# TLDR Review: GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC

*Published: 2026-03-01 | Updated: 2026-03-01 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/gigabyte-z790-ud-ac*

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## Product: GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC
**Brand:** Gigabyte

## Pros
- Supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors for a future-proof platform
- Excellent overclocking potential with fine-tuned fan speed and temperature control
- Extensive connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, and multiple additional USB ports
- Well-designed 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 lightning-fast 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 Wake-on-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
- High-pitched 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.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors for a future-proof platform | Critical flaw: Ethernet MAC address randomly reverts to 00:00:00:00:00:00 during use, temporarily fixed only by cold boot |
| Excellent overclocking potential with fine-tuned fan speed and temperature control | Ethernet MAC address loss breaks Wake-on-LAN functionality that networked builds rely on |
| Extensive connectivity with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, and multiple additional USB ports | Manufacturer publicly denies the Ethernet issue exists despite multiple user reports |
| Well-designed layout with easy access to ports and slots for both beginners and experienced builders | Extremely tight cable clearance around SATA ports makes connections frustratingly difficult |
| Exceptional value with 16+1+1 phase digital VRM and DDR5 support at a competitive price point | BIOS/EFI CSM option constantly reverts to disabled without a discrete graphics card present |
| DDR5 memory support up to 128GB with speeds up to 7200 MT/s | BIOS settings mysteriously toggle on and off unpredictably |
| Robust power delivery and comprehensive cooling solutions with Smart Fan 6 technology | BIOS "Tweak" menu lacks important features like NVMe device disabling |
| Three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with lightning-fast storage speeds | Some units arrive warped, making proper installation problematic |
| Clean aesthetic with solid aluminum heatsinks | High-pitched coil whine reported during operation |
| Programmable CMOS and BIOS Flash buttons for straightforward troubleshooting | Quality control standards have significantly declined from Gigabyte's previous reputation |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| Amazon | $199.99  | In Stock |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*