Description

A Solid Mid-Range Motherboard for Compact Builds

I recently got my hands on the ASRock B850M Pro RS WiFi, a micro-ATX motherboard designed to support AMD’s Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. Straight out of the box, this board impressed me with its sleek, understated design, but as I tested it further, I found a mix of features that make it stand out, along with a few quirks to consider. Here’s my experience with this compact yet powerful motherboard.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of this motherboard is solid, and you can tell that ASRock didn’t cut corners. The 8+2+1 phase power design, combined with Dr.MOS for the VCore, SOC, and miscellaneous components, ensures a stable and reliable performance. I appreciated the inclusion of a heatsink for M.2 SSDs, which helps prevent overheating during sustained workloads.

The micro-ATX form factor is ideal for smaller builds, and the layout feels intuitive. Although the Realtek ALC897 7.1-channel audio codec isn’t exactly groundbreaking, it did provide decent sound quality when paired with mid-tier speakers. However, if you’re an audiophile, you might want to invest in a dedicated sound card.

Performance Features

As a tech enthusiast, the ability to push the system was crucial for me. The support for DDR5 memory, with speeds up to 8000MHz (OC), is a highlight. During my testing, the system handled multitasking, gaming, and light video editing without a hitch. Pairing it with a Ryzen 7000 series CPU felt like a breeze, and the PCIe Gen5 x16 slot delivered excellent graphics performance.

The dual M.2 slots—one being a blazing-fast PCIe Gen5x4 and the other two supporting Gen4x4—mean plenty of room for high-speed storage. While installing an NVMe drive in the Gen5 slot, I noticed a performance boost in load times for games and applications. If you’re someone who demands quick response times, you’ll appreciate this feature.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is where this motherboard shines. With WiFi 6E and Realtek 2.5Gbps LAN, I tested both wired and wireless setups. The wireless connection was fast and stable, even when streaming 4K content and gaming online simultaneously. The addition of Bluetooth is a nice touch, making it easy to pair peripherals like controllers or earbuds.

On the USB front, the board is stacked. There are eight USB 2.0 ports, six USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, including a Type-C option. Whether you’re connecting external drives, peripherals, or charging devices, you won’t run out of ports anytime soon.

Key Benefits

Compact micro-ATX form factor perfect for space-saving builds.
Support for DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0 ensures future-proofing.
WiFi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN offer excellent connectivity options.
High-speed storage compatibility with Gen5 and Gen4 M.2 slots.
Versatile USB options, including Type-C, for modern devices.

Areas for Improvement

Of course, no product is perfect, and this motherboard has some aspects that could use a bit of tweaking.

The Realtek ALC897 audio codec feels outdated for high-end users.
Limited PCIe slots, which might be a concern for those wanting to add multiple expansion cards.
Compatibility issues with some pre-built systems, requiring a BIOS update out of the box.
Lacks integrated RGB lighting, which some gamers might miss.

Competing Products

When comparing this motherboard to its direct competitors, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650M and MSI MAG B650M Mortar come to mind. In terms of performance, all three boards are fairly neck-and-neck, with support for AMD AM5 processors and DDR5 memory.

The ASUS TUF Gaming B650M edges slightly ahead in terms of build quality, offering a more premium feel and better cooling solutions. MSI, on the other hand, offers superior audio codecs and a more aesthetic RGB implementation. However, both of these options come at a steeper price point. The ASRock B850M Pro RS WiFi holds its own by delivering a balance of features and affordability, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious builders.

Smart Spending

In terms of overall value for money, this motherboard does a fantastic job. It provides modern features like PCIe 5.0, WiFi 6E, and DDR5 compatibility without breaking the bank. While it may not have the ultra-premium features of high-end boards, it covers all the essentials and then some. If you’re planning a compact build and want a motherboard that delivers performance and functionality without unnecessary frills, this is worth considering.

For me, the ASRock B850M Pro RS WiFi strikes a solid balance between affordability and performance. Whether you’re a gamer, a casual user, or someone on a budget looking to build a reliable workstation, this motherboard gets the job done with minimal fuss.