ASRock B450M Steel Legend Motherboard Review A Reliable Choice for AMD Builds

Description

Design and Build Quality

The ASRock B450M Steel Legend manages to strike a balance between durability and aesthetics. I was immediately impressed by the XXL aluminum alloy heatsink, which feels robust and contributes to better heat dissipation. The micro-ATX form factor makes it compact enough to fit in smaller cases, but it doesn’t compromise on features. The overall steel-reinforced PCI-E slots and the camouflage-like design give it a premium, rugged appearance. While the board feels solid, it’s also lightweight, weighing just about 3.08 pounds, which made installation straightforward and hassle-free.

What stood out was the RGB lighting integrated into the board. It’s subtle but customizable, adding a nice touch for those who care about aesthetics. I paired it with a tempered glass PC case, and the lighting really enhanced the overall look. However, I did notice that the RGB software isn’t the most intuitive, which might be a small hiccup for beginners.

Performance Features

One of the key benefits of this motherboard is its ability to handle AMD Quad CrossFire and CrossFire technology. As someone who likes to push their system with multiple GPUs, I found this feature extremely valuable. The DDR4 memory support, with speeds up to 2400 MHz, ensures smooth multitasking and gaming. I tested it with 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and it handled everything from gaming to video editing without a hiccup.

The inclusion of M.2 slots for SSDs is another performance highlight. I installed a PCIe NVMe SSD, and the boot times were almost instantaneous. While there are other motherboards in this price range that support faster memory speeds, the overall stability of this one was impressive. The Realtek ALC892 7.1-channel audio codec delivered decent sound quality, though audiophiles might find it lacking compared to more premium offerings.

Target Users

This motherboard feels like it’s tailored for gamers and casual PC builders who want reliability without overspending. If you’re someone who enjoys tinkering with your PC’s internals, the Steel Legend offers enough room for customization. It’s also ideal for those who prioritize durability, thanks to features like the steel-reinforced PCI-E slots and solid build quality.

However, if you’re a hardcore overclocker, you might find the voltage regulation module (VRM) slightly limiting. While it supports basic overclocking, it’s not designed for pushing high-end CPUs to their limits. That said, for most users—including myself—it strikes a great balance between price and performance.

Boons

• Durable build with an XXL aluminum alloy heatsink for better cooling.
• Compact micro-ATX form factor, perfect for smaller cases without sacrificing functionality.
• M.2 slots for high-speed SSDs, ensuring faster system performance.
• Supports AMD Quad CrossFire for multi-GPU setups, ideal for gamers.
• RGB lighting adds a customizable aesthetic touch.

Areas for Improvement

• The RGB software could use a more user-friendly interface.
• The audio codec is decent but may not satisfy audiophiles.
• Limited overclocking capabilities, particularly for high-end CPUs.

Competing Products

When I compared the Steel Legend to similar motherboards like the MSI B450M Mortar or the Gigabyte B450 AORUS M, a few differences stood out. The MSI B450M Mortar offers slightly better VRM cooling, making it a better choice for overclockers. On the other hand, the Gigabyte B450 AORUS M comes with more USB 3.1 ports, which might be useful if you have a lot of peripherals.

However, neither of these competitors matched the Steel Legend’s unique camouflage design and steel-reinforced PCI-E slots, which provide added durability for heavy GPUs. While the Gigabyte model has a slight edge in connectivity, the Steel Legend feels like a better all-around option for gamers and casual builders.

Value for Money

In terms of price performance, this motherboard delivers exceptional value. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but the combination of features like CrossFire support, M.2 slots, and RGB lighting makes it worth considering. While there are motherboards with higher-end specs, they often come with a much steeper price tag. For what you’re paying, the Steel Legend offers a fantastic mix of performance and durability.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly motherboard that doesn’t skimp on essential features. If you’re building a mid-range gaming PC or even a work-from-home setup, this motherboard is a solid choice without breaking the bank.

Additional information