling with Frozr AI fan control
Cons
- Four M.2 slots need careful case airflow
- More features than casual users require
- RGB and gaming theme may not suit minimal setups
- Needs a quality PSU for high end CPU plus GPU
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi targets mid to high tier gaming and streaming builds. Support for DDR5 speeds beyond 7200 MHz, along with MSI Memory Boost, helps competitive gamers squeeze out higher frame rates in CPU bound titles. If you plan to pair a 13600K, 13700K, or 14600K with a strong GPU, this board keeps things stable while you tweak XMP and mild overclocks.
Storage is where this board stands out for Indian users who like to keep large Steam, Epic, or Game Pass libraries. There are four M.2 Gen4 x4 slots, with Shield Frozr on the primary slot to reduce thermal throttling. You can use one fast SSD for OS and main games and the rest for raw storage, video edits, or work data. For cities with frequent dust and higher ambient heat, proper case airflow and good quality SSD heatsinks are important, especially if all four slots are populated.
Network options include Intel Wi Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3 and Intel 2.5 Gbps LAN, which suits both Wi Fi users in apartments and wired users in gaming cafes or shared flats. The HDMI 2.1 port on the rear I/O allows you to use Intel integrated graphics for troubleshooting or lightweight tasks. MSI has a strong RMA and support footprint in India, which gives peace of mind if something goes wrong. For gamers who want serious expansion and performance without entering ultra expensive territory, Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi fits Indian use cases well.
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X AX
A performance oriented Z790 gaming motherboard with strong VRM, four M.2 slots, and Wi Fi 6E, aimed at enthusiasts who want headroom for future upgrades.
Pros
- Twin 16+1+2 phase digital VRM for strong power delivery
- Four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for flexible storage layout
- Advanced VRM and M.2 thermal armor design
- Wi Fi 6E and 2.5 GbE LAN for high speed networking
Cons
- More premium pricing compared to entry Z790 boards
- Feature set may be overkill for basic builds
- Larger heatsinks need roomy ATX cases
- RGB accent design does not suit all tastes
Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite X AX suits enthusiasts who want to push Intel 13th and future gen processors with confidence. The twin 16+1+2 phase digital VRM solution supplies stable power over long gaming or rendering sessions, which is important in Indian climates where rooms often run warm. Dual channel DDR5 support across four DIMM slots with XMP 3.0 means you can pair high frequency RAM kits and keep upgrade paths open for the next few years.
Thermal design is a strong point of this board. VRM Thermal Armor Advanced and M.2 Thermal Guard cover key hot spots so the board can handle heavy loads without immediate throttling. If you live in a city where you use the system inside a non AC room for most of the day, this type of hardware level cooling support helps. Four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots support ultra fast SSD storage, which suits 4K video editors, content creators, or gamers with large libraries who prefer all solid state storage.
For networking, you get Wi Fi 6E with Bluetooth support and 2.5 GbE LAN. Many ISPs in Indian metros now offer higher bandwidth plans and this board is ready for that, while staying backward compatible with older routers and switches. Gigabyte’s Aorus series has good brand recall among Indian gamers and there is reasonable service coverage in major cities. If you want a visually strong ATX board with high end power delivery and a lot of storage flexibility, Z790 Aorus Elite X AX is a strong candidate for a premium Intel build.
ASUS Prime Z790 P WiFi CSM
A feature packed Z790 motherboard with 14+1 power stages, PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and strong connectivity that suits mixed gaming and productivity builds.
Pros
- 14+1 power stages rated at 50 A for solid VRM
- PCIe 5.0 x16 support for next gen GPUs
- Three M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi Fi 6 and 2.5 Gb Ethernet for fast networking
Cons
- Wi Fi 6 instead of Wi Fi 6E
- Three M.2 slots, rivals offer four
- CSM features matter more to business users
- White and silver design may not match all cases
ASUS Prime Z790 P WiFi CSM focuses on stable power and broad connectivity while keeping a cleaner aesthetic compared to full gaming lines. The 14+1 power stages, each rated for 50 amperes, supply enough current for modern Intel CPUs used in gaming, coding, or office work. This works well for Indian users who need one PC for everything, from office tasks during the day to gaming at night.
PCIe 5.0 support on the primary x16 slot prepares you for future graphics cards. Three M.2 slots support fast SSDs, which is usually enough for one OS drive along with two large game or data drives. You also get multiple USB ports including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type C on the rear for high speed external SSDs, which helps if you move data between home and office or between laptop and desktop.
Networking uses Intel Wi Fi 6 and Realtek 2.5 Gb Ethernet. Wi Fi 6 already handles typical Indian broadband plans well and works fine in apartments where multiple devices share a single router. ASUS has one of the strongest service and support networks in India with many authorized centers and good availability of spare parts. If you want a balanced Z790 motherboard from a brand with strong support, and you like the cleaner Prime series look instead of aggressive gaming styling, the Prime Z790 P WiFi CSM fits that role for Indian buyers.
Buying Guide
Set your budget and usage first
Before you pick any Z790 motherboard, be clear about how you plan to use your PC. If your main focus is gaming at 1080p or 1440p with a mid range GPU, you do not need the most expensive board in the list. A solid mid tier Z790 with decent VRM and two or three M.2 slots is enough. If you plan to use a Core i7 or Core i9 for video editing, streaming, or 3D work, and you keep the system under load for hours, invest in a board with stronger VRM, better heatsinks, and more storage slots. Also think about future upgrades like extra RAM or a faster GPU so you avoid a forced motherboard upgrade later.
Check VRM quality and cooling for Indian climate
VRM design is one of the most important factors with modern Intel CPUs. Look at the number of phases, their rated current, and the size of the heatsinks. Boards with 12 or more quality power stages and thick heatsinks handle hot Indian summers better. Features like thermal pads with higher W/mK values, extended heatsinks, and dedicated fan headers for AIO pumps or case fans help keep temperatures under control. In non AC rooms you should pair the motherboard with a case that has good airflow and at least two intake and one exhaust fan.
Plan your RAM configuration with DDR5
All these boards support DDR5, but the maximum stable speed in real life depends on the memory kit and the CPU memory controller. Look for boards that officially support higher frequencies like 6600 MHz or more with XMP. For most Indian users, 32 GB of DDR5 is a sweet spot for gaming and productivity, while 16 GB suits tight budgets. Check how many DIMM slots the board offers and whether you plan to fill two slots now and add more later. Buying a 2 x 16 GB kit instead of 4 x 8 GB keeps upgrade options open and often gives better stability.
Storage expansion and M.2 slot count
If you play many AAA games, store raw photos or 4K videos, or work with large codebases, M.2 slot count matters. Boards with three or four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots let you use one high speed drive for OS and apps and others for projects or game libraries. For Indian conditions, SSD temperatures can climb in small cases, so features like M.2 heatsinks or shields are useful. Also check whether the board supports RAID if you want redundancy for work files. For casual users who store media mainly on external drives or NAS, two M.2 slots are usually enough.
GPU and PCIe 5.0 readiness
All the boards listed here provide at least one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for the GPU. This gives you headroom for future generations of graphics cards. For current GPUs, PCIe 4.0 still performs well, but choosing a PCIe 5.0 ready slot is safer if you plan to keep the motherboard for many years. Features like Steel Armor or reinforced slots help when you mount heavy GPUs in Indian homes where cabinets sometimes see movement during cleaning or shifting.
Connectivity, Wi Fi, and LAN needs
In many Indian apartments, long LAN cables are not practical, so strong Wi Fi is important. Wi Fi 6 is already good enough for most broadband plans, while Wi Fi 6E adds support for the 6 GHz band if your router supports it. This can reduce congestion in flats with many devices. For users who want the lowest ping for competitive titles, 2.5 GbE LAN with a decent router is the better choice. Also look at the number of USB ports, presence of USB Type C, HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for using integrated graphics, and audio codecs if you care about sound quality.
Build quality, size, and case compatibility
All products in this list are ATX motherboards, so you need a case that supports ATX size. Check clearance for GPU length and CPU coolers as well. Heavy heatsinks on VRMs and M.2 slots provide better cooling but need space around them, so a cramped micro ATX case is not suitable. Build quality shows up in PCB thickness, reinforced PCIe slots, and quality of the rear I/O shield. For Indian users who often move their PCs between hostel and home or between rental houses, stronger boards handle transport better.
Warranty, service network, and brand support in India
Motherboards are not easy to repair locally, so warranty and service coverage matter. ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte all offer multi year warranties on motherboards in India, usually three years. Before purchase, check whether there is an authorized service center in your city or at least in the nearest metro. Look at real user feedback from Indian forums or local retailers for RMA experience. A slightly higher priced board from a brand with better service support often gives more peace of mind than a cheaper option with weak after sales support.
Feature Importance
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| VRM design and power stages | High |
| VRM and chipset cooling quality | High |
| Number of M.2 slots and storage options | High |
| DDR5 memory support and max stable speed | High |
| PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for GPU | High |
| Wi Fi 6 / Wi Fi 6E and 2.5 GbE LAN | Medium |
| Rear USB port count and Type C support | Medium |
| Onboard audio quality | Medium |
| RGB and visual design | Low |
| Extra PCIe slots for add in cards | Medium |
