Gigabyte B850 Aorus Stealth Ice

Name: Gigabyte B850 Aorus Stealth Ice
Brand: Gigabyte
SKU: 4603

Manufacturer: Gigabyte

The Gigabyte B850 Aorus Stealth Ice is an ATX motherboard designed for users seeking high-performance components and modern connectivity options. It features a Wi-Fi 7 support for advanced wireless speeds and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for future-proof expansion.

In terms of memory, it supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM, with speeds reaching 5200 MHz and overclocking potential up to 8200 MHz. Additional features include a range of USB ports, including USB Type-C, and support for RAID configurations like RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5.

Pros

Supports multiple RAID configurations including RAID 1, RAID 10 (1+0), RAID 5, and RAID 0 for flexible storage management.
Includes dual BIOS for enhanced system stability and recovery options.
Features a variety of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB Type-C for high-speed data transfer.
Supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory with overclocking potential up to 8200 MHz for improved performance.
Provides Wi-Fi 7 support for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.

Cons

Lacks PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, limiting expansion options for users who require these older standards.
Does not support ECC memory, which may be a drawback for users seeking error-correcting capabilities for critical applications.
No support for Thunderbolt ports, limiting high-speed data transfer and connection options for certain peripherals.
Does not include mSATA connector, restricting options for smaller or older storage devices.

Who is this for?

This motherboard is ideal for users looking for a high-performance, feature-rich solution for gaming, content creation, or general-purpose computing. With support for Wi-Fi 7 and dual BIOS, it offers fast connectivity and system stability. Its ability to handle up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, combined with overclocking support, makes it suitable for demanding tasks that require ample RAM and performance optimization. Additionally, its RAID support provides flexibility for those needing advanced storage configurations.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users who require extensive expansion options or those with specific needs for older technology. It lacks PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and Thunderbolt ports, limiting high-speed data transfer and peripheral connectivity. Additionally, the absence of ECC memory support makes it less ideal for users who need error-correcting capabilities for critical tasks like server or enterprise applications.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	B850
form factor	ATX
release date	May 2025
supports Wi-Fi	✓
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Has Bluetooth	✓
Bluetooth version	5.4
HDMI version	HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock	✓
has RGB lighting	✓
Easy to reset BIOS	✕
Has dual BIOS	✓
has aptX	✕
CPU sockets	1
Has integrated graphics	✕
warranty period	3 years
height	244 mm
width	305 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The Gigabyte B850 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket, making it compatible with the B850 chipset. It supports Wi-Fi 7 and has Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless connectivity, while its ATX form factor ensures broad compatibility with a variety of cases. Notable features include dual BIOS for added system reliability and RGB lighting for enhanced aesthetics. The board also includes HDMI 2.1 for modern display outputs and is easy to overclock, making it a versatile choice for advanced users.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	256GB
RAM speed (max)	5200 MHz
overclocked RAM speed	8200 MHz
memory slots	4
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The Gigabyte B850 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory across four slots, with a maximum RAM speed of 5200 MHz. Users can also overclock the RAM to reach speeds up to 8200 MHz, providing flexibility for high-performance tasks. It operates with dual memory channels, though it does not support ECC memory.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	4
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 2.0 ports	4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports	0
USB 4 40Gbps ports	0
USB 4 20Gbps ports	0
Thunderbolt 4 ports	0
Thunderbolt 3 ports	0
has an HDMI output	✓
DisplayPort outputs	0
RJ45 ports	1
Has USB Type-C	✓
eSATA ports	0
DVI outputs	0
has a VGA connector	✕
PS/2 ports	0

The Gigabyte B850 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard offers a comprehensive range of ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (both USB-A and USB-C) for high-speed data transfer, and a USB Type-C connector for modern peripherals. It also features an HDMI output for display connections and includes a single RJ45 port for network access. Notably, this motherboard lacks Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, and VGA connectors.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (through expansion)	1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	4
SATA 3 connectors	2
fan headers	8
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion)	2
M.2 sockets	4
Has TPM connector	✓
U.2 sockets	0
Has mSATA connector	✕
SATA 2 connectors	0

The Gigabyte B850 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard provides a variety of connectors, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports for expansion. It also supports up to four M.2 sockets for fast storage solutions and offers two SATA 3 connectors. Additionally, there are eight fan headers for effective cooling management and a TPM connector for enhanced security.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x1 slots	0
PCI slots	0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x4 slots	1
PCIe x8 slots	0

The Gigabyte B850 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed expansion, along with a PCIe x4 slot for additional connectivity. It lacks PCIe 4.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x16, and PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, offering a streamlined option for modern components that require robust bandwidth.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC)	120 dB
audio channels	7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port	✓
audio connectors	2

The Gigabyte B850 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard delivers high-quality audio with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for clear and immersive sound. It supports 7.1 audio channels and includes a S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output. Additionally, it offers two audio connectors for flexible speaker and headphone setups.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1	✓
Supports RAID 10 (1+0)	✓
Supports RAID 5	✓
Supports RAID 0	✓
Supports RAID 0+1	✕

The Gigabyte B850 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10 (1+0), RAID 5, and RAID 0, offering flexible storage solutions for performance and redundancy. However, it does not support RAID 0+1 for additional configuration options.

Final Verdict

The product excels as a high-performance motherboard with robust features, including support for Wi-Fi 7 and up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, making it ideal for demanding applications like gaming and content creation. Its dual BIOS and RAID support further enhance system stability and storage options. While lacking some legacy connectivity options and advanced features like Thunderbolt, this motherboard is well-suited for users seeking modern connectivity and overclocking capabilities in a reliable, high-performance setup. It is a solid choice for enthusiasts and professionals who do not require older ports or ECC memory.