Asus ROG Strix B860-F Gaming WiFi

Name: Asus ROG Strix B860-F Gaming WiFi
Brand: Asus
SKU: 1968

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus ROG Strix B860-F Gaming WiFi is a high-performance motherboard designed for gamers and PC enthusiasts. It supports a wide range of features, including Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless connections, and offers a robust build in the ATX form factor.

This motherboard is equipped with 256GB maximum memory, four RAM slots, and supports up to 9066 MHz overclocked RAM speeds. It also includes a variety of connectivity options, such as USB 4, HDMI 2.1, and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for expansion. Additionally, it has RAID support and features like dual BIOS and easy overclocking to enhance performance and reliability.

Pros

Supports multiple Wi-Fi versions, including Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
Includes dual BIOS for added security and convenience when updating or recovering system settings.
Equipped with four M.2 sockets for fast storage expansion and four SATA 3 connectors for versatile storage options.
Has RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics to match gaming setups or personal preferences.
Supports a wide range of RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 0, offering flexibility in data redundancy and performance.

Cons

Does not support USB 2.0 ports natively, limiting compatibility with some older devices.
Lacks integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output.
No support for mSATA or U.2 connectors, limiting certain types of storage expansion options.
Does not feature Bluetooth aptX, which may be important for high-quality wireless audio streaming.
No support for RAID 0+1, which could have been useful for users needing both performance and redundancy.

Who is this for?

This motherboard is well-suited for users who need a reliable and feature-packed solution for high-performance gaming or advanced PC builds. With support for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, it offers fast, future-proof connectivity for gamers or streamers. The dual BIOS and multiple RAID configurations like RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 will appeal to those seeking high system reliability and data redundancy, especially for building a stable and secure gaming or content creation rig.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be ideal for users who require more diverse connectivity options or advanced storage solutions. The lack of USB 2.0 ports and U.2 connectors might be limiting for those using older peripherals or specific high-speed storage devices. Additionally, without integrated graphics, users looking to build a system without a discrete GPU will find it unsuitable. It also lacks support for RAID 0+1, making it less suitable for users who need both high performance and data redundancy in a single RAID configuration.

General info:

CPU socket	LGA 1851
chipset	B860
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 B860-F Gaming WiFi motherboard features a LGA 1851 CPU socket and is compatible with the B860 chipset. It supports Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, and 6E, along with Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity. The board is designed in an ATX form factor and includes advanced features such as dual BIOS for added security, RGB lighting, and easy overclocking capabilities. The motherboard also offers HDMI 2.1 support, but it lacks integrated graphics and aptX support. It has a 3-year warranty period and measures 244mm in height and 305mm in width.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	256GB
overclocked RAM speed	9066 MHz
memory slots	4
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The Asus ROG Strix B860-F Gaming WiFi motherboard supports a maximum memory size of 256GB across four memory slots, with a DDR5 memory version and dual memory channels. It also supports overclocked RAM speeds up to 9066 MHz, allowing for enhanced performance. However, it does not support ECC memory, which may be important for certain professional applications.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	6
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 2.0 ports	0
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 B860-F Gaming WiFi motherboard offers a comprehensive selection of USB ports, including USB 4 40Gbps, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, and Thunderbolt 4 for high-speed data transfer. It also supports HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort outputs for video, alongside an RJ45 port for wired networking. However, it does not feature USB 2.0, VGA, DVI, or PS/2 ports.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion)	1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	3
SATA 3 connectors	4
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 B860-F Gaming WiFi motherboard offers a variety of connectors, including four SATA 3 connectors, four M.2 sockets, and six fan headers for enhanced system cooling. It supports additional USB ports through expansion, such as two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Notably, it does not have a TPM connector, U.2 sockets, or an mSATA connector.

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 B860-F Gaming WiFi motherboard includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, offering flexibility for modern graphics cards and expansion cards. It does not include slots for PCIe x1, PCIe x4, PCIe x8, or older PCIe standards, ensuring that its expansion capabilities are optimized for the latest high-speed devices.

Audio:

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

The Asus ROG Strix B860-F Gaming WiFi motherboard offers high-quality audio with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for clear and immersive sound. It supports 7.1 audio channels for a rich surround sound experience and includes a S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output. Additionally, it provides two audio connectors for flexible audio setup options.

Storage:

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

The Asus ROG Strix B860-F Gaming WiFi motherboard supports a variety of RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 (1+0), and RAID 0 for flexible storage setups and enhanced data redundancy. However, it does not support RAID 0+1, limiting some advanced RAID configurations for certain use cases.

Final Verdict

The motherboard offers a robust set of features, making it an excellent choice for gamers and advanced PC builders. With support for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, as well as multiple RAID configurations for data security, it excels in performance and connectivity. Its dual BIOS feature ensures enhanced stability, while the ample number of expansion slots and connectors provides versatility for future upgrades. While it may not be suitable for users needing integrated graphics or certain storage setups like RAID 0+1, its overall feature set positions it as a solid option for high-performance builds.