Gigabyte Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice hits Amazon for $209
The white Micro ATX board offers full heatsink coverage and Wi-Fi 7 support, though reviewers note limitations in audio and memory stability.
By Thomas Rogers ·
Gigabyte has listed the Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice on Amazon for $209. The board is a Micro ATX option designed for Intel processors, carrying over features from its larger ATX sibling into a smaller form factor. Reviewers note that its primary advantage is its appearance, making it a strong candidate for white-themed computer builds.
The hardware is tuned specifically for Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors. It includes three M.2 sockets and four SATA ports for storage. Networking capabilities consist of 2.5 GbE Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7, although the wireless chip is restricted to 160 MHz channels. Audio is handled by a Realtek ALC897 codec, which is described as adequate for general use but potentially lacking for audiophiles.
Thermal design distinguishes this model from other budget options. While competitors in this price range often leave the lower half of the board without cooling, the Z890M features full coverage. A large heatsink is installed on the primary M.2 socket. Two RGB lighting zones are located near the VRMs and under the chipset heatsink. Six 4-pin fan headers provide power delivery of up to 24W each.
Connectivity includes a CPU-fed PCIe 5.0 x4 connection for the primary M.2 slot. The remaining two slots operate at PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds via the chipset, with one supporting modules up to 110mm. NVMe drives support RAID0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations. The board has two full-length PCIe slots, one running at PCIe 5.0 x16 and the other at PCIe 4.0 x4. Reviewers caution that large graphics cards may obstruct the second slot.
Power delivery consists of 15 phases, with 12 dedicated to Vcore. The system uses dual 8-pin EPS connectors and 60A DrMOS parts, totaling 720A. This setup supports the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, and Core Ultra 9 285K. Reviewers advise against heavy overclocking on the higher-end models and recommend maintaining good airflow within the case.
Memory support lists DDR5-9200 with overclocking. In practical testing, a DDR5-8800 kit failed to run properly, while a DDR5-8200 kit performed without issues. The reviewer suggests users adhere to the memory Qualified Vendor List for optimal stability.
The rear I/O 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 bandwidth and DisplayPort output. A DisplayPort 2.1 output is also present. The lack of a second Type-C port is cited as a drawback. A front-panel HDMI output allows for secondary displays.
Performance tests yielded average results, with strong scores in 3DMark and real-world gaming scenarios. The board supports AI Perfdrive, a feature that offers customizable BIOS presets for CPU performance. The package includes two white SATA cables, a rubber pad, an extra M.2 thermal pad, an EZ front-panel connector, and an installation guide. Tool-free installation features include EZ-Latch and EZ-Click M.2 mounting.
Source: Tom's Hardware
