ASUS Prime B660M-K DDR4 Intel Motherboard

Product Description

The ASUS Prime B660M-K DDR4 motherboard is a solid, budget-friendly option designed for Intel’s 12th Gen Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors (LGA 1700 socket). While it is a more compact microATX board, it still delivers robust features, including high-speed connectivity, multiple storage options, and solid expansion capabilities. It’s well-suited for general-purpose computing, light gaming, and productivity tasks.

Key Features:

1. Processor Support:
   • Intel LGA 1700 Socket supports 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors.
   • Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 and Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 (dependent on the CPU).
2. Memory Support:
   • 2 x DIMM Slots supporting up to 64GB DDR4.
   • Supports DDR4 memory speeds from 2133 MHz to 5333 MHz (OC).
   • Dual Channel Memory Architecture for improved performance.
   • Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) support for easy memory overclocking.
3. Graphics Outputs:
   • 1 x D-Sub port and 1 x HDMI® port for integrated graphics.
   • Supports 4K at 60Hz through HDMI, depending on the CPU.
   • Graphics output depends on the integrated GPU of the CPU used (some CPUs may not have integrated graphics).
4. Expansion Slots:
   • 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 slot for high-performance GPUs and expansion cards.
   • 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for additional expansion cards like sound cards or network adapters.
5. Storage:
   • 2 x M.2 slots (Key M) for high-speed NVMe SSDs:
     • M.2_1 supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode (from the CPU).
     • M.2_2 supports PCIe 4.0 x4 (from the chipset).
   • 4 x SATA 6Gb/s Ports for traditional storage devices like HDDs and SATA SSDs.
   • Supports Intel Rapid Storage Technology and Intel Optane Memory H Series for enhanced storage performance.
6. Networking:
   • 1 x Realtek 1Gb Ethernet port for stable wired network connectivity.
   • ASUS LANGuard for protection against surges and electrostatic discharge (ESD).
7. USB Ports:
   • 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (rear I/O).
   • 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A (rear I/O).
   • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header (supports 2 additional USB 3.2 ports).
   • 2 x USB 2.0 headers (supports 4 additional USB 2.0 ports).
8. Audio:
   • Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC:
     • Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-retasking.
     • Supports up to 24-bit/192kHz audio playback.
     • Premium audio capacitors and dedicated audio PCB layers for improved sound quality.
9. Cooling and Power Management:
   • 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header and 1 x 4-pin Chassis Fan header for flexible cooling options.
   • VRM Heatsink to ensure stable power delivery to the CPU.
   • ProCool connectors for reliable power delivery.
   • ASUS Fan Xpert software for fine-tuned fan control and better cooling management.
10. BIOS and Software:
    • UEFI AMI BIOS with 128Mb Flash ROM for flexible system tuning.
    • AI Suite 3 for system optimization and power-saving utilities.
    • TurboV EVO for overclocking and performance boosting.
    • Fan Xpert for custom fan curves and cooling control.
    • ASUS CPU-Z, Norton Anti-virus (trial version), and WinRAR are included.
    • EZ Flash 3 and CrashFree BIOS 3 for easy BIOS updates and system recovery.
11. Special Features:
    • ASUS 5X Protection III for comprehensive system protection, including DIGI+ VRM, SafeSlot Core, and Overvoltage Protection.
    • Stainless-Steel Back I/O for better durability and protection.
    • Q-DIMM and Q-Slot for easy installation/removal of memory and expansion cards.
    • RGB header for adding customizable lighting effects (requires compatible RGB devices).
12. Connectivity and Wireless:
    • Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) support (optional with a compatible adapter).
    • Bluetooth 5.1 support for wireless peripherals such as headphones and other Bluetooth devices.
    • RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet for fast, wired network connections.

Specifications of ASUS Prime B660M-K DDR4

• CPU Socket: LGA 1700 (supports 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors)
• Chipset: Intel B660
• Memory:
  • 2 x DIMM slots (max 64GB)
  • DDR4 5333(OC)/5000(OC)/4800(OC)/4600(OC)/4400(OC)/4266(OC)/4000(OC)/3733(OC)/3600(OC)/3466(OC)/3400(OC)/3333(OC)/3200/3000/2933/2800/2666/2400/2133
• Graphics Outputs:
  • 1 x D-Sub port
  • 1 x HDMI® port (supports 4K@60Hz)
• Expansion Slots:
  • 1 x PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 slot
  • 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
• Storage:
  • 2 x M.2 slots (supports PCIe 4.0 x4)
  • 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
• Ethernet:
  • 1 x Realtek 1Gb Ethernet port
  • ASUS LANGuard
• USB Ports:
  • 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) on the rear
  • 2 x USB 2.0 (Type-A) on the rear
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header (supports 2 additional ports)
  • 2 x USB 2.0 headers (supports 4 additional ports)
• Audio:
  • Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC
  • Up to 24-Bit/192kHz playback
• Networking:
  • 1 x Realtek 1Gb Ethernet port
  • ASUS LANGuard
• Cooling:
  • 1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header
  • 1 x 4-pin Chassis Fan header
• Power Connectors:
  • 1 x 24-pin Main Power connector
  • 1 x 8-pin +12V Power connector
• Form Factor: MicroATX (24.4cm x 21.1cm)
• Warranty: 3 Years

Conclusion:

The ASUS Prime B660M-K DDR4 motherboard is a great choice for users seeking a compact yet feature-rich platform for Intel’s 12th Gen processors. It offers the necessary power, flexibility, and connectivity features to build a balanced and cost-effective PC. While it may lack some advanced features found in higher-end models, it’s a solid option for everyday use, light gaming, and productivity. With PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.1, it’s equipped to handle most modern tasks efficiently.