ASUS Prime B365M-A Motherboard: LGA 1151 features and specs explained

The ASUS Prime B365M-A is a micro-ATX motherboard for Intel's 8th and 9th Generation Core processors. It uses the LGA 1151 socket, takes DDR4 memory and has two M.2 slots for fast storage. It suits someone building or refreshing a compact desktop around that generation of Intel chips.

The socket and what it fits

LGA 1151 is a processor socket, and the platform is picky: ASUS lists support for 9th and 8th Gen Intel Core processors. Intel used the same physical socket name for older generations, but those chips are not interchangeable with this board. Before buying a processor, check ASUS's CPU support list for this exact model, and check whether a BIOS update is needed for the chip you plan to use.

Memory: DDR4 in dual channel

The board has four DIMM slots and supports up to 64GB of non-ECC, unbuffered DDR4 in dual-channel mode, at the 2666MHz speed named in the listing. Dual channel means two matched modules work side by side, which typically gives more memory bandwidth than a single module. For most builds, installing modules in matched pairs and in the slots the manual recommends is the simplest approach. Non-ECC memory is the normal type for desktops, and ECC modules are a different product.

Storage and ports

ASUS lists dual onboard M.2 slots, described as "Intel Optane Memory Ready". M.2 drives are small stick-shaped SSDs that connect directly to the board, with no cables. Slots can differ in what they support (SATA or PCIe drives, and lengths), so check the manual for which drive types work in each. The board also has SATA 6Gbps ports for conventional 2.5-inch drives and hard disks.

For connectivity, the listing mentions USB 3.1 Gen2 and a USB 3.1 Gen 1 front-panel connector. The front-panel connector only helps if your case has a matching front port. HDMI output lets you use the processor's built-in graphics, as long as the processor you choose has them.

Cooling, protection and lighting

ASUS describes a set of "5X Protection III" hardware safeguards intended to support component longevity and reliability. FanXpert 2+ is ASUS's fan-control software and firmware, which lets you set how case and processor fans respond to temperature.

There is also an onboard RGB header, which ASUS says works with Aura Sync. This lets you connect an RGB LED strip and sync it with other compatible lighting. Check the header type in the manual before buying a strip, because different headers use different connectors.

Audio and graphics cards

The listing describes 8-channel HD audio and support for CrossFireX, the old multi-GPU technology from AMD. Most builders today use a single graphics card, so the practical point is that the board has a slot for one.

Size and weight

As a micro-ATX board it is smaller than a full ATX motherboard. The listing gives 9.6 x 8.6 x 1.5 inches (about 24 x 22 x 4 cm) and a weight of 1.5 lb (about 0.7 kg). It fits cases that support micro-ATX, and most ATX cases also have micro-ATX mounting holes. Small-form-factor cases may be too small, so check.

Who it suits

It suits a home or office desktop, a refurbished or upgraded older PC, or a build around an 8th or 9th Gen Intel processor. It is not for newer Intel or AMD processors, which use different sockets.

What to check before you buy

• Processor: confirm the exact chip is on ASUS's support list and whether a BIOS update is needed.
• Memory: check that the DDR4 modules you pick are on the compatibility list and that the speed suits.
• Case: make sure it supports micro-ATX.
• Storage: check which M.2 drive types each slot accepts.
• Operating system: confirm drivers are available for the system you plan to run.
• In the box: check which cables and accessories are included.

The short version

• A micro-ATX LGA 1151 motherboard for 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors.
• Four DDR4 slots, up to 64GB, dual channel.
• Dual M.2 slots, SATA 6Gbps ports, USB 3.1 Gen2 and HDMI.
• An Aura Sync-compatible RGB header and FanXpert 2+ fan control.

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