Asus ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi

Name: Asus ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi
Brand: Asus
SKU: 1134

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi is a versatile ATX motherboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts. It supports the latest AM5 CPU socket and offers multiple Wi-Fi versions including Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 for fast wireless connectivity. Its sleek design also features RGB lighting to complement any gaming setup.

This motherboard supports a maximum of 192GB of DDR5 memory across four memory slots and features overclocking support up to 8000 MHz. With a range of connectivity options like USB 4.0, Thunderbolt 4, and HDMI 2.1, it offers comprehensive expansion and peripheral support, alongside a robust audio system with 7.1 channels and 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio.

Pros

Supports a wide range of Wi-Fi versions, including Wi-Fi 7 for future-proof connectivity.
Includes dual BIOS for added reliability and easier system recovery.
Has 7.1 audio channels and a high 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for high-quality sound output.
Offers multiple RAID configurations (RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 0) for flexible storage management.
Provides ample expansion options with 5 M.2 sockets and 4 SATA 3 connectors for high-speed storage.

Cons

Does not support ECC memory for error correction, which may limit reliability for certain professional applications.
Lacks USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports, limiting newer connection options.
No mSATA or U.2 connector support, reducing compatibility with certain older or specialized storage devices.

Who is this for?

This motherboard is well-suited for users seeking high-performance connectivity and expansion, particularly those building a system for gaming or advanced computing tasks. With support for Wi-Fi 7 and dual BIOS, it ensures stable, fast networking and reliable system recovery. Additionally, its multiple RAID configurations (RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, RAID 0) make it ideal for users who require flexible storage options for data redundancy or high-speed performance.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users who require maximum memory reliability or specialized connectivity. It does not support ECC memory, which could be a limitation for professional environments that demand error-free operation. Additionally, the lack of USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports could be limiting for users looking to connect the latest high-speed peripherals or external devices.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	B850
form factor	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), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Has Bluetooth	✓
Bluetooth version	5.4
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	305 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The Asus ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and supports the B850 chipset, making it compatible with modern processors. It offers Wi-Fi support ranging from Wi-Fi 4 to Wi-Fi 7, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity. This motherboard also includes Bluetooth 5.4, HDMI 2.1 output, and RGB lighting for a customizable and immersive experience. Additionally, it supports easy overclocking, features a dual BIOS setup for reliability, and has a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	192GB
overclocked RAM speed	8000 MHz
memory slots	4
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The Asus ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi motherboard supports a maximum memory of 192GB across four memory slots. It features DDR5 memory and offers overclocked RAM speeds of up to 8000 MHz for enhanced performance. The board operates with dual memory channels but does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	6
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	0
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	1
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 Asus ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi motherboard offers a wide range of connectivity options, including 6 USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A ports and a USB 4 40Gbps port for high-speed data transfer. It also features Thunderbolt 4 and USB Type-C for versatile connections, alongside HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for video. Additionally, it includes a single RJ45 port for network connectivity and four USB 2.0 ports for peripheral devices.

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	5
Has TPM connector	✕
U.2 sockets	0
Has mSATA connector	✕
SATA 2 connectors	0

The Asus ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi motherboard provides a wide range of expansion options, including 5 M.2 sockets for high-speed storage, 4 SATA 3 connectors for additional drives, and 7 fan headers for effective cooling. It also includes 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectors and 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 connector for expanded USB support. Additionally, there are 4 USB 2.0 ports through expansion, though it does not feature a TPM connector or mSATA support.

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 ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi motherboard is equipped with 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, providing flexible options for high-performance graphics cards or expansion cards. It does not feature any PCIe x1, PCIe x4, PCIe x8, or legacy PCI slots, ensuring modern connectivity but lacking support for older expansion cards.

Audio:

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

The Asus ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels for an immersive sound experience, with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for clear and detailed audio. It also includes a S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output and features two audio connectors for connecting external audio devices.

Storage:

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

The Asus ROG Strix B850-E Gaming WiFi motherboard supports several RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) for data redundancy and performance optimization. It also supports RAID 0 for improved speed but does not support RAID 0+1 for additional data mirroring.

Final Verdict

The motherboard offers impressive connectivity and expansion options, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts or gamers who require fast networking and versatile storage configurations, thanks to its support for Wi-Fi 7 and multiple RAID setups. However, its lack of ECC memory support and cutting-edge ports like Thunderbolt 3 may limit its appeal for professional users or those with very specific peripheral needs. Overall, this motherboard is best suited for users who prioritize performance and flexibility in a high-end computing setup.