Asus Prime B860M K Motherboard

Asus Prime B860M K Motherboard

Step into the next generation of Intel computing with the PRIME B860M-K motherboard. Designed for Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) on the LGA1851 socket, this micro-ATX board provides a solid foundation with essential features. It supports high-speed DDR5 memory up to 8800+ MT/s (OC), offers a future-proof PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for ultra-fast storage, includes 2.5Gb Ethernet, and incorporates ASUS 5X Protection III for reliable performance, making it a smart choice for cost-effective builds with the latest processors.

Discover Essential Next-Gen Features: PRIME B860M-K

The PRIME B860M-K is engineered to leverage Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 2 processors efficiently. Although equipped with two DIMM slots, it supports impressive DDR5 memory speeds reaching 8800+ MT/s (OC) with Intel® XMP and AEMP III compatibility for optimized performance. The primary graphics card slot utilizes PCIe 4.0 x16 bandwidth. A key highlight is the inclusion of a CPU-connected M.2 slot supporting blazing-fast PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds, ready for next-generation SSDs, complemented by a second PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot and four SATA ports.

Connectivity essentials include a fast Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet port for high-speed wired networking. The rear I/O provides necessary USB ports including a 10Gbps Type-A port, while front panel headers support additional USB ports including a 5Gbps Type-C connector. ASUS 5X Protection III safeguards critical components, and a VRM heatsink aids thermal management. Basic Q-Design features like Q-LED Core assist with troubleshooting. Aura Sync headers (RGB and Addressable Gen 2) allow for personalized lighting additions. Explore compatible Intel Core Ultra Series 2 CPUs or check DDR5 memory compatibility. Find full details on the official PRIME B860M-K product page.

Specifications

• Model: PRIME B860M-K
• Part Number: 90MB1JT0-M0EAY0
• EAN: 197105808492
• Focus Keyphrase: PRIME B860M-K
• Socket: Intel® Socket LGA1851
• Chipset: Intel® B860
• Form Factor: micro-ATX (24.4 cm x 22.2 cm)
• CPU Support: Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2)
• Memory: 2 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR5 8800+(OC) MT/s, XMP, AEMP III
• PCIe Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x1
• Storage: 1x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4 (CPU), 1x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 (Chipset), 4x SATA 6Gb/s
• Networking: 1x Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet
• Wireless: None onboard
• USB Rear: 1x USB 10Gbps (Type-A), 2x USB 5Gbps (Type-A), 3x USB 2.0 (Type-A)
• USB Front: 1x USB 5Gbps Conn. (Type-C), 1x USB 5Gbps Hdr (2 ports), 2x USB 2.0 Hdrs (4 ports)
• Audio: Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound HD Audio CODEC
• Features: ASUS 5X Protection III, Q-Design (Q-DIMM, Q-LED Core, Q-Slot), VRM Heatsink, Aura Sync Headers (RGB/ARGB), ProCool

PRIME B860M-K: Q&A

Target Audience

Users building budget-conscious or mainstream desktop PCs with the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 2 processors, focusing on essential features, DDR5 memory support, fast M.2 storage, and reliable operation without needing extensive expansion or premium extras.

Key Reasons to Choose

The PRIME B860M-K provides an affordable pathway to the new LGA1851 platform, offering key next-generation features like support for extremely high-speed DDR5 memory (up to 8800+ MT/s OC) and a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for cutting-edge storage performance. It also includes faster-than-standard 2.5Gb Ethernet.

What are the Pros?

• Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2).
• Includes a PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot for future-proof storage.
• Supports very high DDR5 memory speeds (up to 8800+ MT/s OC).
• Features fast 2.5Gb Ethernet connectivity.
• Provides a front panel USB Type-C® header (5Gbps).
• ASUS 5X Protection III enhances durability.
• Includes Aura Sync headers (RGB & Addressable Gen 2) for lighting.
• Cost-effective entry point for the LGA1851 platform.

What are the Cons?

• Only two DIMM slots, limiting maximum RAM capacity and configuration flexibility.
• Primary PCIe x16 slot operates at Gen 4.0 speeds.
• Limited rear USB port selection (only one 10Gbps port).
• No integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Basic Realtek 7.1 audio codec.
• Minimalist VRM heatsink design.

Verdict

The PRIME B860M-K motherboard serves as a solid, no-frills entry point for systems utilizing Intel’s Core™ Ultra Series 2 processors. Its key strengths lie in supporting exceptionally fast DDR5 memory and providing a next-generation PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for storage, alongside 2.5Gb LAN connectivity. While it makes compromises in areas like the number of DIMM slots, rear USB ports, and integrated Wi-Fi, the PRIME B860M-K offers the essential building blocks for a modern, cost-effective micro-ATX PC focused on core performance.