Gigabyte X870 Aorus Elite X3D Ice

Name: Gigabyte X870 Aorus Elite X3D Ice
Brand: Gigabyte
SKU: 4261

Manufacturer: Gigabyte

The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Elite X3D Ice is a feature-rich ATX motherboard designed for the latest hardware. It supports the AM5 CPU socket and offers a range of advanced connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. With support for up to 256GB of memory, this motherboard is tailored for high-performance systems.

Key technical features include four M.2 sockets, a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and multiple USB ports, such as USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt 4. It also supports several RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10. The board is equipped with an HDMI 2.1 output, 7.1 audio channels, and eight fan headers for extensive system cooling options.

Pros

Supports multiple high-speed Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7 for fast wireless connectivity.
Offers a wide range of RAID support, including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 for flexible storage configurations.
Equipped with multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports for fast data transfer, including USB Type-C and USB 4.0 options.
Has 8 fan headers for extensive cooling options, allowing for better thermal management in high-performance systems.
Includes a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 7.1 audio channels, offering high-quality audio output for gaming or multimedia use.

Cons

Lacks support for integrated graphics, limiting the ability to use the motherboard without a dedicated GPU.
Does not support ECC memory, which may be a limitation for users requiring error-correcting code for critical workloads.
No support for older SATA 2 connectors or mSATA, limiting compatibility with legacy storage devices.
Lacks dual BIOS support, which could be a drawback for users seeking added reliability and safety for overclocking.

Who is this for?

This motherboard is ideal for users seeking advanced connectivity and storage options, especially those who require high-speed Wi-Fi support (including Wi-Fi 7) and multiple RAID configurations like RAID 1, 5, and 10. Its support for a wide range of USB ports, including USB Type-C and USB 4.0, makes it suitable for high-performance systems that demand fast data transfer. Additionally, the 8 fan headers offer excellent thermal management for users building gaming or workstation setups with heavy cooling requirements.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users who need integrated graphics, as it lacks integrated graphics support and would require a dedicated GPU. It also doesn't support ECC memory, which could be a drawback for users working with mission-critical applications that require error correction. The absence of dual BIOS may deter users who need the extra security for overclocking and system recovery, especially in high-risk environments.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	X870
form factor	ATX
release date	September 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 X870 Aorus Elite X3D Ice motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and supports the X870 chipset, making it compatible with high-performance processors. It has an ATX form factor and offers comprehensive connectivity with Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, 6E, and the latest Wi-Fi 7. Additionally, the board includes Bluetooth 5.4 support and an HDMI 2.1 output. The motherboard also has RGB lighting, easy overclocking features, and a 3-year warranty, while lacking dual BIOS or integrated graphics.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	256GB
RAM speed (max)	5200 MHz
overclocked RAM speed	9000 MHz
memory slots	4
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Elite X3D Ice motherboard supports up to 256GB of memory, making it suitable for memory-intensive applications. It features a maximum RAM speed of 5200 MHz, with the ability to overclock up to 9000 MHz. The motherboard has four memory slots and supports dual-channel DDR5 memory. However, 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	1
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports	0
USB 4 40Gbps ports	2
USB 4 20Gbps ports	0
Thunderbolt 4 ports	2
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 X870 Aorus Elite X3D Ice offers a wide array of connectivity options, including two USB 4.0 40Gbps ports and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. It also features a mix of USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, with two USB-A, four USB-A Gen 1, and one USB-C Gen 2. Additional connectivity includes an HDMI output, a single RJ45 port, and USB Type-C support, but it lacks a DisplayPort output and VGA connector.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	4
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)	4
M.2 sockets	4
Has TPM connector	✓
U.2 sockets	0
Has mSATA connector	✕
SATA 2 connectors	0

The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Elite X3D Ice motherboard offers a variety of connectors for expansion and additional peripherals. It includes four USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectors, one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connector, and four additional USB 2.0 ports. For storage, it provides two SATA 3 connectors and four M.2 sockets, along with eight fan headers for cooling. Additionally, the motherboard features a TPM connector but does not support mSATA or U.2 sockets.

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 X870 Aorus Elite X3D Ice motherboard is equipped with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and a PCIe x4 slot for expansion. It does not include PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, nor any PCIe x1, x8, or legacy PCI slots. This configuration focuses on the latest PCIe 5.0 technology while offering flexibility for additional components through the x4 slot.

Audio:

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

The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Elite X3D Ice motherboard features a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for high-quality audio output and supports 7.1 audio channels for an immersive sound experience. It also includes an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio and two audio connectors for further flexibility in connecting external devices.

Storage:

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

The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Elite X3D Ice motherboard supports a variety of RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) for flexible and reliable storage setups. However, it does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The motherboard is a strong choice for users who require robust connectivity, storage flexibility, and cooling options. With support for multiple RAID configurations, high-speed Wi-Fi 7, and extensive USB ports, it is well-suited for high-performance builds, including gaming and workstations. However, its lack of integrated graphics and ECC memory support may limit its appeal for certain professional or critical use cases. Overall, this product offers excellent features for users who prioritize speed, storage flexibility, and system expandability.