ASUS TUF Gaming B860-PLUS WiFi Motherboard: features and specs

The ASUS TUF Gaming B860-PLUS WiFi is an ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA 1851 socket. It supports Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors, DDR5 memory and modern storage and networking. This page explains what the main specs mean for a build.

Socket and chipset

LGA 1851 is the processor socket, and B860 is the chipset, which sets which features and how many connections the board offers. ASUS says the board is ready for Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). An LGA 1851 board is not physically compatible with processors for older sockets such as LGA 1700, so check the CPU you plan to use. A BIOS update may be needed for some processors; the board lists BIOS FlashBack, which usually lets you update the BIOS from a USB drive without a processor installed.

Power delivery and cooling

ASUS lists 12+1+2+1 stages (described elsewhere as 12+2+1 80A DrMOS), with 8+8 pin ProCool power connectors, alloy chokes and durable capacitors. The VRM is the circuitry that turns the supply voltage into the steady, lower voltage the processor needs, and more capable power stages generally help stability under heavy load. Large VRM heatsinks, M.2 and chipset heatsinks, hybrid fan headers and the Fan Xpert 4 software cover cooling.

Memory

The board uses DDR5, the current memory standard, with higher bandwidth than DDR4. DDR5 and DDR4 modules are not interchangeable, so confirm your kit type and the speeds the board supports.

Storage: three M.2 slots

Three M.2 slots are listed: one supports PCIe 5.0, and two support PCIe 4.0, each with a heatsink. PCIe 5.0 doubles the per-lane data rate of PCIe 4.0, and drives supporting it can reach very high sequential speeds, though everyday tasks often feel similar across generations. M.2 Q-Latch is a tool-free retention clip for the drives.

Graphics slot

A PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with SafeSlot and Q-Release is listed. SafeSlot reinforces the slot for heavy graphics cards, and Q-Release lets you unlatch the card more easily.

Networking and ports

Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb Ethernet, DisplayPort and HDMI outputs (which work with processors that include integrated graphics), a USB 20Gbps Type-C and a USB 10Gbps Type-C. Q-Antenna is a tool-free antenna fitting. Aura Sync links lighting with compatible components. The board is about 12.0 by 9.6 inches and weighs 1.9 lb.

AI PC readiness

ASUS markets the board as ready for AI PCs. In practice, that depends on the processor you install, as the board provides the platform.

Who it suits

It suits builders putting together a gaming or general-purpose desktop around an Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processor who want DDR5, a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot and a fast SSD slot, plus built-in Wi-Fi.

What to check before you buy

• Processor: confirm your CPU uses LGA 1851 and is on the supported list.
• Case: an ATX board needs an ATX-compatible case.
• Memory: check the DDR5 modules you plan to buy against the board's memory list.
• Storage: choose drives that match the M.2 slots' PCIe generation and length.
• Cooler: confirm that your cooler supports the LGA 1851 mounting.
• Power supply: the 8+8 pin connectors need a power supply that provides them.

The short version

• An ATX motherboard for Intel LGA 1851 and Core Ultra (Series 2) processors.
• DDR5 memory and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot.
• Three M.2 slots, one PCIe 5.0 and two PCIe 4.0, all with heatsinks.
• Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb Ethernet and USB 20Gbps Type-C.
• 12+1+2+1 power stages, with BIOS FlashBack.

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