GIGABYTE Z890 Aorus Master DDR5 Intel Motherboard

The GIGABYTE Z890 Aorus Master is a full-size ATX motherboard (305 mm × 244 mm) built on the Intel Z890 Express Chipset and designed specifically for Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) in the LGA1851 socket. It pairs that platform support with a robust 18+1+2 digital twin VRM solution featuring 110 A Smart Power Stage MOSFETs arranged in a 9+9 parallel phase configuration, an 8-layer low-loss 2× copper PCB, and dual 8-pin ATX 12V CPU power connectors — a combination that delivers stable power delivery for demanding workloads and overclocking sessions. Memory support spans four DDR5 DIMM slots in a dual-channel architecture, accommodating up to 256 GB (using 64 GB modules) at speeds from DDR5 5600 MT/s up to DDR5 9500 MT/s (O.C.). The board supports XMP profiles, CUDIMM modules, and ECC Un-buffered DIMMs operating in non-ECC mode. An active DDR Wind Blade cooler sits above the DIMM slots to help manage memory thermals during sustained workloads. Storage flexibility is broad: five M.2 slots are on board, including two PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 connectors and three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors, all covered by M.2 Thermal Guard XL heatsinks with optional backplates. Four SATA 6 Gb/s ports round out local storage, with RAID 0/1/5/10 support for both NVMe and SATA arrays. The primary PCIe x16 slot operates at PCIe 5.0 speeds and uses GIGABYTE's PCIe UD Slot X metal reinforcement for added GPU retention strength. Connectivity is a standout: the rear panel provides two Intel Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports supporting up to 40 Gbps with Thunderbolt devices and DisplayPort 2.1 output, six USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. Wired networking is handled by a Marvell AQtion AQC113C chip delivering 10 GbE (10/5/2.5/1 Gbps / 100 Mbps multi-speed). Wireless comes via an Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200NGW module supporting 802.11be with 320 MHz channels across 2.4/5/6 GHz bands and Bluetooth 5.4. Audio is driven by a Realtek ALC1220 codec paired with an ESS ES9118 rear DAC chip for improved signal-to-noise performance, with DTS:X Ultra support and optical S/PDIF output. The BIOS runs on licensed AMI UEFI with Q-Flash, Q-Flash Plus (CPU-free BIOS update), and AI-assisted overclocking tools including AORUS AI SNATCH and AI Perfdrive for automated CPU and DDR5 frequency optimisation. Sensor Panel Link provides an onboard video output for in-chassis LCD panels. The board ships with GIGABYTE Control Center software, Norton Internet Security (OEM), and LAN bandwidth management software, and officially supports Windows 11 64-bit. Verifiable Specifications: - Socket: LGA1851 | Chipset: Intel Z890 Express - Form Factor: ATX, 305 mm × 244 mm - VRM: 18+1+2 phases, 110 A SPS (9+9 parallel) - Memory: 4× DDR5 DIMM, up to 256 GB, DDR5 5600–9500 MT/s (O.C.), XMP, CUDIMM - Storage: 5× M.2 (2× PCIe 5.0 x4, 3× PCIe 4.0 x4), 4× SATA 6 Gb/s - PCIe: 1× PCIe 5.0 x16 (CPU), 1× PCIe 4.0 x4, 1× PCIe 4.0 x1 - LAN: Marvell AQtion AQC113C, 10 GbE - Wireless: Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200NGW, BT 5.4 - USB (rear): 2× TB4 Type-C, 6× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4× USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2× USB 2.0 - Audio: Realtek ALC1220 + ESS ES9118 DAC, DTS:X Ultra, S/PDIF Out - OS Support: Windows 11 64-bit