ASRock B860 Pro RS specifications and in-depth review

ASRock B860 Pro RS

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B860 Pro RS is an ATX motherboard designed to offer solid performance with compatibility for Intel processors. It features an LGA 1851 CPU socket and supports up to 256GB of RAM with a maximum speed of 5600 MHz, allowing for substantial memory capacity and performance. The board also supports easy overclocking and comes with RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics.

In terms of connectivity, the ASRock B860 Pro RS includes a range of ports, such as HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C, providing versatile options for various setups. It offers 4 memory slots, dual BIOS, and supports multiple RAID configurations including RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 for flexible storage management. With PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and multiple M.2 connectors, it is well-equipped for modern expansions and upgrades.

Pros
  • Supports a wide range of RAID configurations including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) for flexible storage management.
  • Includes 7.1 audio channels and 3 audio connectors, offering good audio support for a variety of setups.
  • Has dual BIOS, providing added security and reliability by offering a backup in case of BIOS corruption.
  • Supports easy overclocking, allowing users to push their system’s performance for demanding tasks.
  • Features RGB lighting, adding customizable aesthetics for users who prioritize visual appeal in their builds.
Cons
  • Lacks support for mSATA and U.2 connectors, limiting some storage expansion options.
  • Does not include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi support, requiring additional adapters for wireless connectivity.
  • No S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output, limiting options for high-end audio systems.
  • Lacks Thunderbolt ports (both 3 and 4), which may restrict connectivity for high-speed peripherals and displays.
  • Does not support ECC memory, which can be important for systems where data integrity is critical.
Who is this for?

The ASRock B860 Pro RS motherboard is ideal for users looking to build a reliable and flexible system with multiple RAID support including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0). It is also well-suited for those who prioritize easy overclocking and RGB lighting for aesthetic customization. Its dual BIOS feature adds an extra layer of security, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts and users requiring robust performance with the ability to tweak and personalize their setups.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be ideal for users who require Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, as it lacks built-in support for these features. It also does not support mSATA or U.2 connectors, which could limit storage expansion options for users with specific needs in high-performance or enterprise environments. Additionally, users who require ECC memory for error-checking and high data integrity will find this board unsuitable for such tasks.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851
chipset B860
form factor ATX
release date January 2025
supports Wi-Fi
Has Bluetooth
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock
has RGB lighting
Easy to reset BIOS
Has dual BIOS
CPU sockets 1
Has integrated graphics
warranty period 3 years
height 254 mm
width 305 mm
Has integrated CPU

The ASRock B860 Pro RS motherboard features an LGA 1851 CPU socket and is compatible with the B860 chipset, designed for the ATX form factor. It supports easy overclocking for performance tuning and comes with RGB lighting for a customizable visual experience. The board does not include integrated graphics or Bluetooth support, and it lacks a built-in Wi-Fi feature. It offers a dual BIOS for added reliability and has HDMI 2.1 for video output. The warranty period is 3 years, and the motherboard's dimensions are 254mm in height and 305mm in width.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 256GB
RAM speed (max) 5600 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 8666 MHz
memory slots 4
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory

The ASRock B860 Pro RS motherboard supports up to 256GB of memory, with a maximum RAM speed of 5600 MHz and the ability to reach 8666 MHz when overclocked. It features 4 memory slots and supports DDR5 memory with dual-channel configuration. However, it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 6
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 1
USB 4 40Gbps ports 0
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 0
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
has an HDMI output
DisplayPort outputs 1
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector
PS/2 ports 0

The ASRock B860 Pro RS motherboard offers a range of connectivity options, including 6 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port (USB-C) for high-speed data transfer. It also features HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for video, along with a single RJ45 port for wired network connectivity. While it supports USB Type-C, it lacks USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A), Thunderbolt ports, and VGA or DVI connectors.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 2
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 7
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion) 2
M.2 sockets 3
Has TPM connector
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector
SATA 2 connectors 0

The ASRock B860 Pro RS motherboard is equipped with a variety of connectors to expand its capabilities. It features 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports through expansion, 4 USB 2.0 ports, and 2 additional USB 3.0 ports. For storage, there are 4 SATA 3 connectors and 3 M.2 sockets for high-speed drives. It also includes 7 fan headers for enhanced cooling options and a TPM connector for security features. However, it does not support mSATA or U.2 connectors.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x1 slots 0
PCI slots 0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x4 slots 0
PCIe x8 slots 0

The ASRock B860 Pro RS motherboard is equipped with a total of 2 PCIe x16 slots, including one for PCIe 4.0 and one for PCIe 5.0, enabling support for high-speed graphics cards and expansion cards. However, it does not include any PCIe x1, x4, x8, or older PCI slots. The motherboard has no support for PCIe 2.0 x16 or PCI slots, offering a streamlined selection of expansion options focused on modern PCIe standards.

Audio:

audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port
audio connectors 3

The ASRock B860 Pro RS motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound experience. It includes 3 audio connectors for flexible audio output, but it does not have an S/PDIF Out port, limiting its compatibility with certain external audio devices.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1
Supports RAID 10 (1+0)
Supports RAID 5
Supports RAID 0
Supports RAID 0+1

The ASRock B860 Pro RS motherboard supports a variety of RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0), providing flexible options for data redundancy and performance. However, it does not support RAID 0+1, limiting some advanced RAID setups.

Final Verdict

The ASRock B860 Pro RS motherboard is a solid choice for users who seek a customizable and reliable platform for building a system with dual BIOS support, easy overclocking, and RGB lighting for added aesthetic appeal. Its multiple RAID options and ample memory support make it a versatile option for various use cases. However, it lacks built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mSATA support, which limits its compatibility with certain peripherals and use cases. Overall, it is an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for performance and customization, but not ideal for users requiring integrated connectivity features.

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