ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 motherboard review for AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors

Description

Reliable Performance with AMD Ryzen 7000 Compatibility

Testing the ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 was an interesting experience, especially with its support for AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen 7000 Series Processors. The motherboard handled my Ryzen 7 processor with zero hiccups, offering seamless functionality during demanding tasks. Its 8+2+1 Power Phase Design with Dr.MOS ensures power delivery remains stable, even when I pushed the CPU to its limits. I tried everything from gaming to rendering videos, and the board didn’t break a sweat. The inclusion of DDR5 memory support up to 6400 MHz gave my system a noticeable boost in speed, which made multitasking incredibly smooth.

Compact Design with Versatility in Mind

I appreciated the compact micro-ATX form factor of this motherboard, which made it a great fit for my smaller PC case. Despite its smaller size, it doesn’t compromise on features. The layout of the components is clean, and installing it was straightforward. Having 2 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots along with a PCIe 4.0 x1 slot made it easy to add my GPU and other expansions. There’s also an M.2 Key E slot for WiFi, which is a nice touch for those wanting wireless connectivity. However, I did notice that there’s no RGB connector, which might disappoint aesthetics-focused builders.

Key Benefits

• Support for AMD Ryzen 7000 processors ensures compatibility with the latest technology.
• DDR5 RAM slots allow for faster memory speeds, enhancing overall system performance.
• Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4) slot delivers ultra-fast storage speeds.
• Integrated AMD RDNA 2 Graphics offers decent visual performance out of the box.
• Compact design makes it ideal for smaller PC builds.

Audio and Connectivity Options

Audio quality is often overlooked, but the inclusion of the Realtek ALC897 7.1 CH HD Audio Codec was a welcome feature. Paired with Nahimic Audio software, I enjoyed clear, immersive sound during gaming and video playback. Connectivity is another strong suit, with 7 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, including a USB Type-C port at the rear. Adding a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C connection at the front makes accessing high-speed data transfers more convenient. Also, having Dragon 2.5G LAN ensures a lag-free, stable internet connection, something I noticed during extended gaming sessions.

Favorable Attributes

• Multiple USB ports provide excellent connectivity for peripherals.
• Dragon 2.5G LAN delivers reliable, high-speed internet.
• Front USB Type-C port is perfect for modern devices.
• Nahimic Audio software enhances the sound experience.

Areas for Improvement

• The lack of an RGB connector might be an issue for RGB enthusiasts.
• Only two RAM slots limit future memory upgrades.
• No onboard WiFi, though there’s support for an M.2 WiFi card.

Other Options

In the same price range, MSI B650M Mortar WiFi and Gigabyte B650M DS3H come to mind as competitors. The MSI offering includes onboard WiFi and more USB ports, which might make it a better option for users needing wireless connectivity and extensive peripheral support. On the other hand, Gigabyte’s board provides four RAM slots, which is helpful for those seeking to expand memory in the future. However, the ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 undercuts these boards with its Blazing M.2 PCIe Gen5x4 slot, offering faster storage speeds for intensive applications. If you prioritize storage speed and compactness, this product holds its own.

True Value

The motherboard strikes a balance between features and price. While it doesn’t have premium extras like built-in WiFi or RGB lighting, it delivers solid performance where it matters. The inclusion of DDR5 support, PCIe Gen5 compatibility, and Dragon 2.5G LAN makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious builders looking to build or upgrade a system with AMD Ryzen 7000 processors. Its compact design and versatile connectivity options make it a valuable addition to any desk setup.

Additional information