ASRock B860M Lightning WiFi specifications and in-depth review

ASRock B860M Lightning WiFi

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B860M Lightning WiFi is a micro-ATX motherboard designed for users seeking robust connectivity and performance. Featuring a B860 chipset, this motherboard supports the latest technologies and offers flexibility for different setups. With integrated Wi-Fi support, it is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for modern wireless needs.

In terms of memory, the ASRock B860M Lightning WiFi can handle up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM with a maximum speed of 5600 MHz, and can be overclocked to 8666 MHz. It provides multiple expansion options, including PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and ample storage connectivity, including RAID support for enhanced data management.

Pros
  • Supports a wide range of Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 6E, for modern wireless connectivity.
  • Equipped with dual BIOS for added stability and reliability.
  • Supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, providing flexibility for high-performance builds.
  • Includes 4 M.2 sockets and 4 SATA 3 connectors, offering ample storage expansion options.
  • Has 7 fan headers, allowing for extensive cooling options in larger or high-performance systems.
Cons
  • Lacks support for integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU for display output.
  • No support for RAID 0+1, limiting RAID configuration options for some users.
  • Does not include USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 or Thunderbolt 3 ports, limiting ultra-fast data transfer options.
  • No VGA or DVI connectors, which may be limiting for older displays or legacy systems.
  • Does not support mSATA or U.2 connectors, which may be limiting for specific storage setups.
Who is this for?

The ASRock B860M Lightning WiFi motherboard is ideal for users looking for a flexible and future-proof platform for building high-performance systems. With support for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 5, this board is well-suited for modern connectivity needs. Its extensive storage options, including 4 M.2 sockets and 4 SATA 3 connectors, make it an excellent choice for users needing high-speed storage and expansion capabilities. Additionally, the dual BIOS feature offers greater stability, making it a good fit for overclocking enthusiasts and system builders who prioritize reliability and performance.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users relying on integrated graphics, as it lacks integrated graphics support, meaning a dedicated GPU is required for display output. Additionally, with no support for RAID 0+1, users looking for specific RAID configurations may find this limiting. The lack of VGA and DVI connectors also makes it less ideal for environments where legacy displays or older monitor types are required. Users looking for more high-speed data transfer options may also be disappointed by the absence of Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports.

General info:

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

The ASRock B860M Lightning WiFi motherboard features an LGA 1851 CPU socket and supports the B860 chipset, making it compatible with a range of processors. It has a compact Micro-ATX form factor and offers built-in Wi-Fi 6E for modern wireless connectivity, along with Bluetooth 5.3 support for enhanced device pairing. The board also includes RGB lighting for customization, dual BIOS for added stability, and HDMI 2.1 for high-definition video output. Notably, it lacks integrated graphics, meaning a separate GPU is required for display output.

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 B860M Lightning WiFi motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, allowing for substantial memory capacity. It features a maximum RAM speed of 5600 MHz, which can be overclocked to 8666 MHz for enhanced performance. With 4 memory slots and 2 memory channels, this board offers flexibility for memory configurations, though it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 4
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 0
USB 4 40Gbps ports 1
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 1
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 B860M Lightning WiFi motherboard offers a wide variety of connectivity options. It includes 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports and 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports, as well as 1 Thunderbolt 4 port for high-speed data transfer. Additionally, it features HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for video, 1 RJ45 port for wired networking, and a USB Type-C port for modern peripherals. The board does not support VGA, DVI, or eSATA connections.

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

The ASRock B860M Lightning WiFi motherboard provides ample expansion options with 4 M.2 sockets and 4 SATA 3 connectors for storage. It also includes 7 fan headers to ensure optimal cooling for high-performance builds. Additionally, the board supports a TPM connector for enhanced security but does not feature mSATA or U.2 sockets.

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 B860M Lightning WiFi motherboard includes 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, offering fast data throughput for compatible expansion cards. It does not feature any PCIe 4.0, PCIe 3.0, PCIe x1, or PCIe x4 slots, limiting options for lower-speed expansion cards. This motherboard is focused on modern PCIe 5.0 support without backward compatibility for older PCIe standards.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC) 120 dB
audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port
audio connectors 2

The ASRock B860M Lightning WiFi motherboard features high-quality audio with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for clear sound. It supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound output and includes an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio connections. Additionally, it provides 2 audio connectors for flexible audio device support.

Storage:

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

The ASRock B860M Lightning WiFi motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 for flexible storage solutions and improved data redundancy. However, it does not support RAID 0+1 for mirrored striped configurations. These RAID options allow users to choose between performance or redundancy depending on their needs.

Final Verdict

The ASRock B860M Lightning WiFi motherboard offers a robust set of features for users seeking a reliable and feature-rich platform for modern computing. With support for Wi-Fi 6E, multiple high-speed storage options, and dual BIOS for enhanced stability, it is well-suited for enthusiasts and system builders who prioritize performance and flexibility. While it lacks integrated graphics and some legacy connectivity options, its support for various RAID configurations and a strong focus on high-speed connectivity make it an excellent choice for users who want a solid foundation for gaming, content creation, or general high-performance applications.

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