ASUS ROG Strix B850-A and B850-I Gaming Review

Introduction and Technical Specifications

Introduction

There is no denying that AMD are winning the war at the moment. If you were with us just before Christmas you’ll have seen our review of the fantastic AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the latest in a long line of X3D Processors from AMD. These have tons of performance if you want to use your system for everything. However, if you just want to game then they really step things up. No wonder they can’t make them fast enough.

The X870E chipset motherboards tend to be a little on the expensive side though. Maybe there is a more affordable way of getting on the AMD train? Enter the ASUS ROG Strix B850 motherboards. Today we have both A – regular ATX – and I – ITX – versions. One white, one black. They are, unsurprisingly, extremely similar beneath the skin though. Once you dispense with the extra M.2 or PCI Express slots you get with a full size motherboard, you’ll find there isn’t much between them at all.

Given the way AMD chooses to design their products, longevity rather than the mayfly nature of chasing the here and now, the B850 chipset fits into third place in their AM5 range. The primary differences from their bigger X870 brethren are; Firstly the move of USB 4.0 to manufacturer specific rather than standard. Secondly the significant drop off in PCI Express 5 lanes on the B850.

Technical Specifications

As often happens with pre-release products, AMD are keeping their cards close to their chest. What we can bring you is the comparison between the four 800 chipset options, and if you want a little more detail on the ASUS ROG Strix boards we’re reviewing today you’ll have to peer closely at the boxes. Given we’re reviewing these in the thick of CES, hopefully as soon as they officially announce things specifications will be easier to come by.