ASUS manufactures various accessories for personal computers. In stock, the manufacturer has motherboards and video cards that cost more than 10 thousand rubles. However, the company does not forget about budget models. In early 2017, the ASUS B85M-G motherboard appeared on the markets. It is produced with the aim of updating the previous generation of components and increasing productivity on office and multimedia PCs.
Board Features
Review of the motherboard ASUS B85M-G should start with its features. The part has a size of microATX, which allows it to be installed in compact models of cases on a PC. With a small size, the device contains all the necessary connectors and outputs for full operation.
In the ASUS B85M-G series, the supported processors are oriented to the Intel manufacturer. With a modest size and affordable price, the device launches the Core i7, i5, i3 CPU versions, as well as the fourth-generation Celeron series.
The socket allows you to integrate powerful processors into the motherboard. They perform not only everyday office and multimedia tasks, but also work perfectly under heavy loads.
Key areas of application
The motherboard ASUS B85M-G is small in size, but it has great potential. It can be used to work in the office, on a home PC, and even when assembling a gaming device. However, when considering the board in more detail, it is worth focusing on the extensions and supports of system modules.
The device has an updated interface, which allows you to connect and install modern models of component boards. However, performance due to the mini version is limited, so you should not expect peak power or a lot of overclocking from the equipment.
The version is aimed at supporting and comfortable work in the first place. Even the architecture for constructing connectors on the device is designed in such a way that the user always has quick access to the main outputs and, if necessary, can connect or replace modules without rebooting the entire system.
Office
First of all, the board is considered an ideal option for an office PC. This is because the integrated modules and socket for the central processor support the latest generation of components. At the same time, the price of the board is not high, which indicates a mass market segment.
Every year, office applications are becoming more and more. They process large amounts of data, therefore not only the multitasking support that the processor provides is required, but also high-speed data streams and recording information to the hard drive. For this, 4 SATA connectors are installed on the interface, operating at speeds up to 6 Gb / s. Additionally, modern USB 3.0 connectors are integrated.
Thanks to this, this version of the motherboard will easily cope with everyday and high loads. For continuous operation, the board has a convenient arrangement of plug-in modules and a radiator to prevent strong heating of all components installed inside.
Multimedia Home Station
The processor socket in the ASUS LGA1150 B85M-G not only provides support for modern versions of the CPU and stable operation in multitasking mode, but also perfectly processes streaming video. Modern core building architectures make it possible to connect various video broadcast sources. At the same time, the processor extension itself makes it possible to process the passing stream without additional modules.
This is the best modern solution if you use the model under review as a multimedia system for the home. Having assembled a mini-PC based on this motherboard, you can enjoy watching high-definition video on a large screen, without freezing and braking.
In order to significantly improve image quality, users are offered one VGA connector for video cards. However, it is worth paying attention to the fact that, due to the mini-format, the board does not support all components for video processing. Before buying a video card, you need to make sure that it fits the motherboard in size.
Game assembly
The question of which video cards the ASUS B85M-G supports is a concern for many computer game enthusiasts. With the declared characteristics and support for fourth-generation processors, it is possible to assemble a compact but productive system not only for work, but also for entertainment.
Based on the compact size and architecture of the core, GeForce graphics cards starting from version GTX 770 and higher will be an excellent solution for creating a gaming system. It is important to understand that there is only one slot for connecting components. Therefore, the option with video cards operating in SLI mode is immediately excluded.
Many users use the board to build PCs, which play mainly online games. They do not require a lot of system resources and at the same time have dynamic modes. If you plan to run games released in 2017-2018 with a plot and various modes, you should consider purchasing an ATX-format board, since the mini form of the model in question will not be able to withstand the load at maximum settings in the graphics quality game menu.
What's in the box
The delivery package of the motherboard is quite modest. You should not expect from the budget segment a set of additional loops and jumpers. The device is delivered in a dense cardboard box. In order to avoid damage during transportation, the board is placed in a cellophane film.
The design of the box is brighter. It is made entirely in black. All images and logos are printed in gold. The front panel of the box provides information about the model and supported technologies. On the reverse side, a more detailed description with technical specifications.
The package consists of:
- A disk with drivers and a set of system programs.
- Stubs on the back of the PC.
- Cables to the hard drive in SATA format.
- Instructions with a detailed description of the model.
All items are packaged in packages. A cardboard partition is installed inside, which allows you to conveniently place both the board itself and its components.
Design
The design of the board itself is fully consistent with the design of the motherboard box. It is fully made in black. Quite a bold decision, based on the fact that usually digging produces models in red and blue colors. The radiator and connectors for connecting components are painted in gold.
The size of the device leaves 233 x 193 mm. It is compact and does not take up much space. You should be careful when choosing a case. The model can be installed in microATX format blocks. In the center of the board is a socket for installing the processor. For more reliable fixation, an additional latch is used, which holds the module securely.
A battery is installed a little lower. It is removed by a simple movement of the hand to the side. At the corners of the socket for the processor are holes for mounting the cooler. On the right side there are 4 connectors for DDR3 format RAM. ASUS B85M-G has one slot for installing a video card and 6 slots for connecting hard drives.
Specification
The motherboard ASUS B85M-G has a wide range of features. More details can be found in the table.
Name | Characteristic |
CPU socket | LGA1150 |
Permissible RAM frequencies | 1600/1333/1066 MHz |
Maximum RAM | 32 GB |
Network connection | Realtek 8111G 10/100/1000 Mbps |
Network connection speed | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
Sound system | Realtek HD Audio |
Number of sound channels | eight |
In the model around the perimeter, 8 holes were made to fix the board on the wall of the PC case. Fixing bolts not included in delivery. They must be in the PC unit itself.
The device has 2 connectors for connecting fans. They are used to cool the CPU. The second is used to pump air into the computer case. Connectors for USB devices are arranged in 2 rows. Therefore, it will not be convenient to connect nearby flash cards that have a non-standard design.
Cooling Options
The question of which cooler is suitable for the ASUS B85M-G is especially relevant for those who want to create a home multimedia station or a gaming platform. A fan helps cool the processor. You will need a good model with a heatsink if the processor will use an i5 or i7 family processor.
In addition to high power, they can be heated to temperatures above 90 degrees. Well-positioned connectors will free up space for the CPU cooling system. Enough space not only for the boxed version, but for tower coolers.
The reinforced edges around the board can withstand vertical fans with radiator cooling of aluminum or copper type weighing up to 900 g. The layout of all internal modules makes it possible to replace air with water cooling if necessary.
Slots and Extensions
To support multitasking, you need not only a reliable processor of the latest generation, but also a set of extensions for connecting various devices and peripherals. The main solution for a board of this format was the installation of 6 connectors for connecting hard drives. The maximum volume is not limited. Therefore, if necessary, you can connect drives with a total volume of up to several terabytes.
The second plus in support of multitasking is the availability of 6 USB sockets. In this case, the board has connectors version 3.0 in the amount of two pieces. At the bottom of the panel are the outputs of Realtek HD Audio. They are responsible for the sound. You can connect 3 outputs with 8 sound channels. The device has good streaming processing.
You can use the HDMI connector to connect widescreen monitors and TVs. At the same time, it will process both video and audio stream. If you are using an old-format keyboard and mouse, then there are 2 PS / 2 sockets on the board for them.
Primary settings
By default, the board comes not only with a set of utilities and software, but also with already built-in applications. The updated graphical menu UEFI BIOS allows you to fine-tune the equipment at the first connection. Unlike older versions with a blue screen, the new shell is controlled using a computer mouse pointer.
In addition to the data updated every second, there are available settings on the main screen for choosing the operating mode of the device and for overclocking individual connected components. The rotation speed of the cooler is adjusted using the installed sliders.
Additionally installed modules for basic configuration of all PC hardware. If the settings are knocked down or the settings are made incorrectly, they can always be reset to the factory defaults.
Motherboard overclocking
The characteristics of the motherboard ASUS B85M-G allow you to make fine settings to overclock the hardware. Mainly the increase in power and performance are subject to the central processor and video card.
System settings make it possible to increase the frequency of the CPU to 4600 MHz. This is enough to run demanding programs and games. It is important when using the acceleration system to install a cooler with radiator cooling of the tower type. This is necessary due to the fact that with increasing voltage with increasing productivity, the processor temperature also increases.
Advantages and disadvantages of the board
Reviews on the motherboard ASUS B85M-G from buyers are mostly positive. The only negative comments concern the small format of the board and the lack of support for SLI mode.
Of the advantages, we can distinguish:
- Modern design 5X Protection.
- Support for high-speed interfaces for hard drives and USB devices.
- Many connectors for peripherals.
- Integrated proprietary technology.
- Convenient hardware configuration system.
The main disadvantages are:
- Nearby USB sockets.
- The lack of the ability to connect video cards in SLI mode.
Motherboard ASUS B85M-G receives a lot of positive reviews from experts and ordinary users. The element base of the device copes with constant and high loads. Thanks to the improved support system for components of the latest generation, the model ranks first in the budget segment.
The board will be useful for any type of office systems, as well as a multimedia platform. The compact size and affordable price make it attractive in comparison with other manufacturers. However, it is better not to use the board when assembling the gaming device.