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GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC (LGA 1700/ Intel Z790/ ATX/ DDR5/ Triple M.2/ PCIe 5.0/ USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C/Intel Wi-Fi/ 2.5GbE LAN/PCIe EZ-Latch/Multi-Key/Motherboard)

TLDR Review: GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC

Item: GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC
Author: ShopSavvy

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: March 1st, 2026

Pros

•Supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors for a futurroof platform
•Excellent overclocking potential with finuned fan speed and temperature control
•Extensive connectivity with Wi, Bluetooth, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, and multiple additional USB ports
•Welesigned layout with easy access to ports and slots for both beginners and experienced builders
•Exceptional value with 16+1+1 phase digital VRM and DDR5 support at a competitive price point
•DDR5 memory support up to 128GB with speeds up to 7200 MT/s
•Robust power delivery and comprehensive cooling solutions with Smart Fan 6 technology
•Three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with lightninast storage speeds
•Clean aesthetic with solid aluminum heatsinks
•Programmable CMOS and BIOS Flash buttons for straightforward troubleshooting

Cons

•Critical flaw: Ethernet MAC address randomly reverts to 00:00:00:00:00:00 during use, temporarily fixed only by cold boot
•Ethernet MAC address loss breaks Wakn-LAN functionality that networked builds rely on
•Manufacturer publicly denies the Ethernet issue exists despite multiple user reports
•Extremely tight cable clearance around SATA ports makes connections frustratingly difficult
•BIOS/EFI CSM option constantly reverts to disabled without a discrete graphics card present
•BIOS settings mysteriously toggle on and off unpredictably
•BIOS "Tweak" menu lacks important features like NVMe device disabling
•Some units arrive warped, making proper installation problematic
•Higitched coil whine reported during operation
•Quality control standards have significantly declined from Gigabyte's previous reputation

Bottom Line

The Z790 UD AC offers genuinely impressive specs and excellent value at $306.49—with a solid 16+1+1 phase VRM, DDR5 support, and extensive connectivity that makes it attractive for budget-conscious builders looking to pair it with Intel's 13th Gen processors. However, we have to be straight with you: multiple reviewers have encountered a critical Ethernet MAC address bug that Gigabyte refuses to acknowledge, and additional quality control issues including warped boards and coil whine suggest their standards have taken a hit. Unless you're confident you can work around potential Ethernet problems or don't rely on Wake-on-LAN functionality, you might want to carefully weigh these reliability risks against the savings.