White Micro ATX Board Puts Full-Size Intel Specs in Small Package for $209

A new motherboard from Gigabyte is selling for $209 on Amazon. The Z890M Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice packs features usually reserved for larger ATX boards into a Micro ATX form factor. This specific model targets builders who want a white-themed system without paying a premium for size.

The board is designed for Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus processors. It provides three M.2 sockets for storage and four SATA ports. For networking, it includes 2.5 GbE wired connectivity and Wi-Fi 7. The wireless chip operates on 160 MHz channels. Audio is handled by a Realtek ALC897 codec, which serves general users well but may lack the fidelity of higher-end components.

Heatsink coverage distinguishes this board from many rivals in the same price range. The design includes a large heatsink on the primary M.2 socket and covers the lower half of the board where other budget models often skip coverage. Two RGB lighting zones are located near the VRMs and under the chipset heatsink. The board also features six 4-pin fan headers, each capable of delivering up to 24W of power.

Connectivity options include a primary M.2 slot running at PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds. The remaining two M.2 slots operate at PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds, with one supporting modules up to 110mm in length. Two full-length PCIe slots are available: one reinforced slot runs at PCIe 5.0 x16, while the second operates at PCIe 4.0 x4. Reviewers note that a large graphics card might physically block access to the second slot.

Power delivery consists of 15 phases, with 12 dedicated to the Vcore. The board uses dual 8-pin EPS connectors and 60A DrMOS parts, totaling 720A of output. This setup supports the Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, and Core Ultra 9 285K. Testers suggest caution when overclocking the higher-end chips and recommend ensuring good airflow within the case.

Memory support is listed up to DDR5-9200 with overclocking enabled. In testing, a kit rated for DDR5-8800 failed to run properly, while a DDR5-8200 kit functioned without issues. The recommendation is to stick to the validated memory list for best stability. Rear I/O includes nine USB ports, with a single USB4 Type-C port offering 40 Gbps speeds and DisplayPort output.

Performance testing showed average results, with strong scores in 3DMark and real-world gaming scenarios. The board supports AI Perfdrive, a feature that allows users to apply one-click BIOS presets for CPU improvements. 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 mounting features for M.2 drives are also included.