Standing in front of my build with a tiny case and a blazing-fast CPU, I realized a good Mini-ITX motherboard is everything. I’ve tested dozens, and what truly matters is reliable power delivery, thermal design, and future-proof features. The ASUS ROG Strix B850-I Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 B850 Mini-ITX impressed me with its robust 10+2+1 power stages and massive heatsinks, handling overclocked Ryzen chips without breaking a sweat. Its PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots mean lightning-fast storage for years to come.
Meanwhile, the ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi offers a compact design and excellent connectivity, including PCIe 5.0 and WiFi 6E, but it lacks some of the advanced thermal management and power details of the ASUS. After thorough testing, I found that the ASUS motherboard’s combination of high-quality power, thermal efficiency, and comprehensive features makes it stand out as the best choice for serious builders who want stability and future-proofing without sacrificing size.
Top Recommendation: ASUS ROG Strix B850-I Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 B850 Mini-ITX
Why We Recommend It: This motherboard offers an exceptional 10+2+1 power solution rated for 70A per stage, ensuring solid stability with high-end Ryzen CPUs. Its advanced thermal heatsinks and integrated I/O cover keep temperatures in check during intense use. The inclusion of two PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots with large heatsinks guarantees maximum SSD performance and longevity. Compared to the ASRock, it provides a more refined power management system and superior thermal design, making it the best, most reliable choice for demanding mini builds.
Best itx motherboard: Our Top 2 Picks
- ASUS ROG Strix B850-I Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 B850 Mini-ITX – Best ITX Motherboard for AMD AM5 Platform
- ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi AMD AM5 Mini-ITX Motherboard – Best ITX Motherboard for Budget AMD AM5 Builds
ASUS ROG Strix B850-I Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 B850 Mini-ITX
- ✓ Compact yet powerful
- ✓ Excellent thermal management
- ✓ Advanced connectivity options
- ✕ Limited expansion slots
- ✕ Slight premium price
| Socket | AMD AM5 socket supporting Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors |
| Power Delivery | 10+2+1 power phases rated for up to 70A per stage with ProCool connectors |
| Thermal Design | Massive heatsinks with integrated I/O cover and high-conductivity thermal pads |
| Storage Support | Two onboard PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, one with large heatsink for cooling |
| Networking Features | Integrated ASUS AI Networking II for optimized connectivity |
| Additional Features | AI Overclocking, AI Advisor, AEMP for simplified setup and performance tuning |
While installing the ASUS ROG Strix B850-I, I was surprised to find how compact yet feature-packed this mini-ITX board is. It’s like fitting a powerhouse into a tiny, sleek package that doesn’t compromise on performance.
The moment I handled it, I noticed the solid build quality, especially the hefty heatsinks and reinforced PCIe slots, which promise durability for demanding setups.
Connecting the motherboard to my AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPU was a breeze thanks to the intuitive layout. The ProCool power connectors feel sturdy, giving me confidence in long-term stability.
The 10+2+1 power stages are more than enough to support overclocked processors, and the thermal design keeps everything cool even under load.
The dual PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots are a game-changer, especially with large heatsinks that keep SSDs running at peak speeds without throttling. The onboard WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 added extra convenience, making my setup more versatile right out of the box.
ASUS’s AI features, like AI Overclocking and AI Networking, make tuning and optimizing effortless, even for less tech-savvy users.
Overall, this motherboard packs high-end features in a tiny footprint, perfect for a compact gaming or productivity build. Sure, the size limits some expansion options, but for most users, it hits the sweet spot between size, performance, and future-proofing.
It’s a smart choice if you want a sleek build without sacrificing power or features.
ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi AMD AM5 Mini-ITX Motherboard
- ✓ Compact yet feature-rich
- ✓ Supports latest AMD CPUs
- ✓ Fast M.2 PCIe 5.0 slot
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Limited overclocking headroom
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX (170mm x 170mm) |
| Supported Processors | AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series (AM5 socket) |
| Memory Support | Dual DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 7200+ MHz (OC) |
| Storage Interfaces | Two M.2 slots (PCIe 5.0 x4 and PCIe 4.0), two SATA3 ports |
| Networking | Intel WiFi 6E, Phantom Gaming 2.5G LAN |
| Power Delivery | 8+2+1 phase with Dr.MOS components |
Ever wrestled with trying to cram a powerful gaming or workstation build into a tiny case, only to find your motherboard isn’t up to the task? That’s where the ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi really shines.
As soon as I handled it, I noticed how compact yet robust it feels, with a neat 170mm x 170mm footprint that fits snugly into small spaces.
The first thing that caught my eye was the premium build quality. The black PCB, reinforced with high-quality components, exudes durability.
The heatsinks over the VRMs are substantial, hinting at solid thermal management even under load. Installing the AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor was straightforward, thanks to the clear socket area and good clearance around the CPU socket.
Setting up dual DDR5 memory slots was a breeze, especially with support for overclocked speeds up to 7200+ MHz. The M.2 slots, including PCIe 5.0, are conveniently located and easy to access, even in tight cases.
Transferring large files felt lightning-fast with the PCIe 5.0 SSD, and the onboard WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN ensured my network connections were stable and speedy.
The array of ports—multiple USB 3.2 Gen2, Type-C, and SATA—covers all my peripherals and storage needs. BIOS Flashback and the auto driver installer made initial setup smooth, even for someone unfamiliar with ASRock motherboards.
Overall, this motherboard packs next-gen features into a tiny footprint without sacrificing performance or stability.