Gigabyte Unveils $209 Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice for Compact White Builds
The Micro ATX board targets Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus users with full heatsink coverage and Wi-Fi 7, though rear I/O remains limited.
By Kevin Iyer ·
Gigabyte has released the Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice, a white Micro ATX motherboard designed for Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors. Priced at $209 on Amazon, the board aims to provide full-size feature sets in a compact form factor.
The design prioritizes aesthetics, with a white color scheme that positions it as a strong option for themed builds. Unlike many budget competitors that skip coverage on the lower board half, this model features full heatsink coverage. A large heatsink also protects the primary M.2 socket, while two RGB zones near the VRMs and chipset provide lighting.
Power delivery consists of 15 phases, with 12 dedicated to Vcore. Dual 8-pin EPS connectors feed 60A DrMOS parts, creating a total capacity of 720A. This setup supports chips ranging from the Core Ultra 5 250K Plus to the Core Ultra 9 285K. Reviewers suggest that heavy overclocking on the higher-end models requires careful airflow management.
Storage options include three M.2 sockets and four SATA ports. The primary socket connects via the CPU at PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds. The other two connect through the chipset at PCIe 4.0 x4, with one supporting modules up to 110mm. The board supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 for NVMe drives. Two full-length PCIe slots are available, one running at PCIe 5.0 x16 and the other at PCIe 4.0 x4.
Memory support extends up to DDR5-9200 in overclocked configurations. During testing, a DDR5-8800 kit failed to run properly, while a DDR5-8200 kit functioned correctly. The review advises users to check the Qualified Vendor List for stable memory performance.
Networking features include 2.5 GbE and Wi-Fi 7. The wireless chip is limited to 160 MHz channels. Audio handling relies on a Realtek ALC897 codec, which provides adequate sound for general use but may not satisfy audiophiles. Six 4-pin fan headers offer up to 2A or 24W each.
Rear I/O 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 operates at 40 Gbps with DisplayPort output. A separate DisplayPort 2.1 output is also present. The limited number of Type-C ports is noted as a drawback for some users.
Performance tests indicate the board delivers average results. It performs well in 3DMark benchmarks and real-world gaming scenarios. The board also supports AI Perfdrive, a feature that allows users to apply one-click CPU improvements through customizable BIOS presets.
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 mounting features like EZ-Latch and EZ-Click M.2 installation are included to simplify assembly.
The board is now available for purchase at the listed retail price. It targets builders seeking a compact, white-aesthetic option for Intel platforms without the cost of premium ATX models.
