MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi is a versatile ATX motherboard designed to support the latest technologies for gaming and performance builds. Featuring Wi-Fi 7 support, this motherboard ensures seamless connectivity for high-speed internet access.

In terms of memory, the MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi can handle up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM, with speeds reaching up to 6400 MHz and even higher with overclocking. The motherboard includes multiple expansion options, including PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, along with a variety of USB ports, M.2 sockets, and RAID support for advanced storage configurations.

Pros

Supports a wide range of Wi-Fi versions, including Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), for fast and modern wireless connectivity.
Offers flexible storage options with support for RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5, and RAID 0 configurations.
Equipped with both PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, allowing for future-proof graphics and expansion capabilities.
Includes RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics, enhancing the visual appeal of the build.
Has 6 fan headers, providing ample cooling options for high-performance components.

Cons

Lacks support for RAID 0+1, limiting some RAID configurations for users looking for a mirrored-stripe option.
Does not include an S/PDIF Out port, restricting certain high-end digital audio output capabilities.
No support for mSATA or U.2 connectors, limiting compatibility with some older or specialized storage devices.
Does not have integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for any video output or processing.

Who is this for?

This motherboard is ideal for users looking to build a high-performance PC with a focus on advanced wireless connectivity, supporting Wi-Fi 4 to Wi-Fi 7 standards, and extensive storage options through multiple RAID configurations. Its dual PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots make it perfect for enthusiasts who need top-tier expansion potential for future-proofing, while the ample fan headers (6 in total) ensure efficient cooling for demanding workloads. The inclusion of RGB lighting also adds aesthetic value for those building visually striking systems.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users who require integrated graphics or a comprehensive digital audio setup, as it lacks an integrated GPU and an S/PDIF Out port. Additionally, users who rely on older storage connections may find the absence of mSATA or U.2 connectors limiting. It also does not support RAID 0+1, which could be a drawback for users needing that specific RAID configuration for mirroring and striping.

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	243.8 mm
width	304.8 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard features an LGA 1851 CPU socket and supports the B860 chipset. It comes in an ATX form factor and supports a wide range of Wi-Fi versions, including Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), and the latest Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be). This motherboard also has built-in Bluetooth 5.4 support, RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics, and dual BIOS functionality for added reliability. It offers easy overclocking capabilities and features an HDMI 2.1 output for video connections. Notably, it lacks support for integrated graphics and does not include aptX Bluetooth support.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	256GB
RAM speed (max)	6400 MHz
overclocked RAM speed	8600 MHz
memory slots	4
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard supports a maximum memory capacity of 256GB with DDR5 RAM. It offers a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz, which can be overclocked to 8600 MHz for enhanced performance. With 4 memory slots and support for dual-channel memory configuration, it is designed for high-speed memory access. However, it does not support ECC memory, which is typically used for error correction in professional or server environments.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 2.0 ports	4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports	0
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 MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard offers a variety of ports to meet your connectivity needs, including USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 4 support for fast data transfer. It features 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A ports, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB-A ports, and 4 USB 2.0 ports. The board also includes HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for video, along with an RJ45 port for wired networking. Notably, it does not include a VGA connector, eSATA ports, or PS/2 ports.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	4
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion)	1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	4
SATA 3 connectors	4
fan headers	6
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion)	4
M.2 sockets	3
Has TPM connector	✓
U.2 sockets	0
Has mSATA connector	✕
SATA 2 connectors	0

The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard includes a variety of connectors to enhance expandability and customization. It offers 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, and 4 additional USB 2.0 ports for flexible connectivity. Additionally, there are 4 SATA 3 connectors and 3 M.2 sockets for storage options, along with 6 fan headers for cooling. The board also supports a TPM connector for enhanced security, though it lacks mSATA and U.2 sockets.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x1 slots	2
PCI slots	0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x4 slots	0
PCIe x8 slots	0

The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard is equipped with a variety of PCIe expansion slots, including PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for high-performance graphics cards and other peripherals. Additionally, it features 2 PCIe x1 slots for smaller expansion cards. Notably, it lacks PCIe 3.0, PCIe 2.0, x4, and x8 slots, limiting some options for older or specialized add-on cards.

Audio:

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

The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound quality. It includes 3 audio connectors for connecting external audio devices. However, it does not have an S/PDIF Out port, limiting certain digital audio output options.

Storage:

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

The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10 (1+0), RAID 5, and RAID 0 for flexible storage options. However, it does not support RAID 0+1, which is an alternative mirrored-stripe configuration.

Final Verdict

The motherboard offers impressive features for users seeking high performance and future-proofing, particularly with its support for advanced wireless connectivity and multiple RAID configurations. With a strong focus on expansion, including PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, it is well-suited for enthusiasts looking to build a powerful system with plenty of upgrade potential. While it lacks integrated graphics and some older storage options, it excels in providing reliable connectivity and flexibility for demanding workloads. Overall, this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers, power users, and system builders focused on high-speed performance and customization.