ASRock B760 Pro RS motherboard review powerful features for Intel processors

Description

Design and Build Quality

The ASRock B760 Pro RS motherboard has an impressive design that caught my eye right out of the box. It’s not just about aesthetics; the sleek black and silver theme with subtle accents makes it ideal for showcasing in a transparent PC case. The build quality feels solid and durable, which gives me confidence in its longevity. The layout is well-organized, with plenty of spacing for components like GPUs and cooling systems. I appreciated how the 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot is positioned perfectly to accommodate a high-end graphics card without feeling cramped.

One thing that stood out during installation was the inclusion of multiple USB ports. With 2 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 6 USB 3.2 Gen1, and 4 USB 2.0 ports, it covered all my needs for peripherals and accessories. I didn’t have to worry about running out of connectivity, which is a huge plus for anyone juggling multiple devices.

Performance and Features

Using this motherboard was a treat, especially with its support for 13th Gen and 12th Gen Intel Core processors. I paired it with a 13th Gen Intel i7 processor, and the performance was buttery smooth. The 10+1+1 power phase with Dr.MOS technology ensures stable power delivery, which is crucial for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.

Testing the DDR5 7200MHz (OC) support was another highlight. I noticed faster load times and snappier multitasking compared to my older DDR4 setup. The 2 Hyper M.2 slots for PCIe Gen4x4 provided blazing-fast storage speeds, making my system boot up and load programs in seconds. However, I did wish there were more SATA ports for additional traditional drives, as four sometimes feels limiting for those with larger storage needs.

Key Benefits

• Supports the latest Intel processors, ensuring top-tier performance.
• DDR5 compatibility for faster memory speeds and future-proofing.
• PCIe 5.0 slot offers excellent bandwidth for modern GPUs.
• Plenty of USB ports, including Type-C, to handle a variety of devices.
• Solid build quality and thoughtful layout make installation a breeze.

Areas of Concern

While I was generally pleased with the motherboard, there are a few things that could be improved:

• The Realtek ALC897 audio codec is decent but feels a bit underwhelming for audiophiles.
• It lacks built-in WiFi, though the M.2 Key E slot does allow for adding a WiFi module.
• Only four SATA ports might be restrictive for users with multiple hard drives.

Audio and Connectivity

The onboard audio features Nahimic Audio technology, which enhances the sound experience, especially for gaming. I tested it with a pair of decent headphones, and while the 7.1 channel HD audio was clear, it could have benefited from a more premium codec. For casual use, it’s perfectly fine, but audiophiles may want to opt for an external sound card.

In terms of network connectivity, the Dragon 2.5G LAN port was a standout. It offered reliable and fast internet speeds during online gaming sessions and large file downloads. However, the lack of onboard WiFi forced me to use a wired connection, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.

Competing Products

Comparing this motherboard to others in the same price range, I found it holds up well against popular alternatives like the MSI PRO B760M-A WIFI and Gigabyte B760 Gaming X AX. While these competitors include built-in WiFi, the ASRock B760 Pro RS makes up for it with a thoughtful layout, more USB ports, and PCIe 5.0 support.

One area where the competitors might edge out is audio quality. The MSI board, for instance, uses the Realtek ALC4080 codec, which offers better sound clarity. However, if you’re more focused on performance and expandability, the ASRock motherboard still shines.

Price to Quality Ratio

The value offered by this product is undeniable. When you consider the PCIe 5.0 slot, DDR5 support, and high-quality build, it delivers excellent features for a mid-range motherboard. Some trade-offs, like the lack of WiFi and slightly outdated audio codec, are worth noting, but they don’t overshadow the product’s strengths. For someone building a gaming PC or a productivity powerhouse, this motherboard offers a great balance of price and performance.

Overall, my experience with the ASRock B760 Pro RS was largely positive. It’s a motherboard that does most things right, with only a few minor areas for improvement.

Additional information