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ASUS is back with more mid-range options. This time around it’s the Intel line-up - the ROG Strix B860-A and B860-G Gaming Wi-Fi motherboards. But before we dive in, let’s take a moment to marvel at how both Intel and AMD have decided to confuse everyone with their naming schemes. Just a friendly reminder, double-check your chipset, so you don’t end up with a mismatched motherboard and CPU combo.
Intel is using B860 and AMD is using B850. Consider yourself warned. The B860 series is targeted at builders who want to use latest Intel platform without the flagship price tag. In comparison to AMD, there is no confirmed support end date for this platform but normally we get at least two CPU generations on each line-up and we are still in the first round. With that futureproofing in mind, let’s get these boards out of the box and explore what they offer.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Both boards come secured with foam inserts and include accessories like SATA cables for connecting drives, a WiFi antenna to ensure optimal wireless connectivity, M.2 screws for secure SSD installation, and a basic quick start guide to help builders get up and running quickly. ASUS seems to have removed the full manual from the package, so you need to go online to their support page to find it.
Out of the box, both the A and G boards stand out with their striking silver and white colour scheme, I can see using one of these for clean builds. Both boards feature large VRM and M.2 heatsinks for heat dissipation.
Features and Specifications
Form Factor The ROG Strix B860-A is an ATX motherboard, offering more expansion and connectivity options, making it ideal for larger builds where space and additional slots for GPUs, storage, or add-on cards are priorities. On the other hand, the ROG Strix B860-G comes in a Micro-ATX form factor, perfect for compact builds where saving space is key without compromising on essential features.
Both motherboards support up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM, with speeds up to 9066MT/s when overclocked. Do note, while the motherboard is technically designed to handle these speeds, achieving them depends on the specific combination of CPU, memory, and the motherboard itself. The actual performance might vary based on these factors. For most users today, speeds around 7400MT/s are more realistic, with higher frequencies becoming achievable as the platform matures and compatibility improves.
For storage they both have almost the same set-up, there are 4 SATA ports as well as 4 M.2 slots. Top one is Gen 5 connected directly to the CPU while the bottom 3 are Gen 4 connected via the chipset. The key difference is t in the 4th M.2 slot located on the bottom right of the larger B860-G model. This slot shares its bandwidth with the bottom PCIe slot, meaning if you use one, the other becomes disabled. This trade-off might be worth considering depending on your build needs.
Now, let’s talk about the PCIe slots. Both motherboards feature a top PCIe Gen 5 x16 slot for your GPU, ensuring maximum performance. The "A" version also includes a bottom PCIe slot wired with 4 lanes to the chipset, providing additional expansion options for those who need it.
There are 5 fan headers on the smaller board and 7 on the larger and both have 3 RGB headers each. There is also single USB C 10 Gigabit and single USB A 5 Gigabit port on both boards and some USB 2.0 at the bottom.
Beyond these differences, the rest of the boards features are quite similar. At the back they both have very similar selection. There is HDMI and Display port for video out, then we have four USB 2.0 followed by single 20 Gigabit USB C and only one 10 Gigabit USB A on the smaller board plus three 5 Gigabit ports. While larger board has two of each.
Lastly both have WiFi7 and 2.5 Gigabit Network, plus simple two audio connectors and SPDIF out.
Then we have the comfort features like the additional buttons for BIOS FlashBack and Clear CMOS for quick resets during troubleshooting. The Q-Release for the PCIe slot allows you to swap GPUs effortlessly by simply tilting the card, and the M.2 Q-Latch system eliminates the hassle of dealing with tiny screws during SSD installation. Debug LEDs are another useful inclusion, providing clear error codes that can be a huge help, especially for first-time builders.
Final Thoughts
So, which of these boards is right for you? If you’re building a larger system that prioritises expandability, like adding multiple PCIe cards then ROG Strix B860-A is probably the way to go. Its ATX form factor gives you the flexibility and room for a more complex setup.
However, if you’re looking to build a compact PC or just don’t need that additional PCIe slot, the B860-G makes more sense, especially if it comes at a lower price point. The mATX form factor ensures you’re not sacrificing key features while saving on space and possibly budget.
If you're torn between the two, here’s a simple way to decide: Do you need the extra PCIe slot for additional components, or are you aiming for a cleaner, more compact build? If you don’t need the slot and value a smaller form factor, the B860-G is the logical and budget-friendly choice.
Both boards provide a solid foundation for mid-range builds, catering to diverse needs without overwhelming complexity so you can't really go wrong here.
What do you think? Are these motherboards hitting the right notes for your next build? Let us know in the comments below.
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