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Biostar B860M-Silver specifications and in-depth review

Biostar B860M-Silver

Manufacturer: Biostar

The Biostar B860M-Silver is a Micro-ATX motherboard built for high-performance systems, offering reliable features for both gaming and productivity builds. It supports a B860 chipset and features 1 CPU socket (LGA 1851), ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Intel processors.

This motherboard offers impressive technical specs, including support for 256GB of DDR5 memory across 4 slots, PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for faster graphics card performance, and multiple M.2 and SATA connectors for expanded storage options. It also supports RAID configurations (RAID 1, 5, 10) and includes a variety of USB ports, including USB Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2, providing solid connectivity options.

Pros
  • Supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory across 4 slots, providing ample memory capacity for demanding applications.
  • Offers RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 0 configurations, allowing for flexible and reliable storage options.
  • Includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, enabling compatibility with the latest high-performance GPUs and expansion cards.
  • Provides three M.2 sockets and four SATA 3 connectors for a variety of fast storage options.
  • Has a TPM connector for enhanced security features, such as encryption and secure boot.
Cons
  • Does not support integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for video output.
  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, limiting wireless connectivity options out of the box.
  • Does not feature an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.
  • No support for mSATA or U.2 connectors, limiting certain storage expansion options.
  • Does not include a VGA connector, which may be inconvenient for users with older displays.
Who is this for?

The Biostar B860M-Silver motherboard is ideal for users seeking a stable and flexible platform for general computing and light to mid-level gaming setups. With its support for up to 256GB of DDR5 memory and RAID configurations like RAID 1, 5, and 10, it suits those who require reliable data storage solutions and ample memory capacity for multitasking and productivity applications. Additionally, the inclusion of both PCIe 5.0 x16 and PCIe 4.0 x16 slots makes it a strong choice for users who want to integrate the latest GPUs or other high-performance expansion cards.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard is not suitable for users who require integrated graphics or extensive wireless connectivity out of the box, as it lacks both integrated graphics and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. Additionally, it may not be the best choice for users looking to expand their storage with mSATA or U.2 drives, as these are not supported. The absence of a VGA connector and S/PDIF Out port also limits compatibility with older display systems and digital audio setups, making it less ideal for users with legacy equipment.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851
chipset B860
form factor Micro-ATX
release date January 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 244 mm
Has integrated CPU ✕

The Biostar B860M-Silver motherboard features an LGA 1851 CPU socket and is compatible with the B860 chipset. Its Micro-ATX form factor offers a compact design, while the board supports easy overclocking to boost performance. The motherboard lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and it does not include integrated graphics. With one CPU socket and dual BIOS for added stability, the B860M-Silver also offers HDMI 2.1 output and a 3-year warranty period.

Memory:

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

The Biostar B860M-Silver motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, offering a significant memory capacity for demanding tasks. It features four memory slots with dual-channel architecture to enhance data throughput. Although it supports high overclocked RAM speeds of up to 8000 MHz, it does not support ECC memory for error correction, making it suitable for typical consumer-grade applications rather than enterprise-level needs.

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 0
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 2
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C ✓
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector ✕
PS/2 ports 0

The Biostar B860M-Silver motherboard offers a variety of ports for versatile connectivity. It includes two USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A ports and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C port for high-speed data transfer. The motherboard also features an HDMI output and two DisplayPort outputs for video output, along with a single RJ45 Ethernet port for wired networking. Notably, it lacks legacy ports like VGA, DVI, and PS/2, and does not support USB 4 or Thunderbolt connections.

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 3
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 Biostar B860M-Silver motherboard provides ample expansion options with three M.2 sockets and four SATA 3 connectors for high-speed storage devices. It also includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port for additional connectivity. For cooling, the motherboard offers three fan headers, and it features a TPM connector for enhanced security. 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 Biostar B860M-Silver motherboard offers solid expansion options with one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, supporting high-performance graphics and other add-on cards. It does not include additional PCIe slots such as PCIe x1, x4, or x8, nor does it support older PCIe 2.0 x16 or PCI slots, making it focused on the latest standards for fast and efficient connectivity.

Audio:

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

The Biostar B860M-Silver motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for a rich and immersive sound experience. It includes three audio connectors for flexible audio output options, though it does not feature an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio transmission.

Storage:

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

The Biostar B860M-Silver motherboard supports several RAID configurations for enhanced storage performance and redundancy. It includes RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5, and RAID 0 options, offering flexibility for different data management needs. However, it does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The Biostar B860M-Silver motherboard offers solid performance and flexibility for users who need a reliable, feature-rich base for building a general-purpose PC or mid-tier gaming system. With support for up to 256GB of DDR5 memory and multiple RAID configurations, it excels in memory capacity and data storage flexibility. Additionally, its PCIe 5.0 x16 slot ensures compatibility with the latest high-performance GPUs. However, its lack of integrated graphics and wireless connectivity may limit its appeal for users seeking an all-in-one solution. Overall, it is a strong choice for users who prioritize memory expansion and storage configurations but can accommodate the absence of certain legacy features.