Gigabyte lists white Z890M motherboard at $209 for Intel builders
The Micro ATX board offers full heatsink coverage and Wi-Fi 7, though reviewers note its memory compatibility requires checking the QVL list.
By Adewale Rousseau ·
Gigabyte has priced its Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice motherboard at $209 on Amazon.
The board targets Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors in a Micro ATX form factor, packing features from larger ATX models into a smaller footprint.
Storage and connectivity options include three M.2 sockets and four SATA ports. Networking hardware provides 2.5 GbE Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7, although the wireless chip is restricted to 160 MHz channels. Audio relies on a Realtek ALC897 codec, a configuration reviewers consider sufficient for general use.
Physical design distinguishes this model from other budget options. It features full heatsink coverage on the lower half of the board, a detail many competitors omit. A large heatsink also protects the primary M.2 socket. Two RGB lighting zones are located near the VRMs and under the chipset heatsink. Six 4-pin fan headers supply power, with each capable of delivering 24W.
Performance specifications center on PCIe 5.0 connectivity. The primary M.2 slot and the main PCIe slot both run at PCIe 5.0 speeds. Two additional M.2 slots operate at PCIe 4.0, with one supporting drives up to 110mm. The board supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 for NVMe storage. Power delivery uses 15 phases, including 12 for Vcore, driven by 60A DrMOS parts. This setup provides 720A of total power, enough for high-end chips like the Core Ultra 9 285K, though reviewers suggest caution when overclocking those specific models.
Memory testing revealed some limitations. While the board lists support up to DDR5-9200 in overclocked mode, a DDR5-8800 kit failed to function correctly during review. A DDR5-8200 kit ran without issues. Reviewers advise users to check the Qualified Vendor List for memory compatibility to avoid instability.
Rear input and output options include nine USB ports: four USB 2.0, four USB 3.2 Gen 1, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A. The single Type-C port supports USB4 at 40 Gbps and includes DisplayPort output. A separate DisplayPort 2.1 output is also present. The lack of multiple Type-C ports is a noted drawback for users with multiple peripherals.
In performance benchmarks, the board performed within average ranges. It recorded strong results in 3DMark and real-world gaming tests. The BIOS includes AI Perfdrive, a feature that allows users to apply one-click CPU optimization presets.
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 mounting systems for M.2 drives and latches are standard, features the review cites as practical strengths for assembly.
The board is available now at the listed price point for builders seeking a white-themed compact Intel system.
Source: Tom's Hardware
