Asus Prime B850-Plus specifications and in-depth review

Asus Prime B850-Plus

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus Prime B850-Plus is an ATX motherboard designed for the AM5 CPU socket, built to handle a variety of high-performance computing needs. It supports a maximum memory size of 256GB and offers features like dual BIOS for added reliability and flexibility.

For storage, the motherboard includes RAID 1, 5, and 10 support and provides a selection of M.2 sockets for modern drives. It also offers robust connectivity options with HDMI 2.1 output, USB Type-C, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for fast data transfer.

Pros
  • Supports up to 256GB of memory, offering ample capacity for demanding tasks.
  • Equipped with dual BIOS for added system reliability and easy recovery in case of failure.
  • Features RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics, enhancing the overall look of your build.
  • Has a wide range of storage options, including support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0).
  • Includes an HDMI 2.1 output and DisplayPort, providing flexible video output options.
Cons
  • Does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, limiting wireless connectivity options.
  • Lacks support for ECC memory, which is crucial for error correction in certain use cases.
  • Does not include Thunderbolt ports, limiting high-speed data transfer options.
  • No mSATA or U.2 connectors for additional storage expansion.
  • Lacks support for RAID 0+1, which could have been useful for users seeking specific redundancy configurations.
Who is this for?

The Asus Prime B850-Plus motherboard is ideal for users who require solid performance and expandability for gaming or productivity builds. With support for 256GB of memory and dual BIOS, it ensures stability and flexibility for high-demand applications. The inclusion of multiple RAID options, including RAID 10 and RAID 5, makes it a great choice for users seeking reliable data redundancy and faster storage speeds. The RGB lighting adds customization for users looking to personalize their setups.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users who need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, as it lacks built-in support for both. It also does not support ECC memory, making it less ideal for professionals in fields requiring error-free performance, such as data-intensive workstations or servers. Additionally, users seeking high-speed data transfer may be disappointed by the absence of Thunderbolt ports and mSATA connectors.

General info:

CPU socket AM5
chipset B850
form factor ATX
release date April 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 244 mm
width 305 mm
Has integrated CPU

The Asus Prime B850-Plus motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and supports the B850 chipset, making it suitable for a variety of modern processors. It comes in an ATX form factor and includes features like dual BIOS for added system reliability and RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics. The board also supports HDMI 2.1 output, but it does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. With an easy-to-use clear CMOS button for resetting the BIOS, overclocking is simplified, ensuring greater flexibility for users. It comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 256GB
overclocked RAM speed 8000 MHz
memory slots 4
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory

The Asus Prime B850-Plus motherboard supports a maximum memory size of 256GB, providing ample capacity for demanding workloads. With 4 memory slots and dual-channel memory configuration, it allows for efficient data transfer. Additionally, the board supports overclocked RAM speeds of up to 8000 MHz for enhanced performance, though it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 3
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 1
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 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 Asus Prime B850-Plus motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options, including 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) port. It also features an HDMI output, along with a DisplayPort for additional display connections. For networking, the board includes 1 RJ45 port and has USB Type-C support, but it does not include Thunderbolt ports or a VGA connector.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 2
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 6
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 Asus Prime B850-Plus offers a variety of connectors for expandability, including 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and 4 USB 2.0 ports through expansion. It features 4 SATA 3 connectors for storage devices, along with 3 M.2 sockets for modern SSDs. The board also includes 6 fan headers for cooling, and a TPM connector for security features, but 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 Asus Prime B850-Plus motherboard offers a solid set of 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for expansion cards, allowing users to take advantage of the latest high-speed components. However, it does not include slots for PCIe 3.0, PCIe 2.0, or lower configurations, and lacks PCIe x1, x4, or x8 slots for additional peripherals.

Audio:

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

The Asus Prime B850-Plus motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels, providing immersive sound quality for a rich audio experience. It includes 3 audio connectors for connecting various audio devices but 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 Asus Prime B850-Plus motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) for enhanced storage performance and redundancy. However, it does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The Asus Prime B850-Plus motherboard is a solid choice for users looking for a reliable and customizable base for their system. With support for 256GB of memory, dual BIOS, and multiple RAID options, it offers excellent flexibility for gaming and productivity builds. Its RGB lighting adds a touch of personalization for users who enjoy custom aesthetics. However, its lack of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thunderbolt connectivity may limit its appeal to those needing modern connectivity features. Overall, the Asus Prime B850-Plus is well-suited for users prioritizing expandability and system stability.

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