MSI B860M GAMING PLUS WIFI
MSI B860M GAMING PLUS WIFI
The MSI B860M GAMING PLUS WIFI motherboard, featuring the Intel B860 chipset and Intel 1851 socket, is a comprehensive solution for building a powerful mATX gaming system. The board offers advanced connectivity options including Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, and a 5Gbps LAN port, complemented by a robust power system and support for modern technologies like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory with frequencies up to 8600MHz when overclocked. The Memory Extension Mode lets you optimise memory parameters for lower latency and higher performance at the same frequency, making it easy to achieve the optimal configuration.
Intel B860
Chipset
Intel 1851
Socket
mATX (Micro ATX)
Format
DDR5
Memory type
4×
Number of RAM slotsKey features of the MSI B860M GAMING PLUS WIFI motherboard
- Support for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors with advanced AI features including AI Engine, AI LAN Manager, Frozr AI Cooling, and AI Boost to optimise the NPU
- Networking solution with Intel Killer 5Gbps LAN, Wi-Fi 7 standard, and a Thunderbolt 4 port providing transfer speeds up to 160Gbps
- 12+1+1+1 Duet Rail power system with P-PAK technology, 8+4-pin CPU power, and Core Boost technology
- Support for DDR5 memory up to 8800+ MT/s with Memory Boost technology, XMP profiles, and Memory Extension mode with optimised latency and performance parameters
- PCIe 5.0 slot with SMT technology and Steel Armor reinforcement, M.2 Lightning Gen 5 slot with 128Gbps speed, and an additional PCIe power connector
- EZ DIY system for easy assembly, including EZ PCIe Clip II to release the graphics card with one finger, EZ M.2 Clip II, and a pre-installed I/O shield
Power system and operational stability
The board uses a twelve-phase Duet Rail Power System with P-PAK technology, supplemented by separate phases for SA. An eight-pin and a four-pin CPU power connector, together with Core Boost technology, ensure a stable power supply even under heavy loads. The six-layer server-grade PCB material optimises signal transfer and increases the reliability of the entire system. All power connectors are fitted with solid pins for better stability when transferring high currents. Overcurrent protection safeguards critical components, including USB ports, DDR slots, and the processor, from damage caused by voltage spikes.
Memory support and expandability
Four DDR5 slots supporting frequencies up to 8600MHz when overclocked use Memory Boost technology and a special SMT soldering process for high performance. The board offers three M.2 slots with support for Lightning Gen 5 at speeds up to 128GB/s, Lightning Gen 4 at 64GB/s, and another slot with a throughput of 32GB/s. Four PCIe x16 slots with Steel Armor technology provide mechanical reinforcement and protection against electromagnetic interference, with the first slot supporting PCIe 5.0 with SMT technology to minimise noise. An additional PCIe power connector ensures stable power for high-performance graphics cards used in AI computing and gaming.
Cooling solution and thermal management
The extended heatsink increases the surface area for heat dissipation from the power stages, maintaining stable performance even under high loads. The VRM heatsink covers the upper MOSFETs and uses 7W/mK thermal pads along with additional choke pads. M.2 Shield Frozr technology protects SSDs from overheating and ensures consistent performance. The enlarged chipset heatsink reduces noise and is designed to limit dust build-up while efficiently dissipating heat. The Frozr AI Cooling system automatically detects CPU and GPU temperatures and adjusts system fan speeds for optimal performance. The Combo Fan Header automatically recognises the type of connected fan or pump and adapts the control for PWM or DC mode with a hysteresis function for smooth fan operation.
Port selection
Storage
- SATA III count: 4
- M.2 count: 3
- M.2 Slot - 1× M.2 PCI-E NVMe Gen5
- M.2 Slot - 2× M.2 PCI-E NVMe Gen4
- Features: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5
USB ports
- Internal USB 2.0: 4 (2 headers)
- Internal USB 3.2 Gen 1: 4 (2 headers)
- Internal USB-C 3.2 Gen 2: 1 (1 header)
- Rear USB 2.0: 2
- Rear USB 3.2 Gen 1: 3
- Rear USB 3.2 Gen 2: 1
- Rear Thunderbolt 4: 1
Graphics
- HDMI 2.1
- DisplayPort 1.4
- Graphics outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt
Sound
- Number of channels: 7.1
- Codec: Realtek ALC897
- Rear connectors: 3× 3.5mm jack
Other
- Rear: CMOS button, RJ-45 (LAN) 5Gbps, Wi-Fi antenna
- Power: 24-pin, 2× 8-pin CPU, 1× 8-pin PCIe
- Cooling: PWM FAN count (4-pin) - 5, Water pump - 4-pin
- Internal: Chassis Intrusion (JCI), RGB LED (4-pin), Addressable RGB LED (3-pin), COM Port
Choosing a motherboard
When choosing a motherboard, it's important to pay close attention to the socket type, format, and chipset. These are the most crucial parameters, ensuring the board is compatible with the processor, expansion cards, and other components. The specific socket determines your choice of processor, while the other connectors will dictate which components you'll need for your future computer.Specifications
Socket and chipset
Format & functions
Memory
Advanced parameters
Connectors
Series
Compatibility
Colour
| Code: | AAb860g2 |
| Warranty: | 36 months |
| Links: | Producer's Website: |
| Manufacturer information |
Micro-Star International Co Ltd. C/O MSI Computer Europe BV, Science Park Eindhoven 5706, 5692 ER, Son, Netherlands, [email protected] The Taiwanese company MSI (Micro-Star International) has earned a solid place in the world of IT, mainly producing motherboards for desktop computers. However, it also produces high quality graphics cards, barebone computers, notebook computers, networking products, servers, and many other computer components. MSI products support the latest technologies and provide the performance necessary for all applications. Recently, the company has begun making a name for itself in the growing segment of gaming notebooks. 
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