Not every gaming PC needs to dominate the desk, and something is appealing about building a system that stays small without sacrificing the features normally associated with a larger machine. That is exactly where the <a href="https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-strix/rog-strix-b860-i-gaming-wifi/” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>ROG Strix B860-I Gaming WiFi motherboard fits in.
Built around Intel’s B860 chipset, the ROG Strix B860-I Gaming WiFi motherboard measures just 17cm x 17cm, yet packs a lot into that small footprint. At the centre sits the LGA1851 socket for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, surrounded by substantial VRM cooling and a clean mix of metallic heatsinks over the deep black PCB. An L-shaped rear backplate adds extra rigidity while helping protect the board’s edges.
Space is naturally tighter on a Mini-ITX layout, so memory is limited to two DIMM slots, though it still supports up to 128GB of DDR5. Speeds can reach 9066+MT/s through overclocking depending on the processor and memory configuration, with Intel XMP, ASUS AEMP III and DIMM Fit providing additional options for compatible kits.
Cooling support is understandably compact, with dedicated CPU and AIO pump headers alongside a chassis fan connection. ASUS has also included two Addressable Gen 2 headers for anyone wanting to add lighting through Aura Sync, while the sizeable VRM and M.2 heatsinks help make the most of the limited surface area available.
Storage includes two M.2 slots, with the primary slot supporting PCIe 5.0 x4 and the second running at PCIe 4.0 x4. Unlike some compact layouts where storage can interfere with other expansion options, you can use both without reducing the bandwidth available to the primary graphics slot. Four SATA 6Gb/s connections are also available for anyone needing additional drives.
That graphics slot supports PCIe 5.0 x16 and uses ASUS’s reinforced SafeSlot design. PCIe Slot Q-Release Slim also makes removing larger graphics cards much easier, which is especially useful once everything is packed tightly into a Mini-ITX case.
ASUS has included several other builder-friendly additions, including M.2 Q-Latch, Q-DIMM, Q-Slot, and Q-LED indicators to check the CPU, memory, graphics, and boot device during startup. A Clear CMOS button sits on the rear I/O, while the pre-mounted I/O shield removes another small step from the build process.
Rear connectivity is generous for a board this size, with eight USB connections, including Thunderbolt 4, a 20Gbps USB-C port, a 10Gbps Type-A connection, three 5Gbps Type-A ports and two USB 2.0 connections. Internal headers provide another USB-C connection alongside additional USB 5Gbps and USB 2.0 support through the case.
DisplayPort and HDMI are also available for processors with supported integrated graphics, while Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 handle networking. ASUS’s Q-Antenna also makes connecting the supplied wireless antenna much quicker than traditional screw-on fittings.
Audio comes courtesy of the Realtek ALC1220P codec, supported by SupremeFX shielding, a Savitech amplifier, premium capacitors and dedicated audio PCB layers. Optical S/PDIF is also available on the rear panel.
Software support includes Armoury Crate for Aura Sync and Fan Xpert 4, alongside GameFirst, ASUS DriverHub, HWiNFO and TurboV Core. NPU Boost is also available through the BIOS for compatible Core Ultra processors, while ASUS AI Advisor can help explain motherboard features and settings.
The ROG Strix B860-I Gaming WiFi motherboard makes good use of every centimetre available. PCIe 5.0 graphics and storage, fast DDR5 support, four SATA connections, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7 and a strong collection of USB ports give a compact build plenty of room to grow without requiring a much larger motherboard.
For anyone wanting a capable Intel gaming system that keeps the case footprint under control, it provides an impressively complete foundation.
