ASRock B650M PG Riptide WiFi motherboard review powerful AMD Ryzen compatibility

Description

Merits of the ASRock B650M PG Riptide WiFi Motherboard

Testing out the ASRock B650M PG Riptide WiFi, I was immediately impressed with its AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen 7000 Series Processor support. This motherboard feels like a powerhouse, especially if you’re aiming for a future-proof build. The DDR5 memory compatibility with speeds of up to 6200 MHz (OC) is a game-changer. I tried pairing it with some high-performance RAM, and the results were seamless—booting up was lightning fast, and multitasking felt effortless.

What stood out most during my experience was the inclusion of 12+2+1 power phases combined with Dr.MOS technology. This setup ensures stable power delivery, which is critical for overclocking enthusiasts like myself. The enlarged heatsink armor did a solid job of keeping temperatures in check, even during heavy gaming sessions or productivity tasks.

Design and Build Quality

The micro ATX form factor of this motherboard is a blessing for compact builds. Despite its smaller size, the layout is well-thought-out, making installation straightforward. The heatsink design not only adds to the visual appeal but also plays a critical role in thermal performance. I found the overall build quality robust, and at 2.19 pounds, it feels sturdy without being overly bulky.

The integrated AMD RDNA2 graphics support was a pleasant surprise. While I primarily use a dedicated GPU, having HDMI and DisplayPort options on the motherboard is a handy backup. It’s also great for users who might be waiting to upgrade their graphics card.

Key Benefits

• WiFi 6E and Bluetooth support ensures top-tier wireless connectivity. Streaming, downloading, and online gaming were lag-free during my tests.
• Dual PCIe 4.0 x16 slots allow for versatile expansion, whether it’s adding GPUs or other high-speed components.
• Four SATA3 ports and two M.2 slots provide ample storage options, catering to both SSD and HDD users.
• 7.1-channel HD audio powered by Realtek ALC897 delivers crisp sound quality, which is perfect for both gaming and media consumption.

Disadvantages

While this motherboard ticks many boxes, there are some areas of concern worth noting:

• The Realtek Dragon RTL8125BG LAN chip isn’t as reliable as some of its Intel counterparts. I noticed occasional hiccups during heavy network usage.
• Though the micro ATX form factor is advantageous for small builds, it limits the number of PCIe slots compared to larger boards.
• The BIOS interface, while functional, could be more user-friendly. Customizing settings took longer than anticipated.

Competing Brands

Comparing the ASRock B650M PG Riptide WiFi to similar options like the MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi and Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX, it holds its ground in several areas. The MSI motherboard offers a more polished BIOS interface and slightly better LAN performance, but it doesn’t match the ASRock’s thermal design and power phase configuration. On the other hand, the Gigabyte option excels in audio quality with its upgraded codec yet lacks the same level of WiFi 6E stability. For users focused on overclocking and wireless connectivity, the ASRock model is a more balanced choice.

Cost Efficiency

From my perspective, the price-performance ratio of this motherboard is commendable. It includes high-end features like DDR5 support, robust power delivery, and future-ready connectivity without veering into overly expensive territory. While there are cheaper alternatives, they often compromise on build quality or features like WiFi 6E. For anyone building a Ryzen 7000 series-based system, this motherboard feels like a smart investment.

Testing the ASRock B650M PG Riptide WiFi has been an insightful experience, and while it’s not perfect, its strengths far outweigh its flaws. If you’re an enthusiast looking for a reliable yet feature-rich motherboard, this one is definitely worth considering.

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