ROG Strix B660-F is a semi-budget DDR5 motherboard.
ROG Strix B660-F is a semi-budget DDR5 motherboard.
Hello. Yesterday I purchased a ROG Strix B660-F (DDR5) and it should be delivered next week. The price was around $303 (1315 Romanian LEI) at my nearby PC parts store. There are other options with better or more affordable B660 and Z690 boards that are inexpensive without breaking the bank, but I chose an ASUS board for the first time. I intend to use it with an Intel i5 12400 and 8GB DDR5 4800MHz initially, planning to upgrade later to a higher-end kit or a better B660/Z690 model such as MSI. As far as I know, there haven’t been any reviews or additional details about this motherboard yet. I have some concerns regarding its performance compared to most ASUS Z690 boards (like the ROG Strix), specifically issues with Intel I225-V LAN ports even in B3 revision, and whether it might fail to recognize or properly support M.2 SSDs on the first slot. Should I worry too much? What are the advantages and disadvantages of ASUS boards overall? Any thoughts? Thanks! P.S. This is for my third custom gaming build. I already have a case (Corsair 4000D), a 500GB M.2 SSD NVMe, and will soon receive a 1TB SSD with PCIe 4 and a separate 2.5Gbps network card or RJ45 switch to connect it to my ONT router from my internet provider in case the built-in NIC doesn’t work.
Avoid these components. They offer only half the bandwidth of DDR5 but retain all its latency. To adopt DDR5 you should opt for at least 16GB DIMMs—their drawbacks include poor build quality and excessive pricing compared to what they provide. Return the board and choose either a Z690 or a midrange B660 motherboard. The MSI Z690-A Pro delivers superior features, higher IO, and better value for less money. If you truly need DDR5, this path is best, though at current prices DDR4 might still be more sensible.
Looking to invest in outdated DDR5 right now while planning upgrades later? That doesn’t make sense. DDR4 remains the more affordable choice today, and even top DDR5 models will struggle long-term (just like DDR4 did when X99 came out). It’s wiser to keep using a B660/Z690 board with DDR4 until Intel restricts compatibility again. They refresh every two generations, so it’s not too far ahead.
Consider affordable Gigabyte Z690 boards such as Aero G or Aorus Pro. Both support WiFi and include a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec. They offer 10 rear USB ports. The BIOS interface is more refined than Aorus, featuring a cleaner menu that resembles ASUS BIOS but still similar to standard BIOS layouts. Physical reset, power button, and all components are present except for BIOS Flashback, CMOS reset, and Q-Code Dual Digits (Aorus Pro includes this). The board supports 4x M.2 slots. It’s aimed at creators, though I’m unsure if it’s crucial. Do you think it’s a good option or not? Also, has Gigabyte addressed the DRAM compatibility problems? Are these boards still problematic for users who experience issues after waking from sleep? I’d like to test one of these.
I’m curious about ASUS motherboards, particularly the ROG STRIX Z690/B660 with DDR5. Are they really problematic? I know DDR5 is pricey and hard to find quality options that justify the cost, while DDR4 still seems more practical. I’m eager to experiment with DDR5 and a 12th Gen Intel CPU, especially to see how games like Serious Sam Classics Encounter, Fusion, SS2, NFS, MK11, Half Life, and Far Cry perform. I already have an MSI board from my secondary build—specifically a MAG B460 Tomahawk with an i5-10500 and 16GB 2666MHz RAM. I understand MSI boards, especially the Z690 lineup, are solid choices, but they come at a higher price point. Not to mention the PRO-A model has outdated audio codecs and missing heatsinks. The Tomahawk is decent but the VRM design isn’t impressive. These options aren’t cheap, though. There are better alternatives like Force or Carbon (NFS XD) that would be more affordable, but they’re not as budget-friendly either. My main concern is staying within my budget while still testing what DDR5 and a modern CPU can offer.
ASUS products aren't inherently flawed; they simply struggle with pricing strategies. Consider the Strix Z690-A board as an example. Beyond a marginally improved VRM and an integrated IO shield, it matches the MSI Z690-A Pro in features but costs under $100 less. The TUF Z690 falls short, offering slightly inferior IO, comparable VRM, and a higher price tag. Prime boards tend to be pricier, though not drastically so, compared to other brands. They still lack certain sensor access and memory overclocking options. Other makers like MSI and Gigabyte provide more comprehensive features without the same issues, making them preferable alternatives. The B660 series shows potential at a lower cost if BIOS flexibility isn't crucial. For serious DDR5 enthusiasts, premium options from MSI or Gigabyte may justify the investment, but for most users, sticking to reliable, feature-rich boards is smarter. If you're okay with a modest upgrade, the extra $100 on an ASUS board is mostly branding—just a few stickers inside. I wouldn't recommend it unless you truly need DDR5 performance and are willing to pay the premium. Otherwise, prioritize CPU quality and reliable features over brand prestige.
I canceled the purchase I made (ROG Strix B660-F Gaming WiFi) and plan to buy the Z690 Carbon from MSI instead. I expect to wait about a week or two until I receive my paycheck so I can save up for it. This board offers great features and looks very premium. It’s fine if I pair it with an i5-12400F and 16GB DDR5 4800MHz when it becomes available, and later with an i5-12600KF for an upgrade. For my needs, it already covers everything. Will the i5-12400F cause any bottleneck with my RX570 8GB? My monitor is a 24-inch 1080p 144Hz display with 1ms latency.
You're still overspending on the motherboard significantly. Spending more on one than the other usually isn't wise if you value performance relative to cost. The only justification for a higher investment in a motherboard is if you're doing overclocking. Otherwise, it's just extra features like a POST code. The Z690 Carbon model would suffice for a 12600k; it's more than necessary for that chipset. It's excessive for a 12600k unless you push it to its limits. You probably want a premium-looking board, but honestly, you're likely out of your price range. A 12400F won't limit performance with a RX 570. It would work well with a 3080 chipset. Keep in mind, if audio isn't important, you don't need the built-in DAC. M.2 heatsinks are cheap on eBay and aren't worth the extra cost. For the price difference between Carbon and Pro-A models, consider adding a decent DAC and some affordable M.2 heatsinks. With the Tomahawk, the VRM is already sufficient—no need for an extra heatsink unless you prefer it. If you're not happy with it, you can remove them.
I also understood my mistake about what I was saying. Spending a lot on a motherboard would not be ideal, especially since it’s overkill for an i5-12400F or i5-12600K. That was my error. Switching to the Fast Forward option, using the Z690 Carbon (which has around 18 power stages at 75A, which is sufficient) as you mentioned would make more sense for those chipsets. Excluding the i9-12900K because it’s too expensive in Romania and doesn’t fit my requirements.