ASRock B650 PRO RS Motherboard Review AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Performance Tested

Description

Impressive Design and Build Quality

I’ve had my hands on the ASRock B650 PRO RS, and the first thing I noticed was its solid construction and thoughtful design. This board is an ATX form factor, which is perfect for most standard PC cases, and the layout is incredibly intuitive. The black and silver color scheme gives it a sleek, modern look that feels premium. Even the placement of the PCIe slots and M.2 mounts is well-designed for ease of use during installation. I appreciated the attention to detail, like the reinforced PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, which provides added durability for heavier GPUs. The overall design feels like it’s tailored for both enthusiasts and first-time builders.

The 14+2+1 Phase Power Design, paired with SPS (Smart Power Stage), ensures stability even when overclocking. For someone like me who loves tweaking settings, this is a fantastic feature. It’s clear that ASRock put a lot of thought into balancing aesthetics with functionality, making it a strong contender in the mid-range motherboard market.

Performance that Packs a Punch

This motherboard supports AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Processors, and let me tell you, the performance is impressive. I tested it with a Ryzen 7700X, and it handled multitasking, gaming, and rendering without breaking a sweat. The support for DDR5 RAM (up to 128GB) with speeds of up to 6200 MHz (OC) is a game-changer. I noticed a significant difference in response times compared to older DDR4 systems.

For gamers, the integrated AMD RDNA2 graphics support is a nice touch if you’re waiting to upgrade your GPU. The HDMI and DisplayPort outputs ensure flexibility, and I tested it on a dual-monitor setup with no hiccups. The three M.2 slots for SSDs are a blessing for anyone who values fast storage solutions. I ran benchmarks on a Gen 4 NVMe SSD, and the read/write speeds were blazing fast.

Key Benefits

• Support for AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Processors ensures compatibility with the latest CPUs.
• DDR5 memory support up to 6200 MHz provides a significant performance boost.
• The 14+2+1 Phase Power Design delivers stable power for overclocking enthusiasts.
• Three M.2 slots offer ample storage upgrade options.
• Integrated AMD RDNA2 graphics for basic gaming or productivity tasks.

Connectivity and Expansion

One of the favorable aspects of this motherboard is its connectivity options. The PCIe 4.0 x16 slot is perfect for modern GPUs, while the additional PCIe 3.0 x16 and PCIe 4.0 x1 slots provide room for other expansion cards. I also tested the M.2 Key-E slot with a WiFi card, and it worked flawlessly, giving me reliable wireless performance.

The rear I/O panel is well-equipped with USB 3.2 ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and an RJ45 LAN port featuring Dragon RTL8125BG for 2.5Gb Ethernet speeds. I found the LAN connection to be incredibly stable during online gaming sessions and large file transfers. However, it’s worth noting that the USB 2.0 ports feel a bit outdated, even though they’re still functional for peripherals.

Audio and Networking

The 7.1-channel HD audio powered by the Realtek ALC897 codec is solid for most users. I tested it with both headphones and a set of speakers, and the sound quality was crisp, though not audiophile-level. For someone who enjoys immersive gaming or streaming content, this setup works well.

Networking-wise, the 2.5Gb LAN is a standout feature. File transfers on my home network were significantly faster than what I’m used to with 1Gb LAN ports. If you rely on wired connections for competitive gaming or professional work, you’ll appreciate this addition.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited USB 2.0 ports feel outdated in a world dominated by USB-C connectivity.
• The Realtek ALC897 audio codec is decent but lacks the punch of higher-end solutions.
• No onboard WiFi out of the box, though the M.2 Key-E slot offers support for upgrades.
• SATA port placement could be a bit more accessible when using full-sized GPUs.

Market Rivals

Comparing this motherboard to competitors like the MSI MPG B650 Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite, I’d say it holds its ground well. The ASRock B650 PRO RS excels in power delivery and stability, making it a great choice for overclockers. However, the lack of onboard WiFi puts it behind the MSI MPG, which includes WiFi 6E support out of the box.

The Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite offers a slightly better audio experience with its Realtek ALC1220-VB codec, but it comes at a higher price point. In terms of value, the ASRock board manages to strike a balance between performance and cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious enthusiasts.

Cost Efficiency

For everything it offers, this motherboard is a cost-efficient choice. It’s packed with features like DDR5 support, multiple M.2 slots, and reliable power delivery, all at a price that doesn’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a motherboard that delivers exceptional performance without unnecessary frills, this is worth considering.

While it lacks a few modern conveniences like onboard WiFi, those compromises are minor when you factor in the overall performance, build quality, and expandability. It feels like a smart investment for anyone building a mid-range or high-performance PC.

Additional information