ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX

The ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX is a feature-rich Micro-ATX gaming motherboard designed for modern Intel-based gaming PCs, high-performance workstations, and enthusiast builds. Built around the Intel B860 chipset and the LGA1851 socket, the ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX supports Intel Core Ultra Processors Series 2, providing a modern platform for gamers and power users looking to take advantage of the latest Intel desktop technologies.

Memory performance is a major strength of the ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX. It features four DDR5 DIMM slots with support for up to 256GB of memory and speeds of up to 8666+ MT/s through overclocking, depending on the processor and memory configuration. Support for Intel XMP, ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile III (AEMP III), and CUDIMM technology makes it possible to build a high-speed memory configuration optimized for gaming and demanding applications.

For graphics and expansion, the ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX features a primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, providing next-generation bandwidth for modern graphics cards. It also includes a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot operating at x4 mode and two additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slots operating at x1 mode, giving users plenty of flexibility for expansion cards.

Storage connectivity is equally impressive. The ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX provides three M.2 slots, including a primary PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots. Four SATA 6Gb/s ports provide additional storage options, allowing users to create a versatile high-speed storage system.

Networking is handled by Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet, complemented by Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 for fast and convenient wireless connectivity. The board also features a comprehensive selection of USB ports, including USB 20Gbps Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB 10Gbps, USB 5Gbps, and USB 2.0 connectivity.

The ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX also includes Realtek 7.1-channel high-definition audio, DIGI+ VRM with DrMOS, SafeSlot, LANGuard, ESD Guards, VRM heatsinks, Q-LED Core, Q-DIMM, Q-Slot, and ASUS Q-Dashboard. Combined with Aura Sync RGB support and extensive cooling headers, it provides a strong foundation for a powerful and customizable gaming PC.

Why Choose ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX

The ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX is an excellent choice for gamers who want a modern Intel platform with advanced connectivity, high-speed DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 support, and built-in wireless networking. Its LGA1851 socket and Intel B860 chipset make it compatible with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, providing a strong foundation for current-generation gaming and productivity systems.

One of the biggest advantages of the ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX is its memory capability. With four DDR5 DIMM slots supporting up to 256GB, the motherboard offers considerably more upgrade flexibility than entry-level two-slot boards. Support for memory speeds of up to 8666+ MT/s (OC), Intel XMP, and ASUS AEMP III allows enthusiasts to extract additional performance from compatible DDR5 kits.

The primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot makes the ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX ready for the latest generation of graphics hardware. Storage is also future-ready, thanks to a PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot alongside two additional PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and four SATA ports.

Connectivity is another standout feature. The motherboard combines 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and a wide selection of USB ports, including 20Gbps USB Type-C. This makes it suitable for gaming, high-speed networking, external storage, streaming, and other demanding workloads.

ASUS also provides extensive cooling and hardware protection features, including a dedicated AIO Pump header, CPU and CPU OPT fan headers, four chassis fan headers, DIGI+ VRM with DrMOS, SafeSlot, LANGuard, and ESD Guards.

With its compact Micro-ATX design and enthusiast-level specifications, the ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX offers an excellent balance of performance, connectivity, expansion, and future-ready technology.

Specifications

General

• Product Name: ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX
• Model: B860M MAX GAMING AX
• Chipset: Intel B860
• CPU Socket: LGA1851
• Form Factor: Micro-ATX
• Dimensions: 24.4 × 24.4 cm

CPU Support

• Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2)
• LGA1851 Socket
• Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
• Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0

Memory

• Memory Type: DDR5
• Memory Slots: 4 × DIMM
• Maximum Capacity: 256GB
• Memory Architecture: Dual Channel
• Maximum Speed: Up to 8666+ MT/s (OC)
• Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
• CUDIMM Support
• Intel XMP Support
• ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile III (AEMP III)
• DIMM Fit
• On-Die ECC Support

Graphics & Expansion

• 1 × PCIe 5.0 x16
• 1 × PCIe 4.0 x16, supports x4 mode
• 2 × PCIe 4.0 x16, supports x1 mode
• 1 × DisplayPort 1.4
• 1 × USB 20Gbps Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
• DisplayPort supports up to 4K @ 60Hz
• USB Type-C DisplayPort output supports up to 4K @ 120Hz

Storage

• 3 × M.2 Slots
• M.2_1: PCIe 5.0 x4, Key M, 2242/2260/2280
• M.2_2: PCIe 4.0 x4, Key M, 2242/2260/2280
• M.2_3: PCIe 4.0 x2, Key M, 2242/2260/2280
• 4 × SATA 6Gb/s
• Intel Rapid Storage Technology
• SATA RAID 0/1/5/10 Support

Networking

• LAN: Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet
• ASUS LANGuard
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6
• Wi-Fi Standard: 802.11ax
• Wi-Fi Bands: 2.4GHz / 5GHz
• Bluetooth: 5.4
• Includes ASUS Wi-Fi Moving Antenna

USB

Rear I/O:

• 1 × USB 20Gbps Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
• 1 × USB 10Gbps Type-A
• 4 × USB 5Gbps Type-A
• 4 × USB 2.0 Type-A

Internal USB:

• 1 × USB 10Gbps header supporting USB Type-C
• 1 × USB 5Gbps header supporting 2 additional USB 5Gbps ports
• 3 × USB 2.0 headers supporting 6 additional USB 2.0 ports

Audio

• Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio Codec
• Up to 24-bit / 192kHz playback
• Audio shielding
• Premium audio capacitors
• Dedicated audio PCB layers
• Jack detection
• Multi-streaming
• Front Panel Jack Retasking

Rear I/O

• 1 × USB 20Gbps Type-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
• 1 × USB 10Gbps Type-A
• 4 × USB 5Gbps Type-A
• 4 × USB 2.0 Type-A
• 1 × DisplayPort
• 1 × Wi-Fi Module
• 1 × Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet
• 3 × Audio Jacks

Internal Connectors

• 1 × 24-pin Main Power Connector
• 1 × 8-pin +12V CPU Power Connector
• 1 × 4-pin CPU Fan Header
• 1 × 4-pin CPU OPT Fan Header
• 1 × 4-pin AIO Pump Header
• 4 × 4-pin Chassis Fan Headers
• 3 × M.2 Slots
• 4 × SATA 6Gb/s
• 3 × Addressable Gen 2 Headers
• 1 × Clear CMOS Header
• 1 × Chassis Intrusion Header
• 1 × Front Panel Audio Header
• 1 × S/PDIF Out Header
• 1 × SPI TPM Header
• 1 × Front System Panel Header

ASUS Features

• ASUS 5X Protection III
• DIGI+ VRM with DrMOS
• ESD Guards
• LANGuard
• Overvoltage Protection
• SafeSlot
• Stainless-Steel Back I/O
• Q-Dashboard
• Q-DIMM
• Q-LED Core
• Q-Slot
• VRM Heatsink Design
• ProCool
• Pre-mounted I/O Shield
• Aura Sync
• Addressable Gen 2 Headers

Software

• ASUS Armoury Crate
• Aura Creator
• Aura Sync
• Fan Xpert 2+
• Power Saving
• ASUS DriverHub
• ASUS GlideX
• ASUS CPU-Z
• Norton 360 Deluxe 60-Day Free Trial
• WinRAR 40-Day Free Trial
• ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
• ASUS EZ Flash
• ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode
• ASUS MyHotkey

BIOS

• BIOS: 256 (128+128) Mb Flash ROM
• Interface: UEFI AMI BIOS

Accessories

• 2 × SATA 6Gb/s Cables
• 1 × ASUS Wi-Fi Moving Antenna
• 2 × M.2 SSD Screw Packages
• Quick Start Guide

Operating System

• Windows 11
• Windows 10 64-bit