Overview
The Asus ROG STRIX B560-A GAMING WIFI is an LGA1200 ATX motherboard built for Intel 10th and 11th Gen Core processors, featuring the Intel B560 chipset. It comes with integrated WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, PCIe 4.0 support for both the main graphics slot and one M.2 slot, and a clean white-heatsink design that stands out in the ROG STRIX lineup.
This board targets mainstream gamers and PC builders who want modern connectivity—dual-band WiFi, 2.5GbE LAN, and fast storage—without paying Z590 premiums. With its balanced feature set and pricing around ¥48,000, it's a strong choice for mid-range LGA1200 builds.
Compatibility Guide
The LGA1200 socket supports Intel Core i9-11900K (11th Gen) down to Core i3-10100 (10th Gen). While 10th-gen CPUs will work out of the box, 11th-gen may require a BIOS update to enable Resizable BAR and PCIe 4.0 on the CPU-attached M.2 slot. Memory support is DDR4 up to 128GB across four slots, with official speeds up to DDR4-3200 and overclocking support beyond 5000MHz.
Form factor is standard ATX (305 x 244mm) — it fits most mid-tower and full-tower cases. Power delivery uses a 24-pin main connector plus 8-pin EPS. Expansion slot layout: one PCIe 4.0 x16 (from CPU), one PCIe 3.0 x16 (from chipset, runs at x4), three PCIe 3.0 x1. Storage includes 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots: top slot (CPU) PCIe 4.0 x4, bottom slot (chipset) PCIe 3.0 x4.
For a typical gaming build pairing a Core i5 or i7 with a mid-range GPU, a 650W PSU is sufficient. If you're planning an i9-11900K and RTX 4080-class card, aim for 750W or more.
Product Info
Released in Q1 2021, the ROG STRIX B560-A GAMING WIFI occupies the upper mid-range tier within Asus's Intel 500-series lineup. It carries Asus's standard 3-year warranty in most regions. The board is widely available from major online retailers and PC component stores.
Key specs: Intel B560 chipset, LGA1200 socket, ATX form factor, DDR4 max 128GB, Realtek ALC897 audio codec, 2.5GbE LAN (Intel I225-V), Intel WiFi 6 AX201 + Bluetooth 5.1. The primary PCIe x16 slot runs at PCIe 4.0, and the top M.2 slot also supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs.
Best Use Cases
- Builders who value built-in WiFi and Bluetooth: No need for extra expansion cards or USB dongles. The Intel AX201 module delivers reliable wireless performance and Bluetooth for peripherals. Ideal for cramped desks or router-adjacent setups.
- Gamers on a budget wanting PCIe 4.0 access: The CPU-attached M.2 slot and primary x16 slot both support PCIe 4.0, letting you use fast SSDs and current-gen GPUs without paying extra for a Z590 board. Pair with an i5-11400 or i7-11700 for excellent value.
- Users upgrading from older platforms while reusing DDR4: If you're coming from LGA1151/Z370 and have good DDR4 sticks, this board lets you keep that investment (DDR5 is not supported). However, keep in mind that the LGA1200 platform is end-of-life, so future upgrades mean motherboard replacement.
Things to Consider
The biggest limitation is the platform's dead end: LGA1200 only supports up to Intel 11th Gen. There's no upgrade path to newer architectures without changing the motherboard entirely. If you plan to upgrade the CPU in 2-3 years, consider a newer platform (LGA1700 or AM5) instead.
The B560 chipset does not allow CPU multiplier overclocking. Enthusiasts who want to push a K-series CPU to its limits should look at Z590 boards. Memory overclocking (XMP) works fine, though.
Compared to close rivals like the MSI MAG B560 TOMAHAWK WIFI (similar price, slightly better audio codec) and Gigabyte B560 AORUS PRO AX (identical chipset, different rear I/O layout), the Asus board's main differentiators are the ROG-exclusive software suite (Armoury Crate) and its distinctive white-on-black aesthetic.
FAQ
Q: Does this motherboard support CPU overclocking?
A: No. B560 only supports memory overclocking (XMP) and limited BCLK adjustments. For full CPU multiplier overclocking, choose a Z590 board.
Q: Can I use PCIe 4.0 for both GPU and SSD simultaneously?
A: Yes, the primary PCIe x16 slot and the top M.2 slot are both wired directly to the CPU and support PCIe 4.0. The second M.2 slot is PCIe 3.0 via the chipset.
Q: What's the maximum memory capacity and speed?
A: Up to 128GB (4x32GB) of DDR4. Official JEDEC speeds go up to DDR4-3200, but the board supports overclocked profiles well above DDR4-5000 (check the QVL on Asus's site for validated kits).
