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ASUS ROG Strix B860-I Gaming WiFi: features, specs and who it suits

A Mini-ITX LGA 1851 motherboard for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 with DDR5, Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4 and a 10+1+2+1 power design. What the specs mean.

By Bloiq Editors · October 27, 2026 · 3 min read

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The ASUS ROG Strix B860-I Gaming WiFi is a Mini-ITX motherboard for Intel's LGA 1851 socket. It is designed for Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2) in a compact case. ASUS pairs a small footprint with DDR5 support, Wi-Fi 7, Thunderbolt 4 and a reinforced graphics slot.

Socket and memory

LGA 1851 is the socket for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 desktop processors, so earlier Intel chips will not fit. The board uses DDR5 memory. ASUS lists DIMM Fit and AEMP III, which are described as ways to simplify memory setup and improve performance. Mini-ITX boards typically have two memory slots, which limits total capacity compared with larger boards.

Power delivery

The listing details 10(80A)+1(80A)+2(80A)+1(80A) power stages, along with ProCool power connectors, MicroFine alloy chokes and premium metallic capacitors. In general, 80A stages give a lot of headroom, and the stage count matters mainly for processors that draw high power under sustained load. Large heatsinks with an integrated I/O cover, high-conductivity thermal pads and an L-shaped heatpipe move heat away from the power components, which is useful when the board sits in a tight case.

Graphics and expansion

ASUS lists a PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot, a graphics slot reinforced for heavier cards. A Mini-ITX board has just one such slot, so there is little room for additional add-in cards. Thunderbolt 4 over USB Type-C gives a fast connection for external storage, docks and displays.

The listing describes the board as ready for advanced AI PCs, with ASUS AI Advisor and AI Networking II. These are software tools aimed at simplifying setup and tuning the network connection. The AI label is the brand's positioning; check the maker's pages for what each tool actually does.

Networking

Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G LAN are listed. Wi-Fi 7 needs a Wi-Fi 7 router to reach its full speeds, but it is typically backward compatible with older standards.

Size

The board measures 6.7 x 6.7 inches (about 17 x 17 cm), the standard Mini-ITX footprint. That makes it suitable for the smallest PC cases.

Who it suits

It suits people building a compact Core Ultra Series 2 system, such as a small desktop or living-room PC, who want strong power delivery, Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7. It is less suited to builds needing many drives or add-in cards.

What to check before you buy

  • Case: make sure it supports Mini-ITX, with room for your graphics card and cooler.
  • Processor: confirm your chip is Core Ultra Series 2 on LGA 1851.
  • Memory: it needs DDR5, and slot count is limited.
  • Cooler mounting: check that your cooler fits LGA 1851.
  • Storage: check how many M.2 and SATA connections the manual lists.
  • Antenna: check that the Wi-Fi antenna is included in the box.

The short version

  • Mini-ITX board for LGA 1851 Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2).
  • 10+1+2+1 power stages rated at 80A each, with heatpipe-linked heatsinks.
  • DDR5, a PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G LAN.
  • AI Advisor and AI Networking II software features.
  • Suited to compact builds with few expansion needs.

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