Compact Powerhouse in White: ASUS ROG STRIX B860-G GAMING WIFI
The ASUS ROG STRIX B860-G GAMING WIFI is a sibling model to the previously reviewed B860-A, sharing much of the same performance foundation while offering a distinct form factor and interface design. Tailored for white-themed PC builds, this M-ATX motherboard features a fully white PCB, silver heatsinks, and a white Wi-Fi antenna—delivering an elegant aesthetic without compromising function.
Despite its compact M-ATX format, this board brings premium-level features to the table. It supports high-speed CUDIMM DDR5 memory and includes ASUS’s AEMP III profile, enabling easy optimization of restricted memory modules for improved performance. Advanced connectivity is another standout, with support for PCIe 5.0 and next-generation Wi-Fi 7 technology, making it ideal for modern, high-demand environments.
Robust Design with Impressive Thermal Management
ASUS didn’t cut corners with the build quality. A massive front heatsink ensures reliable cooling for the VRMs, while each of the M.2 slots is equipped with dedicated heatsinks to maintain SSD performance. The motherboard employs a 14+1+2+1 power stage design, each rated for up to 80A, using alloy chokes and durable capacitors for superior thermal resistance and stability beyond industrial standards. An 8-layer PCB helps dissipate heat around the power delivery system, contributing to overall system reliability.
Two thick heatsinks cover the power supply section and are strategically positioned for optimal airflow, supporting the performance needs of Intel’s high-end Core Ultra 200S processors. While the B860 chipset doesn’t allow CPU overclocking, the board is well-suited for non-overclocked builds using powerful processors.
Enhanced Cooling and Connectivity
The board includes multiple fan headers, allowing flexible integration of custom cooling solutions. A pair of PWM/DC headers for CPU fans ensures compatibility with most coolers, while a dedicated AIO pump header supports liquid cooling systems. Additionally, four chassis fan headers automatically detect PWM or DC fans for seamless configuration.
Though it’s an M-ATX board, the B860-G offers stronger connectivity options than the larger B860-A. Most notably, it includes support for Wi-Fi 7, which delivers faster speeds and lower latency than Wi-Fi 6 thanks to the 6GHz band, 160MHz channels, and 4K QAM. The Multi-Link Operation (MLO) feature ensures stable, low-latency wireless connections—perfect for gaming, streaming, or industrial IoT applications.
The board comes with ASUS’s detachable WiFi Q-Antenna featuring dual receivers. It supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands and improves signal quality through directional sensitivity, enhancing coverage. For wired networking, the inclusion of Intel’s 2.5Gbps Ethernet ensures faster data transfer, low-latency gaming, and smooth 4K streaming—outpacing standard 1Gbps LANs by a significant margin.
PCIe 5.0, Fast Storage, and High-End I/O
Supporting the latest PCIe 5.0 interface, the reinforced x16 SafeSlot provides extra durability for heavy modern GPUs. The primary M.2 slot supports speeds up to 16GB/s, while the remaining three offer 8GB/s and are all protected by large heatsinks for thermal regulation.
Where this board truly sets itself apart from the B860-A is in its rear I/O capabilities. While the B860-A features standard USB 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps) ports, the B860-G steps up with high-end Thunderbolt 4 and USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps) interfaces—greatly improving compatibility with external high-performance devices.
COLORFUL Enters the Arena with the BATTLE-AX B850M-PLUS PRO WIFI V14
Meanwhile, STCOM, the Korean distributor for COLORFUL motherboards, has launched the new BATTLE-AX B850M-PLUS PRO WIFI V14, aimed at AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series CPUs. This M-ATX motherboard features a 12+2+1 DrMOS power phase design capable of handling up to 660A, making it fully compatible with top-tier CPUs like the Ryzen 9 9800X3D. A large heatsink ensures effective cooling for the power delivery system.
Built for the Future: PCIe 5.0 and Advanced Storage Support
For expansion, the board includes a PCIe 5.0 slot with a 128GB/s bandwidth—ready not only for current high-end GPUs but also for future generations. The metal-reinforced slot adds extra durability, protecting against potential damage caused by heavy graphics cards.
Storage options are equally advanced. With two PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots and metal heatsinks, the motherboard maximizes read/write performance while keeping thermals under control. Tool-free levers make installing M.2 drives easy, adding to the user-friendly design.
Redesigned BIOS for Better User Experience
Starting with the 800-series, COLORFUL has introduced a new BIOS UI across its motherboards. The updated interface is more intuitive and visually appealing, offering improved accessibility. Enhanced functionality now allows for more granular configuration options, helping users fine-tune their systems with ease.
In conclusion, both the ASUS ROG STRIX B860-G and the COLORFUL BATTLE-AX B850M-PLUS PRO bring premium features, future-proof standards, and carefully considered design choices to the compact M-ATX form factor. Whether you’re building an elegant white-themed Intel setup or a powerhouse AMD rig, these boards are strong contenders for your next gaming PC.
