MSI Pro B860M-B specifications and in-depth review

MSI Pro B860M-B

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI Pro B860M-B is a Micro-ATX motherboard designed for users seeking reliable performance. With support for the LGA 1851 CPU socket and DDR5 memory, it offers solid compatibility for various builds. Its RGB lighting feature adds a visual touch to the setup, while the board also supports easy overclocking for enhanced performance.

This motherboard supports up to 128GB of RAM with a maximum speed of 6400 MHz, which can be overclocked to 9066 MHz. It includes two memory slots and dual BIOS functionality for added stability. The MSI Pro B860M-B also provides an HDMI 2.1 output, one DisplayPort, and features like a TPM connector and M.2 sockets for future expansion.

Pros
  • Supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory for high-capacity and future-proof builds.
  • Offers RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics.
  • Equipped with dual BIOS for added reliability and easy system recovery.
  • Provides a USB Type-C port for modern connectivity options.
  • Includes two M.2 sockets for fast storage expansion.
Cons
  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support for wireless connectivity.
  • No S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.
  • Does not support ECC memory, limiting its use for error-sensitive applications.
  • Only one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, limiting expansion options for high-end graphics or other PCIe devices.
Who is this for?

The MSI Pro B860M-B is ideal for users building a compact, reliable system that requires high memory capacity (up to 128GB) and dual BIOS support for extra stability. It's well-suited for users seeking a motherboard that provides a solid foundation for a powerful, customizable system with features like RGB lighting for aesthetic appeal and multiple M.2 sockets for fast storage upgrades.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard is not suitable for users requiring built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, as it lacks both features. It's also not ideal for those needing error-correcting memory support (ECC) or seeking a motherboard with more expansion options, as it only has one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and no support for older PCIe slots like PCIe 3.0 x16.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851
chipset B860
form factor Micro-ATX
release date October 2026
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 220 mm
width 243.8 mm
Has integrated CPU

The MSI Pro B860M-B motherboard features a Micro-ATX form factor and an LGA 1851 CPU socket, supporting the B860 chipset. It offers RGB lighting for visual customization, as well as an HDMI 2.1 output for display connections. The motherboard supports easy overclocking and includes dual BIOS for added stability and backup. Notably, it does not include built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or integrated graphics, and it comes with a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

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 MSI Pro B860M-B motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, with a maximum RAM speed of 6400 MHz, which can be overclocked to 9066 MHz for enhanced performance. It offers two memory slots and supports dual-channel configuration for better memory bandwidth. However, it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 0
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 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 MSI Pro B860M-B motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB Type-C and an HDMI output. It has two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A), four USB 2.0 ports, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port for high-speed data transfer. Additionally, it features a DisplayPort output, one RJ45 port for Ethernet connectivity, and does not include older connectors such as VGA or PS/2.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 3
M.2 sockets 2
Has TPM connector
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector
SATA 2 connectors 0

The MSI Pro B860M-B motherboard includes several connectors for expandability, such as USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports through expansion. It provides four SATA 3 connectors for storage devices and two M.2 sockets for additional high-speed storage. The motherboard also features three fan headers for cooling, and a TPM connector for security, though it does not include an mSATA or U.2 socket.

Expansion slots:

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

The MSI Pro B860M-B motherboard features a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed expansion cards and one PCIe x1 slot for smaller add-on cards. It does not support older PCIe versions such as PCIe 2.0 or PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, and lacks additional PCIe x4, x8, or PCI slots.

Audio:

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

The MSI Pro B860M-B motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound. It includes three audio connectors for flexibility in connecting audio devices, but does not feature an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.

Storage:

Final Verdict

The MSI Pro B860M-B is a solid choice for users building a reliable and customizable Micro-ATX system, offering dual BIOS for stability and up to 128GB of DDR5 memory for future-proofing. While it lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and offers limited expansion slots, it excels in providing a stable foundation for mainstream computing needs with sufficient storage expansion and modern connectivity options. It is best suited for users who prioritize stability, expandability, and aesthetics in their builds.