MaxSun launches B850 BKB Terminator motherboard with backside PCIe connector, costs $135 in China

MaxSun is launching its most innovative motherboard so far when it comes to non-standard GPU layouts.

Some readers may remember our early coverage of MaxSun products with names like Big Mac or Terminator. The company later reduced the use of such names for graphics cards, but the Terminator motherboard series continues. The latest model is called MS-Terminator B850BKB WIFI.

This is a Mini-ITX motherboard and the first AMD board to place its primary PCIe x16 slot on the back of the PCB. This layout has previously appeared only on a few Intel-based small-form-factor boards. Here, it brings the rear-mounted design to the AM5 platform. The goal is to simplify GPU installation in compact cases and reduce visible cabling when using vertical or sandwich-style layouts.

Source: MaxSun

The board measures 171 mm and uses a 6+2+1 phase 110A DrMOS power delivery. The primary PCIe interface is CPU-direct PCIe 5.0 x16 with support for x8/x8 split. A secondary PCIe 4.0 x4 slot is placed on the front side. For storage, the board includes two PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots (one on each side) and a SlimSAS SFF-8654 connector providing PCIe 4.0 x4, plus two SATA ports.

Networking features include Realtek 2.5 GbE and MediaTek MT7922 Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.4. Audio is provided by Realtek ALC897. The rear I/O panel offers USB-C with DisplayPort Alt-Mode, four USB 10 Gbps Type-A ports, DisplayPort and HDMI outputs for APUs, a 2.5 GbE RJ45 port, and antenna connectors.

Source: MaxSun

MaxSun will begin sales on October 30. The listed price is 999 RMB (around $135 USD). As you can see, there are three compatible cases, but I’m not familiar with any of them. Needless to say, it’s a pretty narrow choice, not to mention the limited availability of the board and cases to Chinese market.

Source: MaxSun (JD)