Review of Asus ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WIFI

In our latest review, we take a look at the flagship motherboard Asus ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WIFI. We will test it in conjunction with the processor. Core Ultra 7 265 and RAM Kingston Fury Renegade DDR5-8000 48 GB Limited EditionWe also used a water cooling system. ROG STRIX LC III 360 ARGB LCD

Artline Company provided a processor for testing  Core Ultra 7 265 and motherboard Asus ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WIFI, these dovars are available for purchase on the store's website.

ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WI-FI - this is a new motherboard from ASUS, specially designed for gamers and enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their components. It combines modern technology, advanced cooling features and the signature style of the series. Republic of Gamers, offering an excellent balance between functionality and performance.

Below is a detailed overview of all the key features of this board, presented in a style similar to the model description. ROG STRIX Z890-E GAMING WI-FI, but taking into account the specifics B860 chipset and other characteristic differences of this model.

Appearance

Aggressive and stylish design

Motherboard ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WI-FI is made in a black and gray color scheme, which gives it a strict and at the same time futuristic look. The main background of the board is a classic black high-quality textolite, complemented by gray accents on the radiators and protective covers. This design fits perfectly into modern gaming builds, especially if you use cases with transparent panels.

Aura Sync RGB lighting

Lighting is an integral part of the ROG Strix lineup, with the company's proprietary system installed Aura sync, allowing you to choose from a variety of effects and colors. You can customize dynamic lighting patterns based on system temperatures, music beats, or just your mood. The lighting extends beyond the ROG logo on the lid to select elements on the heatsinks and audio area.

Thoughtful casings and radiators

One of the most noticeable details is the massive radiators covering the VRM area, chipset and M.2 slots. They not only look presentable, but also effectively dissipate heat, ensuring stable operation of the system under high loads. Particular attention is paid to the upper area with power elements (MOSFET and chokes): sectional radiators with a large heat dissipation area are installed here.

Reliable materials and premium performance

ASUS traditionally uses high-quality materials in all its ROG series, and B860-F was no exception. All fasteners, protective panels and radiators are made of durable alloys that are resistant to long-term operation in high-performance mode. Thanks to this, the board guarantees reliability and durability, even if you plan continuous gaming sessions or tests in overclocking mode.

Packaging equipment

Sturdy box with ROG branding

Packaging ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WI-FI immediately tells you that there is a premium product inside. On the lid we see a large image of the board itself, the Republic of Gamers logo and indications of key features such as support for DDR5, Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt™ 4. Rigid cardboard reliably protects the device during transportation and storage.

Internal protection

When you open the box, you will notice that the board is placed in an antistatic bag and additionally secured with special foam inserts. This minimizes the risk of damage during transportation and ensures the safety of electronic components.

Complete set of accessories

The kit includes all necessary cables and fasteners for assembling the system:

1. ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WIFI Motherboard — the main element of the set.
2. 2 SATA cables for connecting traditional 2,5" SSD and hard drives providing 6 Gbps speed.
3. Wi-Fi Q-antenna - compact and powerful antenna for using the built-in Wi-Fi 7 module, improving the quality and stability of the wireless signal.
4. Set of ties and fasteners for convenient cable routing inside the case, which allows you to maintain a neat appearance of the assembly and improve air circulation.
5. M.2 Q-Latch and M.2 Q-Slide — proprietary mounting solutions from ASUS that simplify the installation and removal of M.2 SSDs without the need to use a screwdriver.
6. ROG Strix Sticker Set with various logos and stylized elements - they can be used to decorate the case, video card or other components.
7. Quick Start Guide with detailed instructions on installation, connection and initial setup of the system.
8. ROG Keychain and other small decorative accessories to complete the corporate style of the assembly.
9. 4 rubber pads for M.2 - useful when installing solid state drives for optimal pressure and heat dissipation.

With this kit, you get everything you need to start building a powerful gaming system or workstation right away.

Features

Processor compatibility

Socket LGA1851

The main "brain" of the computer is the processor, and ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WI-FI supports processors Intel® Core ™ Ultra 2 generation (series 2). Technologies Intel® Turbo Boost 2.0 и Intel® Turbo Boost Max 3.0 allow the CPU to dynamically increase its clock speed as the load increases. This provides an immediate performance boost, especially noticeable in games, 3D rendering, and other demanding applications.

Flexibility in CPU selection

The board is capable of working with both top-end enthusiast chips and more affordable models of the Intel Core family. Ultra, making it a versatile choice. At the same time, thanks to the high-class power supply circuit (Extreme Engine Digi+ and high-quality MOSFET), you can count on stable overclocking and no VRM overheating even when using processors with a high thermal design power (TDP).

Memory

4 DDR5 slots

The board has 4 slots for RAM modules, allowing you to install up to 256 GB DDR5. Support Intel XMP and proprietary technology ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile III (AEMP III) open up wide possibilities for overclocking RAM to impressive levels 9066 MT/s (in OC mode).

High Capacity

DDR5 delivers significantly higher clock speeds and bandwidth than DDR4, which is especially true for gaming, multitasking workflows, and 3D graphics applications where every fraction of a second can be critical.

Stability and reduced latency

ASUS has implemented additional memory optimization mechanisms, both at the BIOS and hardware levels, allowing memory kits to run at extreme speeds without the risk of crashing. In addition, AEMP III technology automatically adjusts timings and voltages for a better balance between performance and stability.

Video outputs

Image output without compromise.
The rear panel contains:

• 1 x DisplayPort with support up to 8K@60Hz (using DSC compression).
• 1 x HDMI ™ with 8K@60Hz output capability (also with DSC).
• 1 x Intel® Thunderbolt™ 4 (USB Type-C®), providing bandwidth and video support for DisplayPort and Thunderbolt™ standards.

This provides ample opportunities for connecting modern monitors, including options with ultra-high resolution and high refresh rates. It is also possible to use several displays simultaneously - for this, you need to clarify the capabilities of a specific processor, since in some cases you will have to use an external video card or take into account the limitations of the CPU graphics core.

Drives and connectors

Four M.2 slots and four SATA 6Gbps ports

This board is aimed at high-speed storage solutions, offering:

• M.2_1 (PCIe 5.0 x4, Key M, up to 2280) - Direct connection to processor lanes for maximum next-generation SSD speed.
• M.2_2, M.2_3 and M.2_4 (PCIe 4.0 x4) - utilizes the B860 chipset lanes, delivering impressive levels of bandwidth ideal for secondary high-speed storage.
• 4 x SATA 6Gbps ports — for 2,5" SSD and HDD, as well as optical drives and other SATA devices.

Support RAID arrays 0/1/5/10 based on Intel® Rapid Storage Technology allows you to combine multiple drives to increase performance or reliability. It is important to note that when installing an SSD in M.2_4 The slot corresponding to PCIe 4.0 x16 can be disabled (when operating in x4 mode), so when planning the configuration, you need to clearly understand which devices will be occupied by which lines.

Network connection and sound

Networking opportunities

• Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet - high-bandwidth wired connection, which is especially important for online gaming and streaming.
• WiFi 7 (802.11be) — the latest wireless communication standard operating in the 2,4, 5 and 6 GHz frequency ranges with support for 160 MHz of bandwidth and speeds up to 2,9 Gbps. Thanks to the technology Wi-Fi 7 You will get a more stable signal, lower latency and high throughput when working with next-generation networks.
• Bluetooth 5.4 - allows you to connect wireless headsets, keyboards, mice and other devices without noticeable delays.

Audio subsystem

The board is equipped with ROG SupremeFX 7.1 based on ALC4080 with a number of improvements:

• High quality audio capacitors и Savitech SV3H712 AMP for cleaner, more voluminous sound.
• Impedance adaptation for front and rear headphone output, which helps to achieve maximum volume and no distortion.
• Rear I/O Panel includes optical S/PDIF and standard 3,5mm audio jacks for connecting speaker systems or headsets.

This solution will satisfy the needs of both avid gamers and those who like to watch movies or listen to music in high quality.

Additional features and capabilities

1. Thunderbolt ™ 4

   • Provides a Type-C connector capable of operating in several modes (DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB4, Thunderbolt itself).
   • Supports high-speed storage, docking stations, and additional monitors with up to 40 Gbps of bandwidth (for shared bus).

2. Q-Design

   • M.2 Q-Latch/Q-Slide/Q-Release: innovative solutions that allow you to install or remove an M.2 SSD in just a few minutes without using tools.
   • PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim: a special button or mechanism for safely removing the video card without fear of damaging the slot or the board itself.
   • Q-Antenna: Convenient quick-release antenna for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which can be easily screwed to the back panel without any extra effort.

3. Q-Dashboard and Q-LED

   • Simplify system diagnostics when problems occur: on-board indicators highlight the problem area (CPU, DRAM, VGA or Boot), and additional tools in the BIOS/UEFI help quickly find and fix problems.

4. Start and Clear CMOS button

   • The board itself has a convenient start button (Start), allowing you to turn on the system even outside the case or on a test bench.
   • Separate button Clear CMOS simplifies resetting the BIOS to factory settings, which is especially useful during active overclocking or incorrect parameter changes.

5. USB Type-C® with 20Gbps and fast charging support

   • On the rear panel there is a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps), and inside there is a connector for connecting a USB Type-C to the front panel of the case.
   • It can supply current up to 5V/3A, which facilitates fast charging of modern smartphones, tablets and other devices.

The ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WIFI motherboard, like the entire ROG line, provides a wide arsenal of tools for overclocking the processor and RAM. It should be taken into account that modern Intel Core series processors Ultra already operate at fairly high frequencies, and the additional performance gain may not be that significant, especially considering that when going beyond Intel Default Settings There is a risk of losing the official manufacturer's warranty.

A liquid cooling system was used for the tests. ROG STRIX LC III 360 ARGB LCD, thanks to which, under stress load conditions, the processor temperature did not exceed 75 °C. This indicates a high potential of the “processor + board + liquid cooling system” bundle in terms of heat dissipation - the user can try different overclocking profiles without fear of rapid overheating.

The basic configuration, known as Intel Default Settings, represents the optimal balance of frequencies and voltages recommended by Intel. When enabled, ASUS Advanced OC Profile the board uses additional performance reserves, increasing the clock frequency of the CPU and DDR5 memory module. However, the BIOS contains a warning that using non-standard parameters may void the warranty from Intel, so the final decision is left to the user.

We tested the motherboard and memory kit at several frequencies - from DDR5-6400 to DDR5-8400. The AIDA64 results show the expected increase in throughput and decrease in latency as the frequency increases, but as you approach the upper limit (e.g. DDR5-8400), the effect of further increases is no longer so significant for real-world scenarios. In any case, the ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WIFI board gives you the freedom to choose: you can either stick to the "golden mean" (to maintain reliability and warranty) or go to extreme profiles for maximum results.

We tested the ROG STRIX B860-F GAMING WIFI with an Intel Core processor Ultra (Arrow Lake-S, LGA1851) and DDR5 modules at several frequencies using the utility AIDA64 Cache & Memory Benchmark. The test results allow you to clearly see how the frequency of the RAM and its timings affect the throughput, delays (Latency), as well as the performance of the processor cache.

DDR5-6400 test (32-39-39-80 CR2, DRAM:FSB ratio = 32.0)

When running at 2600 MHz processor and 3200 MHz memory (effectively DDR5-6400), the system demonstrated the following results:

• Memory Read: ~96 MB/s
• Memory Write: ~85 MB/s
• Memory Copy: ~88 MB/s
• Latency: ~90,6 ns

The caches showed moderately high speeds. L1 recorded 5030,1 GB/s (read), 3454,3 GB/s (write), and 7261,6 GB/s (copy), with a latency of 0,8 ns. L2 worked within 731,1 GB/s (read) and 554,17 GB/s (write), L3 — 2137,3 GB/s and 988,23 GB/s, respectively. With this configuration, overall throughputs are at a good level, although memory latencies are relatively high, which is typical for a relatively “low” (by high-speed DDR5 standards) frequency. This is the base option, providing stable operation and acceptable performance in many scenarios.

DDR5-7200 test (38-44-44-105 CR2, DRAM:FSB ratio = 36.0)

Here the processor is already running at ~5200 MHz (52× multiplier), and the memory bus is raised to 3600 MHz (effectively DDR5-7200). The indicators have improved:

• Memory Read: ~109 GB/s
• Memory Write: ~95 MB/s
• Memory Copy: ~99 MB/s
• Latency: ~77,4 ns

The reduction in latency and significant increase in throughput are clearly visible when switching from DDR5-6400 to DDR5-7200. At the same time, L1 and L2 caches work at about the same level in terms of absolute values, but L3 has slightly decreased in read speed (to ~1543 GB/s) - this is explained by the difference in multipliers and CPU modes. Nevertheless, in most real-world tasks, the increase in RAM throughput will be more important than minor fluctuations in the operation of the third-level cache.

DDR5-8000 test (36-48-48-128 CR2, DRAM:FSB ratio = 40.0)

The next milestone is DDR5-8000, at which the memory bus rises to 4000 MHz, and the processor in this profile, judging by the utility’s indicators, is fixed at ~2400 MHz (24×).

• Memory Read: ~117,73 GB/s
• Memory Write: ~98 MB/s
• Memory Copy: ~104,54 GB/s
• Latency: ~81,1 ns

Despite the slightly reduced processor core frequency, the overall memory bandwidth becomes even higher. Reading approaches 118 GB/s, copying exceeds 100 GB/s. Latencies still remain at a level slightly above 80 ns, which is typical for high-frequency DDR5 strips, when the timings are forced to remain relatively "stretched". L2 cache demonstrates 690,68 GB/s (reading) and 707,35 GB/s (writing), and L3 - ~1622 GB/s for reading and 986,56 GB/s for writing. The practical significance of the transition to DDR5-8000 is especially felt in tasks related to intensive memory work: 3D rendering, scientific computing, professional video editing software.

DDR5-8400 test (36-48-48-128 CR2, DRAM:FSB ratio = 42.0)

The most extreme mode in our testing is the RAM frequency of 4200 MHz (DDR5-8400). The processor then rises to ~5400,5 MHz (multiplier 54×):

• Memory Read: ~121,16 GB/s
• Memory Write: ~99 MB/s
• Memory Copy: ~107,10 GB/s
• Latency: ~74,7 ns

Bandwidth here reaches a very high level, especially in read and copy mode, and memory latencies become lower, dropping to the ~75 ns mark. L3 cache operates around 2125 GB/s for reading and 998,37 GB/s for writing, which is higher than in previous modes. This kind of RAM overclocking allows you to achieve maximum numbers in synthetic benchmarks, but the gains in real applications often decrease as the frequency increases - especially if you run into the limits of the processor itself or the bandwidth of other components.

A Final Look at Memory Clocks From DDR5-6400 to DDR5-8400, the system noticeably accelerates in operating modes associated with active access to RAM - be it gaming, streaming, rendering or multitasking workloads. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account several factors: the higher the frequency and the “tighter” timings, the higher the requirements for the quality of memory modules, the efficiency of the cooling system and motherboard settings. Enabling overclocking (especially above standard Intel specifications) is associated with possible risks to the warranty - although ASUS, for its part, provides a number of tools (AEMP III, XMP and proprietary OC profiles) that help find the optimal balance between speed and stability.