OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£170CPU socket:LGA 1851Chipset:Intel B860Form factor:ATX

MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 3 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi
7.9/10

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 84% of models
Score components

40%

8.1

Technical score

20%

8.1

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.1

User score

â–²Better than 84% of motherboards
8.4

Value for money

Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–²Better than 88%
8.1

Technical score

Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

19%

9.9

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

6.2

Ports

8%

6.6

Expansion

8%

7.9

Power & Cooling

5%

6.0

Audio

â–²Better than 86%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models

8.1

Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–¼Worse than 53%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models

8.1

Mark 8.3 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.5

Rating

30%

7.6

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 54%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • msi-b860-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-b860-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-b860-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-b860-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-b860-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-b860-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-b860-gaming-plus-wifi
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi

Based on 3

Reviewers mostly comment on heat, agreeing the board runs warm and its cooling could be better.
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi

Technical score
Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components:

19%

9.9

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

6.2

Ports

8%

6.6

Expansion

8%

7.9

Power & Cooling

5%

6.0

Audio

8.1
Reviews score
8.1
User score
8.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components:

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

8.4
CPU socket
LGA 1851
This motherboard uses LGA 1851, which is more up-to-date than 77.5% of Motherboards and the same as 8% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel B860
This motherboard uses Intel B860, which is more capable than 85.2% of Motherboards and as capable as 3.4% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort + USB4 / Thunderbolt.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
256 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.5% of motherboards and equal to 16.7% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
8,800 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 8,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 95% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.9% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.1% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x2
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x2, which is faster than 88.9% of Motherboards and the same as 1.3% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 6.1% of motherboards and equal to 46.8% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.4% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.7% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x1
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x4/x1, which is more generous than 77.7% of Motherboards and the same as 5.9% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
9
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 9 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 70.9% of motherboards and equal to 4.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 71.3% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 90.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.3% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer E5000
This motherboard has a Killer E5000 LAN controller, which is faster than 89.6% of Motherboards and equal to 0.1% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is newer than 88.2% of Motherboards and the same as 11.8% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC897, which is higher-end than 20.2% of Motherboards and the same as 29.9% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
90 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 90 dB, which is lower than that of 93.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.3% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
12
This motherboard has 12 VRM phases, which is more than 55.4% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E5000 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Killer E5000 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 11.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models

    8.1

    Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.1 vs 7.3
  • 9.3% better value for money
    MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.42 vs 7.7).
    8.42 vs 7.7
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 87.3% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,800 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    8,800 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 76% higher overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,800 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    8,800 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x4/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more USB4 20Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 20Gbps ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 20Gbps port/s.
    Thunderbolt 4 excluded.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (9 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    9 vs 8
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    17 vs 15
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    JTBT5 header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    This motherboard has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
    USB4 via Thunderbolt 4.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E5000 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Killer E5000 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 2x higher LAN speed
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (5 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    5 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12 vs 10
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 25 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (90 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    90 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 25 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (90 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    90 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
tech2geek.net
≈ estimated
18/10/2025
Hands-on test · Core Ultra gaming board
Verdict
The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi is an excellent value option for Core Ultra 5 or 7 gamers, provided it sits in a well-ventilated case with adequate cooling.
8.2
ginjfo.com
✓ explicit
17/10/2025
Overview · Intel gaming board
Verdict
The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi is an affordable ATX board for Core Ultra 200 chips with PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi, but its power stages run hot under heavy load.
7.0
hardwarecooking.fr
≈ estimated
14/09/2025
Benchmark test · Intel mid-range board
Verdict
The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi is an affordable Intel board that holds stock Core Ultra 9 285K speeds, but runs warmer than Z890 boards and trails the B860 Tomahawk WiFi.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi

  • Excellent value for a mid-range build with modern features like Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 support.
  • User-friendly DIY features, including tool-less M.2 installation (EZ M.2 Clip II) and an easy GPU release button.
  • Solid connectivity options featuring 5G LAN and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for future-proofing.
  • Highly intuitive BIOS interface that simplifies setup and firmware updates.
  • Stable performance and reliable power delivery, capable of handling high-end Core Ultra 7 and 9 processors.
  • Well-labeled board layout that is easy to navigate for first-time builders.

What customers don't like about MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi

  • Potential RAM compatibility issues, particularly with lower-density 8GB DDR5 modules or specific brands like Patriot.
  • Build quality can feel slightly cheap or 'plasticky' with some users reporting minor board flexing when plugging in connectors.
  • Some physical design choices, such as sideways-pointing SATA and USB 3.0 ports, can make cable management difficult in certain cases.
  • Limited or lackluster physical documentation, requiring users to download PDF manuals for full pinout details.
  • Lack of integrated RGB lighting, which may disappoint users looking for a more colorful aesthetic.

Verdict

The MSI B860 GAMING PLUS WIFI is a high-performance ATX motherboard built on the Intel B860 chipset and LGA 1851 socket, designed to support Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). It features a robust 12+1+1+1 Duet Rail Power System with 8+4 pin CPU power connectors, alongside four DDR5 DIMM slots supporting speeds up to 8800+ MT/s (OC) and a maximum capacity of 256GB. Key technical highlights include a primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics, a Lightning Gen5 M.2 slot for ultra-fast storage, and advanced connectivity via a rear Thunderbolt 4 port, Intel Killer 5G LAN, and Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 5.4. Main pros include its 'EZ DIY' features like tool-less M.2 Shield Frozr II and EZ PCIe Clip II for easier builds, premium networking speeds, and an extended heatsink design for efficient cooling. However, some users have reported potential boot failures with specific 8GB DDR5 module configurations, and it lacks support for CPU overclocking, which is typical for the B-series chipset.

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