Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi

Name: Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi
Brand: Asus
SKU: 8674

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi is a Micro-ATX motherboard built for gaming and high-performance systems. It features an AM5 CPU socket and supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for fast wireless connectivity. The motherboard also includes dual BIOS for added stability during overclocking and a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

Key technical specifications include a maximum memory capacity of 128GB with DDR5 support, 2 memory slots, and a 2-channel memory configuration. It offers multiple expansion options, such as PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, as well as support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 for versatile storage setups. Additionally, the motherboard includes 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, and HDMI 2.1 output for comprehensive connectivity options.

Pros

Supports multiple RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10), offering flexibility for different storage needs.
Includes dual BIOS for enhanced system stability and easier recovery in case of failure.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) support provides faster wireless connectivity, future-proofing the motherboard for high-speed internet usage.
Offers 7.1 audio channels, ensuring a rich sound experience for gaming or multimedia applications.
Compact Micro-ATX form factor allows for a smaller, space-efficient build.

Cons

Lacks support for integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU for display output.
No support for USB Type-C or Thunderbolt ports, limiting future-proof connectivity options.
Does not include S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output, which could limit some advanced audio setups.
No mSATA or U.2 connectors, reducing options for additional storage expansion.
Limited to two memory slots, which may restrict memory capacity and upgradeability compared to motherboards with more slots.

Who is this for?

The Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard is well-suited for users building mid-range gaming or general-purpose PCs. Its support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 ensures flexible storage configurations, while Wi-Fi 6 offers fast, future-proof wireless connectivity. The dual BIOS feature also makes it ideal for users who prioritize system stability and easy recovery from errors or overclocking failures. Its compact Micro-ATX form factor is perfect for builds where space is limited but performance and expansion are still needed.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be ideal for users looking for high-end features or advanced expansion options. The lack of USB Type-C and Thunderbolt support limits future-proofing and high-speed peripheral connections. Additionally, its limited memory slots and absence of integrated graphics mean it may not be suitable for users who require a high level of upgradeability or prefer a more budget-friendly setup without a dedicated GPU. It is also not suitable for audio enthusiasts who need S/PDIF Out for digital audio output or those relying on ECC memory for error correction in critical applications.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	B850
form factor	Micro-ATX
release date	April 2025
supports Wi-Fi	✓
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (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	221 mm
width	244 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket, designed for the B850 chipset, and comes in a compact Micro-ATX form factor. It supports multiple Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), and the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), providing versatile wireless connectivity. This motherboard also includes built-in Bluetooth 5.3, dual BIOS for added system stability, and RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics. Notably, it does not support integrated graphics or an integrated CPU, and lacks a clear CMOS button for easy BIOS resets.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	128GB
overclocked RAM speed	8400 MHz
memory slots	2
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard supports a maximum memory capacity of 128GB, with 2 memory slots and dual-channel memory configuration for efficient data handling. It is compatible with DDR5 memory and can achieve an overclocked RAM speed of up to 8400 MHz. However, 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)	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	0
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 Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard offers a variety of ports, including 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports, and 4 USB 2.0 ports for various connectivity needs. It also features an HDMI output, but lacks DisplayPort, USB Type-C, and Thunderbolt support. For network connectivity, it includes 1 RJ45 port. Notably, it does not have VGA, DVI, or PS/2 ports, making it more streamlined for modern 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 Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard offers a range of connectors, including 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and 4 USB 2.0 ports for various expansion options. It provides 4 fan headers for efficient cooling, and has 4 SATA 3 connectors for storage devices. Additionally, it includes 2 M.2 sockets for fast SSDs, while it lacks support for TPM, mSATA, U.2, and SATA 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 Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard offers strong expansion capabilities with 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics or other expansion cards. However, it lacks PCIe x1, PCI, and PCIe 2.0 slots, and there are no PCIe x4 or x8 slots available for additional expansion options.

Audio:

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

The Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for an immersive sound experience, accompanied by 3 audio connectors for connecting speakers, headphones, or other audio devices. However, it does not include 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 Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) for data redundancy and performance. It also supports RAID 0 for improved speed but does not include support for RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The Asus B850M AYW Gaming Wi-Fi motherboard is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and flexible foundation for mid-range gaming or general-purpose builds. It excels in providing features like Wi-Fi 6 support for fast wireless connectivity and dual BIOS for extra stability during system upgrades or overclocking. With support for multiple RAID configurations, it offers ample storage options for those who need reliable data management. However, it does have limitations, such as the absence of USB Type-C, Thunderbolt, and S/PDIF Out. Overall, this motherboard is best suited for users looking for a compact, stable, and feature-packed option without the need for cutting-edge expansion or connectivity options.