A Comprehensive Review of AMD's B650M Mainboards: Uncovering the Best Build Quality and How to Choose?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Issues with Ryzen 7700 CPU
3. High Prices of Mainboards
4. Improvements and Price Reductions
5. Comparison of Mainboard Expansion and Layouts
   • DX1 Slot Design
   • Expansion Slots for Graphics Cards
   • M.2 Solid State Drive Slots
   • Fan Headers and Layouts
   • USB Interfaces and Ports
   • Audio Cards and Interfaces
   • Ethernet and Wireless Network Cards
   • PCB Design and Layering
6. Power Delivery and Components
   • CPU Power Delivery
   • Power Phase and PWM Controllers
7. Thermal Management and Cooling
   • Heatsinks and Armor Plates
   • Fan Headers and Placement
   • Test Results and Performance
8. Memory Support and Overclocking
   • RAM Compatibility and Performance
   • BIOS Features and Tuning Options
9. Conclusion
10. Resources

Article Title: Understanding the Improvements and Challenges of the Ryzen 7700 CPU and Mainboards 💻

Introduction

The release of the Ryzen 7700 CPU was met with mixed reviews from gamers and computer enthusiasts. While the overall performance of the CPU was not the main concern, the numerous minor issues and high prices of compatible mainboards were major sources of disappointment. However, over time, many of these minor issues have been resolved, and there have been some price reductions in the mainboard market. In this article, we will delve into the improved features and changes in the Ryzen 7700 CPU and explore the mainboard options available in the market.

Issues with Ryzen 7700 CPU

When the Ryzen 7700 CPU was first launched, it faced criticism from users due to the presence of several minor issues. These issues, although not directly affecting its overall performance, were a cause for concern among gamers and PC builders. However, it is important to note that these issues have been largely addressed by subsequent updates and improvements.

High Prices of Mainboards

One of the major drawbacks of the Ryzen 7700 CPU has been the high prices of compatible mainboards. Mainstream options, such as the Asus B650M Prime, were initially priced at a staggering $1499, while the MSI Mortar WiFi was priced at $1699. These prices were considered exorbitant by many users. However, with the passage of time and the introduction of newer models, the prices of mainboards have slightly decreased.

Improvements and Price Reductions

In the past year, the Ryzen 7700 CPU and its compatible mainboards have undergone significant improvements. Minor issues have been resolved through updates and patches, resulting in a more stable and reliable system. Additionally, there have been slight price reductions, making the combination of the Ryzen 7700 CPU and compatible mainboards more accessible to users.

Comparison of Mainboard Expansion and Layouts

When choosing a mainboard for your Ryzen 7700 CPU, it is essential to consider the expansion capabilities and layout. In this section, we will compare the expansion slots, connectors, and overall layout of popular mainboard choices to determine which option is the most practical and suitable.

DX1 Slot Design

The availability and positioning of DX1 slots can significantly impact a system's expandability and usability. Our analysis shows that all four mainboard options – Asus B650M Prime, MSI Mortar WiFi, Gigabyte Aorus B650M, and ASRock B650M PG Storm – provide two full-length PCIe slots. However, there are differences in the PCIe configurations. While Asus and MSI offer one PCIe 4.0 x16 and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, Gigabyte provides two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, and ASRock offers two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.

Expansion Slots for Graphics Cards

The arrangement and availability of expansion slots are crucial for users who plan to install multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards. It was observed that Asus and MSI's mainboards suffered from a layout issue whereby the primary x16 slot, when occupied by a larger graphics card, would block the Second slot, rendering it unusable without using extension cables or vertical GPU mounting. However, Gigabyte and ASRock's designs feature a more practical layout, allowing two dual-slot graphics cards to be installed simultaneously without any interference.

M.2 Solid State Drive Slots

All four mainboards examined in this analysis offer dual M.2 slots for solid-state drives (SSDs). The key difference lies in the supported speed specifications. While Asus, Gigabyte, and ASRock provide one M.2 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 and the other supporting PCIe 3.0 x4, MSI chose to opt for two M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 x4 support. However, the impact of this difference may be insignificant for most users.

Fan Headers and Layouts

Efficient cooling and proper fan management are essential for maintaining system stability and longevity. Therefore, examining the number and placement of fan headers is vital. Asus and Gigabyte lead in this aspect, offering six fan headers each, while MSI and ASRock provide five fan headers. Additionally, it was observed that MSI's and Asus' layouts may be less user-friendly, as they have positioned the headers in a way that could make cable management challenging, especially when using an AIO liquid cooler or a combination of CPU cooler and case fans.

USB Interfaces and Ports

The selection and quantity of USB interfaces and ports can greatly impact a system's connectivity options. MSI offers six USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (20Gbps), three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10Gbps), and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (5Gbps). Gigabyte surpasses MSI in terms of quantity, providing four USB 2.0 ports, five USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port. Asus and ASRock fall slightly behind in this category, with Asus offering one USB 3.2 Gen 1 port and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and ASRock providing one USB 3.2 Gen 2 port and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. It is important to note that Asus and ASRock could potentially improve these numbers to better meet users' connectivity needs.

Audio Cards and Interfaces

For users who prioritize audio quality and features, the type of audio card and interfaces available can be crucial. Asus, ASRock, and Gigabyte all utilize the Realtek ALC897 audio card, which is considered a mainstream choice. However, Asus and ASRock have omitted the optical audio interface from their designs, while Gigabyte has included it. On the other HAND, MSI has chosen to incorporate an higher-end ALC4080 audio card, which may provide a slightly better audio experience. It is essential to consider your specific audio requirements when choosing a mainboard.

Ethernet and Wireless Network Cards

Ethernet and wireless networking capabilities play a vital role in modern systems. Unfortunately, ASRock does not offer WiFi functionality in the reviewed model, limiting its wireless networking options. Gigabyte and MSI both feature the AMDRZ616 WiFi card, which supports WiFi 6E (802.11ax) technology. Asus uses the older MT7921 WiFi card, which may not provide the same level of performance as the newer MT7922 used by Gigabyte and MSI. It is worth noting that ASUS offers a WiFi variant on its official website, but it may not be widely available in certain regions.

PCB Design and Layering

The printed circuit board (PCB) design and layering can impact the stability, durability, and overclocking capabilities of a mainboard. All four mainboards reviewed in this article employ a six-layer PCB design, which is considered standard. However, it is worth mentioning that MSI has plans to release an 18-layer version of its mainboard, which promises improved expandability, power delivery, and signal integrity. In terms of PCB quality, the overall layout, component choices, and power delivery implementations are also essential factors to consider.

Power Delivery and Components

The power delivery circuitry on a mainboard is responsible for supplying stable and clean power to the CPU. MSI's model features an 8+8-Pin CPU power connection, Gigabyte and Asus have opted for an 8+4-pin configuration, while ASRock only offers an 8-pin connector. All four mainboards employ power phases for power delivery, with MSI boasting a 12+2 configuration, Gigabyte and Asus featuring a 12+2 setup, and ASRock utilizing a 10+2 configuration. Although these configurations indicate the theoretical power delivery capabilities, it is important to note that the actual performance may vary depending on the specific circuitry implementation by each manufacturer.

Thermal Management and Cooling

Efficient cooling is vital for ensuring the longevity and stability of a system, especially when dealing with high-performance CPUs. The mainboards in this analysis utilize various cooling solutions. While MSI incorporates larger heatsinks and armor plates for better thermal dissipation on its model, Asus and Gigabyte offer slightly smaller heatsinks. ASRock, however, does not provide any additional cooling solution apart from the standard heatsinks. It is important to carefully consider the thermal design and cooling capabilities of a mainboard, especially when planning to overclock or use high-performance components.

Memory Support and Overclocking

The compatibility and performance of the mainboard with different memory modules can significantly impact system performance and stability. All four mainboards support DDR5 memory modules, but the specific configurations and supported frequencies may vary. In our testing, we used Crucial Ballistix DDR5 memory modules rated at 3200MHz. While all the mainboards were able to run the memory at their advertised frequency, some variations were observed during overclocking attempts. It is worth noting that memory overclocking capabilities can depend on various factors, including the CPU's memory controller and the specific memory modules used.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Ryzen 7700 CPU has undergone significant improvements since its initial release, with many of the early issues addressed through updates. The mainboard market has also seen some positive changes, with slight reductions in prices and improvements in features. When selecting a mainboard for your Ryzen 7700 CPU, it is crucial to consider factors such as expansion capabilities, layout, power delivery, thermal management, memory support, and connectivity options. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and compare different models based on these factors to find the most suitable option for your specific needs.

Resources

• Asus B650M Prime: Website
• MSI Mortar WiFi: Website
• Gigabyte Aorus B650M: Website
• ASRock B650M PG Storm: Website
• Crucial Ballistix DDR5 Memory: Website
• AMDRZ616 WiFi Card: Product Page
• Realtek ALC897 Audio Card: Product Page

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Are there any wireless networking options offered by ASRock's B650M PG Storm mainboard? A: No, the ASRock B650M PG Storm mainboard does not include wireless networking capabilities.

Q: Which mainboard offers the most USB interface ports? A: Gigabyte's Aorus B650M mainboard provides the largest number of USB interface ports, including USB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports.

Q: What is the power phase configuration of the Asus B650M Prime mainboard? A: The Asus B650M Prime mainboard features a 12+2 power phase configuration for power delivery to the CPU.

Q: Which mainboard offers the best overclocking capabilities for memory modules? A: All four mainboards, Asus B650M Prime, MSI Mortar WiFi, Gigabyte Aorus B650M, and ASRock B650M PG Storm, support DDR5 memory modules and offer similar memory overclocking capabilities. However, actual results may vary depending on specific hardware configurations and CPU memory controllers.