ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX Intel B860 LGA 1851 (Socket V1) micro ATX

ASUS B860 series motherboards are expertly engineered to unleash the full potential of the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2). Boasting a robust power design, comprehensive cooling solutions and intelligent tuning options, the B860M MAX GAMING AX motherboard provides users and PC DIY builders with a range of performance optimizations via intuitive software and firmware features. It’s designed to be Advanced AI PC-ready, offering the power and connectivity needed for demanding AI applications.

Performance
AI Solutions
ASUS AI Solutions include AI Advisor as your technical expert with expertise in PC performance.

AI Advisor
ASUS AI Advisor allows users to explore the functionality and advanced features of ASUS motherboards in a simple and straightforward way.

Performance
Robust power design
Stable power is crucial for maximizing the performance of Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2). The B860M MAX GAMING AX is designed to meet the needs of high-core-count CPUs. It features 6(80A) + 1(80A) + 1(80A) + 1(80A) power stages that integrate high-side and low-side MOSFETs and drivers into packages rated for up to 80 amperes each. This configuration ensures optimal power delivery, efficiency, stability and performance for both current and future Intel® processors.

Enhanced Memory & Storage Performance
AEMP III for Ultimate DDR5 Performance
ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile III (AEMP III) is an advanced firmware feature that empowers users to achieve unparalleled memory performance with cutting-edge CUDIMM memory. Through a two-phase comprehensive tuning process, AEMP III first optimizes the clock driver and then the memory frequency. This results in the best balance between performance and stability, even at cutting-edge speeds of DDR5-7600 or higher.

DIMM Fit / DIMM Fit Pro
DIMM Fit is an ASUS-exclusive BIOS feature that precisely analyzes individual memory modules to optimize performance and pinpoint potential issues. DIMM Fit Pro gives advanced PC builders more extensive customizability for memory tuning. It allows users to control up to twenty overclocking parameters, define testing ranges, and prioritize stability or performance, offering a more flexible and granular approach to memory optimization.

Three M.2 slots (up to 128Gbps)
The B860M MAX GAMING AX offers a total of three M.2 slots, including one that supports data-transfer speeds of up to 128Gbps via PCIe 5.0, two that supports 64Gbps via PCIe 4.0. This enables quicker boot-up and app load times with OS or application drives.

Cooling
Cooler by design
The B860M MAX GAMING AX motherboard is engineered with multiple onboard heatsinks and an array of hybrid fan headers to help ensure your rig stays cool and stable under intense workloads.

Cooling
Smart cooling precision

ASUS Fan Xpert 2+
ASUS Fan Xpert 2+ software provides comprehensive control over fans. An Auto-Tuning mode intelligently configures all parameters with a single click. There’s also an Extreme Quiet mode that reduces chassis fan speeds to below the default minimum to keep your system whisper-quiet when performing light tasks. Fans can also be controlled via the UEFI BIOS.

Cooler compatibility
ASUS AIO coolers offer robust performance, high overclocking potential, bold aesthetics and customizable functionality for new motherboards, empowering you to build your dream gaming rig.

Flexibility
Empowering connections
The B860M MAX GAMING AX motherboard offers a versatile range of connectivity, including support for WiFi 6, the latest version of PCI Express and an arsenal of USB ports which includes Type-C connections.

WiFi 6
The WiFi 6 module is compatible with the 802.11ax. Perhaps more importantly for users, it's optimized for more efficient operation on crowded networks with a lot of competing traffic.

USB 20Gbps port
A batch of USB ports supports high-end rigs loaded with peripherals, including a rear USB Type-C® port with transmission speeds of up to 20Gbps.

PCIe 5.0 slot
The latest processors introduce PCIe 5.0 support, doubling data transfer speeds compared to PCIe 4.0, enhancing signal integrity, and providing backward-compatible CEM connectors and support for previous PCIe versions.

Customization
Personalization
The B860M MAX GAMING AX enhances the user experience across the board, from simplifying BIOS setting adjustments to offering customizable RGB lighting controls for a uniquely personal system aesthetic.

UEFI BIOS
The UEFI interface delivers easy-to-use configuration options for PC beginners, and advanced features for veterans.

ASUS GlideX
Enable seamless screen sharing and control across PCs, tablets, and smartphones via wired or wireless connections, supporting multiple platforms.

ASUS DriverHub
Simplify driver management with automatic detection, one-click installation and update for smooth, efficient system performance.

Armoury Crate
Customize Aura Sync RGB and control ASUS devices. Includes product registration and updates.

Aura Sync
Complete RGB lighting control for enthusiast systems, ensuring seamless synchronization with compatible hardware.

Addressable Gen2 RGB headers
Three Addressable Gen2 headers detect LED counts on compatible RGB devices, automatically adjusting lighting effects accordingly.

Customization
DIY friendly
The B860M MAX GAMING AX motherboard features EZ PC DIY innovations that simplify and speed up the PC building process, making DIY easy and convenient.

Pre-mounted I/O shield
Our pre-installed I/O shield safeguards ports, simplifies the build process, increases functionality and enhances aesthetics for PC DIY enthusiasts.

SafeSlot
PCIe 5.0 is twice as fast as PCIe 4.0. ASUS has adapted our SMT manufacturing for the faster SafeSlot, a reinforced metal sheath that ensures secure card installation and faster data speeds.

Q-LED Core
The Q-LED Core display produces color-coded lights during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) that can help you troubleshoot potential issues.

ASUS B860M MAX GAMING AX. Processor manufacturer: Intel, Processor socket: LGA 1851 (Socket V1), Compatible processor series: Intel Core Ultra (Series 2). Supported memory types: DDR5-SDRAM, Maximum internal memory: 256 GB, Memory slots type: DIMM. Supported storage drive interfaces: PCI Express 4.0, PCI Express 5.0, Supported storage drive types: HDD & SSD, RAID levels: 0, 1, 5, 10. Maximum resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels. Ethernet interface type: 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, Top Wi-Fi standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi standards: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

How to use

Install the motherboard in a compatible micro ATX chassis, mount a supported LGA 1851 Intel Core Ultra processor and install DDR5 memory modules in the DIMM slots. Connect storage drives to the available M.2 slots or SATA ports as required, and attach power cables from a compatible PSU to the 24‑pin and CPU power connectors. Configure fan curves and cooling profiles using ASUS Fan Xpert 2+ in Windows or via the UEFI BIOS. Use Armoury Crate and ASUS DriverHub to install and update drivers, enable Aura Sync and manage system settings. For memory tuning, use AEMP III or DIMM Fit/DIMM Fit Pro in BIOS to apply optimized profiles and custom parameters.

Recommendations

Use a high‑quality power supply with sufficient wattage and stable rails to support high‑core-count Intel Core Ultra processors. For best DDR5 performance, follow the motherboard’s AEMP III or DIMM Fit guidance, ensure good airflow and pair with compatible cooling solutions (air or AIO). Keep BIOS and drivers updated via ASUS DriverHub or Armoury Crate for compatibility and stability.