ASRock B860 Pro A WiFi 6E Intel Core Ultra DDR5 8666 MHz 256GB M.2 LGA1851 ATX Motherboard BIOS Flashback SATA3 6.0 Gb/s PCIe 5.0
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AI Verdict
This ASRock B860 Pro A ATX board supports Intel Core Ultra CPUs, DDR5 8666+ MHz RAM, and features PCIe 5.0 for a single M.2 slot.
This ASRock B860 Pro A is a situational fit for builders targeting Intel Core Ultra CPUs with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0. Its 10+1+1+1+1 power phase design and 8666+ MHz DDR5 support are strong for its price, but the B860 chipset limits CPU overclocking and the audio codec is basic. It's a solid foundation if you know its limitations.
If CPU overclocking is a priority, look for a Z890 chipset motherboard instead.
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Pros
- Features a 10+1+1+1+1 power phase design with Dr.MOS for VCore+GT+SA, which is robust for its price band.
- Supports DDR5 memory up to 8666+ MHz (OC) across four DIMM slots, allowing for high-speed RAM configurations.
- Includes one Blazing M.2 slot with PCIe Gen5x4, offering 128Gb/s transfer speeds for future ultra-fast SSDs.
- Equipped with 802.11axe WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN for fast wireless and wired network connectivity.
- Offers BIOS Flashback, enabling BIOS updates without a CPU or RAM installed.
- Provides a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port on the rear with 20 Gbps data transfer rate.
Cons
- The Realtek ALC897 audio codec is considered mediocre by some users, not offering high-definition audio experiences for demanding users.
- CPU overclocking is not supported on B860 chipset boards, limiting performance tuning options for Intel Core Ultra processors.
- While it has a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, the second PCIe x16 slot operates at PCIe 4.0 speeds, and there's only one Gen5 M.2 slot.
- Some users report potential RAM compatibility issues with ASRock B860 boards if memory is not on the Qualified Vendor List (QVL).
- Cooling solutions on similar B860 boards are described as adequate but not exceptional, potentially requiring additional cooling for heavy loads.
Dimension Scores
The 10+1+1+1+1 power phase design with Dr.MOS for VCore+GT+SA is above average for an entry-plus B860 board, providing stable power for Intel Core Ultra CPUs.
It includes WiFi 6E, 2.5G LAN, PCIe 5.0 M.2, and BIOS Flashback, which are solid features for its price band, but the audio codec is basic.
With one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 5.0 M.2, two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, and four SATA3 ports, it offers a decent range of expansion.
While it has BIOS Flashback, some users find the BIOS update process confusing, and ASRock's software suite is generally considered average.
Best For
- Building a new system with Intel Core Ultra processors and high-speed DDR5 memory.
- Users needing integrated WiFi 6E and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for network connectivity.
- Enthusiasts who want to utilize PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs for primary storage.
- Budget-conscious builders who still want modern features like BIOS Flashback and robust power delivery.
Not Recommended For
- Users who plan to overclock their Intel Core Ultra CPU, as the B860 chipset does not support it.
- Audio professionals or audiophiles who require premium integrated audio solutions.
- Builders requiring multiple PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots or more than one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot.
Watch Out For
- ASRock does not provide ampere ratings for its VRM, making it difficult to precisely gauge its power handling capabilities compared to competitors.
- Some ASRock B860 boards have shown RAM compatibility issues, where specific DDR5 modules might not boot even with BIOS updates, if not on the QVL.
- The BIOS Flashback feature, while useful, can be confusing for users unfamiliar with BIOS updates, potentially leading to headaches.
- Cooling solutions on similar B860 boards are noted as adequate but not exceptional, which could be a concern if pushing the system hard without additional cooling.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DSQC1RVP |
| Brand | ASRock |
| Platform | Windows 11 |
| Batteries | 1 CR2032 batteries required. |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1851 |
| Model Name | B860 PRO-A WIFI |
| Item Weight | 4.01 pounds |
| Chipset Type | Intel B860 |
| Manufacturer | ASRock |
| Item model number | B860 PRO-A WIFI |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Memory Clock Speed | 8666 MHz |
| Package Dimensions | 15.94 x 12.56 x 6.65 inches |
| Compatible Processors | Intel Core Ultra |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR5 |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
What Buyers Say
Given the lack of specific user reviews for this ASIN, feedback for similar ASRock B860 boards suggests a mixed experience. The power delivery is often highlighted as robust for the chipset, but RAM compatibility can be finicky if not using QVL-listed modules. The integrated audio is generally considered basic, and while the BIOS Flashback is a welcome feature, its implementation can be less intuitive for some users. Overall, it appears to be a capable board for its intended purpose, but with a few common ASRock quirks.
“This board is okay, I guess. The WiFi is fast, and it took my new Core Ultra chip, but getting the RAM to work was a headache, and the audio sounds kinda flat.”
Common Praise
- Power delivery with 10+1+1+1+1 phases and Dr.MOS is considered sufficient for Intel Core Ultra CPUs.
- Support for DDR5 8666+ MHz RAM allows for high memory performance.
- The inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot provides cutting-edge storage capabilities.
- Integrated WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN offer modern and fast networking options.
- BIOS Flashback feature is convenient for updating the BIOS without a CPU.
Common Complaints
- The Realtek ALC897 audio codec is often cited as mediocre, not meeting expectations for high-fidelity sound.
- Some users report difficulty with RAM compatibility if modules are not explicitly on the motherboard's QVL.
- Cooling solutions on similar B860 boards are adequate but not designed for extreme thermal loads.
- The BIOS interface or update process can be confusing for less experienced builders.
- Limited USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports, with only one on the rear I/O.
Ownership Tips
- The 2.5G LAN requires specific drivers to function optimally, which might not be included on the Windows installation media.
- Updating the BIOS via Flashback can be particular about the USB drive format and file naming.
- The POLYCHROME SYNC RGB lighting software can sometimes be clunky or conflict with other RGB applications.
- The placement of some fan headers or USB headers can be awkward depending on your case and cable management strategy.
- The included WiFi antenna provides a strong signal, but its magnetic base might not stick well to all surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this motherboard support CPU overclocking?
No, the Intel B860 chipset does not support CPU overclocking for Intel Core Ultra processors. You would need a Z890 chipset motherboard for that functionality.
What type of RAM does this motherboard use?
This motherboard uses DDR5 RAM and supports speeds up to 8666+ MHz when overclocked. It has four DIMM slots for dual-channel memory configurations.
Does this motherboard have WiFi and Bluetooth?
Yes, it comes with 802.11axe WiFi 6E and Bluetooth connectivity built-in.
Can I update the BIOS without a CPU installed?
Yes, this motherboard features BIOS Flashback, which allows you to update the BIOS using a USB drive without needing a CPU or RAM installed.
How many M.2 slots does it have and what speeds do they support?
It has one Blazing M.2 slot that supports PCIe Gen5x4 with 128Gb/s transfer speeds, and two Hyper M.2 slots that support PCIe Gen4x4.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a motherboard like this ASRock B860 Pro A, you're essentially picking the foundation for your PC. It dictates what CPU you can use (LGA 1851 for Intel Core Ultra here), what kind of RAM you need (DDR5), and how many high-speed storage drives you can install. Think about your current and future needs for expansion, like extra graphics cards or NVMe SSDs, because once you pick a motherboard, you're pretty much locked into its capabilities.
LGA 1851 Socket
This is the CPU socket, like a specific keyhole for your processor. LGA 1851 means this board only works with Intel Core Ultra CPUs, so make sure your CPU choice matches this socket type.
DDR5 8666 MHz
This refers to the type and speed of RAM (memory) the board supports. DDR5 is the latest generation, and 8666 MHz is a very high speed, meaning your system can process data quickly. Faster RAM can improve overall system responsiveness, especially in demanding applications or games.
PCIe 5.0 M.2
This is for your super-fast storage drives (NVMe SSDs). PCIe 5.0 is the newest and fastest standard, offering double the speed of PCIe 4.0. If you want the quickest loading times for games or large files, a PCIe 5.0 SSD in this slot will deliver.
10+1+1+1+1 Power Phase, Dr.MOS
This describes the power delivery system for your CPU. More phases and Dr.MOS components mean cleaner, more stable power delivery, which is crucial for CPU stability and performance, especially under heavy loads. It's like having a more robust electrical system for your house.
Alternatives
If you need CPU overclocking capabilities, search for motherboards with a Z890 chipset. For more budget-friendly options, consider B860 boards with fewer premium features like PCIe 5.0 or WiFi 6E.
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