The B860 is Intel’s mid-range Arrow Lake chipset, designed for the LGA 1851 socket. It supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to DDR5-5600+, making it a compelling choice for builders and upgraders in 2026.
This guide covers everything you need to know about B860 motherboards: which brands and models to consider, what RAM and SSD options are compatible, and how it compares to other chipsets in the lineup.
B860 Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1851 |
| Memory Type | DDR5 |
| Max Memory Speed | DDR5-5600+ |
Best B860 Motherboards
The B860 chipset is available from all major motherboard manufacturers. Here are our top picks across different price points and use cases:
ASUS TUF Gaming B860M-PLUS WiFi
A well-rounded mid-range board with robust VRMs, DDR5 support, WiFi 7, and two M.2 slots. Ideal for mainstream gaming builds.
MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi II
Excellent value with strong power delivery, three M.2 slots, 2.5G LAN, and WiFi 7. A popular choice for Intel Arrow Lake builds.
Gigabyte B860 AORUS Elite WiFi7
Feature-rich with PCIe Gen 5 M.2 support, DDR5 memory, and comprehensive cooling. Great all-rounder for the price.
ASRock B860M Pro RS WiFi
Budget-friendly Micro-ATX option that doesn’t compromise on essential features. Good for compact builds on a budget.
Compatible RAM for B860 Motherboards
B860 motherboards support DDR5 memory. When choosing RAM, check your specific board’s QVL (Qualified Vendor List) for guaranteed compatibility. Most B860 boards support dual-channel memory with two or four DIMM slots, with maximum capacities typically ranging from 96GB to 256GB depending on the model.
For the best B860-compatible RAM options, see our best RAM for B860 motherboards guide.
Compatible SSDs for B860 Motherboards
All B860 motherboards include at least one M.2 NVMe slot, with most mid-range and high-end models offering two or three M.2 slots. B860 supports PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drives on all models, with some premium boards also supporting PCIe Gen 5 on the primary M.2 slot.
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Browse RAM Browse SSDsFrequently Asked Questions
Is B860 good for gaming?
B860 is an excellent choice for gaming builds. It provides all the essential features including fast memory support, multiple M.2 SSD slots, and sufficient PCIe lanes for a dedicated graphics card. For most gamers, B860 offers the best balance of features and value.
What is the maximum RAM for B860?
Most B860 motherboards support up to 128GB or 192GB of DDR5 memory across two or four DIMM slots, depending on the specific model. Check your board’s specifications for the exact maximum.
Does B860 support PCIe Gen 5?
Some higher-end B860 motherboards include a PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slot for the fastest available SSDs. However, PCIe Gen 4 NVMe drives remain the mainstream choice and are supported on all B860 boards.
Related Resources
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- Docking Station Compatibility Guide — Thunderbolt, USB-C & DisplayLink
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