The first details of ASUS’s B860 Micro-ATX motherboards for Intel’s Arrow Lake processors have surfaced, giving us a glimpse into the 800-series platform designed for affordable, high-performance PC builds. The leaks, courtesy of @momomo_us, reveal the ROG Strix B860-G Gaming WiFi and TUF Gaming B860M-Plus, both offering a mix of modern features and cost-effective designs.
ROG Strix B860-G Gaming WiFi
The ROG Strix B860-G Gaming WiFi is a stylish addition to ASUS’s gaming lineup, featuring a white PCB with gray accents and the iconic ROG Strix branding. While it forgoes CPU overclocking—standard for the B860 chipset—it provides robust specifications tailored for gamers and creators:
- Cooling and Expansion: Heatsinks for VRMs and M.2 slots ensure optimal cooling, while a PCI-E x16 slot and three M.2 slots offer ample expansion options.
- Connectivity:
- 8x USB Type-A and 2x USB Type-C ports.
- HDMI and DisplayPort for video output.
- Integrated Wi-Fi and 2.5G LAN for network flexibility.
- BIOS Flash and CMOS Reset buttons for convenience.
- Memory: Four DIMM slots likely supporting DDR5 memory.
This board combines a sleek design with advanced connectivity, making it an attractive option for mid-range gaming builds.
TUF Gaming B860M-Plus
The TUF Gaming B860M-Plus focuses on durability and function with a black PCB and TUF branding accents, offering reliable performance for budget-conscious users.
- Expansion Options:
- 1x PCI-E x16 slot (Gen 5.0).
- 1x PCI-E x4 slot for additional peripherals.
- Storage:
- 4x SATA ports for traditional drives.
- 3x M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe storage.
- Rear I/O:
- 7x USB Type-A and 1x USB Type-C ports.
- 2.5G LAN for networking.
- 6x audio jacks for enhanced audio support.
- Memory Support: Four DIMM slots, also likely DDR5-compatible.
This model is a practical choice for users seeking a balance between cost and performance, particularly for non-overclockable systems.
Next-Gen Features for Affordable Builds
Both motherboards support the LGA 1851 socket, designed for Intel’s upcoming Core Ultra 200 processors, which target budget-friendly, high-efficiency PCs. Importantly, the inclusion of PCI-E 5.0 ensures compatibility with next-gen GPUs and SSDs, bringing high-end features to a more accessible price point.
These ASUS B860 boards are expected to launch alongside Intel’s Arrow Lake processors in early 2025, following their anticipated unveiling at CES 2025. Stay tuned for more updates as the release approaches!