USB4

Saturday, March 7th 2026

GIGABYTE recently introduced the Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Plus and Z890 Eagle WiFi7 Plus motherboards. These boards are designed to work with Intel’s recent Core Ultra 5 250K Plus and Core Ultra 7 270K Plus “Arrow Lake-S” processors, launching later this month. Both motherboards feature GIGABYTE’s Ultra Turbo Mode, which provides automated boost frequency and voltage offsets for Intel 2 “K” and “KF” unlocked processors.

The Shift in Connectivity: USB4 and Thunderbolt

An fascinating trend with these new boards is a cost-cutting measure: they lack the typical pair of Thunderbolt 4 ports found on many Z890 motherboards. Instead, they offer a single 40 Gbps USB4 port. This suggests a potential industry shift, balancing premium features with affordability. The demand for Thunderbolt may be evolving as USB4 gains traction, offering comparable speeds for many users.

VRM and Networking Differences

The Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Plus is the higher-conclude model, featuring a 16+1+2 phase CPU VRM with 60 A DrMOS. The Z890 Eagle WiFi7 Plus offers a 14+1+2 phase VRM. In terms of networking, the AORUS Elite WiFi7 Plus includes 5 GbE wired LAN, while the Eagle WiFi7 offers 2.5 GbE. Both boards support Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 using Intel WLAN modules, with slight variations in the Intel BE200NGW and BE202 modules.

Audio and Convenience Features

Both boards utilize a Realtek ALC1220 HDA codec with WIMA capacitors for onboard audio. They also include convenient SMD buttons on the rear I/O shields for power, reset, clear CMOS, and USB BIOS flashback. These features cater to enthusiasts and overclockers, simplifying system maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Pricing and Market Positioning

Both the Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Plus and Z890 Eagle WiFi7 Plus are expected to be priced around the $250-mark, positioning them as competitive options in the high-end motherboard market.

Aoostar MACO Mini PC: A Glimpse into the Future of Compact Computing

The tech world is constantly shrinking, and the latest evidence comes from Aoostar with their new MACO mini PC series. Launched initially in China, the MACO series presents a compelling case for compact computing, offering capable performance in a small footprint. Let’s dive deep into what makes this mini PC tick and explore the broader trends in this evolving market.

Key Features and Specifications: More Than Meets the Eye

The Aoostar MACO arrives in two configurations, both targeting the budget-conscious consumer, especially within the Chinese market. One variant boasts the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS processor, while the other opts for the Ryzen 7 255H. Both processors are paired with the Radeon 780M iGPU, delivering solid graphics performance for casual gaming and everyday tasks at 1080p resolution.

But the story doesn’t end there. The MACO is packed with a robust port selection, including two USB4 ports for high-speed data transfer and external display connectivity. It also features an OCuLink port, opening the door for external GPU (eGPU) solutions for enhanced gaming capabilities. The design integrates two M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots for storage and two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots for memory expansion. Additional connectivity includes multiple USB ports, audio jacks, dual 2.5G LAN, HDMI, and DisplayPort.

Did you know? Mini PCs are becoming increasingly popular for their versatility. They can serve as home theater PCs, gaming machines, or even workstations, all while saving space and energy.

eGPU Potential: Gaming on a Compact Scale

The inclusion of USB4 and OCuLink ports in the Aoostar MACO is a strategic move, catering to the growing demand for eGPU compatibility. This allows users to connect an external graphics card, transforming the mini PC into a gaming powerhouse. This is particularly appealing to gamers who want the flexibility to upgrade their graphics performance without replacing the entire system.

The GMKtec AD-GP1 is one example of an eGPU enclosure compatible with the MACO, enabling users to connect a dedicated graphics card like an RTX 3070 or RX 6800M.

Pricing and Availability: Value in a Small Package

The price point of the Aoostar MACO is undoubtedly attractive. The barebone configuration with the Ryzen 7 255H is priced around $277 (converted from CNY 1,999), while the Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS version comes in at approximately $319 (CNY 2299). These prices make the MACO a competitive offering in the mini PC market, especially considering the performance and features it provides.

While specific global availability and pricing details are still pending, the expectation is that the MACO will soon make its debut in international markets. This launch has the potential to shake up the compact PC landscape, especially as competitors are racing to innovate in similar areas.

Looking Ahead: Trends in the Mini PC Market

The Aoostar MACO exemplifies several trends shaping the future of mini PCs. The focus on compact form factors, energy efficiency, and versatile connectivity aligns with the evolving needs of modern users.

Compact Form Factor: With limited space in homes and offices, there’s increasing demand for small and efficient devices, like the MACO.
eGPU Integration: Mini PCs and eGPU solutions are a growing combination, offering both performance and portability.
Price/Performance: Manufacturers focus on providing the best performance for the price. The MACO’s pricing strategy is on point.
User-Friendly Features: From fingerprint scanners to advanced cooling solutions, user experience is more important than ever.

Pro Tip: When choosing a mini PC, consider your usage needs. Are you a gamer, a content creator, or a general user? The ideal specs and features vary based on your use case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main advantage of a mini PC?

The main advantages are their compact size, energy efficiency, and versatility. They can be used for various purposes, from basic computing to gaming.

Can I upgrade the graphics card on a mini PC?

Some mini PCs, like the Aoostar MACO, support external GPUs (eGPUs), allowing you to upgrade the graphics performance by connecting an external graphics card.

What are the main differences between the two Aoostar MACO configurations?

The primary difference is the processor. One features the AMD Ryzen 7 255H, and the other has the more powerful Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS, providing slightly different performance levels.

Embrace the Future of Computing

The Aoostar MACO mini PC is an excellent example of how technology continues to evolve. From its compact design to its powerful performance, it’s a sign of exciting changes ahead. Stay tuned for further updates on the MACO’s global launch and how it stacks up against its competition.

What are your thoughts on the Aoostar MACO? Do you see yourself using a mini PC? Share your comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tech news and reviews!

GIGABYTE Intros Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Plus and Z890 Eagle WiFi7 Plus Motherboards