Asus Prime B850M-K

Name: Asus Prime B850M-K
Brand: Asus
SKU: 4065

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus Prime B850M-K is a Micro-ATX motherboard designed for users seeking a reliable and flexible platform for their builds. Featuring an AM5 CPU socket, it supports a variety of modern processors, making it suitable for a range of applications. Its compact size and essential features ensure it is a practical choice for users with limited space or specific build requirements.

Key specifications include support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, two PCIe slots, and HDMI 2.1 for video output. It also includes useful features like dual BIOS, easy overclocking, and RAID support (RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10), making it versatile for various storage configurations and performance enhancements.

Pros

Supports a wide range of RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 for flexible storage management.
Has dual BIOS for added reliability and ease of recovery in case of system failure.
Equipped with easy overclocking capabilities, providing users with simple performance tuning options.
Includes 7.1 audio channels for a robust sound experience with three audio connectors for flexible speaker setups.

Cons

Does not support integrated graphics, requiring a separate GPU for video output.
Lacks USB Type-C support, limiting compatibility with some modern devices.
Does not support mSATA or U.2 storage connections, reducing flexibility for certain storage configurations.
No support for S/PDIF Out port, limiting digital audio output options.

Who is this for?

The Asus Prime B850M-K is ideal for users who need a reliable motherboard with solid storage options, thanks to its support for RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10. Its dual BIOS also ensures that system recovery is seamless in case of failure. Additionally, the motherboard's easy overclocking feature is perfect for those who want to boost their system performance without complicated setups.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users who require integrated graphics, as it lacks integrated GPU support. It also lacks USB Type-C and S/PDIF Out, which could be a limitation for those needing modern connectivity or high-quality digital audio output. Furthermore, it doesn't support mSATA or U.2 storage connections, limiting flexibility for advanced storage configurations.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	B850
form factor	Micro-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	221 mm
width	244 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The Asus Prime B850M-K motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and is compatible with the B850 chipset, making it suitable for modern processors. It comes in a compact Micro-ATX form factor and includes useful features such as dual BIOS for added system reliability. While it lacks integrated graphics, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi support, it offers HDMI 2.1 output for video and supports easy overclocking for enhanced performance.

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 Prime B850M-K motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, making it suitable for high-performance tasks. It offers two memory slots and operates with dual-channel memory for improved bandwidth. While it supports overclocked RAM speeds of up to 8400 MHz, 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	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 B850M-K motherboard provides a range of connectivity options, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A ports and four USB 2.0 ports. It also features an HDMI output and a DisplayPort for video connections. Additionally, there is one RJ45 port for wired networking, but it does not include USB Type-C, Thunderbolt, or VGA support.

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 Prime B850M-K motherboard offers a variety of connectors for expansion, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and four USB 2.0 ports. It also includes four fan headers to support cooling solutions, along with two M.2 sockets for fast storage. Additional features include a TPM connector for security, while it lacks support for mSATA and U.2 sockets.

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 B850M-K motherboard features a variety of expansion slots, including one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics or other expansion cards. It lacks additional PCIe slots such as PCIe x1, PCIe x4, PCIe x8, or PCIe 2.0 x16, limiting its flexibility for certain upgrades.

Audio:

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

The Asus Prime B850M-K motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound experiences. It is equipped with three audio connectors for connecting audio devices, but 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 Prime B850M-K motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10, offering flexible storage options for improved performance and data redundancy. However, it does not support RAID 0+1 for additional redundancy and performance combination.

Final Verdict

The Asus Prime B850M-K is a solid Micro-ATX motherboard designed for users seeking essential features such as dual BIOS and easy overclocking capabilities. With support for multiple RAID configurations and a reliable 3-year warranty, it provides good performance and flexibility for most basic to mid-range builds. However, its lack of integrated graphics and modern connectivity options like USB Type-C may limit its appeal for users seeking advanced features or high-end configurations. Overall, this motherboard is best suited for users who prioritize stable performance and straightforward overclocking in a budget-friendly package.