Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi

Name: Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi
Brand: Asus
SKU: 6409

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi is a feature-rich ATX motherboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts. It supports AM5 CPUs and offers a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, making it suitable for high-performance setups.

With a maximum memory capacity of 192GB and support for DDR5 memory at speeds up to 8000 MHz, this motherboard ensures smooth and fast performance. It also provides multiple expansion options, including PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, as well as ample storage support with RAID configurations.

Pros

Supports a wide range of Wi-Fi versions, including Wi-Fi 7 for fast and modern wireless connectivity.
Includes multiple RAID configurations, such as RAID 1, 5, and 10, for flexible storage management.
Dual BIOS support for enhanced system stability and easy recovery in case of failure.
Features RGB lighting, allowing for customizable aesthetics in PC builds.
Has 6 fan headers, providing ample options for effective system cooling.

Cons

Does not support RAID 0+1 for more advanced storage configurations.
Lacks Thunderbolt 4 or 3 ports, limiting high-speed peripheral connectivity options.
No support for ECC memory, which could be a limitation for error-sensitive applications.
Does not include integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for video output.

Who is this for?

This motherboard is ideal for users seeking a highly flexible and feature-rich system for gaming or productivity tasks. It supports a wide range of Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7 for fast and modern wireless connectivity, making it suitable for high-speed internet access. With support for multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 10 and RAID 5, it's great for users who need robust data redundancy and performance. Additionally, the inclusion of dual BIOS offers peace of mind for users who want extra system stability and recovery options.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users looking for advanced memory error correction or those needing a more extensive storage configuration. It does not support ECC memory, which could be a limitation for critical applications requiring high memory reliability. Additionally, the lack of Thunderbolt 4 or 3 ports may limit the ability to connect high-speed peripherals, and the absence of integrated graphics means that users will need a discrete GPU for video output, making it less ideal for budget or compact builds.

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-F Gaming WiFi motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and is compatible with the B850 chipset. It supports a wide range of Wi-Fi versions, including Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) to the latest Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), and also includes Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity. The motherboard comes in an ATX form factor and offers features like dual BIOS for added system stability and easy overclocking for improved performance. Additionally, it includes RGB lighting for a customizable aesthetic and HDMI 2.1 support for high-quality video output.

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-F Gaming WiFi motherboard supports a maximum memory capacity of 192GB and features 4 memory slots, allowing for significant expansion. It supports DDR5 memory, with overclocked speeds of up to 8000 MHz, and operates with dual memory channels for improved bandwidth. However, it does not support ECC memory.

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)	1
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	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 ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi motherboard offers a variety of ports for connectivity, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) with 2 ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) with 1 port, and a USB Type-C port. It also supports HDMI output and 1 DisplayPort for video, along with 1 RJ45 port for network connectivity. Additionally, there are multiple USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, though it lacks Thunderbolt or eSATA support.

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	2
fan headers	6
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 Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi motherboard offers a variety of connectors for expansion, including 4 M.2 sockets and 2 SATA 3 connectors for storage devices. It also features 6 fan headers for cooling, and additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports through expansion. Notably, there is no support for mSATA, U.2 sockets, or TPM 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 ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi motherboard is equipped with 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, providing fast and flexible expansion options for high-performance graphics cards or other PCIe devices. It does not include PCIe 3.0, PCIe x1, or PCIe x4 slots, nor does it support older PCIe standards like PCIe 2.0 x16 or PCI slots.

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-F Gaming WiFi motherboard features a high-quality audio system with a 120 dB Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC) for clear and detailed sound. It supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive surround sound, and includes an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output. Additionally, there are 2 audio connectors for flexible connectivity.

Storage:

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

The Asus ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations for flexible storage options, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0). However, it does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The motherboard offers an excellent foundation for users looking for a feature-packed and reliable system, with strong support for Wi-Fi 7 and flexible RAID configurations. Its dual BIOS, ample memory expansion options, and a broad range of connectivity options make it a solid choice for gaming and productivity setups. However, it is best suited for users who can accommodate a discrete GPU, as it lacks integrated graphics, and may not meet the needs of those requiring memory error correction or advanced storage features like Thunderbolt ports. Overall, this motherboard excels in versatility and connectivity, making it a solid option for high-performance builds.