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Tom’s Hardware reviewed Gigabyte’s Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice, a $209 Micro ATX motherboard for Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors. It combines a white design with three M.2 sockets, rear USB4 and Wi-Fi 7, though its single rear Type-C port and basic audio are limitations.
Tom’s Hardware has reviewed Gigabyte’s Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice, a $209 Micro ATX motherboard that brings a range of features associated with its larger ATX counterpart to a smaller board for Intel’s Core Ultra 200S Plus processors. Its standout points include a white finish, three M.2 sockets and rear USB4, while the review flags limited Type-C connectivity and a basic audio codec as trade-offs.
The board provides three M.2 sockets, four SATA ports and two full-length PCIe slots, one of which is reinforced. The review describes two of the M.2 sockets as PCIe 5.0-capable; the supplied product summary also lists one PCIe 5.0 x4 socket. Those descriptions do not fully align, so buyers should check Gigabyte’s specifications for the precise configuration before choosing drives.
Rear connectivity includes nine USB ports, among them one 40 Gbps Type-C port with DisplayPort capability. The board also includes 2.5 GbE and Wi-Fi 7, with the wireless connection specified at 160 MHz. Heatsinks cover all M.2 sockets, and two RGB lighting zones sit near the voltage-regulator heatsinks and beneath the chipset heatsink.
Tom’s Hardware characterizes the board’s appearance and build as particular strengths, citing its icy-white styling and broad heatsink coverage. The review also identifies limitations: there is only one rear Type-C port, the audio codec is basic, and the Wi-Fi 7 implementation is described as slower at 160 MHz. The available details do not provide comparative benchmark results or explain how those limitations affected specific workloads.
A Smaller Board With Broad Connectivity
The review speaks to builders who want a compact Intel system without giving up several features commonly sought in a full-size build. Three M.2 sockets, multiple rear USB connections, USB4 and Wi-Fi 7 offer room for storage and peripheral choices in a Micro ATX footprint. The heatsinks and white design may also suit builds where the motherboard is visible through a case window.
At the stated $209 price, the board sits in a category where buyers weigh appearance and connectivity against compromises elsewhere. A single rear Type-C connector could constrain users with several modern Type-C devices, while the basic audio solution may prompt some buyers to use a separate audio interface. The review identifies these as limitations but does not establish that they are deal-breakers for every user.
For readers comparing compact motherboards, the useful takeaway is that the Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice combines a broad feature set with a smaller layout, rather than reproducing every connection or capability found on larger boards. Its value will depend on whether the specific storage, network and port options fit a buyer’s build.
Gigabyte Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice motherboard LGA 1851 Micro ATX
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Intel Platform and Micro ATX Fit
The Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice is designed for Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors and uses the Micro ATX form factor. That makes it a candidate for smaller cases than a standard ATX board, provided the case supports Micro ATX and has adequate clearance for the board and cooling hardware.
Gigabyte’s model is presented as a compact counterpart to an ATX version, retaining multiple M.2 sockets, network options and two full-length PCIe slots. The review’s emphasis is a hands-on motherboard assessment, not an announcement of a new processor platform. Its observations about appearance and features should be distinguished from the product specifications and from claims about performance that would require test results.
““one of the better-looking Micro ATX options””
— Tom’s Hardware
Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processor LGA 1851
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Details Buyers Should Verify
The provided review details do not include performance benchmarks, power or thermal measurements, or comparisons against named competing boards. They also do not explain the practical effect of the 160 MHz Wi-Fi 7 specification, beyond describing it as slower. The exact M.2 PCIe 5.0 count is inconsistently stated in the available product summary and review excerpt, so users should consult Gigabyte’s official specification sheet before purchasing.
The $209 price is reported as the Amazon price at the time covered by the review; current availability and pricing may differ. The information here also does not establish whether the board’s audio or rear-port limits affect a particular user’s setup.
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Check Compatibility and Current Pricing
Prospective buyers should confirm that their processor, case and storage plans match the board’s socket, Micro ATX dimensions and M.2 layout. They should also check Gigabyte’s current specifications for PCIe lane details and review retailer listings for the latest price and stock status.
No follow-up product announcement or additional testing is specified in the review information. The immediate next step for readers is to compare the board’s confirmed connections and limitations with their own build requirements, particularly if they need several rear Type-C ports or higher-end onboard audio.
Source: Tom’s Hardware
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Key Questions
What is the Gigabyte Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice?
It is a Micro ATX motherboard for Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors, reviewed by Tom’s Hardware.
How much does the motherboard cost?
Tom’s Hardware listed it at $209 on Amazon in the review. Retail pricing and availability can change.
How many M.2 sockets and rear USB ports does it have?
The review lists three M.2 sockets and nine rear USB ports, including one 40 Gbps Type-C port with DisplayPort capability. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact PCIe generation of each M.2 socket.
What are the main drawbacks noted in the review?
The review points to one rear Type-C port, a basic audio codec and Wi-Fi 7 specified at 160 MHz, which it describes as slower.
Source: Tom’s Hardware
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