Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth Ice specifications and in-depth review

Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth Ice

Manufacturer: Gigabyte

The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth Ice is an ATX motherboard designed for AM5 CPUs and features a sleek and advanced design. With support for up to 256GB of memory and Wi-Fi 7, it’s ideal for those seeking a reliable foundation for high-performance setups.

It comes with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for powerful graphics, as well as ample connectivity options including USB 4.0 ports and HDMI 2.1 output. Additionally, it supports multiple RAID configurations like RAID 0, 1, and 10 for flexible storage management.

Pros
  • Supports a wide range of Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, 6E, and the latest Wi-Fi 7 for flexible wireless connectivity.
  • Includes Bluetooth 5.3 for modern wireless peripherals and devices.
  • Equipped with 8 fan headers for extensive cooling support, ideal for high-performance builds.
  • Supports multiple RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10) for flexible and efficient storage management.
  • Offers 4 M.2 sockets for fast storage expansion.
Cons
  • Lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output.
  • Does not support ECC memory, which may limit reliability for certain professional or critical applications.
  • No DisplayPort outputs, limiting video output options compared to HDMI or other connections.
  • Lacks support for RAID 0+1, which could limit some storage configurations.
  • Does not feature a VGA connector, which may be a limitation for users with legacy displays.
Who is this for?

The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth Ice is ideal for users who need a robust motherboard for high-performance computing or gaming setups. With support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3, it caters to modern wireless connectivity needs. Its RAID 1, 5, 10 support and multiple M.2 sockets make it an excellent choice for users needing fast, reliable storage management in demanding environments, such as gaming, video editing, or content creation.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be the best fit for users requiring integrated graphics or a more basic setup, as it lacks support for onboard GPU. Additionally, it is not suitable for users who prioritize ECC memory support for error-free computing in critical applications, such as server environments or scientific computing. The lack of RAID 0+1 and VGA connector also limits flexibility in certain legacy systems and RAID configurations.

General info:

CPU socket AM5
chipset X870
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 5.3
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 Stealth Ice motherboard features the AM5 CPU socket, making it compatible with the latest processors. It supports the X870 chipset and comes in an ATX form factor. For wireless connectivity, the motherboard offers built-in Wi-Fi support with Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, 6E, and the latest Wi-Fi 7 standards. Additionally, it includes Bluetooth 5.3 for enhanced wireless functionality and RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics. The board also supports HDMI 2.1 for video output, though it does not feature integrated graphics. With a 3-year warranty, it ensures reliable long-term performance.

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 X870 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard supports up to 256GB of memory, providing ample capacity for demanding tasks. It offers a maximum RAM speed of 5200 MHz, with the potential for overclocking up to 8200 MHz. The motherboard is equipped with four memory slots and features dual-channel memory support, ensuring efficient data flow and performance. Note that 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 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 Stealth Ice motherboard offers a comprehensive selection of ports for various connectivity needs. It includes 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A), 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A), and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (USB-C). Additionally, it provides 2 USB 4.0 40Gbps ports and 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer. For video output, the motherboard supports HDMI but lacks DisplayPort or VGA connectors. It also features 1 RJ45 port for wired networking and USB Type-C support for modern peripherals.

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 X870 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard offers a range of expansion connectors, including 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port through expansion. For additional connectivity, it provides 4 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and 2 SATA 3 connectors. The board includes 8 fan headers for cooling management, along with 4 M.2 sockets for fast storage options. Additionally, it features a TPM connector for enhanced security but lacks support for 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 Stealth Ice motherboard is equipped with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics cards and 1 PCIe x4 slot for additional expansion cards. It does not support any PCIe 4.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x16, or older PCI slots, providing focused expansion options through modern standards. There are no PCIe 2.0 x16 or PCIe x1 slots available on the board.

Audio:

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

The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard delivers high-quality audio with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for clear sound output. It supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive surround sound and includes an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio connectivity. The board also provides 2 audio connectors for additional audio devices.

Storage:

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

The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth Ice motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) for flexible storage management. However, it does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth Ice is a high-performance motherboard designed for power users and enthusiasts. With its advanced features like Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and support for multiple RAID configurations, it excels in connectivity and storage management. The motherboard is well-suited for demanding applications like gaming, content creation, and high-performance computing. However, it may not be the best choice for users requiring integrated graphics or ECC memory support. Overall, this motherboard offers excellent versatility and performance for those looking for top-tier connectivity and storage options.

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