Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth AM5 Motherboard Review
▼ Summary
– The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth is a $299.99 ATX motherboard with a rear-connect design that moves power and fan headers to the back for a clean, wire-free front aesthetic.
– It supports AMD AM5 processors and features robust connectivity, including four M.2 sockets, two USB4 ports, 5 GbE, Wi-Fi 7, and 13 total USB ports on the rear IO.
– The board includes several user-friendly features like EZ-Latch Plus for the M.2 and PCIe slots, a Q-Flash Plus button, and an EZ-Debug LED panel for troubleshooting.
– In testing, the motherboard delivered competent and well-rounded performance for productivity, creative tasks, and gaming, despite using a slightly older AGESA firmware version.
– It is part of Gigabyte’s broader Project Stealth ecosystem, which includes compatible cases and graphics cards designed for a clean rear-connect build.
The Gigabyte X870 Aorus Stealth motherboard delivers a clean, modern build aesthetic by relocating all primary power and fan connectors to the rear of the PCB. This rear-connect design eliminates cable clutter from the front view, offering a streamlined look for custom PC builds. Priced at $299.99, this ATX board supports AMD’s latest AM5 processors and packs a robust feature set including Wi-Fi 7, 5 GbE networking, USB4 40 Gbps ports, and a capable 20-phase power delivery system.
Storage options are generous, with four M.2 sockets,two supporting PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds,alongside two SATA ports. The rear I/O panel is densely packed, offering 13 USB ports in total. This includes two high-bandwidth USB4 Type-C ports, a 10 Gbps USB-C port, and multiple USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 connections. Networking is handled by a Realtek 5 GbE controller and a Qualcomm Wi-Fi 7 module. For audio, Gigabyte uses the proven Realtek ALC1220 codec.
Performance testing with the latest BIOS shows the board is a competent all-rounder. It delivered solid results in both productivity applications and gaming benchmarks, proving it can handle high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 9 9950X without issue. The board successfully ran memory kits at DDR5-6000, 7200, and even 8000 speeds on an APU, showcasing good memory compatibility.
A key part of Gigabyte’s Project Stealth ecosystem, this motherboard is designed to work with compatible cases and components that support the back-connect standard. The company also offers a matching mid-tower chassis, the C500 Panoramic Stealth, which features cutouts to route cables behind the motherboard tray. For builders seeking a wire-free interior, this ecosystem provides a cohesive solution.
The board’s design is understated and entirely black, with no onboard RGB lighting. Large VRM heatsinks are linked by a heatpipe, and M.2 slots are covered by individual or a large plate-style heatsink. EZ-Latch Plus mechanisms on the primary PCIe slot and M.2 sockets make installing and removing components tool-free and straightforward.
User-friendly features are well represented. An EZ-Debug LED zone with four status lights aids in troubleshooting boot issues. Three buttons near the bottom-front edge provide power, reset, and Q-Flash Plus functionality for easy BIOS updates without a CPU installed. Eight fan headers, each capable of delivering 2A/24W, offer ample control for cooling systems.
The power delivery subsystem is built to handle demanding processors. It uses an Infineon PWM controller to manage 16 phases for the Vcore, each employing 80A SPS MOSFETs. This robust VRM design ensures stable power delivery even under heavy loads.
All standard front-panel and internal headers are present, but they are located on the board’s rear side. This includes connectors for audio, USB, ARGB lighting, and fans. The bundle is minimal but functional, containing essential items like SATA cables, an antenna, and installation guides.
For builders prioritizing a clean aesthetic without sacrificing performance or connectivity, the X870 Aorus Stealth presents a compelling option. It successfully integrates the rear-connect concept with a strong mid-range feature set at a competitive price point.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware UK)
