GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE: The Pinnacle of Performance and Aesthetics for Intel Systems

In the demanding landscape of PC hardware, the motherboard is the central pillar. It defines the capabilities and performance of your entire system. For builders and enthusiasts aiming to unlock the full potential of Intel’s latest processors, the Z890 AORUS PRO ICE emerges as a formidable choice.

This new Intel Z890 chipset motherboard from GIGABYTE is meticulously engineered. It’s designed to unleash the power of Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) with the LGA 1851 socket. Its core focus is on robust power delivery, cutting-edge connectivity, and efficient thermal management. All of this is presented in a stunning icy-white aesthetic.

The Z890 AORUS PRO ICE is more than just a circuit board. It’s a statement of performance and reliability. It provides a stable, powerful, and future-ready platform for the most demanding computing tasks. It ensures your system performs at its peak, all while looking exceptional.

Unyielding Power: The Z890 AORUS PRO VRM Design

The Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) is paramount. It delivers stable and efficient power to the CPU. The GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE boasts a highly capable VRM design. It ensures unwavering performance for even the most power-hungry processors and demanding overclocking scenarios.

It features a Digital Twin 16+1+2 Phases VRM Solution. This robust digital power phase design provides exceptional stability and precise power delivery to the CPU. Each VCORE phase is equipped with a 90A Smart Power Stage (SPS). This ensures high current handling capability and superior transient response.

The motherboard utilizes an 8-Layer PCB with 2X Copper PCB technology. This enhanced PCB design significantly improves power efficiency and aids thermal dissipation. This helps maintain lower operating temperatures for critical components, contributing to overall system stability and longevity.

With robust dual 8-pin CPU power connectors featuring UD Solid Pin design, the Z890 AORUS PRO ICE is ready for the challenge of high-end processors. This strong power solution prevents throttling. It ensures consistent performance under heavy loads, including extreme overclocking scenarios.

Blazing-Fast Speeds: PCIe 5.0 and D5 Bionic Corsa Memory

The GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE is engineered for unparalleled data transfer speeds. It fully embraces the latest industry standards. This eliminates bottlenecks and maximizes system responsiveness.

It features a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with GIGABYTE’s innovative PCIe UD Slot X. This slot offers unparalleled robustness. It provides superior protection for your graphics card. It has 10X load-bearing capacity. It’s an integrated, single-piece design. This is anchored to an exclusive backplate.

The motherboard includes five M.2 slots. One supports PCIe 5.0 x4, delivering incredible speeds for the latest NVMe SSDs. The remaining four M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 x4. This provides extensive high-speed storage options. It enables rapid boot times and lightning-fast loading of applications and games.

For memory, the Z890 AORUS PRO ICE supports DDR5 UDIMM. It offers a maximum memory capacity of 256GB across four DIMM slots. It supports impressive memory speeds through overclocking (OC), reaching up to 9500+ MT/s.

GIGABYTE’s D5 Bionic Corsa Technology is specifically designed for infinite memory performance. This advanced AI-enhanced overclocking technology for DDR5 ensures peak performance and signal integrity. It optimizes vias and pads, smart routing, and tailored stackups for enhanced functionality. It also features DDR Wind Blade for enhanced active cooling of memory modules.

Next-Generation Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, 5GbE LAN, and Dual Thunderbolt 4

The GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE offers a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge connectivity options. These ensure lightning-fast networking and versatile peripheral support.

It features the latest Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (802.11be) solution. This new wireless standard offers significantly higher speeds. It has wider channels (up to 320MHz on 6GHz) and improved efficiency. It boasts a maximum transmission speed of up to 5.8 Gbps. This is 2.4 times faster than Wi-Fi 6/6E. The directional Ultra-high gain antenna further enhances wireless signal reception.

The motherboard also includes a Realtek® 5GbE LAN solution. This provides incredibly fast wired network speeds. It’s ideal for demanding online gaming, large file transfers, and streaming high-resolution content without lag.

For external devices, the Z890 AORUS PRO ICE comes with Dual Thunderbolt™ 4 Type-C ports. These offer a blazing 40Gbps transfer rate each. They support DisplayPort Alternate Mode for video output. This includes up to 8K display resolution. They also support daisy-chaining of Thunderbolt devices, expanding your workstation capabilities.

The motherboard provides a rich array of USB ports. These include multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), and USB 2.0 ports. This ensures extensive connectivity for all your peripherals.

Comprehensive Thermal Management: Keeping Your System Cool

Effective thermal management is crucial. It maintains optimal performance and system stability. This is especially true under sustained heavy loads. The GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE integrates a suite of premium thermal solutions.

It features VRM Thermal Armor Advanced. This robust heatsink design includes a superior heatpipe and high-quality 5 W/mK thermal pads. It efficiently dissipates heat from the power delivery components. This ensures stable VRM temperatures even during intensive tasks.

M.2 Thermal Guard L and other M.2 heatsinks are included for all five M.2 SSDs. These enlarged heatsinks help keep high-speed NVMe SSDs cool. They prevent thermal throttling and ensure consistent performance, preventing slowdowns during intense game loading or large file transfers.

The CPU socket is designed with RL-ILM (Reinforced Load Plate). This helps reduce CPU bending. It also improves contact with the cooler. This further enhances thermal performance.

GIGABYTE’s Smart Fan 6 provides comprehensive cooling control. It supports both PWM and DC fans, as well as water cooling pumps. It offers multiple temperature and fan speed points, customizable fan curves, and a Fan Stop technology for silent operation at low temperatures. This allows for precise tuning of your cooling system for optimal performance and acoustics.

AI-Enhanced Performance and User Experience

The GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE incorporates intelligent AI features. These are designed to optimize system performance and enhance the user experience.

AORUS AI SNATCH is an auto-overclocking software. It’s powered by AI models. It unleashes ultimate performance with one-click activation. It analyzes in real-time. It also provides safe overclocking.

AI Perfdrive provides optimal and customized BIOS preset profiles for users. This allows for tailored overclocking of your CPU and DDR5 memory with just one click. It boosts CPU and memory performance. This results in faster data transfer and improved multitasking.

AI-Enhanced Performance Optimization includes AI-driven MRC parameter optimization and adaptive signal strength tuning. GIGABYTE claims AI tuning accuracy exceeds 95%. It continuously learns to advance performance limits.

The motherboard also features AI-ViaFusion Technology, AI-Trace Technology, and AI-Layer Technology. These leverage AI to optimize PCB design, trace routing, and layer stackups. This results in enhanced signal integrity, reduced signal distortion, and improved transmission reliability.

Ultra Durable and DIY Friendly Design

GIGABYTE’s AORUS motherboards are engineered for extreme durability and ease of installation. The Z890 AORUS PRO ICE embodies these principles, making your build experience smooth and reliable.

The motherboard features an Ultra Durable design. This includes reinforced PCIe slots with PCIe UD Slot X. This ensures long-term reliability and stability, protecting your valuable components.

WIFI EZ-Plug offers a quick and easy design for Wi-Fi antenna installation. EZ-Latch Plus simplifies PCIe and M.2 slot installation with quick-release and screwless designs. EZ-Latch Click extends this tool-less convenience to M.2 heatsinks.

The Integrated I/O Shield provides a streamlined and hassle-free installation experience. It ensures proper alignment and a secure fit.

The motherboard includes a Friendly UI with Multi-Theme, AIO Fan Control, and Q-Flash Auto Scan in BIOS and software. A new Power Monitor in HWinfo provides real-time monitoring of CPU power phases. Q-Flash Plus allows for BIOS updates without installing the CPU, memory, or graphics card.

Immersive Audio Experience

For an immersive computing experience, high-quality audio is essential. The GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE is equipped to deliver superior sound.

It features the Realtek® ALC1220 CODEC. This provides High Definition Audio. It supports 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio. It also supports S/PDIF Out for digital audio connections.

The use of WIMA Audiophile Grade Capacitors further enhances audio quality. These components are known for their excellent sound characteristics. They contribute to a rich and clear audio output for gaming, movies, and music.

Technical Specifications at a Glance:

• Chipset: Intel® Z890 Express Chipset
• CPU Support: LGA 1851 socket, supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2)
• Memory:
  • 4x DDR5 DIMM sockets, up to 256 GB
  • Dual Channel memory architecture
  • Support for ECC and non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM
  • Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
  • Memory Support: Up to 9500+ MT/s (OC)
• Onboard Graphics:
  • 2x Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 connectors (USB Type-C® ports), supporting DisplayPort and Thunderbolt™ video outputs (up to 5120×2880@60 Hz)
  • 1x HDMI port (front, up to 1920×1080@30 Hz, HDMI 1.4)
• Expansion Slots:
  • 1x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIe 5.0, from CPU, with PCIe UD Slot X)
  • 1x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIe 4.0, running at x4)
  • 1x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIe 4.0, running at x1)
• Storage Interface:
  • 5x M.2 connectors (1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 4x PCIe 4.0 x4/x2, one supports SATA)
  • 4x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
  • RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support for SATA and NVMe SSD storage devices
• USB:
  • Rear: 2x Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB Type-C®) ports, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 4x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
  • Front: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C® header, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header, 2x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
• LAN: Realtek® 5GbE LAN chip
• Wireless Communication Module: Intel® Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (802.11be), Bluetooth® 5.4
• Audio: Realtek® ALC1220 CODEC, High Definition Audio, 7.1-channel, S/PDIF Out
• Internal I/O Connectors:
  • ATX main power connectors, CPU power connectors
  • Fan headers, pump fan headers
  • Addressable RGB Gen2 LED strip headers, RGB LED strip header
  • Front panel headers, front panel audio header
  • USB headers (Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0/1.1)
  • Q-Flash Plus button, noise detection header, power/reset buttons
• Form Factor: ATX

The Benefits of Choosing the GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE: Elevate Your Build

Opting for the GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE is a strategic decision. It delivers a multitude of benefits. This is for building a high-performance, future-proof PC.

Exceptional Performance Potential: Designed for Intel’s next-gen Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2), this motherboard provides robust power delivery. It extracts maximum performance for your CPU and GPU, ensuring smooth operation.

Blazing-Fast Data Transfer: With PCIe 5.0 for GPUs and M.2 SSDs, coupled with high-speed DDR5 memory support, your games and applications will load in an instant.

Superior Network Connectivity: Integrated Wi-Fi 7 and 5GbE LAN offer unparalleled wireless and wired speeds. This ensures ultra-low latency online gaming, rapid downloads, and seamless streaming.

Extensive Connectivity for Peripherals: Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, a wide array of high-speed USB ports, and multiple display outputs provide incredible versatility. Connect all your gaming gear and monitors with ease.

Advanced Cooling for Stability: Comprehensive heatsinks, M.2 Thermal Guards, and Smart Fan 6 ensure your components stay cool. This prevents thermal throttling and maintains peak performance during marathon sessions.

AI-Powered Optimization for an Edge: GIGABYTE’s AI-driven tools intelligently optimize system performance. They enhance networking and provide tailored overclocking profiles, giving you a competitive advantage.

User-Friendly Building Experience: Features like EZ-Latch Plus/Click, WIFI EZ-Plug, and a user-friendly BIOS simplify the building process. They make upgrades and troubleshooting straightforward.

Unmatched Durability for Longevity: The 8-Layer 2X Copper PCB and Ultra Durable design ensure long-term reliability. This safeguards your valuable hardware investment for years to come.

Immersive Audio for Total Immersion: High-definition audio and premium WIMA capacitors deliver superior sound. This enhances your gaming and multimedia immersion, allowing you to hear every detail.

Stunning Icy-White Aesthetic: The unique white design extends across the board. This allows for a truly captivating and professional-looking PC build.

In conclusion, the GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE motherboard is a powerhouse of innovation and engineering. It provides an unparalleled foundation for building a high-performance PC with Intel’s latest processors. Its focus on the Z890 AORUS PRO chipset, combined with cutting-edge connectivity, robust power delivery, and smart features, makes it a definitive choice for those who demand the absolute best in performance and aesthetics from their system. Elevate your computing experience with the GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS PRO ICE.