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ASRock B860I WiFi specifications and in-depth review

ASRock B860I WiFi

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B860I WiFi is a compact Mini-ITX motherboard designed for high-performance systems. With its LGA 1851 CPU socket, this motherboard supports a wide range of modern processors, making it suitable for a variety of builds. It also includes Wi-Fi 6E for fast and reliable wireless connectivity, as well as dual BIOS for added system stability and redundancy.

On the technical side, the ASRock B860I WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz, and offers dual-channel memory configuration. For expansion, it features a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and multiple storage options, including four SATA 3 connectors and two M.2 sockets. It also supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10, ensuring flexibility for storage configurations.

Pros
  • Supports dual BIOS for improved system stability and recovery.
  • Has multiple RAID configuration options, including RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 for flexible storage management.
  • Includes Wi-Fi 6E for fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
  • Offers 7.1 audio channels with multiple audio connectors for a versatile sound setup.
Cons
  • Lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for visual output.
  • Does not support S/PDIF Out for digital audio output.
  • No support for RAID 0+1 for users seeking certain redundancy and performance configurations.
  • Lacks support for legacy ports like VGA and PS/2, limiting compatibility with older peripherals.
Who is this for?

This motherboard is ideal for users looking for a compact, high-performance solution with strong storage flexibility. With RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 support, it's well-suited for individuals needing data redundancy and reliability in small form factor builds. Its Wi-Fi 6E support also makes it a good choice for those who require high-speed wireless connectivity, especially in environments with many devices competing for bandwidth.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be the best choice for users needing integrated graphics, as it does not support integrated graphics. It also lacks older ports like VGA and PS/2, which may limit compatibility with legacy peripherals. Additionally, the absence of S/PDIF Out could be a drawback for users with high-end audio setups requiring digital audio output.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851
chipset B860
form factor Mini-ITX
release date January 2025
supports Wi-Fi ✓
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Has Bluetooth ✓
Bluetooth version 5.3
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock ✓
has RGB lighting ✕
Easy to reset BIOS ✕
Has dual BIOS ✓
has aptX ✕
CPU sockets 1
Has integrated graphics ✕
warranty period 3 years
height 170 mm
width 170 mm
Has integrated CPU ✕

The ASRock B860I WiFi motherboard features an LGA 1851 CPU socket and supports the B860 chipset, designed for high-performance builds in a compact Mini-ITX form factor. It includes Wi-Fi 6E for advanced wireless connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless peripherals, and HDMI 2.1 for video output. The motherboard also supports dual BIOS for added system stability, while lacking integrated graphics and RGB lighting.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 128GB
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 8933 MHz
memory slots 2
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory ✕

The ASRock B860I WiFi motherboard supports a maximum of 128GB of DDR5 memory, with a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz, which can be overclocked to 8933 MHz. It offers two memory slots and a dual-channel memory configuration, ensuring efficient data transfer. However, it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 4
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 2
Has USB Type-C ✓
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector ✕
PS/2 ports 0

The ASRock B860I WiFi motherboard offers a variety of ports for connectivity. It includes one USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports, and four USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, it provides a USB Type-C port and one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) port. For video output, it has HDMI and DisplayPort connectors. The board also features two RJ45 Ethernet ports and lacks support for legacy connectors like VGA and PS/2.

Connectors:

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

The ASRock B860I WiFi motherboard offers several expansion options with its connectors. It features two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 USB-C connector, and two additional USB 2.0 ports for peripherals. For storage, there are four SATA 3 connectors and two M.2 sockets for fast SSD installations. The board also includes three fan headers to ensure efficient cooling, though it does not support a TPM, mSATA, or U.2 connectors.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 0
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 B860I WiFi motherboard includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed expansion, while it does not have support for PCIe 4.0, PCIe 3.0, or lower PCIe slot versions. There are no additional PCIe x1, x4, or x8 slots, ensuring that expansion options are focused on the latest PCIe 5.0 standard.

Audio:

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

The ASRock B860I WiFi motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound experiences, making it suitable for high-quality audio setups. It includes three audio connectors for flexible audio device connections, though it does not feature an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.

Storage:

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

The ASRock B860I WiFi motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations for flexible storage management. It includes support for RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0), providing options for data redundancy and performance. It also supports RAID 0 for high-speed setups but does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The motherboard excels in providing solid storage flexibility with support for RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10, as well as robust wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi 6E. These features make it a great option for users seeking a compact and high-performing solution for data redundancy and high-speed networking. However, its lack of integrated graphics and certain legacy ports may limit its appeal for users with specific peripheral needs. Overall, it's a well-rounded choice for those prioritizing reliability and wireless performance in a small form factor build.

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