ASUS TUF Gaming B860M-Plus DDR5 Intel Motherboard

The ASUS TUF Gaming B860M-Plus is a Micro-ATX motherboard built on Intel’s B860 chipset and designed for Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) using the LGA1851 socket. It targets gamers and PC builders who want a compact, feature-rich platform without sacrificing stability or expandability. At the heart of its power delivery is a 12+1+2+1 stage configuration, with each stage rated at 80A. This robust VRM layout is designed to sustain consistent power delivery to high-core-count processors over extended gaming sessions. The board supports DDR5 memory in dual-channel configuration, with speeds rated up to 8800+ MHz, and a maximum capacity of 256 GB across its DIMM slots. Memory tuning is aided by Intel XMP support and ASUS’s own AEMP III (ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile III) firmware feature, which automatically detects memory chips and applies optimised frequency, timing, and voltage profiles. Storage options are generous for a Micro-ATX board: three M.2 Key-M slots are provided, with one running at PCIe 5.0 speeds for NVMe drives capable of sequential transfers up to 128 Gbps. Four SATA 6 Gb/s ports round out the storage connectivity. NVMe RAID configurations are supported across the M.2 slots. Graphics expansion is handled by a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot paired with a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. A physical PCIe Slot Q-Release lever simplifies GPU removal without tools. Video outputs on the rear I/O include one DisplayPort, one HDMI port, and one USB Type-C port with DisplayPort Alt mode, useful for systems using Intel’s integrated graphics. Connectivity is a highlight. The rear I/O panel offers one USB 20 Gbps Type-C port (with DP Alt mode), two USB 10 Gbps Type-A ports, four USB 5 Gbps Type-A ports, and one USB 2.0 Type-A port. A Realtek 2.5 Gb Ethernet port and a Wi-Fi module are included for wired and wireless networking. Five audio jacks and an optical S/PDIF output serve audio needs. Internally, the board provides a USB 10 Gbps Type-C front-panel connector, a USB 5 Gbps header, a USB 2.0 header, and a Thunderbolt (USB4) header. For system lighting, three Addressable Gen 2 RGB headers support up to 500 LEDs and are compatible with ASUS Aura Sync. Fan management headers include one CPU fan, one CPU OPT fan, one AIO pump, and three chassis fan headers. A pre-mounted I/O shield simplifies installation. ASUS covers this board with a 3-year warranty. Verified Specifications: – Form Factor: Micro-ATX – Socket: LGA1851 – Chipset: Intel B860 – CPU Compatibility: Intel Core Ultra Series 2 – Memory Type: DDR5 (Non-ECC, Unbuffered), Dual Channel – Max Memory: 256 GB – Memory Speed: Up to 8800+ MHz (XMP / AEMP III) – M.2 Slots: 3 x Key-M (1 x PCIe 5.0, others via B860 chipset) – SATA Ports: 4 x SATA 6 Gb/s – PCIe Slots: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4 – Rear USB: 1 x USB 20 Gbps Type-C, 2 x USB 10 Gbps Type-A, 4 x USB 5 Gbps Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A – Networking: Realtek 2.5 Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi module (spec tier unconfirmed) – Display Outputs: 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB Type-C (DP Alt mode) – Addressable Gen 2 RGB Headers: 3 – Warranty: 3 Years