Gigabyte Packs Full-Size Intel Features into $209 Micro ATX Board

Gigabyte has launched the Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice, a Micro ATX motherboard priced at $209 on Amazon. The board is designed for Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors and aims to replicate the feature set of its larger ATX sibling in a smaller chassis. Reviewers note that the design prioritizes aesthetics, making it a strong candidate for white-themed computer builds.

The board supports three M.2 sockets and four SATA ports for storage. The primary M.2 slot connects directly to the CPU via PCIe 5.0 x4. The remaining two slots run through the chipset at PCIe 4.0 x4, with one slot accommodating modules up to 110mm. RAID configurations 0, 1, 5, and 10 are supported for NVMe drives. Networking features include a 2.5 GbE port and Wi-Fi 7, though the wireless chip is limited to 160 MHz channels.

Power delivery consists of 15 phases, with 12 dedicated to Vcore. The board uses 60A DrMOS parts and dual 8-pin EPS connectors to provide 720A of total power. This setup supports the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, and Core Ultra 9 285K. Testers advise against heavy overclocking on the higher-end chips and recommend maintaining good airflow within the case.

Memory support extends to DDR5-9200 at overclocked speeds. In testing, a DDR5-8800 kit failed to function correctly, while a DDR5-8200 kit operated without issues. The reviewer suggests adhering to the Qualified Vendor List for optimal stability. Audio is handled by a Realtek ALC897 codec, which is described as adequate for general use but less suitable for professional audio work.

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 offers 40 Gbps speeds and DisplayPort output. A separate DisplayPort 2.1 output is also present. The board features two full-length PCIe slots, with the primary slot running at PCIe 5.0 x16. A large graphics card may obstruct access to the secondary slot, which operates at PCIe 4.0 x4.

Performance benchmarks indicate average results, with strong scores in 3DMark and real-world gaming scenarios. The board includes AI Perfdrive, a feature that provides customizable BIOS presets for CPU performance adjustments. Heatsink coverage extends to the lower half of the board, a design choice that differentiates it from some budget competitors. Two RGB lighting zones are included near the VRMs and chipset heatsink.

The package includes two white SATA cables, a rubber pad, an extra M.2 thermal pad, and an EZ connector for the front panel. Tool-free installation features such as EZ-Latch and EZ-Click M.2 mounting are standard. These design elements, along with the six 4-pin fan headers capable of 24W output, contribute to the board's ease of assembly.