ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 Motherboard: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 is a micro-ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA 1700 socket. It is designed for 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors and uses DDR4 memory, which makes it a fit for builders who already have DDR4 or want to keep that part of a build simple. ASUS aims it at everyday users and DIY PC builders who like some tuning options.

Socket, chipset and processors

LGA 1700 is the physical socket, and B660 is the chipset that manages storage, USB and other connections. ASUS says the board is ready for 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors. Later LGA 1700 processors may also work, but they can require a BIOS update, so check the processor support list on ASUS's site before buying a specific chip.

The "D4" in the model name means DDR4 memory. DDR4 and DDR5 modules are not interchangeable, so a board with DDR4 slots can't use DDR5 modules.

Connectivity

The listing names PCIe 4.0, Intel Wi-Fi 6 and Intel 1Gb Ethernet. PCIe 4.0 doubles the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 per lane, relevant for the graphics slot and fast NVMe drives. Wi-Fi 6 is built in, so no separate wireless adapter is needed. Ethernet is 1Gb, the common wired standard.

On the USB side, ASUS lists rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 (up to 10Gbps) and a front USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C connector for cases that have a Type-C front panel. Video outputs are DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, which work with processors that include integrated graphics. There are two M.2 slots for NVMe drives, and Aura Sync supports compatible RGB lighting.

Memory tuning and cooling

ASUS OptiMem II refers to careful routing of traces and vias and optimised ground layers, which ASUS says preserves signal integrity for improved memory overclocking. Overclocking memory is optional and results vary by memory kit and processor.

For cooling, the board has a VRM heatsink (for the voltage regulators that power the processor), an M.2 heatsink, a PCH (chipset) heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 2+, ASUS's software for fan control. Hybrid headers accept both three-pin and four-pin fans.

Size and who it suits

The board measures 11.1 x 10.6 inches in the listing's dimensions. Micro-ATX boards fit in micro-ATX and ATX cases, but not in the smallest mini-ITX cases. The format offers fewer expansion slots than full ATX, which is fine for most home and office builds with one graphics card and a few drives.

This board suits someone building a compact or mainstream Intel desktop on a platform that uses DDR4, such as a family PC, a work machine or an entry-level gaming system.

What to check before you buy

• Your processor is LGA 1700 and appears on the board's support list; note if a BIOS update is needed first.
• You have DDR4 memory, and check the maximum speed and capacity in the manual.
• Your case accepts micro-ATX.
• Two M.2 slots and the number of SATA ports meet your storage needs.
• Your cooler fits the LGA 1700 mounting holes.
• Your display connects through the HDMI or DisplayPort outputs, or you have a separate graphics card.
• Whether you need 2.5Gb Ethernet, which this board does not list.

The short version

• Micro-ATX motherboard for LGA 1700 and 12th Gen Intel Core processors, with DDR4 memory.
• PCIe 4.0, Intel Wi-Fi 6, 1Gb Ethernet and two M.2 slots.
• Rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 and a front Type-C connector for USB 3.2 Gen 1.
• VRM, M.2 and chipset heatsinks, hybrid fan headers and Aura Sync.

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