SFF.Network ASUS Launches the TUF Gaming B850I WiFi Neo Mini-ITX AM5 Motherboard

ASUS’s TUF sub-brand is generally known for a more industrial aesthetic and lower prices (and feature set) compared to the ROG family. With today’s cost to build a new PC skyrocketing, anything even slightly cheaper is welcome. ASUS has now launched the TUF Gaming B850I WiFi Neo Mini-ITX motherboard, based on AMD’s AM5 platform.
With the B850 chipset and AM5 socket the new board supports Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 series CPUs, which will be powered by an 8 + 2 + 1 VRM loadout in this instance, with a capacity for 80A of spicy pixies. As is usual for the Mini-ITX form factor, a pair of DIMM slots feed the CPU, with up to 128GB of DDR5-8200 depending on the processor you install. On the expansion slot front, a PCIEx16 slot is present, running at Gen 5 speeds if a 8000 or 9000 series CPU is installed, or Gen 4 for one in the 8000 family.
A pair of SATA ports, as well as a pair of M.2 slots form the storage capability of the board – but as per TechPowerup:
Worth noting that ASUS labels...

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[HWI]

ROG Strix B850-I sells for around US$470 in the USA

That's not really accurate. Their B850-I sells for more like $350, but frequently goes on sale for like $280-$300. Their X870-I is the one that is normally $400-$450 in the US.

 

[confusis]

That's not really accurate. Their B850-I sells for more like $350, but frequently goes on sale for like $280-$300. Their X870-I is the one that is normally $400-$450 in the US.

That one's on me, my source (TPU) stated as such. Will amend the article, thanks!

 

[MarcParis]

It could interest me as it is one the rare mini ITX AM5 boards completely fanless..

 

[Covuk]

It could interest me as it is one the rare mini ITX AM5 boards completely fanless..

This. I have the ASRock B650 PGITX (removed the NVMe fan from the heatsink) because of this

It's been fine, no issues with a 9700X, but great to have agood alternative. Having said this I'm a lot less comfortable with Asus given their RMA/support issues.

 

[hrh_ginsterbusch]

This. I have the ASRock B650 PGITX (removed the NVMe fan from the heatsink) because of this

It's been fine, no issues with a 9700X, but great to have agood alternative. Having said this I'm a lot less comfortable with Asus given their RMA/support issues.

I had some weird issues with PG-ITX, even after installing the latest BIOS etc., which is why I got myself an mATX board, just to stay on the safe side.

Generally speaking I really HATE the current AM5 ITX situation - there is next to no solid board out there, even the most recent MSI X870 release was totally lackluster, with a price tag, thats completely insane.
Meanwhile, all the good stuff gets added to ATX boards .. who in their right mind needs a USB4 port in a fullsize tower!?

And on Intel, even the budget boards get at least one USB4 port, eg. the Asrock "Phantom Gaming B860I Lightning", which starts, at least here in Central Europe, at 175 Euro (!). That, together with a 265KF, INCLUDING shipping costs, sits at the same price you have pay for the "premium" MSI X870I (Edgy Word Salad) board BY ITSELF ALONE.

BTT: This board, after re-reading the specs, seems to be aimed at a similar segment as the previously mentioned Intel Asrock board - budget-friendly, but with a few useful level ups, like one proper USB 3.2 20 GBit port, and 4 fan headers.

IF it was available in Europe, and RAMaggedon wasnt hitting so hard, I guess it'd be a decent option for a budget to semi-budget ITX build.

cu, w0lf.

 

[Arboreal]

Nice board, I think something is adrift in the paragraph, John.
"On the expansion slot front, a PCIEx16 slot is present, running at Gen 5 speeds if a 8000 or 9000 series CPU is installed, or Gen 4 for one in the 8000 family"