Asus ROG Strix B860-A Gaming WiFi LGA1851 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Asus ROG Strix B860-A Gaming WiFi - Description

LGA1851 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Designed for the future of AI-powered computing, the ASUS ROG Strix B860-A Gaming WiFi motherboard supports next-gen Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) with Socket LGA1851. Featuring built-in NPU support and a suite of AI-enhanced tools, this motherboard is optimized for advanced AI PC applications. It delivers ultra-fast connectivity with PCIe® 5.0 and a USB4® (20Gbps) port, along with customizable aesthetics powered by Aura Sync RGB lighting.

Performance:

Built for high-performance computing, this board includes ProCool power connectors and a robust 14(80A)+1(80A)+2(80A)+1(80A) power stage design to ensure stable and efficient power delivery. A PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot connected directly to the CPU provides maximum bandwidth for graphics cards, while an additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (x4 mode) expands peripheral support via the chipset. For memory, it supports dual-channel DDR5 up to 9066+ MT/s across four DIMM slots. Storage options are flexible with four M.2 slots—featuring one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 2280, one PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 22110, and two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 2280 slots.

Cooling:

Engineered for sustained performance under load, the motherboard includes an advanced thermal solution. This includes a VRM heatsink array, 4 dedicated M.2 heatsinks, and a chipset heatsink to manage temperatures efficiently. It also offers cooling flexibility with an AIO pump header and four 4-pin PWM fan headers for precise airflow control and system-wide thermal management.

Gaming Immersion:

Elevate your gaming experience with immersive visuals and premium audio. Aura RGB lighting syncs across components via three Addressable Gen2 RGB headers, while DOLBY ATMOS®-enhanced audio delivers spatial sound. The SupremeFX audio suite features the Realtek ALC1220P codec and Savitech SV3H712 amplifier, offering impedance sensing, 120 dB SNR stereo playback, and 113 dB SNR recording input for crystal-clear audio fidelity.

Connectivity:

This motherboard provides extensive I/O connectivity, including HDMI™ and DisplayPort outputs for multi-display setups. It features one USB4® (20Gbps) Type-C®, three USB 10Gbps ports (2 Type-A + 1 Type-C®), two USB 5Gbps Type-A ports, and four USB 2.0 Type-A ports. Internal headers support additional USB connectivity, including two USB 5Gbps and four USB 2.0 ports. Networking comes with Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet and WiFi 7 for ultra-low latency and faster data transfer. Additional connectivity includes Optical S/PDIF Out, two audio jacks, BIOS FlashBack™, Clear CMOS button, four SATA 6Gb/s ports, and more.

ASUS AI INTELLIGENCE

ASUS AI Advisor:

An intuitive tool that uses natural language processing to help users discover and understand advanced motherboard features with ease.

AI Networking II:

Optimizes network performance automatically using intelligent algorithms, ensuring seamless and secure connectivity while maximizing WiFi 7 speed.

Traffic Monitor:

Integrated into Armoury Crate, Traffic Monitor analyzes real-time WiFi channel usage. Easily switch to a less crowded channel for improved connection stability.

Fast Check:

Quickly assess WiFi signal strength directly from the Armoury Crate interface for better wireless performance tuning.

Direction Finder:

Helps identify the ideal antenna positioning to maximize WiFi signal reception for optimal connectivity.

GameFirst:

Now integrated into Armoury Crate, GameFirst prioritizes bandwidth dynamically based on real-time usage scenarios. With enhanced support for NVIDIA® GeForce NOW, it ensures minimal latency during cloud gaming sessions for a smoother, more responsive experience.

Performance

Overclocking:

NPU Boost:

Take full advantage of the integrated NPU in Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) with NPU Boost — a one-click BIOS feature that overclocks the NPU to deliver up to 24% enhanced performance for AI-driven tasks.

Asynchronous Clock Design:

The motherboard includes a built-in clock generator that decouples the CPU base clock from other subsystems like memory, NPU, D2D, and NGU. This allows for aggressive tuning of memory and NPU performance without affecting CPU clock stability, providing maximum overclocking flexibility.

Memory:

DDR5 Strength:

ASUS continues its legacy of memory performance leadership with DDR5 support. The ROG Strix B860-A features enhanced signal routing to push high-end memory kits beyond 9 GT/s, with further gains expected in future tuning. The UEFI BIOS provides extensive tuning options for advanced users seeking peak performance.

AEMP III:

This advanced firmware feature unlocks the full potential of cutting-edge CUDIMM memory modules, enabling extreme memory performance with improved stability and compatibility.

DIMM Fit / DIMM Fit Pro:

These exclusive BIOS tools help optimize memory performance by analyzing individual DIMM modules. DIMM Fit Pro offers deeper customization for fine-tuning memory stability and speed.

Power Design

Alloy Chokes and Durable Capacitors:

High-end alloy chokes and premium capacitors are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, ensuring enhanced reliability and delivering performance that surpasses industry standards.

14+1+2+1 Power Stages:

The VRM design incorporates a total of 14+1+2+1 power stages, each utilizing high-current 80A DrMOS components. This configuration includes 14 phases dedicated to VCCCORE, 1 phase for VCCGT, 2 phases for VCCSA, and 1 phase for VNNAON, ensuring efficient and stable power delivery to critical components.

Eight-Layer PCB:

This advanced board design improves heat dissipation around the VRM area, enhancing system stability and offering greater overclocking potential for high-end CPUs.

Cooling

M.2 Heatsinks:

Each M.2 slot is equipped with a heatsink to keep NVMe SSDs running at optimal temperatures for sustained performance and reliability.

VRM Heatsink Array:

Two large heatsinks cover the power delivery system, featuring optimized airflow channels to efficiently dissipate heat and support high-performance Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors.

CPU Fan Headers:

A dedicated pair of PWM/DC fan headers provides easy connection to CPU coolers, ensuring efficient cooling and flexible fan control.

AIO Pump Fan Header:

This PWM/DC fan header is designed specifically for integrated liquid cooling (AIO) systems, allowing for stable and optimized power delivery to the water pump for efficient thermal performance.

4 - pin fan connectors:

The Strix B860-A features four chassis fan connectors, each of which supports automatic detection of PWM or DC fans.

Leading Connectivity:

WiFi 7:

Enjoy next-gen wireless performance with WiFi 7, offering faster speeds and lower latency thanks to technologies like 160 MHz bandwidth, 4K QAM, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO). Ideal for gaming, streaming, and IoT applications.

ASUS WiFi Q-Antenna:

Dual transceivers support 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands, enhancing signal strength, directionality, and coverage range.

Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet:

Delivers 2.5x faster wired speeds than standard Ethernet, ensuring smoother online gaming, faster file transfers, and seamless 4K/8K streaming.

PCIe 5.0:

The Strix B860-A provides full PCIe 5.0 support across the board. The primary x16 expansion slot is reinforced with a SafeSlot retention bracket to support the weight of high-end graphics cards. One M.2 slot on the board offers blazing-fast read and write speeds of up to 16 GB/s, while the other M.2 slots deliver strong transfer rates of up to 8 GB/s. Additionally, all M.2 slots are equipped with robust heatsinks to effectively manage the thermal output of next-generation storage drives.

USB4® (20Gbps) Port:

One ultra-fast USB4® port delivers data transfer speeds up to 20 Gbps for external storage and peripherals.

Gaming Audio

Dolby Atmos® Audio:

ROG and Dolby® collaborate to deliver immersive 3D audio through Dolby Atmos, offering positional sound that enhances in-game awareness and realism.

ROG SupremeFX Audio:

High-fidelity audio solution powered by the Realtek ALC1220P codec, supporting 32-bit/192 kHz audio across all channels. The Savitech SV3H712 amplifier delivers powerful front-panel output for a wide range of headsets and speakers.

EZ PC DIY

PCIe® Slot Q-Release Slim:

Simplify graphics card removal with PCIe® Slot Q-Release Slim. Just tilt the card toward the latch to unlock it — no need to fumble with small clips or press buttons. Upgrades and maintenance have never been easier.

M.2 Q-Release:

Easily install or remove your M.2 SSD without dealing with tiny screws. The heatsink features a convenient switch* that unlocks the drive with a simple flip, while still ensuring solid thermal contact for optimal cooling.

M.2 Q-Slide:

This innovative sliding M.2 latch supports drives in 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes, allowing for effortless installation and removal of your NVMe SSDs.

M.2 Q-Latch:

The new Q-Latch design enables tool-free installation and removal of M.2 SSDs — just press to lock or unlock.

Q-Antenna:

Quickly attach or adjust your WiFi antenna without the hassle of screws. The snap-in design ensures a secure connection and consistent wireless performance.

Q-LED:

The onboard Q-LED indicators help identify potential hardware issues during system startup. Easily check if your CPU, RAM, GPU, or storage devices are properly seated — even before booting your PC for the first time.

Clear CMOS & BIOS FlashBack™:

Reset BIOS settings to default with the Clear CMOS button — useful for troubleshooting or restoring factory settings.
Use BIOS FlashBack™ to safely update your BIOS without needing a CPU or memory installed. Simply plug in a USB drive with the BIOS file and press the button.

BIOS

BIOS Q-Dashboard:

A user-friendly interface that visually displays hardware connections and BIOS settings, making system configuration more intuitive and efficient.

UEFI BIOS Full HD:

ASUS ROG UEFI BIOS delivers a powerful and customizable experience for both beginners and experts. Easily configure system settings, fine-tune performance, and monitor hardware status with a clean and responsive interface.

Software Utilities

TurboV Core:

Overclock directly from Windows without rebooting or entering the BIOS. Adjust CPU, memory, and voltage settings in real time with a simple, intuitive interface.

ASUS GlideX:

Enhance your productivity with ASUS GlideX — a seamless cross-device solution that allows screen mirroring, extended display, unified control, and file transfers between your PC, tablet, and smartphone via USB or WiFi.

HWiNFO Integration:

Monitor your system with detailed hardware diagnostics and real-time performance tracking. HWiNFO is fully integrated with ASUS ROG motherboards, providing deep insights into your system’s health and status.

ASUS DriverHub:

Keep your system up-to-date with ASUS DriverHub — a streamlined utility that automatically detects and updates ASUS drivers. It supports one-click installations and ensures your motherboard runs at peak performance right after OS setup.

AIDA64 Extreme:

Enjoy a 60-day trial of AIDA64 Extreme — a powerful diagnostic and benchmarking tool that delivers in-depth system information, including hardware and software inventory, performance metrics, and stability analysis. It also offers real-time monitoring of critical system sensors such as voltages, temperatures, and fan speeds. Data can be displayed directly on your desktop or routed to external displays or ROG AIO liquid cooler LCD panels for convenient system oversight.

Armoury Crate:

Armoury Crate is an all-in-one control center for ASUS gaming hardware. From a single, intuitive interface, you can manage RGB lighting across compatible components, sync effects with Aura Sync, and create a cohesive visual theme for your system. The included Fan Xpert4 tool gives you full control over fans, water pumps, and all-in-one (AIO) cooling solutions for optimized thermal performance.

Play in Style

Undeniably ROG Strix:

The ROG Strix B860-A boasts a sleek, clean white aesthetic that enhances any PC build. Its matching metallic heatsinks add a refined touch, while customizable Aura Sync RGB lighting lets you personalize your rig with subtle or vibrant lighting effects.

Outshine the Competition:

Equipped with ASUS Aura RGB technology, the motherboard offers full control over onboard LEDs and compatibility with third-party accessories. Easily synchronize lighting effects across ROG-compatible graphics cards, monitors, keyboards, mice, and more for a visually stunning, unified gaming setup.

Cooler Compatibility:

ASUS AIO coolers are designed to work seamlessly with the B860 chipset, offering superior cooling performance, enhanced overclocking capabilities, and striking RGB aesthetics. Customize your setup with lighting and control features tailored for ROG Strix motherboards.

The ROG Strix Ecosystem Awaits:

Elevate your gaming experience with the full ROG Strix ecosystem. Enjoy seamless compatibility and coordinated styling across ROG AIO coolers, cases, peripherals, monitors, and more. With unmatched flexibility and variety, ROG gives you more options than any other brand to build the ultimate gaming rig — perfectly tailored to your style.

Viewe More of Motherboards