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AMD B850 Motherboard Comparison - Mini-ITX Gaming Boards

AMD B850 Motherboards

Complete comparison guide for Mini-ITX gaming motherboards featuring the latest AMD B850 chipset

Featured B850 Motherboards

ROG STRIX B850-I GAMING WIFI

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ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi

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Interactive Specifications Comparison

Highlight Differences

Basic Specifications

Specification	ASUS ROG STRIX B850-I	ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi
GENERAL
Form Factor	Mini-ITX (6.7" x 6.7")	Mini-ITX (6.7" x 6.7") - 8-layer PCB
CPU Support	AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen™ 9000/8000/7000 Series	AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen™ 9000/8000/7000 Series
Chipset	AMD B850	AMD B850
MEMORY
Memory Slots	2 x DDR5 DIMM	2 x DDR5 DIMM
Max Memory Speed	DDR5-8400+ (OC)	DDR5-8200+ (OC)
Max Capacity	128GB	128GB
Memory Features	EXPO, AEMP	EXPO, XMP

Storage & Expansion

Feature	ASUS ROG STRIX B850-I	ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi
M.2 STORAGE
M.2 Slots	2 x M.2 slots	2 x M.2 slots
M.2 Support (CPU)	PCIe 5.0 x4 (Ryzen 9000/7000) PCIe 4.0 x4 (Ryzen 8000)	PCIe 5.0 x4 (M2_1 - CPU)
M.2 Support (Chipset)	PCIe 5.0 x4 (Ryzen 9000/7000) PCIe 4.0 x4 (Ryzen 8000)	PCIe 4.0 x4 (M2_2 - Chipset)
SATA Ports	2 x SATA 6Gb/s	2 x SATA 6Gb/s
EXPANSION
PCIe Slot	1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 (Q-Release) 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (Ryzen 8000)	1 x PCIe 5.0 x16
WiFi Module Slot	Integrated	1 x M.2 Key E (type 2230)

Connectivity & I/O

I/O Feature	ASUS ROG STRIX B850-I	ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi
REAR USB PORTS
USB 20Gbps	1 x USB-C	-
USB 10Gbps	5 ports (4x Type-A, 1x Type-C w/ DP)	2 x Type-A
USB 5Gbps	-	1 x Type-A
USB 2.0	2 x Type-A	4 x Type-A
WIRELESS
WiFi Standard	WiFi 7 (802.11be) - up to 2.9Gbps	WiFi 6E (802.11axe)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.4	Bluetooth 5.2
ETHERNET & AUDIO
Ethernet	Intel 2.5Gb LAN	Killer 2.5Gb LAN
Audio Codec	ROG SupremeFX ALC4080	Realtek ALC1220
Audio Quality	120dB SNR playback, 110dB recording	7.1 CH HD Audio
DISPLAY
HDMI	1 x HDMI port	1 x HDMI 2.1 (4K 120Hz)
USB-C Display	USB-C with DP Alt mode	USB-C with DP 1.4 (4K 60Hz)

Power & Features

Feature	ASUS ROG STRIX B850-I	ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi
POWER DELIVERY
VRM Design	Enhanced power solution	10+1+1 Power Phase, 110A SPS
Power Connectors	24-pin ATX + 8-pin CPU	24-pin ATX + 8-pin CPU (Hi-Density)
COOLING
Fan Headers	CPU, AIO Pump, Extra Flow, Chassis	CPU, AIO Pump, Chassis
M.2 Cooling	M.2 heatsink + backplate	Standard M.2 support
SOFTWARE & BIOS
BIOS	256MB UEFI AMI BIOS	256MB UEFI AMI BIOS
Key Software	Armoury Crate, Aura Sync, ROG CPU-Z	Phantom Gaming Tuning, Polychrome SYNC
SPECIAL FEATURES
Unique Features	Q-Design (Q-Slide, Q-Latch, Q-Release)	BIOS Flashback, Lightning Gaming Ports
RGB Lighting	Aura Sync, 2x Addressable Headers	Polychrome SYNC, 2x Addressable Headers

Pros & Cons Analysis

✓ ASUS ROG STRIX B850-I Pros

Latest WiFi 7 technology with 2.9Gbps speeds
USB 20Gbps port for ultra-fast data transfer
Superior audio with ALC4080 codec and 120dB SNR
Q-Design features for easier installation
M.2 heatsink with backplate cooling
Comprehensive software suite
Higher maximum DDR5 speed (8400+ vs 8200+)

✗ ASUS ROG STRIX B850-I Cons

Likely higher price point
Fewer total USB 2.0 ports (2 vs 4)
More complex software ecosystem
May have steeper learning curve for beginners

✓ ASRock B850I Lightning Pros

Detailed VRM specifications (10+1+1 phase)
More USB 2.0 ports for peripherals
8-layer PCB for better signal integrity
Killer networking with specialized software
HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz support
BIOS Flashback feature
Likely more budget-friendly

✗ ASRock B850I Lightning Cons

Limited to WiFi 6E (not WiFi 7)
No USB 20Gbps ports
Standard ALC1220 audio codec
Less premium cooling solutions
Fewer convenience features for installation

Buying Recommendation

Choose ASUS ROG STRIX B850-I If:

You want cutting-edge WiFi 7 technology
USB 20Gbps speeds are important for your workflow
You're an audiophile seeking premium sound quality
You prefer user-friendly installation features
Budget is less of a concern
You want the latest and greatest features

Choose ASRock B850I Lightning If:

You want excellent value for money
WiFi 6E is sufficient for your needs
You need more USB 2.0 ports for peripherals
You appreciate detailed power delivery specs
HDMI 2.1 4K 120Hz support is important
You prefer straightforward, reliable performance

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Tejas Adesara is a content developer and a web developer. He has completed his Masters of Engineering with strong academics. He is passionate about software, technology, programming, coding and is a tech geek.