Published: January 6, 2025 | Source: ASUS | Author: Tom Logan

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

Conclusion

One of the things we discovered from the previous generation of AMD motherboards is how well their B chipsets perform. One might expect that a X870E chipset and its enormous price tag would decimate the affordable B850 options, but as we saw today that’s not the case. In fact, just as it did with the previous generation, it appears that the primary difference is one of aesthetics and connection options.

Almost. The B850 chipset gives up a lot of PCI Express lanes compared to the X models. Given the likelihood of you wanting to save money by buying a B850 motherboard, but still wanting to populate all the M.2 and PCI Express slots is negligible, we don’t mind that these have far fewer PCI Express lanes than their bigger stablemates. There has to be some difference between the flagship and mainstream options after all.

If you struggle with the fear of missing out, or not being futureproofed enough, then an ITX isn’t for you. However, if you’ve made piece with being a 2 DIMM, OS+Data drive person then why spend more, or require a big case, for an ATX option you’ll not be maximising? For those, like me, who look at the empty bits of an ATX motherboard, all those unfilled slots and headers and see them as a missed opportunity grabbing an ITX eliminates all that anxiety.

Whichever of the two you purchase, you’ll be confident in knowing you’re getting a fantastic, affordable platform. Knowing the popularity of the Strix brand, and the AMD X3D processors, we’d suggest buying one whilst stocks last. The consistency of performance, particular when compared to the X870 options, wins the ASUS ROG Strix B850 pair our OC3D Gamers Choice Award.