ASUS ROG STRIX B860-F Gaming WIFI DDR5 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS ROG STRIX B860-F Gaming WIFI is a full-size ATX motherboard designed for Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors on the LGA1851 socket. Powered by the Intel B860 chipset, it offers a compelling platform for enthusiast PC builders who want next-generation connectivity and AI-ready performance without moving to the flagship chipset tier. At the heart of its connectivity story is end-to-end PCIe 5.0 support via the primary x16 slot, enabling the full bandwidth of the latest graphics cards and NVMe storage devices. A secondary PCIe 4.0 x16 slot running at x4 mode extends expansion options further. Four M.2 slots (Key M) and four SATA 6Gb/s ports provide ample storage flexibility for modern builds. Memory capabilities are a standout feature. The board supports dual-channel DDR5 memory up to 256 GB, with validated speeds reaching up to 9066 MT/s through ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile III (AEMP III) and Intel XMP support. DIMM Fit, an ASUS-exclusive BIOS tool, analyses installed modules individually to optimize timings and flag potential compatibility issues before they become problems. On the AI side, NPU Boost unlocks a BIOS-level overclock of the integrated NPU found in Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, delivering up to 24% additional NPU performance with a single click — useful for AI inference workloads and creative applications that leverage the chip neural engine. An asynchronous clock generator decouples the CPU base clock from memory, NPU, D2D, and NGU domains, allowing independent tuning of each subsystem. Wireless connectivity is handled by a WiFi 7 module paired with Bluetooth 5.4, while a rear-panel Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet port covers wired networking. ASUS AI Networking II continuously optimises network performance to maintain stable, high-throughput connections. The back panel is generously equipped, including a Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C port, a USB 20Gbps Type-C port, a USB 10Gbps Type-A port, six USB 5Gbps Type-A ports, DisplayPort, HDMI, optical S/PDIF output, and dual audio jacks. Convenience features such as BIOS FlashBack and Clear CMOS buttons are also present. Aura Sync RGB lighting and three onboard Addressable Gen 2 headers allow the board to integrate into any themed build. Verified Specifications: - Socket: LGA1851 - Chipset: Intel B860 - Form Factor: ATX - Supported CPUs: Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) - Memory Type: DDR5 (Non-ECC, unbuffered), Dual Channel - Max Memory: 256 GB - Memory Speed: Up to 9066 MT/s (AEMP III / XMP) - Primary PCIe Slot: PCIe 5.0 x16 - Secondary PCIe Slot: PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 mode) - M.2 Slots: 4 x Key M - SATA Ports: 4 x 6Gb/s - Wireless: WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 - LAN: Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet - Rear USB: Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), USB 20Gbps (USB-C), USB 10Gbps (Type-A), 6x USB 5Gbps (Type-A) - Video Output: 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 1x Thunderbolt 4 - Warranty: 3 Years