Component Analysis

The B850 chipset is located under a long heatsink, which marks the first layer of the triple-layer stack of components here.


The ROG Strix B850-I Gaming Wi-Fi7 W uses the same Nuvoton NCT6701D-R super I/O controller for system monitoring as the original version of this board. An AURA 36UB0 chip controls the RGB lighting.


Next to the rear Type-C ports we have a Realtek RTS543CI power delivery controller. Next to this we also have a Realtek RTS5460B USB 3.2 Gen 2 redriver.


Switching to the rear of the PCB and in addition to the Nuvoton controller, we also have an ASUS TPU KB3724Q chip, which handles the likes of additional hardware monitoring, software-based overclocking and AI overclocking. Nearby is the 2.5 Gbps Ethernet controller in the form of Intel's I226-V.


ASUS continues its multi-layer PCB stacking, with the audio board separated above the main PCB. This daughterboard also houses the topside PCIe Gen 5 M.2 port. The Realtek ALC4080 audio codec sits underneath the lower SSD heatsink. The arrangement has allowed for an additional audio jack to be included.


As usual, the external Q-Antenna connectors on the Wi-Fi module are not compatible with standard threaded antennas. Internally, standard micro connectors are used so it is possible to swap out the module for another. The module included is MediaTek's MT7925 Wi-Fi 7 controller, which is cooled using a thermal pad attaching it to the steel enclosure. Removing the module is a little tricky though as you need to remove the entire VRM heatsink, rear I/O panel and top fascia.