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
ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi
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