Today, our Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Review will feature one of the latest gaming-themed motherboards. It is one of the budget-friendly motherboards under the AORUS line, but it has superb features to meet gaming demands.
In terms of specifications, the X870 resembles the X870E motherboards. These chipsets include PCIe 5.0 graphics, NVMe SSDs, and USB4. The primary difference is the X870 does not feature chips that support more controllers and PCIe lanes.
Our Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Review will discuss its functions, design, features, and performance. Learning these details will help you determine if this product will meet your needs despite lacking some features.
Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Packaging
Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Review – Design and Functionality
This ATX motherboard in our Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Review sports a sleek aesthetic. Beneath its chipset heatsink is a tiny collection of RGB LEDs.
This motherboard is available in black and white, so you can choose which suits your setup. The black and white variants appear sleek with the matte finish.
It has a bank of RGB LEDs under the chipset heatsink. The three ARGB headers and one RGB header allow you to customise the lighting of your build.
The board has a six-layer, low-loss x2 copper PCB. Its VRM design features a digital twin 16+2+2 phases for unparalleled stability and efficiency.
With eight fan headers, the X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 can power water pumps. The motherboard also has headers supporting the following:
- Two USB 5Gbps ports
- Four USB 2.0 ports
- Two USB 5Gbps ports
- One USB-C 20Gbps port
The USB-C port is an excellent inclusion for users who frequently connect external SSDs.
This motherboard also has three physical x16 expansion slots. The topmost slots support PCIe 5.0 x16 and PCIe 4.0 x4, while the bottom slots support PCIe 3.0 x2.
Storage Slots
Gigabyte packed the X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 with solid storage support. It has four SATA ports and four M.2 slots. Three M.2 slots support PCIe 5.0, while the last one supports PCIe 4.0.
All the M.2 slots feature heatsinks to maintain low temperatures during operation. These delivered superior thermal performance during our tests for this Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Review. The primary slot has an individual heatsink, while the three share one plate.
The heatsinks are easy to remove and attach, making the motherboard more DIY-friendly. The heatsink also has a large surface area, making it beneficial for running PCIe 5.0 drives.
I/O Ports, Controllers, and Connectivity
The X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 has a solid collection of I/O ports and a BIOS flashback function. The latter is necessary when installing a future-generation CPU or an X3D model.
The USB connectors include dual USB4 Type-C ports, two 10Gbps ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and four 5Gbps ports. This motherboard also has a Realtek 8125 controller for the single 2.5G LAN port.
In addition, it features the MediaTek MT7925 controller, which provides WiFi7 for version 1.0. The 1.1 version includes the Realtek RTL8922AE. These controllers offer Bluetooth 5.4 and 160MHz connections.
The audio ports on this motherboard are 3.5mm line-in and line-out ports and S/PDIF. These ports use a Realtek ALC1220 codec.
Finally, the X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 has an HDMI 2.1 port. It provides multi-monitor support with the DP-Alt mode and a capable processor.
Key Features of the Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7
Gigabyte packed this X870 motherboard with numerous handy features, making it a worthy investment. Let us discuss its primary features and determine why it is one of the best budget-friendly motherboards today.
Automatic DDR5 Memory Boost
A single click lets you unleash the maximum potential of DDR5 for better gaming and work efficiency. This feature allowed us to experience extreme system performance during our tests for this Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Review.
Superior VRM Design for Steady Power
This motherboard has an excellent VRM design to deliver stabilised power for smooth gaming experiences.
The digital twin VRM offers stable and consistent power for superior performance. It boosts your system overclocks to the next level.
16 V-Core phases unlock the maximum power of your multi-core CPU to enhance performance.
Comprehensive Thermal Design
The X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 has an advanced full-metal thermal design with durable heatsinks. These features efficiently keep your system temperatures low.
The motherboard has a larger VRM surface area and solid heatsinks to keep your system temperatures low. In addition, its M.2 thermal guard optimises heat dissipation.
DIY-Friendly Features
The X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 offers the best DIY experience with its innovative design. The M.2 EZ-Latch click allows you to install the M.2 heatsink without screws. You can also eject your graphics card with a single click using PCIe EZ-Latch Plus.
Gigabyte implemented the WiFi EZ-Plug design, integrating WiFi antenna connectors into a single adapter.
These features simplified our PC building process when we used the motherboard for this Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Review.
Specifications
CPU Compatibility
AMD Socket AM5, supporting:
- Ryzen™ 9000 Series
- Ryzen™ 8000 Series
- Ryzen™ 7000 Series
(Refer to Gigabyte’s website for the latest CPU support list.)
Chipset
AMD X870
Memory Support
- DDR5 memory modules: Speeds up to 8200 MT/s (OC)
- 4 x DDR5 DIMM sockets, up to 256 GB total (64 GB per DIMM)
- Dual-channel memory architecture
- Supports AMD EXPO™ and XMP profiles
- Non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM support
Onboard Graphics
- Integrated Radeon™ Graphics with:
- 2 x USB4® Type-C ports (3840×2160@240 Hz)
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 port (4096×2160@60 Hz)
- 1 x front HDMI 1.4 port (1920×1080@30 Hz)
- Supports quad-display setups
Audio
- Realtek® ALC1220 CODEC, 7.1-channel High-Definition Audio
- Back panel supports DSD audio
- S/PDIF Out included
Networking
- LAN: Realtek® 2.5GbE
- Wi-Fi 7 (PCB rev. 1.0): MediaTek MT7925
- Wi-Fi 7 (PCB rev. 1.1): Realtek RTL8922AE
- Supports 2.4/5/6 GHz bands and Bluetooth 5.4
Expansion Slots
- 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 (CPU-integrated)
- Shares bandwidth with M2B_CPU and M2C_CPU connectors
- 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4
- 1 x PCIe 3.0 x2
Storage
- 4 x M.2 slots:
- 1 x PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 (M2A_CPU)
- 2 x PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 (M2B_CPU & M2C_CPU)
- 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4 (M2D_SB)
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 support
USB Ports
Back Panel:
- 2 x USB4® Type-C
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (red)
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- 4 x USB 2.0
Internal Headers:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- 4 x USB 2.0
Cooling and Power
- 1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
- 2 x 8-pin ATX 12V connectors
- Multiple fan and water cooling headers
- Addressable RGB and standard RGB headers
Dimensions
ATX form factor: 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm
Software and Features
- Gigabyte Control Center (GCC)
- Q-Flash and Q-Flash Plus
- Smart Backup
Operating System
Supports Windows 11 64-bit
Hands-on with the Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7
Gigabyte has retained much of the layout and design from its previous generations, making the interface instantly recognisable for long-time users.
This consistency is an advantage, particularly for those who have experience with Gigabyte motherboards, as it minimises the learning curve. At the same time, the company has made minor refinements to improve usability, offering a polished experience for new and returning users alike.
The UEFI interface deserves special mention for its balance of functionality and aesthetics. It features a clean and intuitive menu structure with a sleek colour scheme that feels modern without being overwhelming. The layout makes it easy to navigate through settings, whether you’re enabling advanced features, adjusting fan profiles, or configuring overclocking options.
Advanced users will appreciate the depth of control available, while beginners can rely on the straightforward design to make essential adjustments without confusion. The integration of tooltips and clear labels further enhances its user-friendliness, ensuring that even complex settings are accessible to all.
To evaluate the motherboard’s performance, we built a test system with the Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7, using some of the latest high-performance components supported by this model. The build process was a breeze, thanks to Gigabyte’s thoughtful design.
Features such as pre-installed I/O shielding, well-labelled connectors, and a spacious layout significantly reduced the complexity of assembly, even for more intricate setups like water cooling loops or compact cases. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a first-time user, the motherboard’s DIY-friendly features make the experience smooth and hassle-free.
Once the system was operational, we subjected it to a range of real-world scenarios to test its capabilities. The motherboard showcased exceptional stability and performance across various demanding applications, including high-frame-rate gaming, 4K video editing, media streaming, and professional content creation.
Throughout our tests, the Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 handled intensive workloads effortlessly, with no signs of instability or performance degradation. This reliability underscores the motherboard’s robust design and efficient power delivery, which ensure consistent performance under pressure.
One of the most impressive aspects of this motherboard is its VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) performance. The VRM reliably delivered sufficient power to the CPU and other critical components, maintaining smooth operation even during resource-intensive tasks such as overclocking or extended gaming sessions.
Gigabyte has equipped the VRM with high-quality heatsinks designed to optimise thermal management. These heatsinks effectively dissipated heat, keeping temperatures well within safe ranges and preventing thermal throttling.
Even under extreme stress tests, the motherboard demonstrated outstanding thermal stability, which is essential for users pushing their hardware to the limit.
The motherboard’s thermal design extends beyond the VRM. Features such as well-placed fan headers and support for water cooling systems enable users to implement customised cooling solutions tailored to their needs.
The ability to maintain low operating temperatures under heavy loads ensures not only system stability but also longevity, as cooler components tend to have a longer lifespan.
Another noteworthy feature of the Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 is its attention to detail in usability. The inclusion of addressable RGB headers, easy-to-access M.2 slots, and versatile expansion options makes it suitable for a wide range of use cases, from high-performance gaming rigs to professional workstations.
Additionally, the built-in WiFi 7 capability and 2.5GbE LAN ensure fast and reliable connectivity, catering to modern networking demands.
The Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 is an impressive piece of hardware that combines thoughtful design, exceptional performance, and versatile features.
Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or someone building a high-performance PC, this motherboard offers the reliability, stability, and ease of use needed for a seamless and enjoyable experience. It’s a testament to Gigabyte’s commitment to delivering top-tier hardware for a diverse range of users.
Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Review Summary
The Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 is an excellent choice for users seeking a balance between affordability and high-performance features in a motherboard. While positioned as a budget-friendly option in the AORUS lineup, it delivers an impressive range of features designed to meet the demands of modern gaming and professional workflows.
From its sleek aesthetic to its robust functionality, the X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 proves itself as a capable and versatile motherboard.
In terms of performance, this motherboard handles demanding workloads with ease. Whether you’re engaged in high-resolution gaming, 4K video editing, or multitasking-heavy content creation, it maintains stability and reliability without faltering.
Its well-designed VRM ensures consistent power delivery even under heavy loads, while its comprehensive thermal solutions keep temperatures low for sustained performance.
DIY enthusiasts will appreciate the motherboard’s user-friendly features, including pre-installed I/O shielding, tool-free M.2 heatsink installation, and clearly labelled connectors.
These thoughtful design elements simplify the building process and enhance customisation, making it ideal for both first-time builders and seasoned enthusiasts. Additionally, its inclusion of WiFi 7, a 2.5GbE LAN port, and an array of USB ports ensures it meets the connectivity needs of today’s users.
The X870 AORUS Elite WiFi7 stands out with its exceptional affordability, reliability, and future-proof capabilities. It is a fantastic choice for anyone building a high-performance system on a budget, offering a seamless and well-rounded experience that showcases Gigabyte’s commitment to quality and innovation.
