The GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 is the best overall B850 pick in this group: an ATX AM5 board with three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and the longest warranty any listing quotes. It suits anyone building a Ryzen 7000, 8000 or 9000 desktop who expects to add storage later. Budget buyers should look at the MSI PRO B850-S, and small-case builders at the two GIGABYTE B850M boards.
Every board below is AM5 and DDR5-only, and every spec we quote comes from the seller’s listing title rather than a lab. Where a title is silent or looks garbled, we say so.
Quick picks by build type
GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard, Support AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series, DDR5, 14+2+2 Power Phase, 3X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB-C, WIFI7, 2.5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch, 5-Year Warranty
Included for '10 Best B850 Motherboards (October 2026)' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
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MSI PRO B850-S WIFI6E Motherboard, ATX - Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/8000 / 7000 Processors, AM5 - DDR5 Memory Boost (8200+ MT/s OC), PCIe 4.0 x16, M.2 Gen5, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN
Included for '10 Best B850 Motherboards (October 2026)' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
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ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard, 14+2+1 80A Stages, AI Ready, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, 3X M.2, Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb LAN, DisplayPort, HDMI™, USB 10Gbps & 20Gbps Type-C®, BIOS Flashback™
Included for '10 Best B850 Motherboards (October 2026)' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
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ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard 14+2+2 Power Stages, DDR5 AEMP, 2.5G LAN 7 with Q-Antenna, 4X M.2, PCIe® 5.0, USB 20Gbps Type-C, AI Networking II, ASUS Advisor
Included for '10 Best B850 Motherboards (October 2026)' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
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GIGABYTE B850M AORUS Elite WIFI6E ICE AMD AM5 mATX Motherboard, Support AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series, DDR5, 12+2+2 Power Phase, 2X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB-C, WIFI6E, 2.5GbE, EZ-Latch, 5-Year Warranty
Included for '10 Best B850 Motherboards (October 2026)' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
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MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Motherboard, ATX - Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/8000 / 7000 Processors, AM5-80A SPS VRM, DDR5 Memory Boost 8400+ MT/s (OC), PCIe 5.0 x16, M.2 Gen5, Wi-Fi 7, 5G LAN
Included for '10 Best B850 Motherboards (October 2026)' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
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GIGABYTE B850M Eagle WIFI6E AMD AM5 mATX Motherboard, Support AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series, DDR5, 8+2+2 Power Phase, 2X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB-C, WIFI6E, 2.5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch, 3-Year Warranty
Included for '10 Best B850 Motherboards (October 2026)' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
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GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI6E AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard, Support AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series, DDR5, 8+2+2 Power Phase, 3X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB-C, WIFI6E, GbE LAN, EZ-Latch, 5-Year Warranty
Included for '10 Best B850 Motherboards (October 2026)' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
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GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard, Support AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series, DDR5, 8+2+2 Power Phase, 3X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB-C, WIFI7, 2.5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch, 3-Year Warranty
Included for '10 Best B850 Motherboards (October 2026)' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
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ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard, Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Processors, DDR5 8000+ (OC), PCIe 5.0, 2.5G LAN, WiFi 7, 14+2+1 Power Phase
Included for '10 Best B850 Motherboards (October 2026)' as a representative home product in this roundup; selection reflects the product set returned for this topic.
View on Amazon- GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 – best all-rounder ATX
- MSI PRO B850-S WIFI6E – lowest-tier B850 ATX
- ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi – best for BIOS Flashback and ports
- ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi – most M.2 slots
- GIGABYTE B850M AORUS Elite WIFI6E ICE – best micro-ATX
- MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi – best networking claims
- GIGABYTE B850M Eagle WIFI6E – budget micro-ATX
- GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI6E – budget ATX with 5-year warranty
- GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE – budget ATX with Wi-Fi 7
- ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi – mid-tier alternative brand
Side-by-side comparison
| Model | Chipset and socket | Form factor | Key point from the title | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 | B850, AM5 | ATX | 14+2+2, 3x M.2, Wi-Fi 7, 5-year warranty | All-round builds |
| MSI PRO B850-S WIFI6E | B850, AM5 | ATX | PCIe 4.0 x16, M.2 Gen5, Wi-Fi 6E | Tight budgets |
| ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi | B850, AM5 | ATX | 14+2+1 80A, BIOS Flashback, 3x M.2 | Firmware safety |
| ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi | B850, AM5 | ATX | 4x M.2, 14+2+2, 20Gbps USB-C | Storage-heavy builds |
| GIGABYTE B850M AORUS Elite WIFI6E ICE | B850, AM5 | mATX | 12+2+2, 2x M.2, 5-year warranty | Compact builds |
| MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi | B850, AM5 | ATX | 80A SPS VRM, Wi-Fi 7, 5G LAN | Fast networking |
| GIGABYTE B850M Eagle WIFI6E | B850, AM5 | mATX | 8+2+2, 2x M.2, 3-year warranty | Budget small builds |
| GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI6E | B850, AM5 | ATX | 8+2+2, 3x M.2, GbE, 5-year warranty | Value ATX |
| GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE | B850, AM5 | ATX | 8+2+2, 3x M.2, Wi-Fi 7, 2.5GbE | Value with new Wi-Fi |
| ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi | B850, AM5 | ATX | 14+2+1, DDR5 8000+ OC, Wi-Fi 7 | Brand alternative |
Each board in detail
GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7
The listing describes an AM5 ATX board with a claimed 14+2+2 power-phase layout, three M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, USB-C, Wi-Fi 7, 2.5GbE and a 5-year warranty. That is the most complete feature list in this group apart from the ROG Strix, and the warranty is the longest any title here quotes.
Phase counts are a marketing figure rather than proof of cooling or stability, so read them as a rough tier marker. The title does not say which M.2 slots run at Gen5 speed, so confirm that on the manufacturer page if a fast boot drive matters to you. A board with this many slots also gives the build somewhere to grow when game libraries outgrow the first drive, which is a quiet advantage over cheaper models.
Pros
- Three M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7 are both listed
- Longest warranty quoted in this roundup
Cons
- Sits at the top of this group on cost
- Gen5 slot assignment is not stated in the title
Who it’s for: AM5 builders who want a rounded ATX board with room for several SSDs.
Who should skip it: Small-case builders and anyone shopping to the tightest budget.
MSI PRO B850-S WIFI6E
This is the plainest board in the group and, going by the titles, the one with the fewest headline extras: ATX, AM5, DDR5 with an 8200+ MT/s overclock claim, M.2 Gen5, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN. Notably, the title lists the main slot as PCIe 4.0 x16, whereas several other B850 titles here say PCIe 5.0.
That detail matters only if you plan a graphics card that can use PCIe 5.0 bandwidth, which is not most buyers today. For a mid-range GPU and one fast SSD, the stated feature set is enough. Check the listing for M.2 slot count and rear I/O, because the title gives neither. Treat it as the value pick of the group rather than the pick for anyone planning a heavy upgrade path.
Pros
- Keeps the B850 and ATX formula at the lowest tier here
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN are stated
Cons
- Title lists PCIe 4.0 x16 for the main slot
- M.2 count and USB details are not in the title
Who it’s for: Budget-minded Ryzen 7000 or 9000 builders pairing it with a modest GPU.
Who should skip it: Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 on the graphics slot or several M.2 drives.
ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi
ASUS lists this ATX board with 14+2+1 power stages rated at 80A, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb LAN, DisplayPort, HDMI and both 10Gbps and 20Gbps USB Type-C. Having video outputs on the rear panel is useful if you start on a Ryzen chip with integrated graphics before buying a GPU.
The title also mentions BIOS Flashback, which lets you update firmware from a USB stick without a working CPU installed. That feature is relevant on AM5, where a board in stock may carry an older BIOS than the processor you bought. Follow the manufacturer’s exact file-naming steps and keep power steady.
Pros
- BIOS Flashback is listed
- Video outputs and fast USB-C ports are stated
Cons
- Larger than a mATX build needs
- Pricing sits above the entry boards in this group
Who it’s for: Builders who want firmware-update safety and a broad port selection.
Who should skip it: Anyone who plans a compact case or wants the lowest cost.
ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi
The title promises 14+2+2 power stages, four M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, a 20Gbps USB Type-C port, DDR5 with AEMP and 2.5G LAN. The slot count of four is the highest in this roundup, which suits a build that keeps a boot drive, a games drive and a scratch drive without adapters.
One caution: the title reads “2.5G LAN 7 with Q-Antenna”, which looks like a garbled Wi-Fi 7 claim. Treat the wireless standard as unconfirmed until you read the listing’s specification table. Because the title also advertises an AI networking feature and an advisor tool, check what software those need before you rely on them.
Pros
- Four M.2 slots, the most here
- Wireless wording aside, a full feature list
Cons
- Wi-Fi generation is garbled in the title
- Premium positioning for a mainstream chipset
Who it’s for: Storage-heavy builds that still want a mainstream B850 chipset.
Who should skip it: Buyers who only need one or two SSDs and would rather spend on the GPU.
GIGABYTE B850M AORUS Elite WIFI6E ICE
This is the micro-ATX option with the strongest claimed power section in the group: 12+2+2 phases, two M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, USB-C, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE and a 5-year warranty. The ICE name points to a white colour scheme, but the title does not describe it in detail, so view the listing images for the finish.
A mATX board limits you to fewer expansion slots, which is fine for a GPU, one SSD and little else. If you will add a capture card or a second add-in device, confirm the slot spacing first. Smaller boards also leave less room around the CPU socket for large coolers, although case and cooler specifications decide that. The listing gives no memory slot count, so assume the usual two to four DIMM slots only after reading the specification table.
Pros
- 5-year warranty on a compact board
- Stronger power-phase claim than the other mATX picks
Cons
- Only two M.2 slots are listed
- Few expansion slots for add-in cards
Who it’s for: Compact-case builds that still want a capable AM5 board.
Who should skip it: People who need three or more SSDs or several PCIe cards.
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
MSI’s title leads with an 80A SPS VRM claim, DDR5 Memory Boost to 8400+ MT/s as an overclock figure, PCIe 5.0 x16, M.2 Gen5, Wi-Fi 7 and 5G LAN. The 5G LAN item is unusual in this group, where most boards list 2.5GbE, and is only useful if the rest of your network can use it.
The title does not state the M.2 count, USB layout or form factor beyond ATX, so those need a look at the full specifications. Treat the memory number as the board’s overclock ceiling, not as what a typical kit will reach on a given CPU. If you choose this board mainly for the wired port, confirm your switch supports it first, otherwise the extra speed goes unused.
Pros
- 5G LAN and Wi-Fi 7 are both listed
- 80A VRM claim stated up front
Cons
- M.2 slot count is not in the title
- 5G LAN has little value on a 1Gb or 2.5Gb network
Who it’s for: Builders wanting a well-specified ATX board with future-proof networking.
Who should skip it: Anyone whose router and switch top out at 1Gb or 2.5Gb speeds.
GIGABYTE B850M Eagle WIFI6E
A lower-tier micro-ATX board in the Eagle family, listed with 8+2+2 power phases, two M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, USB-C, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5GbE and a 3-year warranty. Compared with the B850M AORUS Elite above, the phase claim is lower and the warranty is shorter, so the price gap should reflect those differences.
For a processor in the 65W class that never gets overclocked, the stated features look adequate. If you intend to pair it with a 12-core or 16-core Ryzen, look up the manufacturer’s VRM and cooling details first, since the title does not describe heatsink coverage. In a small case, airflow over the VRM and memory area matters as much as the board itself.
Pros
- Compact size with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE
- PCIe 5.0 is stated in the title
Cons
- Lower phase claim than the AORUS Elite mATX
- Shorter 3-year warranty
Who it’s for: Small-form builds around a mid-range Ryzen processor.
Who should skip it: High-core-count CPU owners who want a stronger power section.
GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI6E
The ATX version of the Eagle line lists 8+2+2 power phases, three M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, USB-C, Wi-Fi 6E, plain GbE LAN and a 5-year warranty. Its LAN is the only plain gigabit port among the ATX boards here, which is the main trade-off for the lower tier.
It is closely related to the next listing, the Eagle WIFI7 ICE, which has Wi-Fi 7, 2.5GbE and a shorter 3-year warranty. Both are variants of the same family, so the choice comes down to which differences you value. If you plan to use cable only, the lower networking tier costs you very little in daily use.
Pros
- Three M.2 slots on an entry-tier ATX board
- 5-year warranty listed
Cons
- GbE LAN rather than 2.5GbE
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
Who it’s for: Value-focused ATX builds that mainly use Wi-Fi or have a gigabit network.
Who should skip it: Anyone with a 2.5GbE switch who wants a wired link above 1Gb.
GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE
This listing shares the Eagle formula with the previous board: ATX, AM5, DDR5, 8+2+2 power phases, three M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 and USB-C. It swaps in Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5GbE, and the ICE name suggests a lighter colour scheme. The warranty is quoted as 3 years, shorter than the 5 years on the WIFI6E version.
If the price difference between the two Eagle ATX listings is small, the faster Wi-Fi and wired port are the better buy. If the gap is large, the older-spec version with the longer warranty may be the smarter choice for a wired desktop that rarely uses wireless.
Pros
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5GbE on an entry-tier ATX board
- Three M.2 slots listed
Cons
- Warranty is shorter than the WIFI6E sibling
- Same power-phase tier as the cheaper Eagle
Who it’s for: Buyers who want newer networking without moving up to AORUS.
Who should skip it: Those who value the longer warranty more than networking speed.
ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi
ASRock lists this ATX board with 14+2+1 power phases, DDR5 8000+ as an overclock claim, PCIe 5.0, 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 7. The phase figure matches the ASUS TUF and sits above the Eagle boards, although the title says nothing about M.2 count or USB ports.
ASRock is the only brand here other than GIGABYTE, MSI and ASUS, which can make it a useful alternative when the others are out of stock or priced higher. As always, check the full specification list for M.2 slots, rear I/O and the BIOS version shipped before buying.
Pros
- 14+2+1 phases and Wi-Fi 7 in the title
- A fourth-brand option in a crowded field
Cons
- M.2 and USB details are missing from the title
- Warranty length is not stated
Who it’s for: Shoppers comparing brands who want a mid-tier ATX B850.
Who should skip it: Anyone who needs confirmed port and slot counts before checking the listing.
How we picked these
The group was built from current retail listings for B850 AM5 boards across four brands and three price tiers, then sorted by form factor and what each title claims. The basis is published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. We avoided adding figures that the titles do not state, and we mark any title that looks inconsistent or garbled. Spec lines are seller claims, so confirm them on the listing before you pay. Prices move often, so we leave them out and rank by features and tier instead.
What to check before choosing a B850 board
Where B850 sits in the AM5 lineup
B850 is a mainstream chipset on the AM5 socket, the same socket used by B650 and X870 boards, so any AM5 cooler mounting hardware carries over. AMD positions the platform with PCIe 5.0 graphics support and optional Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 at the board level, but each manufacturer decides what to include. The MSI PRO B850-S title, for example, lists PCIe 4.0 x16, so never assume the same slot speeds across the whole chipset.
CPU generation and BIOS update checklist
Every title here states support for Ryzen 9000, 8000 and 7000 processors, but a unit sitting in a warehouse may carry an older BIOS. Before you install a new chip, work through this list:
- Read the manufacturer’s CPU support page and find your exact processor.
- Note the minimum BIOS version it names and compare it to the version printed on the box label, if shown.
- If the board has BIOS Flashback or a similar button (the ASUS TUF lists Flashback), use it with a USB stick formatted as the manual requires.
- Keep the PC on stable power, and never switch it off or press reset while a flash is running.
- Touch bare metal on the case before handling parts to discharge static.
DDR5 memory
AM5 boards accept DDR5 only, and DDR4 modules will not fit. The MSI and ASRock titles quote speeds from 8000 to 8400 MT/s with an overclock note, which describes the board’s ceiling rather than what a typical kit achieves. Most buyers will do better choosing a well-known kit with an AMD EXPO profile at a moderate speed and checking it against the board’s memory support list. Two sticks keep things simpler than four.
M.2 planner
Match your storage plan to the slot counts the titles state, and treat anything marked “check” as unknown.
| Slots stated | Boards |
|---|---|
| 4x M.2 | ASUS ROG Strix B850-A |
| 3x M.2 | GIGABYTE AORUS Elite, ASUS TUF, both Eagle ATX boards |
| 2x M.2 | Both GIGABYTE B850M boards |
| Check the listing | MSI PRO B850-S, MSI Tomahawk MAX, ASRock Steel Legend |
Even with several slots, the titles do not say how many run at Gen5 speed, and some slots may share bandwidth with SATA ports. Read the manual’s lane notes before filling every slot.
Form factor, power and cooling
ATX boards give more expansion room, while mATX suits smaller cases. Check your case’s supported form factors and your cooler’s height and mounting. For a 12-core or 16-core Ryzen, favour the boards with higher phase claims, but remember that a bigger number is not proof of better thermals. Look for covered heatsinks around the VRM and good airflow instead.
Worked example: matching a board to a build
Suppose you buy a Ryzen 7 9700X, a mid-range GPU, a 2TB boot SSD and a second 2TB games SSD, and want Wi-Fi without extra cards. Two M.2 slots cover the storage, so either GIGABYTE B850M board fits in a mATX case. If you later want a third drive, step up to a three-slot ATX model. If your router is Wi-Fi 6E, paying extra for Wi-Fi 7 changes nothing today. The sensible shortlist is therefore the B850M AORUS Elite for a compact case, or the B850 Eagle WIFI6E for an ATX case with spare slots.
Mistakes buyers make
Choosing by phase count alone is the most common error. A 14+2+2 label sounds better than 8+2+2, yet brands count phases differently and the title says nothing about components or heatsink size.
Another is assuming every M.2 slot runs at Gen5 speeds. Titles say “PCIe 5.0” generally, not which slots, and a fast SSD in a slower slot will be limited.
Buyers also overspend on networking they cannot use. 5G LAN and Wi-Fi 7 help only if your router and switch support them, so match the board to the network you own.
Finally, people install a new CPU without checking the BIOS. Use the checklist above, and consider Flashback if the board offers it.
Last, buyers forget physical fit. A tall air cooler, a thick GPU or a mATX board in an oversized case can all cause trouble, so measure the case before the order is placed.
Verdict
For most AM5 builders the GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 is the safest all-round choice, with three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and the longest warranty quoted. The MSI PRO B850-S is the pick for cost-conscious buyers who accept its PCIe 4.0 x16 note, and the GIGABYTE B850M AORUS Elite WIFI6E ICE is the best compact option. If you want help choosing a processor first, see our AM5 motherboards for Ryzen 7 9800X3D guide. Whichever board you pick, check the BIOS before installing a Ryzen 9000 chip and stay with DDR5 memory.
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Frequently asked questions
Is B850 better than B650?
B850 is the newer mainstream AM5 chipset, and AMD positions it with PCIe 5.0 graphics support plus optional Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 on some boards. B650 boards can still be very capable, and they share the socket, so cooler fit and Ryzen compatibility are alike. Compare specific listings rather than chipset names, because features such as M.2 count and USB depend on the board.
Does a B850 board support Ryzen 7000 processors?
The titles in this roundup all list support for Ryzen 9000, 8000 and 7000 series. A board in stock may still ship with an older BIOS, so check the manufacturer’s CPU support page for the minimum version. If the board has BIOS Flashback, you can update without a working CPU installed.
Can a B850 board use DDR4 memory?
No. AM5 is a DDR5-only platform, and DDR4 modules are not electrically or physically compatible with these boards. Buy DDR5 kits, ideally with an AMD EXPO profile, and check the board’s memory support list. Speeds quoted in titles are overclock figures, so choose a moderate kit speed for the most dependable results.
Is Wi-Fi 7 necessary on a B850 motherboard?
Only if your router supports it and you rely on wireless. Many desktops use Ethernet, in which case Wi-Fi 6E is plenty and you can put the savings toward storage or a GPU. Some boards in this group offer a faster wired port, such as 2.5GbE or the MSI 5G LAN, which matters more on a wired network.
Is a micro-ATX B850 board enough for gaming?
Yes, for a build with one graphics card and one or two SSDs. The GIGABYTE B850M boards list two M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0. The trade-offs are fewer expansion slots and less space around the socket, so check cooler clearance and the supported form factors of your case before ordering. For a second add-in card or a third SSD, step up to an ATX model.
