{"product_id":"asus-rog-strix-b860-i-gaming-wifi-mini-itx-motherboard-future-ready","title":"ASUS ROG STRIX B860-I GAMING WIFI Mini-ITX Motherboard - Future-Ready","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the ASUS ROG STRIX B860-I GAMING WIFI is evaluated as a compact, high-performance Mini-ITX motherboard aimed at builders who want next-generation CPU and AI readiness in a small build. The bottom line: this board is for enthusiasts who need Intel LGA 1851 support for Intel Core Ultra Series 2, DDR5 memory, and modern connectivity like WiFi 7 and Thunderbolt 4, all packed into a Mini-ITX footprint. Its combination of a robust power delivery design and specialized ASUS AI and memory tools makes it the strongest choice for small-form-factor AI-capable or gaming systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntel LGA 1851 Socket:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ready for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors so builders can use the latest high-performance CPUs without a platform change.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced AI readiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e ASUS AI Advisor and AI Networking II provide simplified tuning and network prioritization for AI workloads and low-latency applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRobust power solution:\u003c\/strong\u003e A 10+1+2+1 stage design with 80A power stages and ProCool connectors offers stable delivery under heavy CPU loads and overclocking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-speed connectivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes WiFi 7 and 2.5G LAN plus Thunderbolt 4 and USB Type-C for fast networking and peripheral throughput in a compact board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThermal optimization:\u003c\/strong\u003e Massive heatsinks, integrated I\/O cover and an L-shaped heatpipe with high-conductivity pads help keep VRMs and storage cool in cramped cases.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage and expansion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual M.2 support and a PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot make room for next-gen NVMe storage and full-size GPUs in a Mini-ITX build.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ASUS ROG STRIX B860-I is best for small-form-factor builders who want to run an Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPU, use DDR5 memory, and need modern I\/O such as Thunderbolt 4 and WiFi 7 while keeping the system compact. It suits gamers who plan to pair a powerful GPU or creators who need fast NVMe storage and advanced AI\/network tuning in a Mini-ITX chassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who should look elsewhere include buyers on a strict budget who do not need cutting-edge connectivity or AI features, and users who require plentiful legacy expansion slots beyond what a Mini-ITX board can provide. If WiFi compatibility with a specific setup is critical, verify wireless behavior first since some customers reported issues in certain environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComprehensive modern I\/O including \u003cstrong\u003eThunderbolt 4\u003c\/strong\u003e, USB Type-C, WiFi 7 and 2.5G LAN for versatile connectivity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong power delivery with multiple 80A stages and ProCool connectors for stable performance under heavy loads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual M.2\u003c\/strong\u003e and PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot allow fast storage and next-gen GPU compatibility in a Mini-ITX layout.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eASUS-exclusive tools like \u003cstrong\u003eAI Advisor\u003c\/strong\u003e and AI Networking II help optimize performance and networking for advanced workloads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMini-ITX size limits expansion and may cause tighter thermal constraints in some cases despite the board's heatsinks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users reported mixed experiences with WiFi compatibility, so wireless performance can vary by environment or client hardware.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eASUS ROG STRIX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForm Factor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMini-ITX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCPU Socket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntel LGA 1851 (Intel Core Ultra Series 2 ready)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMemory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDDR5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLAN \/ WiFi\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5G LAN and WiFi 7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStorage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDual M.2 slots\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExpansion \/ I\/O\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot, Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ASUS ROG STRIX B860-I GAMING WIFI is a compelling Mini-ITX choice for builders who want a future-ready platform supporting Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPUs, DDR5 memory and broad modern connectivity. It balances strong power delivery, AI-focused firmware features and compact thermals to deliver excellent value for gamers and creators who need high-end features in a small chassis. Verify wireless compatibility for your environment, but otherwise this board is worth choosing for performance-minded small builds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this board support Intel Core Ultra Series 2 out of the box?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the ASUS ROG STRIX B860-I is LGA 1851 socket ready for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, designed to accept those CPUs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow many M.2 drives can be installed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe board supports two M.2 slots, providing room for high-speed NVMe storage in a Mini-ITX build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs onboard WiFi reliable?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWiFi 7 is included for next-gen wireless, but a few users noted compatibility concerns in specific setups, so test your wireless client or consider wired 2.5G LAN if uncertain.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ASUS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48254546510043,"sku":"B0DQ68TV3W","price":229.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81ND93dKx2L._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778234570","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/asus-rog-strix-b860-i-gaming-wifi-mini-itx-motherboard-future-ready","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}