ASUS Prime B760M-K LGA 1700 mATX Motherboard Review: A Balanced Budget Option
ASUS Prime B760M-K LGA 1700 mATX Motherboard Review
The ASUS Prime B760M-K is a budget-friendly mATX motherboard designed for Intel’s 13th and 12th generation CPUs. Offering a solid feature set, including PCIe 4.0 support, dual M.2 slots, and DDR5 compatibility, the B760M-K presents itself as an attractive option for budget-conscious PC builders. In this review, we delve into the details of the board, examining its performance, features, and overall value proposition.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The ASUS Prime B760M-K stands out as a compelling choice for users seeking a balance between affordability and functionality. It caters to a broad range of PC builds, from entry-level gaming systems to productivity workstations. With its mATX form factor, it offers a compact footprint suitable for smaller cases. We put this motherboard through rigorous testing to gauge its performance and determine if it lives up to expectations.
Key Features
The ASUS Prime B760M-K boasts several notable features that elevate its appeal:
- LGA 1700 Socket: Supports Intel’s 13th and 12th generation Core processors, providing compatibility with the latest CPU technology.
- PCIe 4.0 Support: Delivers blazing-fast data transfer speeds for high-performance storage and peripherals.
- Dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 Slots: Offers ample storage options with support for NVMe SSDs for fast boot times and application loading.
- DDR5 Memory Support: Enables the use of the latest generation of RAM, delivering higher bandwidth and performance compared to DDR4.
- Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet: Provides fast and reliable network connectivity for smooth online gaming and file transfers.
- VGA and HDMI Outputs: Facilitates easy setup for display connectivity, offering flexibility for both legacy and modern monitors.
- SATA 6 Gbps Support: Ensures fast data transfer for hard drives and other SATA devices.
- Front USB 3.2 Gen 1: Enables high-speed data transfer for peripherals connected to the front panel of your PC.
- Aura Sync Compatibility: Allows for RGB customization through ASUS’s Aura Sync software, enabling you to personalize your PC’s lighting scheme.
Performance
In our testing, the ASUS Prime B760M-K consistently delivered solid performance. We paired it with a 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and DDR5-4800 memory. The motherboard handled all of our benchmark tests without any issues. We observed smooth gaming performance, fast boot times, and excellent responsiveness in everyday tasks. The PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots allowed for incredibly fast storage speeds, enhancing system responsiveness.
While it’s not designed to be an overclocking powerhouse, the B760M-K provides sufficient headroom for mild overclocking if desired. The BIOS offers a user-friendly interface for tweaking settings, though advanced users might prefer more extensive overclocking options available on higher-end boards.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the ASUS Prime B760M-K’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Solid feature set for its price, including PCIe 4.0 support and dual M.2 slots
- Good performance, especially when paired with a mid-range CPU
- Easy to use BIOS with basic overclocking options
- Comes with Aura Sync for RGB customization
Cons:
- Limited overclocking headroom compared to higher-end boards
- No built-in Wi-Fi, requiring a separate adapter
- Limited expansion slots for users needing more PCIe expansion
Final Verdict
The ASUS Prime B760M-K is a solid budget-friendly option for PC builders. It delivers good performance and a comprehensive set of features, making it a viable choice for a wide range of users. If you’re looking for a reliable mATX motherboard without breaking the bank, the B760M-K is definitely worth considering. While its overclocking capabilities might not satisfy hardcore enthusiasts, its overall performance and value proposition make it a compelling choice for most users.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Intel B760 |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Form Factor | mATX |
| Memory Support | DDR5 |
| Memory Slots | 2x DIMM |
| Maximum Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| SATA Ports | 4x SATA 6 Gbps |
| LAN | Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 Codec |
| Back Panel I/O | 1x PS/2, 1x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x LAN, 1x Optical S/PDIF Out, 3x Audio Jacks, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0 |
| Front Panel Connectors | USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, Audio, HD Audio |
| Other Features | Aura Sync RGB Lighting, BIOS Flashback |
