Gigabyte Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice: White Micro ATX Board Priced at $209
The board prioritizes aesthetics and full heatsink coverage, though memory compatibility issues and a sparse rear I/O panel may limit its appeal for enthusiasts.
By Malik Salazar ·
Gigabyte has listed the Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice on Amazon for $209, positioning it as a compact alternative to full-size ATX boards for white-themed builds. The Micro ATX motherboard is designed for Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors and aims to bring high-end features to a smaller form factor. According to the review, the board’s primary strength is its visual design, making it a top contender for aesthetic-focused systems.
The hardware configuration includes three M.2 sockets and four SATA ports for storage, alongside 2.5 GbE Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. However, the wireless chip is restricted to 160 MHz channels. Audio handling relies on the Realtek ALC897 codec, which the reviewer notes is adequate for general use but may fall short for audiophiles or music producers. The board features two RGB lighting zones, one near the voltage regulator modules and another beneath the chipset heatsink.
Thermal management is a standout feature in this price range. While many competitors omit coverage for the lower half of the board, the Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice includes full heatsink coverage. A large heatsink is also dedicated to the primary M.2 slot. Six 4-pin fan headers provide power for cooling solutions, with each header capable of delivering up to 2A or 24W.
Connectivity is handled through PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 standards. The primary M.2 slot connects via the CPU at PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds, while the other two use the chipset at PCIe 4.0 x4. One of the chipset-connected M.2 slots accepts modules up to 110mm. For expansion, the board offers two full-length PCIe slots: a reinforced CPU-fed slot at PCIe 5.0 x16 and a chipset-fed slot at PCIe 4.0 x4. Reviewers caution that large graphics cards may physically block access to the second slot.
Power delivery consists of 15 phases, with 12 dedicated to the Vcore, supported by dual 8-pin EPS connectors and 60A DrMOS parts. This setup provides a total of 720A, sufficient for processors like the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 9 285K. The reviewer suggests caution with heavy overclocking on these chips and recommends maintaining good airflow within the case.
Memory support is rated up to DDR5-9200, but testing revealed compatibility issues. A DDR5-8800 kit failed to run properly, whereas a DDR5-8200 kit operated without problems. The reviewer advises users to consult the qualified vendor list for optimal stability. The rear I/O panel includes nine USB ports and a single USB4 Type-C port at 40 Gbps, along with DisplayPort 2.1 output. The limited number of Type-C ports is noted as a drawback for users requiring multiple high-speed connections.
Performance tests indicate the board performs at an average level, with strong results in 3DMark and gaming scenarios. It includes AI Perfdrive technology, which allows users to apply one-click BIOS presets for CPU optimization. The package includes two white SATA cables, a rubber pad, an extra M.2 thermal pad, an EZ connector, and a guide. Tool-free installation features such as EZ-Latch and EZ-Click M.2 mounting are highlighted as practical advantages for builders.
