The ASUS ROG Strix B360-G Gaming Review: A Polarizing $100 Motherboard Design
by Joe Shields on September 25, 2018 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Motherboards
- Intel
- Asus
- MicroATX
- CrossFire
- M.2
- Coffee Lake
- i7-8700K
- B360
Conclusion
The B360 chipset was designed to give users a more cost effective option for Coffee Lake based CPUs, in particularly processors which are locked and do not overclock. With this in mind, many B-series boards are cheaper but still include features like M.2 slots, USB 3.1 (10 Gbps) ports, and other features frequently found on most Z370 boards.
The ASUS B360-G Gaming offers users features that will rival most Z370 boards - this includes USB 3.1 (10 Gbps) ports, four DRAM slots, two M.2 ports, a reinforced PCIe slot, gaming-focused software, six SATA ports, robust VRM heatsinks, and costing less than a comparable board using the Z series chipset. It does have aesthetics that you really have to love, which could be a crucial part of how well this board performs in the market.
We saw already performance was solid throughout all testing on this board. In a change from other B360 boards we have reviewed, the ASUS B360-G Gaming did not throttle for any reason during testing which was good to see and allows the CPU to stretch its legs in testing without user input. The large heatsinks were able to handle the flagship i7-8700K at stock speeds without issue merely getting warm to the touch after extended heavy use and testing. The use of the SupremeFX S1220A codecs take the high-end Realtek ALC1220 codecs and improves upon them (at least on paper) with better SnR values whereas many B360 class boards tend to use a lesser Realtek codecs such as the ALC892 or ALC887. I also like the implementation of the integrated rear IO shield which gives the board a more premium feel.
As far as improvements needed from this board, there really isn't much needed or to complain about. Performance was spot on, and POST times were impressive. I suppose more USB ports couldn't hurt though. The biggest concern with the board is the look. That stenciling across the front with all the ROG sayings really doesn't tickle my fancy and can alienate some users looking for a fairly clean design aesthetic. As was mentioned earlier, the look can be pretty polarzing.
Overall, the ASUS B360-G Gaming MicroATX motherboard is a solid base to use any of the Coffee Lake processor it is compatible with. Performance values are right with the other board along with power use while boot times were quite fast under 17 seconds. Features wise, it includes most everything users come to expect from this class and size board, with an Intel networking port and higher-class audio. With the board priced around the $100 mark and no others with the same features priced with it, the B360-G Gaming stands as a good option in this space.
AnandTech 8th Gen CPU Coverage
- The Intel Core i7-8086K Review: Testing Intel's Anniversary 5.0 GHz Turbo CPU
- The Anandtech Coffee Lake Review: Initial Numbers on the Core i7-8700K and Core i5-8400
- Analyzing Z370 for Intel's 8th Generation Coffee Lake: A Quick Look at 50+ Motherboard
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Inteli - Tuesday, September 25, 2018 - link
And I thought the B450-F was a bit gaudy...at least the stenciling wasn't red and white.Besides that, I like seeing feature-rich boards at this price point. High-end Z370/X470 boards are overkill for a lot of builders who aren't going to do much (if any) overclocking, and low-end Z370/X470 boards tend to be fairly barebones. These upscale B360/B450 boards are great since you get quite a few features without having to pay for the overkill power delivery and SLI support you'll never use. AMD does it better IMO because B450 supports overclocking, so even without the best power delivery you couod still get a couple hundred megahertz overclock.
PeachNCream - Tuesday, September 25, 2018 - link
That is an obnoxious looking motherboard!vgray35@hotmail.com - Tuesday, September 25, 2018 - link
Inside a case, nobody sees it not even you, so really, who cares what it looks like. Performance and quality matter in my opinion, and gaudy stuff and lights only increases cost for zero gain.Inteli - Tuesday, September 25, 2018 - link
If the latest case trend weren't "Tempered Glass Everywhere", I might agree with you. However, these days seeing your motherboard inside your case is pretty common with custom PCs. Aesthetics have become an important part of PC building for some.PeachNCream - Tuesday, September 25, 2018 - link
I wouldn't bother with a case that has any sort of window. My preferred desktop would sit inside a ~$30, bargain bin Rosewill mATX tower so I'd never see it as vgray implies. Despite that, I saw the stupid text on the motherboard on the first page and I didn't even bother to care about how it stacked up on subsequent benchmarks. There are lots of functional alternatives that don't look as stupid so while performance matters, I can just buy something that doesn't look like a teenage boy's skateboard.Samus - Tuesday, September 25, 2018 - link
I'd never buy a case with a window. FCC regulatory failure aside, there will inevitably be EMI and\or RFI interference due to lack of shielding near the surface components (particularely videocards) that could result in anything from coil whine and output distortion to general stability issues.Ever notice every top PC OEM throughout history has never issued a mainstream model with a window? There is a good reason for that.
Inteli - Tuesday, September 25, 2018 - link
I get your point, but anecdotally I've personally never experience any instability because of a case window, and I can't recall anybody who has.I also don't know what you define as "mainstream", but both HP and Lenovo sell PCs with side windows. If by "mainstream" you mean "not gaming-branded", I can think of a number of good reasons why they wouldn't have windows, none of which have anything to do with EM or RF interference, or FCC compliance:
* Joe Schmoe doesn't care about what the inside of his computer looks like
* Increased manufacture cost, since the side panel requires more than "bend sheet metal"
* Mainstream computers aren't built to look good inside. All you'd really see would be air ducting.
erotomania - Wednesday, September 26, 2018 - link
dumbass...glass blocks EMI better...Bonge - Thursday, September 27, 2018 - link
No only if its Lead glass and shielding effiecincy will decrease with decreasing frequency,If you buy Lead glass expect a visit from government institutions like Homeland security FBI, etc. who would inquire as to what the freak you are using that for :))
speculatrix - Saturday, November 3, 2018 - link
Well done, @Bonge, for a measured response to @erotomania's rude ignorant/wrong comment.