Overview
The GIGABYTE B860I AORUS PRO ICE is a white Mini-ITX motherboard designed for Intel Core Ultra desktop processors using the LGA1851 socket. Built around the Intel B860 chipset, it combines DDR5 memory support, PCIe 5.0 expansion, high-speed NVMe storage and integrated Wi-Fi 7 connectivity in a compact motherboard layout.
Part of the AORUS PRO ICE series, this motherboard features an 8+1+2+1 digital VRM design, two DDR5 memory slots, two M.2 connectors, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and Realtek 2.5GbE Ethernet. Its compact 170 x 170 mm form factor makes it suitable for Mini-ITX desktop configurations.
Processor and Memory Support
The Intel LGA1851 socket supports compatible Intel Core Ultra desktop processors, including Core Ultra Series 2 processors. The Intel B860 chipset provides the platform for processor communication, memory management and peripheral connectivity.
Two DDR5 DIMM slots provide dual-channel memory architecture with a maximum supported capacity of 128GB. The motherboard supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules, with overclocked memory speeds reaching up to 9200 MT/s depending on processor and memory configuration.
Storage and Expansion
The B860I AORUS PRO ICE provides two M.2 connectors for NVMe SSD installation. The primary front-mounted M.2 connector supports PCIe 5.0 x4/x2, while the rear-mounted M.2 connector supports PCIe 4.0 x4/x2.
Two SATA 6Gb/s connectors provide additional storage connectivity for compatible SATA drives. SATA RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations are supported.
The motherboard includes a reinforced PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion slot. An important configuration limitation applies to this connector: it supports either a graphics card or an NVMe SSD, not both simultaneously.
Wi-Fi 7 and Network Connectivity
Integrated Wi-Fi 7 provides wireless connectivity across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz frequency bands. The wireless subsystem supports 160MHz channel operation and Bluetooth 5.4.
The wireless module differs according to motherboard PCB revision. Revision 1.0 uses the Realtek RTL8922AE wireless module, while revision 1.1 uses the MediaTek MT7925 module. Both provide Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity.
For wired networking, the Realtek 2.5GbE LAN controller supports 2.5Gbps, 1Gbps and 100Mbps connection speeds.
Thunderbolt 4 and Display Connectivity
The rear I/O panel includes an Intel Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C connection supporting USB4 functionality and DisplayPort video output. This interface provides high-speed connectivity for compatible storage devices, displays and Thunderbolt peripherals.
Additional display connections include one DisplayPort 2.1 output and one HDMI 2.1 output. The motherboard supports up to three simultaneous displays when used with a compatible processor's integrated graphics.
USB Connectivity
The motherboard provides three rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two rear USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports and one rear Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C connection.
An internal USB Type-C header supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity for compatible front-panel case connections. Additional internal headers provide USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 connectivity.
Power Delivery and Thermal Design
The motherboard uses an 8+1+2+1 digital VRM design supported by a 10-layer PCB, 2X copper PCB construction and premium chokes and capacitors.
VRM Thermal Armor Advanced incorporates 5 W/mK thermal pads and an integrated I/O shield. The extended M.2 Thermal Guard helps manage NVMe SSD operating temperatures.
GIGABYTE Smart Fan 6 provides PWM and DC fan control, configurable fan curves and monitoring functions for compatible cooling components.
Key Features
- Intel B860 chipset with LGA1851 support for compatible Intel Core Ultra desktop processors.
- Two DDR5 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of dual-channel memory and XMP profiles.
- PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion and two M.2 connectors supporting PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage.
- Integrated Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 and Realtek 2.5GbE Ethernet.
- Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C connectivity with USB4 support and DisplayPort video output.
BIOS and System Management
GIGABYTE Q-Flash and Q-Flash Plus provide BIOS management and updating functionality. Q-Flash Plus allows BIOS updating without requiring a compatible processor or memory installation.
GIGABYTE Control Center provides supported system management and hardware monitoring applications. Smart Backup is also supported.
Applications
- Compact Intel Core Ultra desktop computers.
- Small-form-factor gaming PC configurations.
- Mini-ITX workstations using DDR5 memory.
- Compact systems requiring Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 connectivity.
- Desktop configurations using PCIe 5.0 NVMe storage and Wi-Fi 7 networking.
DC Supplies Product Note
This motherboard has an important PCIe configuration restriction: the primary PCIe 5.0 x16 connector can accommodate either a graphics card or an NVMe SSD, not both simultaneously. The second M.2 connector is located on the rear of the motherboard, so ensure the case and cooling configuration provide sufficient access and clearance when planning storage installation.
Also verify the motherboard PCB revision before downloading wireless drivers, as revision 1.0 and revision 1.1 use different Wi-Fi 7 modules.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | GIGABYTE |
| Part Number / MPN | B860I AORUS PRO ICE |
| Product Type | Intel Mini-ITX Motherboard |
| Product Series | AORUS PRO ICE |
| Chipset | Intel B860 Express |
| Processor Socket | Intel LGA1851 |
| Supported Processors | Intel Core Ultra Desktop Processors |
| Memory Type | DDR5 |
| Memory Slots | 2 x DDR5 DIMM |
| Maximum Memory Capacity | 128GB |
| Memory Architecture | Dual Channel |
| Maximum Memory Speed | 9200 MT/s (O.C.) |
| Memory Profiles | Intel XMP |
| Memory Support | ECC Unbuffered DIMM (operates in non-ECC mode) and Non-ECC Unbuffered DIMM |
| VRM Design | 8+1+2+1 Digital VRM |
| PCB Design | 10-Layer PCB, 2X Copper PCB |
| Primary Expansion Slot | 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 |
| M.2 Connectors | 2 |
| Primary M.2 Interface | PCIe 5.0 x4/x2 |
| Secondary M.2 Interface | PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 |
| Secondary M.2 Location | Rear of motherboard |
| SATA Connectors | 2 x SATA 6Gb/s |
| SATA RAID Support | RAID 0 and RAID 1 |
| Wireless Networking | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Wireless Module Revision 1.0 | Realtek RTL8922AE |
| Wireless Module Revision 1.1 | MediaTek MT7925 |
| Wireless Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be |
| Wi-Fi Frequency Bands | 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz |
| Wireless Channel Width | 160MHz |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Wired Networking | Realtek 2.5GbE LAN |
| LAN Speeds | 2.5Gbps, 1Gbps and 100Mbps |
| Audio | Realtek Audio CODEC, up to 7.1-channel HD Audio |
| Audio Connectivity | 2 x Audio Jacks, Optical S/PDIF Out |
| Thunderbolt Connectivity | 1 x Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C |
| USB4 Support | Yes, through rear Thunderbolt 4 Type-C connection |
| DisplayPort Output | 1 x DisplayPort 2.1 |
| HDMI Output | 1 x HDMI 2.1 |
| Maximum Simultaneous Displays | 3 |
| Rear USB Type-A | 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Additional Rear USB Type-A | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Internal USB Type-C | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Header |
| Internal USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 2 ports through internal header |
| Internal USB 2.0 | 2 ports through internal header |
| Cooling Management | GIGABYTE Smart Fan 6 |
| RGB Connectivity | 2 x Addressable RGB Gen2 Headers |
| BIOS Features | Q-Flash and Q-Flash Plus |
| BIOS Memory | 256 Mbit Flash |
| Supported Operating System | Windows 11 64-bit |
| Product Colour | White (ICE Edition) |
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
| Dimensions | 17 x 17 cm |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which processors are compatible with the GIGABYTE B860I AORUS PRO ICE?
The motherboard uses the Intel LGA1851 socket and supports compatible Intel Core Ultra desktop processors. Consult GIGABYTE's CPU Support List for individual processor and BIOS compatibility.
2. How much DDR5 memory does this motherboard support?
It supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory through two DIMM slots using a dual-channel memory architecture. Intel XMP memory profiles are also supported.
3. Does this motherboard support Wi-Fi 7?
Yes. Integrated Wi-Fi 7 supports the 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz frequency bands. Bluetooth 5.4 is also supported. Wi-Fi 7 functionality requires Windows 11 version 24H2 or later with the appropriate wireless drivers and compatible network equipment.
4. Does the motherboard include Thunderbolt 4?
Yes. It provides one rear Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C connection supporting USB4 functionality and DisplayPort video output.
5. How many M.2 SSDs can be installed?
The motherboard has two M.2 connectors. The primary connector supports PCIe 5.0 NVMe storage, while the rear-mounted connector supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage.
6. What PC cases are compatible with this motherboard?
The B860I AORUS PRO ICE uses the Mini-ITX form factor and measures 17 x 17 cm. Select a computer case that supports Mini-ITX motherboards and provides sufficient clearance for the selected cooling and graphics components.
Manufacturer Support
For BIOS updates, processor compatibility, memory support, wireless drivers and technical documentation, consult the official GIGABYTE product support resources.
