The current PC market emphasizes finding bargains, requiring consumers to maximize their budget, whether by cutting back on luxuries or simply opting for cheaper options to fund other hardware components.
ASRock has released the B860 Challenger Wi-Fi, priced at US$130, which aims to provide modern functionality at an affordable cost. The motherboard supports features such as Wi-Fi 7, PCIe Gen 5 support for both GPU and SSD, and includes SSD heatsinks, fan headers, and USB ports.
While AMD offers a more future-proof upgrade path with another generation pending, the current hardware pricing situation means Intel’s socket is less of a definite concern. The article notes that an LGA1851 system remains an option for consideration, especially if the price is right and the user has varied tasks for the PC.
The B860 Challenger Wi-Fi boasts a very affordable price tag. Its feature list includes support for PCIe Gen 5 SSD and GPU, and it maintains acceptable temperatures for SSD and VRM, even when using high-end hardware.
The board is equipped with two SSD heatsinks, one of which is tool-free. Connectivity features include eight Type-A USB ports, seven fan headers, four SATA ports, and notably, no bandwidth sharing between ports.
Despite its low price, the unit performs well. The documentation stated that the board coped with an extended stress test utilizing a Core Ultra 9 285K, and it prevented a PCIe Gen 5 SSD from throttling during a portion of the same test.
However, the unit does contain specific limitations. Key restrictions include the ALC897 audio chip, the absence of Thunderbolt 4, low-end CPU power delivery, and the limited connectivity to USB 3.0 being the fastest available on ports or headers. The board also only features two video outputs and has low-end audio, lacking an optical audio output.
In terms of expansion and functionality, the board also lacks CPU overclocking support, Thunderbolt 4, and the highest speed ports beyond USB 3.0. Furthermore, the manual stated the lack of bandwidth sharing, and the LGA1851 socket is noted as having no upgrade path.
Nevertheless, the B860 Challenger Wi-Fi performs well for its price point. The text suggests that making an appealing motherboard for under $150 is difficult, but ASRock has achieved this with the Challenger Wi-Fi. It maintains a reputation for good value, offering good performance and features often lacking in competitors at similar price points.
Potential upgrades are available from other ASRock models. For an option with more features, the ASRock B860 Steel Legend Wi-Fi, priced at $140, was noted for including triple monitor support, Thunderbolt 4, Realtek ALC1220 audio, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20 Gbps Type-C header. These upgrades are stated to be worth an extra $10. The B860 Challenger Wi-Fi is recommended if the features of the Steel Legend Wi-Fi are unnecessary.
For users considering a higher-end build, the ASRock Phantom Gaming Z890 Lightning Wi-Fi is an alternative, costing $190. This board allows for potential audio, cooling, or design upgrades.
Ultimately, the choice of motherboard socket depends on individual user requirements. While the B860 Challenger Wi-Fi ticks nearly all expected boxes for a modern Intel board under $150, the market suggests that bargains for LGA1851 systems will become more common, potentially offering appealing options regardless of which socket a user selects.
Source: TechPowerUp