Layered with an iconic all-white design, the MASTER X3D ICE motherboard offers a plethora of features for AMD Ryzen Processors, including USB4, PCIE 5.0 SSD support, X3D Turbo 2.0 and more!
Product on Review: X870E AORUS MASTER X3D ICE
Manufacturer: GIGABYTE
Street Price: USD 730 | AUD 1000
The X870E AORUS MASTER X3D ICE immediately stands out as a flagship AM5 motherboard built around AMD’s premium X870E chipset, designed to support next-generation Ryzen and X3D processors with robust power delivery and extensive expansion options. At its core is an 18+2+2 Twin Digital VRM design with 9+9 parallel power phases, backed by an 8-layer PCB and reinforced power connectors to ensure stable performance under heavy CPU and memory loads. Visually, the board embraces a striking white colourway with coordinated white connectors and silver heatsinks, making it a standout choice for modern white-themed builds that have become increasingly popular among enthusiasts.
This motherboard doesn’t skimp on connectivity, offering a comprehensive suite of high-speed ports and expansion slots to accommodate demanding setups. On the rear I/O you’ll find multiple USB4 and USB-C ports, a range of USB 3.2 Gen2 and Gen2x2 connections, dual high-speed Ethernet (10 GbE + 5 GbE), Wi-Fi 7, and HDMI, while internally there are five M.2 slots — including two PCIe 5.0-capable — plus full-length PCIe slots for GPUs and add-in cards. Memory support extends to high-frequency DDR5 kits, and ample fan and pump headers support advanced cooling configurations.
One of the headline features is X3D Turbo Mode 2.0, GIGABYTE’S AI-driven performance enhancement system that dynamically tunes CPU and memory parameters to squeeze extra performance from X3D-equipped Ryzen processors with minimal user intervention. This feature, alongside support for DDR5 overclocking up to 9000 MT/s and a suite of firmware and software tools, positions the X870E AORUS MASTER X3D ICE as a compelling platform for both high-end gaming and productivity use cases — and we’re looking forward to putting it through its paces in testing.
Technical Specifications & Features
CPU
AMD Socket AM5, support for:
AMD Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors/
AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series Processors/
AMD Ryzen™ 7000 Series Processors
Chipset
AMD X870E
Memory
Support for DDR5 9000(O.C) / 8800(O.C) / 8600(O.C) / 8400(O.C) / 8200(O.C.)/ 8000(O.C) / 7800(O.C) / 7600(O.C) / 7200(O.C.) / 7000(O.C.) / 6800(O.C.) / 6600(O.C.) / 6400(O.C) / 6200(O.C) / 6000(O.C) / 5600(O.C) / 5200 / 4800 MT/s memory modules.
4 x DDR5 DIMM sockets supporting up to 256 GB (64 GB single DIMM capacity) of system memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM memory modules
Support for AMD EXtended Profiles for Overclocking (AMD EXPO™) and Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
Onboard Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor with AMD Radeon™ Graphics support+ASMedia USB4® Controller:
– 2 x USB4® USB Type-C® ports, supporting USB4 and DisplayPort video outputs and a maximum resolution of 3840×2160@240 Hz
Integrated Graphics Processor with AMD Radeon™ Graphics support:
– 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096×2160@60 Hz
– 1 x front HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920×1080@30 Hz
Audio
Realtek® ALC1220 CODEC
ESS ES9118 DAC chip
Support for DTS:X® Ultra
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN
Realtek® 5GbE LAN chip (5 Gbps/2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps) (LAN1)
Realtek® 10GbE LAN chip (10 Gbps/5 Gbps/2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps) (LAN2)
Wireless Communication module
MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 MT7927, RZ738
– 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be, supporting 2.4/5/6 GHz carrier frequency bands
– BLUETOOTH 5.4
– Support for 11be 320MHz wireless standard
Expansion Slots
1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX16), integrated in the CPU:
AMD Ryzen™ 9000/7000 Series Processors support PCIe 5.0 x16 mode
AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 1 Processors support PCIe 4.0 x8 mode
AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 2 Processors support PCIe 4.0 x4 mode
* The PCIEX8 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16 slot. When the PCIEX8 slot is populated, the PCIEX16 slot operates at up to x8 mode.
* The PCIEX16 slot can only support a graphics card or an NVMe SSD. If only one graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX8), integrated in the CPU:
AMD Ryzen™ 9000/7000 Series Processors support PCIe 5.0 x8 mode
* The PCIEX8 slot becomes unavailable when an AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 1/ Phoenix 2 processor is used.
Chipset:
– 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 4.0 and running at x4 (PCIEX4)
* The PCIEX4 slot shares bandwidth with the M2D_SB connector. The PCIEX4 slot becomes unavailable when a device is installed in the M2D_SB connector.
Storage Interface
1 x M.2 connector (M2A_CPU), integrated in the CPU, supporting Socket 3, M key, type 2580/2280 SSDs:
AMD Ryzen™ 9000/7000 Series Processors support PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 SSDs
AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 1 Processors support PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSDs
AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 2 Processors support PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSDs
1 x M.2 connector (M2B_CPU), integrated in the CPU, supporting Socket 3, M key, type 2280 SSDs:
AMD Ryzen™ 9000/7000 Series Processors support PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 SSDs
* The M2B_CPU connector shares bandwidth with the ASMedia USB4® controller. When a device is installed in the M2B_CPU connector, both the M2B_CPU connector and the USB4 ports supported by the ASMedia USB4® controller operate at up to x2 bandwidth.
When using an AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 1 or Phoenix 2 processor, the USB4 ports supported by the ASMedia USB4® controller operates at up to x2 bandwidth, and the M2B_CPU connector becomes unavailable.
2 x M.2 connectors (M2C_SB, M2D_SB), integrated in the Chipset, supporting Socket 3, M key, type 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSDs
1 x M.2 connector (M2E_SB), integrated in the Chipset, supporting Socket 3, M key, type 2280 PCIe 4.0 x2 SSDs
2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support for NVMe SSD storage devices
USB
CPU+ASMedia USB4® controller:
– 2 x USB4® USB Type-C® ports on the back panel
CPU:
– 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port (red) on the back panel
Chipset+USB 3.2 Gen 1 Hub:
– 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports available through the internal USB headers
Chipset:
– 1 x USB Type-C® port on the back panel, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
– 1 x USB Type-C® port on the back panel, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
– 1 x USB Type-C® port with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support, available through the internal USB header (Supports up to 65W PD 3.0/QC 4+ fast charging)
* For precautions regarding the fast charging function, refer to “USB Type-C® Header” in Chapter 2-7, “Internal Connectors.”
– 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel
– 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports available through the internal USB headers
Internal I/O Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
1 x PCIe power connector
1 x CPU fan header
1 x CPU fan/water cooling pump header
4 x system fan headers
1 x system fan extension cable header (can extend three system fan headers through one cable)
1 x system fan/water cooling pump header
4 x addressable RGB Gen2 LED strip headers
1 x RGB LED strip header
5 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x speaker header
1 x USB Type-C® header, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x noise detection header
1 x Trusted Platform Module header (For the GC-TPM2.0 SPI V2 module only)
1 x HDMI port (Note)
1 x chassis intrusion header
1 x reset jumper
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
2 x temperature sensor headers
(Note) Actual support may vary by CPU.
Back Panel Connectors
1 x Q-Flash Plus button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x reset button
1 x power button
1 x HDMI port (Note)
2 x USB4® USB Type-C® ports (DisplayPorts (Note))
1 x USB Type-C® port, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
1 x USB Type-C® port, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
7 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red)
2 x RJ-45 ports
2 x antenna connectors (2T2R)
2 x audio jacks
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
(Note) Actual support may vary by CPU.
I/O Controller
iTE® I/O Controller Chip
H/W Monitoring
Voltage detection
Temperature detection
Fan speed detection
Water cooling flow rate detection
Fan fail warning
Fan speed control
* Whether the fan (pump) speed control function is supported will depend on the fan (pump) you install.
Noise detection
BIOS
1 x 512 Mbit flash
Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0
Unique Features
Support for GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC)
* Available applications in GCC may vary by motherboard model. Supported functions of each application may also vary depending on motherboard specifications.
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Q-Flash Plus
Support for Smart Backup
Bundled Software
Norton® Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System
Support for Windows 11 64-bit
Form Factor
ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
AMD Socket AM5, support for:
AMD Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors/
AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series Processors/
AMD Ryzen™ 7000 Series Processors
Chipset
AMD X870E
Memory
Support for DDR5 9000(O.C) / 8800(O.C) / 8600(O.C) / 8400(O.C) / 8200(O.C.)/ 8000(O.C) / 7800(O.C) / 7600(O.C) / 7200(O.C.) / 7000(O.C.) / 6800(O.C.) / 6600(O.C.) / 6400(O.C) / 6200(O.C) / 6000(O.C) / 5600(O.C) / 5200 / 4800 MT/s memory modules.
4 x DDR5 DIMM sockets supporting up to 256 GB (64 GB single DIMM capacity) of system memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM memory modules
Support for AMD EXtended Profiles for Overclocking (AMD EXPO™) and Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
Onboard Graphics
Integrated Graphics Processor with AMD Radeon™ Graphics support+ASMedia USB4® Controller:
– 2 x USB4® USB Type-C® ports, supporting USB4 and DisplayPort video outputs and a maximum resolution of 3840×2160@240 Hz
Integrated Graphics Processor with AMD Radeon™ Graphics support:
– 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096×2160@60 Hz
– 1 x front HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 1920×1080@30 Hz
Audio
Realtek® ALC1220 CODEC
ESS ES9118 DAC chip
Support for DTS:X® Ultra
High Definition Audio
2/4/5.1-channel
Support for S/PDIF Out
LAN
Realtek® 5GbE LAN chip (5 Gbps/2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps) (LAN1)
Realtek® 10GbE LAN chip (10 Gbps/5 Gbps/2.5 Gbps/1 Gbps/100 Mbps) (LAN2)
Wireless Communication module
MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 MT7927, RZ738
– 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, be, supporting 2.4/5/6 GHz carrier frequency bands
– BLUETOOTH 5.4
– Support for 11be 320MHz wireless standard
Expansion Slots
1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX16), integrated in the CPU:
AMD Ryzen™ 9000/7000 Series Processors support PCIe 5.0 x16 mode
AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 1 Processors support PCIe 4.0 x8 mode
AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 2 Processors support PCIe 4.0 x4 mode
* The PCIEX8 slot shares bandwidth with the PCIEX16 slot. When the PCIEX8 slot is populated, the PCIEX16 slot operates at up to x8 mode.
* The PCIEX16 slot can only support a graphics card or an NVMe SSD. If only one graphics card is to be installed, be sure to install it in the PCIEX16 slot.
1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX8), integrated in the CPU:
AMD Ryzen™ 9000/7000 Series Processors support PCIe 5.0 x8 mode
* The PCIEX8 slot becomes unavailable when an AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 1/ Phoenix 2 processor is used.
Chipset:
– 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 4.0 and running at x4 (PCIEX4)
* The PCIEX4 slot shares bandwidth with the M2D_SB connector. The PCIEX4 slot becomes unavailable when a device is installed in the M2D_SB connector.
Storage Interface
1 x M.2 connector (M2A_CPU), integrated in the CPU, supporting Socket 3, M key, type 2580/2280 SSDs:
AMD Ryzen™ 9000/7000 Series Processors support PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 SSDs
AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 1 Processors support PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSDs
AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 2 Processors support PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSDs
1 x M.2 connector (M2B_CPU), integrated in the CPU, supporting Socket 3, M key, type 2280 SSDs:
AMD Ryzen™ 9000/7000 Series Processors support PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 SSDs
* The M2B_CPU connector shares bandwidth with the ASMedia USB4® controller. When a device is installed in the M2B_CPU connector, both the M2B_CPU connector and the USB4 ports supported by the ASMedia USB4® controller operate at up to x2 bandwidth.
When using an AMD Ryzen™ 8000 Series-Phoenix 1 or Phoenix 2 processor, the USB4 ports supported by the ASMedia USB4® controller operates at up to x2 bandwidth, and the M2B_CPU connector becomes unavailable.
2 x M.2 connectors (M2C_SB, M2D_SB), integrated in the Chipset, supporting Socket 3, M key, type 2280 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 SSDs
1 x M.2 connector (M2E_SB), integrated in the Chipset, supporting Socket 3, M key, type 2280 PCIe 4.0 x2 SSDs
2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support for NVMe SSD storage devices
USB
CPU+ASMedia USB4® controller:
– 2 x USB4® USB Type-C® ports on the back panel
CPU:
– 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port (red) on the back panel
Chipset+USB 3.2 Gen 1 Hub:
– 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports available through the internal USB headers
Chipset:
– 1 x USB Type-C® port on the back panel, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
– 1 x USB Type-C® port on the back panel, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
– 1 x USB Type-C® port with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support, available through the internal USB header (Supports up to 65W PD 3.0/QC 4+ fast charging)
* For precautions regarding the fast charging function, refer to “USB Type-C® Header” in Chapter 2-7, “Internal Connectors.”
– 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red) on the back panel
– 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports available through the internal USB headers
Internal I/O Connectors
1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector
2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors
1 x PCIe power connector
1 x CPU fan header
1 x CPU fan/water cooling pump header
4 x system fan headers
1 x system fan extension cable header (can extend three system fan headers through one cable)
1 x system fan/water cooling pump header
4 x addressable RGB Gen2 LED strip headers
1 x RGB LED strip header
5 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors
2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
1 x front panel header
1 x front panel audio header
1 x speaker header
1 x USB Type-C® header, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers
1 x noise detection header
1 x Trusted Platform Module header (For the GC-TPM2.0 SPI V2 module only)
1 x HDMI port (Note)
1 x chassis intrusion header
1 x reset jumper
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
2 x temperature sensor headers
(Note) Actual support may vary by CPU.
Back Panel Connectors
1 x Q-Flash Plus button
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x reset button
1 x power button
1 x HDMI port (Note)
2 x USB4® USB Type-C® ports (DisplayPorts (Note))
1 x USB Type-C® port, with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support
1 x USB Type-C® port, with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 support
7 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (red)
2 x RJ-45 ports
2 x antenna connectors (2T2R)
2 x audio jacks
1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector
(Note) Actual support may vary by CPU.
I/O Controller
iTE® I/O Controller Chip
H/W Monitoring
Voltage detection
Temperature detection
Fan speed detection
Water cooling flow rate detection
Fan fail warning
Fan speed control
* Whether the fan (pump) speed control function is supported will depend on the fan (pump) you install.
Noise detection
BIOS
1 x 512 Mbit flash
Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0
Unique Features
Support for GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC)
* Available applications in GCC may vary by motherboard model. Supported functions of each application may also vary depending on motherboard specifications.
Support for Q-Flash
Support for Q-Flash Plus
Support for Smart Backup
Bundled Software
Norton® Internet Security (OEM version)
Operating System
Support for Windows 11 64-bit
Form Factor
ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
Closer Look
ICE arrives in a nicely designed box that is a slight departure from what we’re typically used to. It definitely has that top-tier treatment. Inside, there are an assortment of features which include:
• Documentation – User manual/quick guide
• DDR Windblade fan + bracket
• Wi-Fi 7 Antenna
• 2x SATA cables
• 2x Thermistor cables
• System fan extension cable
• 1x G-Connector
• 2x Velcro straps
• AORUS case badge/sticker
ICE is an ATX-form-factor motherboard, so it’ll fit into most mid-tower builds. It embraces a distinctive white “ICE” colourway with white connectors and silver heatsinks, giving it a premium and clean aesthetic that’s ideal for modern white builds and visually cohesive systems. The board also includes GIGABYTE’S DIY-friendly accessories such as screwless EZ-Latch mechanisms for M.2 and PCIe devices, as well as the integrated I/O shield and Wi-Fi EZ-Plug antenna connectors to simplify installation. In fact, on this particular model, both PCI-E slots benefit from their own EZ-Latch (usually, this is reserved just for the upper PCI-E slot).
At its heart, the board uses AMD Socket AM5, supporting Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. Power delivery is handled by an 18+2+2 Twin Digital VRM design with 9+9 parallel phases, backed by a robust 8-layer PCB and advanced thermal armour to keep things stable under load. For cooling and system control, there are 10x fan and pump headers—including chassis fan, CPU fan, and water pump connectors—allowing complex air or liquid cooling setups. Memory support includes 4 × DIMM slots for DDR5, with overclocking potential up to the lofty heights of DDR5 9000 and support for AMD EXPO profiles.
Storage options on ICE are plentiful, with five M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs. Two of these slots support PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds for the fastest compatible SSDs, while the remaining three use PCIe 4.0 x4, giving a solid mix of performance and capacity options. In addition to the M.2 sockets, there are two SATA III ports available for traditional 2.5″ or 3.5″ drives, and the board supports standard RAID configurations for those who want performance or redundancy across multiple drives.
The upper M.2 slot features the M.2 Thermal Guard XL, which is an independent heatsink design, while the other M.2 slots use the AORUS M.2 EZ-Flex Design as shown in the photo, this is a large plate which has thermal pads and uses a quick release mechanism for removal/install.
For expansion, the board offers three full-length PCIe slots: two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. As we have seen on other GIGABYTE/AORUS boards, ICE features the PCIe EZ-Latch system, but this time it is in the form of the Duo system.
The onboard audio solution uses a Realtek ALC1220 codec paired with an ESS SABRE reference DAC, delivering 7.1 channel audio that’s suited for gaming, media, and creative applications. Enhanced audio components and precision-tuned circuitry help reduce noise and boost clarity over standard onboard sound solutions, making it a solid choice for users who value high-quality integrated audio without a separate sound card.
Lastly, turning to the Rear IO panel. This is packed with connectivity, including dual USB4 Type-C ports (up to 40 Gb/s with DisplayPort Alt Mode), a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, and numerous USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports for high-speed peripherals. Networking includes 10 GbE and 5 GbE LAN ports plus Wi-Fi 7 with high-gain antennas, giving flexible wired and wireless options. There’s also a HDMI port for integrated graphics support, along with buttons for Q-Flash Plus, Clear CMOS, reset, and power, all designed to streamline setup and troubleshooting directly from the back of the system.
Test Setup & Methodology
Notes: We’ve revamped our benchmark regime by removing a number of tests which reveal little, to no difference between each motherboard model. Gaming performance is one such area which has been removed due to the inability for each motherboard to offer any advantage over another. Instead, we have focussed on meaningful/tangible analysis which examines the VRM/chipset design, and the storage performance which will be far more informative to the end user.
TEST SETUP
CPU AMD Ryzen 9 9900XCooling: Corsair Hydro Series H110i
Memory: 32GB Kingston FURY Renegade 7600 MHz
Storage: XPGX950 SATA SSD + Silicon Power XPower XS70
PSU: Corsair HX1050 80 Plus Gold Certified PSU
Monitor: AOC U2879VF
BENCHMARKS
PCMark 10 – Overall Extended ScoreSiSoftware SANDRA – SATA/PCIe Storage Tests
SiSoftware SANDRA – Overall System Score
OTHER SOFTWARE
Temperature Analysis: HWMonitorStress Testing Software: AIDA64 Stability Test
CPU Specification Monitoring: CPU-Z
Benchmarks: Power Consumption
In this first test we analyse the power efficiency from the wall for each motherboard (Minus the GPU). While each model uses the same chipset/platform, energy results can fluctuate between manufacturers due to the features and specifications that are integrated. First of all, for the idle tests the system is cold booted into Windows and no additional applications are executed – wattage is noted on the external energy monitor we use and then we open Aida64 stability test and execute a stress test, noting the highest reading on the monitor. Below are the results of this energy test.
Benchmarks: VRM & PCH Cooling
Each motherboard manufacturer designs their board with a unique set of heatsinks to cover key areas like the VRM/mosfets and the chipset itself. We load up Aida64 stability test again and perform a 20 minute run, recording the maximum value for both attributes.
Benchmarks: PCMark 10
PCMark 10 features a comprehensive set of tests that cover the wide variety of tasks performed in the modern workplace. With a range of performance tests, custom run options, and the new Battery Life Profile, PCMark 10 is the complete PC benchmark for the modern office.
Benchmarks: SATA Performance
In order to ascertain the SATA performance for our motherboards we use SiSoftware SANDRA and the File System Bandwidth performance test. This allows us to obtain the sequential read/write transfer rates for the drive being tested – Crucial MX300 SSD.
Benchmarks: PCIe M.2 Performance
In order to ascertain the PCIe M.2 performance for our motherboards we use SiSoftware SANDRA and the File System Bandwidth performance test. This allows us to obtain the sequential read/write transfer rates for the drive being tested – Kingston KC2500.
Benchmarks: Overall Computer Score
In our last test we observe the Overall Computer Score supplied by SANDRA. This test is exhaustive, and is specifically designed for measuring a comprehensive score for the system, measured in kPT.
Conclusion
The X870E AORUS MASTER X3D ICE ultimately presents itself as a motherboard that leaves very little on the table, especially for builders who want both performance and visual impact. Its white ICE design, complete with silver accents and matching connectors, makes it an easy recommendation for showcase systems, while the overall fit and finish reinforce its premium positioning. Gigabyte’s Ultra Durable philosophy is evident throughout the board, from the reinforced PCB and slots to the extensive heatsinking, giving it a solid, confidence-inspiring feel once installed.
From a performance and feature standpoint, this motherboard is clearly designed to extract the maximum potential from AMD Ryzen processors, particularly X3D models. Strong power delivery, platform-specific tuning features, and generous memory support make it well suited to high-end gaming and productivity workloads. Connectivity is another major strength, with dual USB4 ports, dual Ethernet (10GbE and 5GbE), and a front-panel QC-USB capable of delivering up to 65W — a genuinely useful feature for charging devices or powering peripherals directly from the system.
Expansion and cooling flexibility further enhance its appeal for enthusiast builders. With support for up to five M.2 drives — including two PCIe 5.0 slots — alongside multiple PCIe slots equipped with the PCIe EZ-Latch Plus Duo system, upgrading and maintaining the system is refreshingly straightforward. The inclusion of a total of ten PWM/DC fan headers also makes it easy to build complex air- or liquid-cooled setups without relying on external hubs or splitters.
That said, these strengths come with clear trade-offs. The X870E AORUS MASTER X3D ICE is undeniably expensive, placing it firmly in the premium tier and out of reach for more budget-conscious builds. Its substantial weight, largely due to the extensive heatsinks and reinforced components, can also make installation more cumbersome.
For enthusiasts who want top-tier features, exceptional connectivity, and a striking white motherboard designed to push AMD Ryzen to its limits, MASTER X3D ICE has it all.
Pros:
+ Appealing to the eye
+ Allows you to get the most out of AMD Ryzen
+ Ultra Durable features right through the board
+ Front QC-USB 65W
+ Dual USB4
+ Dual Ethernet (10G + 5G)
+ PCIe EZ-Latch Plus Duo
+ Up to 5 M.2 slots (2x PCIe 5.0)
+ A total of 10 PWM/FC fan headers
Cons:
– Top M.2 SSD heatsink can present compatibility issues with large CPU coolers
– Expensive
– Heavy
+ Appealing to the eye
+ Allows you to get the most out of AMD Ryzen
+ Ultra Durable features right through the board
+ Front QC-USB 65W
+ Dual USB4
+ Dual Ethernet (10G + 5G)
+ PCIe EZ-Latch Plus Duo
+ Up to 5 M.2 slots (2x PCIe 5.0)
+ A total of 10 PWM/FC fan headers
Cons:
– Top M.2 SSD heatsink can present compatibility issues with large CPU coolers
– Expensive
– Heavy
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