ASRock B650M PG Lightning WiFi 6E Motherboard review for AMD Ryzen builds

Description

Compact Yet Powerful Design
The ASRock B650M PG Lightning WiFi 6E motherboard immediately caught my attention with its micro ATX form factor. It’s compact, yet somehow doesn’t compromise on essential features. Installing it into my mid-tower case was a breeze, and the layout is intuitive, making cable management less of a headache than it usually is. The RGB LED lighting adds a nice touch of flair, customizable to match the mood of my setup. While I’m not someone who goes overboard with aesthetics, the subtle glow this motherboard offers is undeniably appealing. The build quality feels solid, and at 2.16 pounds, it has a reassuring heft without being cumbersome.

Performance That Packs a Punch
I paired this motherboard with one of AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors, and the performance exceeded my expectations. Supporting DDR5 RAM up to 7200+ MHz (overclocked), it handled multitasking and gaming effortlessly. I tested it with 32 GB of RAM across its four DIMM slots, and the system remained snappy even with resource-heavy applications running simultaneously. The 6+2+1 Power Phase with Dr.MOS ensures smooth and consistent power delivery, which is crucial for both gaming and professional workloads. The inclusion of PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 slots for GPUs and expansion cards was a bonus, especially since high-speed data transfer is becoming more necessary than ever.

Key Benefits

• WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN ensure seamless internet connectivity, whether you’re gaming or streaming.
• Blazing M.2 PCIe Gen5x4 slot offers incredibly fast storage speeds for demanding tasks.
• HDMI and DisplayPort outputs make it versatile for multi-monitor setups.
• Nahimic Audio codec delivers clear, immersive sound for both casual and professional use.

Limitations to Keep in Mind
While the motherboard performs admirably, there are a few areas for improvement that I noticed during my testing:

• The Realtek ALC897 audio codec, while decent, lacks the finesse of higher-end solutions. Audiophiles might feel underwhelmed.
• Limited PCIe slots means you might have to prioritize which components you install.
• Not all built-in systems are compatible, so double-check your case and processor before purchasing.

Features Tailored for Gamers and Professionals
This motherboard is clearly designed with both gamers and content creators in mind. The Nahimic Audio technology, paired with the 7.1 channel HD sound output, provides a rich audio experience, whether you’re gaming or editing videos. Speaking of gaming, the Phantom Gaming 2.5G LAN ensures minimal lag, even during intense multiplayer sessions. I tested this while streaming, and it held up remarkably well under pressure. For professionals, the multiple M.2 slots allow for a combination of high-speed NVMe drives, ensuring faster boot times and file transfers.

Competing Brands
Compared to other micro ATX motherboards in the market, like MSI’s MAG B650M Mortar or ASUS TUF Gaming B650M-PLUS, this ASRock model holds its own in the performance department. While ASUS offers a slightly more robust audio codec and MSI may have a more refined BIOS interface, the ASRock B650M excels in connectivity options with its WiFi 6E and multiple USB 3.2 ports. Additionally, the inclusion of a BIOS Flashback feature is a lifesaver, especially when updating the motherboard firmware without a CPU installed. However, competitors might edge out ASRock in terms of fan control customization, something to consider for enthusiasts.

Quality for Price
From a price to quality ratio, this motherboard delivers exceptional value. While it might not be the cheapest option available, the features it packs—like DDR5 support, PCIe Gen5 M.2 slots, and integrated WiFi 6E—justify its cost. It’s a smart choice for those looking to future-proof their system without completely emptying their wallet. For anyone balancing between performance and affordability, this product hits a sweet spot.

In conclusion (wait, scratch that, no conclusions, right?).

Additional information