Gigabyte B860M Power specifications and in-depth review

Gigabyte B860M Power

Manufacturer: Gigabyte

The Gigabyte B860M Power is a Micro-ATX motherboard designed for users seeking a solid platform for performance builds. Featuring a B860 chipset, it supports a range of memory options and provides essential features like a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot. It has a maximum memory capacity of 128GB, offering ample room for demanding tasks.

For connectivity, the motherboard includes a variety of ports, such as a DisplayPort output and HDMI 2.1. It supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10. Additionally, the board is equipped with two M.2 sockets and features easy overclocking capabilities, making it versatile for different build needs.

Pros
  • Supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, allowing for high memory capacity in demanding builds.
  • Includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and one PCIe x4 slot, providing flexibility for modern and performance-focused expansions.
  • Supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 0, offering data redundancy and performance options.
  • Has dual BIOS for increased reliability, reducing the risk of a failed BIOS update.
  • Includes an HDMI 2.1 output and a DisplayPort, ensuring compatibility with various display setups.
Cons
  • Lacks USB Type-C ports, limiting modern connectivity options for some devices.
  • Does not support ECC memory, which may be a drawback for users requiring error correction for critical applications.
  • No S/PDIF Out port, limiting advanced audio connectivity options for high-end audio setups.
  • Does not include support for RAID 0+1, reducing some options for redundant storage configurations.
Who is this for?

The Gigabyte B860M Power motherboard is well-suited for users who need a reliable and flexible motherboard for a variety of computing tasks. Its support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot makes it ideal for high-performance builds, whether for gaming, content creation, or multitasking. Additionally, its RAID support (including RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 0) makes it a good choice for users focused on data redundancy and storage performance.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be the best choice for users requiring cutting-edge connectivity options, as it lacks USB Type-C ports and has no S/PDIF Out port for high-end audio setups. Additionally, users needing ECC memory support for mission-critical applications should consider other options, as this motherboard does not support it.

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 225 mm
width 244 mm
Has integrated CPU

The Gigabyte B860M Power motherboard features a Micro-ATX form factor and is equipped with a single LGA 1851 CPU socket, compatible with the B860 chipset. While it does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it offers HDMI 2.1 output and includes a dual BIOS for enhanced reliability. The motherboard supports overclocking and comes with a 3-year warranty. Its dimensions are 225 mm in height and 244 mm in width, and it does not have integrated graphics or an integrated CPU.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 128GB
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 9066 MHz
memory slots 2
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory

The Gigabyte B860M Power motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, with a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz, which can be overclocked to 9066 MHz. It has two memory slots and operates on a dual-channel configuration. However, it does not support ECC memory, making it less suitable for applications requiring error-correction capabilities.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 3
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 3
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 1
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector
PS/2 ports 1

The Gigabyte B860M Power motherboard provides a range of ports for connectivity, including HDMI output and a DisplayPort. It also offers one RJ45 port for networking and a PS/2 port for legacy devices. USB connectivity is covered with three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, three USB 2.0 ports, and one DisplayPort output, but it does not include USB Type-C or Thunderbolt ports.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 2
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 3
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 Gigabyte B860M Power motherboard includes a variety of connectors to expand your build. It offers two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, four additional USB 2.0 ports, and two USB 3.0 ports for expansion. For storage, it provides four SATA 3 connectors and two M.2 sockets, allowing flexibility for your drives. Additionally, the board features three fan headers and includes a TPM connector for enhanced security, but lacks an mSATA connector and U.2 sockets.

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 1
PCIe x8 slots 0

The Gigabyte B860M Power motherboard features a variety of expansion slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and one PCIe x4 slot for high-performance add-ons. It does not include PCIe 4.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x16, or PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, and there are no PCIe x1 or PCI slots available. This setup ensures support for modern components while limiting legacy slot options.

Audio:

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

The Gigabyte B860M Power motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels, providing a rich and immersive audio experience. It includes three audio connectors but does not feature an S/PDIF Out port, limiting certain high-end audio connections.

Storage:

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

The Gigabyte B860M Power motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5, and RAID 0, offering flexibility for data redundancy and performance optimization. However, it does not support RAID 0+1, limiting some redundant storage options.

Final Verdict

The Gigabyte B860M Power motherboard is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and flexible option for high-performance builds, offering support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for future-proof upgrades. Its inclusion of multiple RAID options and dual BIOS adds to its versatility, making it suitable for both standard and advanced storage configurations. However, its lack of USB Type-C ports and ECC memory support may limit its appeal for users requiring cutting-edge connectivity or mission-critical reliability. Overall, it's a dependable motherboard for users prioritizing performance and flexibility without the need for advanced features.

Popular Comparisons

Gigabyte B860M Power
Gigabyte B860M Power
VS
MSI Pro B860-P
MSI Pro B860-P