ASRock B850M Steel Legend WiFi Motherboard Review Perfect for AMD Ryzen Builds

Description

A Compact Powerhouse for AM5 Enthusiasts

Testing the ASRock B850M Steel Legend WiFi motherboard has been a fascinating experience, especially for someone who loves building compact yet powerful systems. This Micro-ATX motherboard combines a stellar set of features with rugged durability, and it’s built for AMD’s AM5 platform, making it compatible with the Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. As someone who has tinkered with multiple builds, I can confidently say this motherboard packs a punch, but it does come with a few quirks that are worth discussing.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed while unboxing this motherboard was its military-grade design and compact form factor. The 244 x 244mm size makes it perfect for smaller systems without sacrificing critical features. Its Steel Slot PCIe reinforcement is a thoughtful addition, especially useful if you’re installing a heavy GPU. The 8-layer PCB adds to the durability, ensuring the board can handle overclocking and high-performance tasks without breaking a sweat.

Visually, the Polychrome RGB lighting is a treat. It’s not overdone but adds just the right amount of flair. Customizing the lighting through the Polychrome Sync software is straightforward, and the ability to match it with other RGB components in my system was a nice touch. However, if you’re not a fan of RGB, you might find this feature unnecessary.

Performance and Overclocking

Performance-wise, this motherboard is stellar. Its 12+2+1 phase power design with Dr.MOS technology ensures stable power delivery, which is crucial for overclocking. I tested this with a Ryzen 7000 series processor and pushed my system beyond its stock settings. The DDR5-8000+ (OC) support was a dream for anyone looking to squeeze every bit of performance out of their RAM. Four DIMM slots allow for dual-channel configurations, which is ideal for memory-intensive applications or gaming setups.

The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 x16 is forward-thinking, especially for next-gen GPU support. I paired it with a high-performance GPU, and the system handled 4K gaming like a pro. The three M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0 x4 and two PCIe 4.0 x4/x2) are excellent for those who need high-speed NVMe storage. The M.2 bottom heatsink is a thoughtful addition, keeping the drives cool during intensive tasks.

Connectivity and Networking

Having WiFi 7 (802.11be) and 2.5G LAN on a Micro-ATX motherboard is impressive. The wireless connection was stable and fast, even during large downloads and streaming sessions. If you’re someone who prefers wired connections, the 2.5G LAN ensures low latency, which is perfect for gaming and content creation.

The rear I/O panel is generous, with USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports, along with HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. The front panel USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C support is a welcome feature, especially for those who use modern peripherals. However, I did notice that the rear USB ports can get a little crowded if you’re plugging in multiple devices.

Audio and User Experience

The audio experience on this motherboard was immersive. The Realtek ALC1220 codec combined with Nahimic audio enhancements delivered crisp and clear sound. Whether I was gaming or editing videos, the audio output felt premium.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the BIOS Flashback. Updating the BIOS was a breeze, even without a CPU installed. It’s a lifesaver for anyone building a system with newer processors. The toolless M.2 installation also made setting up storage a hassle-free process.

Key Benefits

• Compact yet powerful design ideal for small builds.
• DDR5-8000+ OC support for extreme memory performance.
• WiFi 7 and 2.5G LAN for excellent connectivity options.
• PCIe 5.0 x16 support for next-gen GPUs.
• Three M.2 slots with a bottom heatsink for high-speed storage.

Areas for Improvement

• The rear USB ports can feel cramped when fully utilized.
• RGB lighting might not appeal to everyone.
• Lack of Thunderbolt support could be a drawback for professionals relying on high-speed external devices.

Product Competitors

Compared to competitors like the MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi and the Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite, the Steel Legend holds its own in several areas. Its PCIe 5.0 support gives it an edge over some models that are still limited to PCIe 4.0. The WiFi 7 connectivity is also a standout feature that many competitors lack.

However, the MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi offers a slightly more spacious rear I/O layout, which might appeal to users with multiple external devices. The Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite excels in Thunderbolt support, making it a better choice for professionals who need that specific feature.

Price to Quality Ratio

Given its robust feature set, the price point feels justified. The Steel Legend motherboard offers a balance between affordability and high-end features. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the inclusion of WiFi 7, PCIe 5.0, and excellent overclocking capabilities make it a solid investment for enthusiasts.

For anyone looking to build a compact yet high-performing system, this Micro-ATX motherboard is a fantastic choice. It’s not without its flaws, but the unique combination of features and performance makes it a competitive option in the AM5 motherboard market.

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