Asus announced the immediate availability of the ROG Strix H270I Gaming and ROG Strix B250I Gaming motherboards. The latest editions to the ROG Strix line of motherboards are both mini-ITX, based on Intel’s H270 and B250 chipset respectively.
Both models possess many features you’d expect from full-sized Intel-based Strix motherboards such as support for 6th (Skylake) and 7th (Kaby Lake) generation Intel Core desktop processors, DDR4 support, PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, dual gigabit LAN, USB 3.1 Type-A/C, Bluetooth 4.1, dual Intel Optane-ready M.2 sockets, and 8-channel HD audio, all bundled into a tiny 6.7 x 6.7″ package.
The Strix H270I Gaming has two gigabit LAN ports whereas the Strix B250I Gaming has a single gigabit LAN port. Both motherboards employ Asus’ LANGuard surge protection and can be managed using the GameFirst IV traffic management software. Due to the mini-ITX form factor, these systems can only support 32GB ram. Integrated graphics output is DisplayPort 1.2 and/or HDMI 1.4 ports on the rear I/O panel.
These montherboards also feature AURA Sync RGB lightin, 802.11ac dual-band Wi-Fi, SafeSlot reinforced PCI-E slot, Q-LEDs, Digi+ VRMs, DRAM Overcurrent Protection, and its unique thermally isolated “double-decker” PCH chipset / M.2 drive heatsink. There are a total of three 4-pin fan headers on both motherboard. Even though all three fan headers can be used for PWM fans, one header is specifically designed to accommodate a high amp fan or water pump. All fan headers can be managed through Fan Xpert 4 Core.
The ROG Strix H270I Gaming and ROG Strix B250I Gaming motherboards are available now for $120 and $110, respectively.
| Asus ROG Strix H270I Gaming | Asus ROG Strix B250I | |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | 1151 | 1151 |
| Chipset | Intel H270 Chipset | Intel B250 Chipset |
| DDR4 Memory | 3800(OC) / 3600(OC) / 3200(OC) / 3000(OC) / 2800(OC) / 2600(OC) / 2400 / 2133 MHz | 2400 / 2133 MHz |
| Memory Channel | Dual | Dual |
| DIMM Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Max Memory | 32GB | 32GB |
| PCI-E x16 | 1 | 1 |
| SATA III | 4 | 4 |
| M.2 Slot | 2 | 2 |
| TPM Header | 1 | 1 |
| LAN | 10/100/1000 | 10/100/1000 |
| Rear I/O | 1 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI 2 x LAN (RJ45) ports 6 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (blue) 1 x Optical S/PDIF out 5 x audio jacks 1 x Wi-Fi antenna port |
1 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 5 x audio jacks 1 x Wi-Fi antenna port |
| Form Factor | mini-ITX | mini-ITX |
| Price | $120 | $110 |
