(Gigabyte) B860 Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice: Affordable in white

Gigabyte also offers more affordable motherboards (compared to Z890 models) featuring the B860 chipset. While the specifications in this class are relatively modest, they are reflected in the lower price, making the B860 Aorus Elite WiFi7 (Ice) an attractive choice for builds. This is especially true for the tested Ice variant if you’re looking for motherboards with a white PCB. Such models do exist, but they are relatively rare.

We’ve already covered the Intel B860 chipset in detail in our review of a competing motherboard (MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi). Since you’re already familiar with the differences compared to the Intel B760 and Intel Z890, let’s dive straight into what the Gigabyte B860 Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice motherboard brings to the table.

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Gigabyte B860 Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice

We can categorically place this in the mid-range segment, as it is the most feature-rich motherboard with this chipset that Gigabyte currently offers. However, the intention is to keep the price on the lower end (rather than the higher end), ensuring that this motherboard fulfills the expectations of many users who have been waiting for B860 models. The primary reason, of course, is the lower price compared to the more expensive Z890 models.

In terms of physical form factor, this is an ATX motherboard, measuring 305 × 244 mm in centimeters—length (or height from the perspective of tower cases) and width of the PCB.

   

On the back of the motherboard, there is one notable component: the backplate for the first PCI Express ×16 slot. This is intended to reduce the leverage (on the slot) to some extent, which will be particularly useful when paired with heavier than standard graphics cards. To what extent this feature is relevant in practice remains a question. We don’t know for sure. In any case, this element, typical of Gigabyte’s “higher-end” motherboards, is present on the B860 Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice.

Another feature tied to the PCIe ×16 slot is the EZ-Latch Plus mechanism. This is a remote button located on the right edge of the motherboard, used to release the slot’s latch. Unlike motherboards without this button (where the latch must be pressed directly on the slot), removing expansion cards from beneath wide, finned coolers becomes more elegant with this feature. While the distance between the CPU socket and the first PCIe ×16 slot is substantial (91 mm between centers), this remote button mechanism still makes working with the motherboard more convenient and user-friendly.

For completeness, it’s worth noting that the first PCI Express ×16 slot physically has 16 lanes and supports the high-speed PCIe 5.0 interface, just like the first M.2 slot. This slot also features a larger (wider and taller) cooler for more efficient cooling of high-performance SSDs, even under heavy load. The (de)installation of this cooler is handled by the tool-free EZ-Latch Click system, which provides a firm mounting pressure. This is evidenced by its high efficiency in our tests, where the cooler achieves above-average results. The second, shared SSD cooler is traditionally located between the first and second PCIe ×16 slots, which is a practical solution in terms of compatibility. The second PCIe ×16 slot is also usable in combination with very thick graphics cards. It is positioned 80 mm away from the first slot (PCIe ×16). However, it should be noted that while the second and third PCI Express slots are physically “×16,” electrically they are only PCIe ×1. These lanes are, however, of the 4.0 generation (PCIe 4.0).

There are four SATA ports. For some, this may seem insufficient, but it’s a “standard” configuration for modern motherboards. There is only one 19-pin header for connecting two USB 3.2 Gen. 1 ports on the front panel of cases. However, the internal HDMI connector, for connecting displays used inside the case (for example, by a CPU cooler) or on the front of the case, is worth noting.

The power delivery system is 17-phase, with 14 phases dedicated to Vcore. The maximum current load per phase is stated to be 60 A. In practice, however, the load must be significantly lower to ensure the VRM can be adequately cooled while maintaining high energy efficiency. Therefore, this value is purely theoretical, and the actual load in practice is a fraction of it. The integrated MOSFET circuits are Onsemi NCP 302115.

   

Among the chips on the motherboard, you’ll also find, for example, the Realtek RTL8125D. This chip is responsible for Ethernet connectivity.

The B860 Aorus Elite WiFi7 Ice also features a segment-style POST display and three buttons (start, reset, and Q-Flash Plus) located above it.

The rear I/O panel includes up to eleven USB ports, one of which is a 40-gigabit port (Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 support). On the other hand, there are four slower USB 2.0 ports. These are primarily for connecting peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, or headset, which typically do not require higher bandwidth for their operation.

For more efficient cooling of the VRM, the I/O shield is partially perforated. At the same time, mechanical rigidity remains high.

One of the ARGB lighting elements is located on the VRM heatsink. A light guide is embedded in a specific area, allowing the LED light on the motherboard’s PCB to shine through. There is also lighting around the chipset cooler.

To control the lighting, you can use the RGB Fusion (2.0) application, which is also available in the Gigabyte Control Center.

Please note: The article continues in the following chapters.