Gigabyte Puts Intel Features in White Micro ATX

Gigabyte has released the Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice, a Micro ATX motherboard designed for Intel processors. The board is currently listed for $209 on Amazon. It incorporates the primary features of the larger ATX model into a smaller chassis, targeting users who prefer a white aesthetic for their computer builds.

The hardware is tuned for Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors. Storage capabilities include three M.2 sockets and four SATA ports. Network connectivity is provided by a 2.5 GbE ethernet port and Wi-Fi 7. The wireless chip is restricted to 160 MHz channels. Audio functionality relies on a Realtek ALC897 codec, which the reviewer noted is adequate for general use but may not suit professional audio applications.

Thermal management distinguishes this model from several competitors in the same price range. The board features heatsink coverage on the lower half, a detail often omitted by rivals. A large heatsink is mounted on the primary M.2 socket. Two RGB lighting zones are positioned near the voltage regulator modules and under the chipset heatsink. Six 4-pin fan headers are included, each capable of delivering up to 24 watts of power.

Data transfer speeds are handled through PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 standards. The primary M.2 socket connects to the CPU at PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds. The other two M.2 sockets connect via the chipset at PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. One of these chipset-fed slots accepts modules up to 110 millimeters in length. RAID configurations 0, 1, 5, and 10 are supported for NVMe drives. Two full-length PCIe expansion slots are present. The top slot runs at PCIe 5.0 x16, while the bottom slot operates at up to PCIe 4.0 x4. The reviewer warned that a large graphics card could obstruct the lower slot.

Power delivery consists of 15 phases, with 12 dedicated to the CPU core. The system uses dual 8-pin EPS connectors and 60A DrMOS parts, totaling 720 amps. This setup supports the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, and Core Ultra 9 285K. The reviewer advised caution when heavily overclocking the 285K or 270K Plus models and recommended maintaining adequate case airflow.

Memory support extends to DDR5-9200 in overclocked mode. Testing revealed that a DDR5-8800 kit did not function correctly, while a DDR5-8200 kit operated without issues. The reviewer suggested sticking to the qualified vendor list for optimal stability. The rear panel includes nine USB ports: four USB 2.0, four USB 3.2 Gen 1, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A. A single USB4 Type-C port provides 40 Gbps speeds and DisplayPort output. A separate DisplayPort 2.1 output is also available.

Performance testing showed the board to be average overall. It performed well in 3DMark benchmarks and real-world gaming scenarios. The system supports AI Perfdrive, a feature that provides customizable BIOS presets for CPU performance improvements. The package includes two white SATA cables, a rubber pad, an extra M.2 thermal pad, an EZ connector for the front panel, and an installation guide. Tool-free installation features such as EZ-Latch and EZ-Click M.2 mounting were cited as strengths.