Colorful CVN B860I Gaming Frozen V20 specifications and in-depth review

Colorful CVN B860I Gaming Frozen V20

Manufacturer: Colorful

The Colorful CVN B860I Gaming Frozen V20 is a compact Mini-ITX motherboard designed for high-performance gaming and PC builds. It features Wi-Fi 6E support for fast wireless connectivity and offers extensive memory compatibility with a maximum capacity of 96GB.

This motherboard supports DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6400 MHz, and includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for future-proof expansion. Additionally, it offers a range of storage options with support for RAID 0, 1, and 10, and has built-in Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless wireless connections.

Pros
  • Supports multiple high-speed memory configurations, with overclocking up to 8800 MHz.
  • Includes support for RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 0, offering flexibility in storage setups.
  • Equipped with USB Type-C connectivity, providing compatibility with modern devices.
  • Has 5.1 audio channels and multiple audio connectors for versatile audio output options.
  • Compact Mini-ITX form factor, ideal for building small, space-efficient systems.
Cons
  • Lacks support for integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output.
  • Does not include a dual BIOS feature, limiting recovery options in case of BIOS failure.
  • No support for RAID 0+1, reducing storage redundancy options compared to other RAID configurations.
  • Missing S/PDIF Out port, limiting certain digital audio connection options.
  • Only one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot available, with no additional expansion options like PCIe 4.0 or PCIe x1.
Who is this for?

This motherboard is ideal for users who are building compact, high-performance gaming or media systems, thanks to its Mini-ITX form factor and support for up to 96GB of DDR5 memory. It’s well-suited for enthusiasts seeking advanced connectivity options like USB Type-C and multiple RAID configurations for optimized storage setups. The inclusion of multiple Wi-Fi versions (Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, and 6E) and Bluetooth 5.3 makes it a good choice for those who prioritize wireless connectivity.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be the best choice for users needing integrated graphics, as it does not support integrated graphics. It’s also less suitable for those looking for extensive expansion capabilities, with only a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and no support for PCIe x1 slots. Additionally, users who require RAID 0+1 or the ability to reset the BIOS using dual BIOS may find this board limiting for more complex setups.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851
chipset B860
form factor Mini-ITX
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)
Has Bluetooth
Bluetooth version 5.3
HDMI version HDMI 2.0
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 170 mm
width 170 mm
Has integrated CPU

The Colorful CVN B860I Gaming Frozen V20 motherboard is designed in a compact Mini-ITX form factor, offering a single LGA 1851 CPU socket and compatibility with the B860 chipset. It supports various Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 6E, and features Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity. Additionally, it comes with RGB lighting, easy overclocking options, and a straightforward BIOS reset function. The motherboard does not include integrated graphics or a dual BIOS, and it offers a 3-year warranty period.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 96GB
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 8800 MHz
memory slots 2
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory

The Colorful CVN B860I Gaming Frozen V20 motherboard supports up to 96GB of memory and features a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz, which can be overclocked to 8800 MHz. It provides 2 memory slots and operates with dual memory channels, though it does not support ECC memory. This configuration is ideal for those seeking high-performance memory capabilities for gaming and multitasking.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 1
USB 2.0 ports 2
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 Colorful CVN B860I Gaming Frozen V20 motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) with four available, and USB Type-C for modern peripherals. Additionally, it provides an HDMI output, one DisplayPort, and a single RJ45 port for network connectivity. Notably, it also includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port for high-speed data transfer, while lacking older connectors like VGA or PS/2 ports.

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) 2
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 2
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 Colorful CVN B860I Gaming Frozen V20 motherboard provides a range of expansion and connectivity options, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, and additional USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports through expansion. It also offers four SATA 3 connectors for storage devices and two M.2 sockets for high-speed drives. Additionally, there are two fan headers for cooling solutions, while features like TPM and mSATA are not supported.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 0
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 Colorful CVN B860I Gaming Frozen V20 motherboard features a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed expansion cards, providing future-proof support for the latest graphics and storage devices. It does not include other PCIe slots such as PCIe 4.0, PCIe 3.0, or x1 slots, and it also lacks PCI, PCIe 2.0, x4, and x8 slots.

Audio:

audio channels 5.1
Has S/PDIF Out port
audio connectors 3

The Colorful CVN B860I Gaming Frozen V20 motherboard supports 5.1 audio channels, offering immersive sound quality for gaming and media playback. It includes three audio connectors for flexible audio device connections but does not feature 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 Colorful CVN B860I Gaming Frozen V20 motherboard supports several RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10 (1+0), RAID 5, and RAID 0 for flexible storage options. However, it does not support the RAID 0+1 configuration, providing users with a variety of reliable storage setups for different performance and redundancy needs.

Final Verdict

The motherboard excels in compact, high-performance builds, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who need a Mini-ITX form factor with support for advanced features like multiple RAID configurations and up to 96GB of DDR5 memory. With strong wireless connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, it delivers reliable, modern features for both gaming and productivity. However, it may not suit users requiring integrated graphics or extensive expansion slots. Overall, this board is a solid pick for those focused on compact, high-speed builds, but not ideal for those needing more versatile expansion options.