ASRock B860M-H2 specifications and in-depth review

ASRock B860M-H2

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B860M-H2 is a Micro-ATX motherboard designed for users seeking reliable performance and flexibility. Featuring an LGA 1851 CPU socket, it supports Intel processors and is built for a range of computing applications. The board offers a straightforward design with features like dual BIOS for added reliability and ease of use.

This motherboard supports a maximum of 128GB of DDR5 memory, with a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz, and even allows for overclocked speeds up to 8333 MHz. It includes a variety of ports, such as a single USB Type-C and an HDMI 2.1 output, and is equipped with 4 SATA3 connectors for storage. It also supports multiple RAID configurations including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10, providing flexibility for users needing data redundancy or performance boosts.

Pros
  • Supports multiple RAID configurations including RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 for flexible storage management.
  • Has dual BIOS, enhancing reliability and offering a backup option in case of BIOS failure.
  • Includes an HDMI 2.1 output for video display, providing compatibility with modern displays.
  • Provides two M.2 sockets for high-speed storage options, improving overall system performance.
  • Has a USB Type-C port, offering modern connectivity for fast data transfer and device compatibility.
Cons
  • Does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, limiting wireless connectivity options.
  • Lacks support for S/PDIF Out port, reducing digital audio output options.
  • Does not include mSATA or U.2 connectors, limiting storage expansion flexibility for certain users.
  • No support for RAID 0+1, which would combine the benefits of RAID 0 and RAID 1 for redundancy and speed.
  • Lacks DisplayPort and VGA connectors, limiting display connectivity options for certain users.
Who is this for?

The ASRock B860M-H2 motherboard is ideal for users looking to build a reliable, performance-oriented system with flexible storage management. It is well-suited for those who need RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10 support for data redundancy or performance, along with high-speed storage options via its M.2 sockets. The inclusion of a dual BIOS also makes it a good choice for users prioritizing system stability and backup recovery, while the USB Type-C port ensures modern connectivity for peripherals.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be the best fit for users who require wireless connectivity, as it does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It also lacks mSATA or U.2 connectors for users looking to expand storage in those specific formats. Additionally, gamers or professionals who need multiple display options may find it limiting due to the absence of DisplayPort or VGA connectors.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851
chipset B860
form factor Micro-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 211 mm
width 244 mm
Has integrated CPU

The ASRock B860M-H2 motherboard features a Micro-ATX form factor and is compatible with Intel processors using the LGA 1851 CPU socket. It supports the B860 chipset and includes a single CPU socket. While it does not have built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or integrated graphics, it does offer a dual BIOS for added reliability. For display, the board features HDMI 2.1 support, though it lacks a DisplayPort or VGA connector. The motherboard is easy to overclock and has a 3-year warranty period, making it a solid option for stable, customizable setups.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 128GB
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 8333 MHz
memory slots 2
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory

The ASRock B860M-H2 motherboard supports a maximum memory of 128GB with two memory slots, allowing for substantial RAM capacity in your system. It supports DDR5 memory, with a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz, and can be overclocked to speeds up to 8333 MHz. With dual memory channels, it offers improved data throughput, although it does not support ECC memory, making it less suited for error-correcting applications.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 3
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 0
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector
PS/2 ports 0

The ASRock B860M-H2 motherboard provides a range of connectivity options, including a USB Type-C port and an HDMI output for display. It offers three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) and one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, along with two USB 2.0 ports for additional peripherals. The board also features a single RJ45 port for wired network connectivity, though it does not support Thunderbolt or VGA connections.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 2
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 4
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 B860M-H2 motherboard offers a range of useful connectors, including two M.2 sockets for high-speed storage devices and four SATA 3 connectors for traditional storage solutions. It also includes four fan headers for cooling system expansion, and provides flexibility with additional USB connectivity, featuring two USB 3.0 ports and four USB 2.0 ports via expansion. Additionally, it supports a TPM connector for enhanced security features, though it does not include mSATA or U.2 connectors.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x1 slots 2
PCI slots 0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x4 slots 0
PCIe x8 slots 0

The ASRock B860M-H2 motherboard provides solid expansion options with one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for high-performance graphics or other expansion cards, and two PCIe x1 slots for additional peripherals. It does not include PCIe 5.0, PCIe 3.0, or PCIe x4 slots, but the available PCIe 4.0 x16 slot ensures compatibility with modern GPUs. The board also lacks legacy PCI and PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, focusing on the more current PCIe 4.0 standard for expansion.

Audio:

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

The ASRock B860M-H2 motherboard offers a 7.1 audio channel configuration, providing a rich and immersive audio experience for most users. It includes three audio connectors for flexible speaker or headphone setups, but it does not feature an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output. This setup ensures reliable audio support for a variety of audio devices, though it lacks certain high-end audio features.

Storage:

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

The ASRock B860M-H2 motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0), offering users flexible storage management options for data redundancy and performance. It also supports RAID 0 for maximum speed, but does not support RAID 0+1, which combines the benefits of RAID 0 and RAID 1.

Final Verdict

The ASRock B860M-H2 motherboard offers a solid foundation for users seeking a reliable, feature-packed motherboard for their builds. With support for up to 128GB of RAM and advanced storage options like RAID 1 and RAID 10, it excels in system performance and data management. The inclusion of a dual BIOS provides added stability and security. However, its lack of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and modern display outputs may limit its appeal to users with specific connectivity or multimedia needs. Overall, this motherboard is a strong choice for those prioritizing storage versatility and reliability, but less suitable for those requiring wireless connectivity or multiple display outputs.

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