MSI B650I Edge: The Perfect Choice for Your Ryzen 7000 Build

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of the MSI B650ITX Motherboard
3. Chipset Options for Ryzen 7000
4. Features and Design of the MSI B650ITX
5. Performance testing
6. Pros and Cons of the MSI B650ITX
7. Comparisons with Other Mini ITX Motherboards
8. Pricing and Availability
9. Conclusion
10. Additional Resources

Introduction

Welcome to Machines and More! In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the MSI B650ITX motherboard. Upgrading to Ryzen 7000 can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to finding the right motherboard. However, the MSI B650ITX may just be the golden ticket for most users. In this article, we will delve into the features, performance, and overall value of this motherboard. So, let's dive in and explore what this motherboard has to offer!

Overview of the MSI B650ITX Motherboard

The MSI B650ITX motherboard is positioned as a mid-range option in the Mini ITX form factor. It is part of MSI's gaming-oriented MPG line, which sits just below their highest-end Enthusiast Meg boards. While it may not offer the same level of features as those high-end boards, the B650ITX still packs a punch with its solid performance and sleek design. In terms of chipset options for Ryzen 7000, the B650ITX is equipped with the B650 chipset, which does not support PCIe 5.0. However, it still offers a decent number of features that make it a compelling choice for most users.

Chipset Options for Ryzen 7000

Before we dive deeper into the MSI B650ITX motherboard, let's take a moment to understand the various chipset options available for Ryzen 7000. For the upcoming Zen 4 processors, AMD offers a range of chipset options from top to bottom. At the highest end, we have the X670E and X670 chipsets, which offer support for PCIe 5.0 and higher PCIe bandwidth. The B650 chipset, featured on the MSI B650ITX, does not support PCIe 5.0 for expansion slots but may support it for M.2 slots, depending on the specific motherboard. It's important to consider these differences when choosing a motherboard for your Ryzen 7000 build.

Features and Design of the MSI B650ITX

The MSI B650ITX motherboard comes with a range of features that make it a great choice for mid-range gaming builds. It features an integrated rear I/O shield, which provides a clean and seamless appearance. In terms of connectivity, the board offers a mix of USB ports, including two 5Gbps USB-A ports, three 10Gbps USB-A ports, and one 20Gbps USB Type-C port. While it may not have as many USB ports as some higher-tier motherboards, the MSI B650ITX still offers sufficient connectivity for most users. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi 6E and includes actual audio connectors, which were lacking in the ASUS X670E ITX motherboard.

Performance Testing

To assess the performance of the MSI B650ITX, we conducted several tests using the Ryzen 7000 processors. The B650ITX had no issues running both the 7600X and 7700X CPUs, and it performed particularly well with the 7600X. With a curve optimizer of -25, we were able to achieve a stable overclock of 5.4GHz on all cores. This resulted in a Cinebench R23 score of around 15,550, which is quite impressive for a mid-range CPU. In terms of gaming performance, the board consistently achieved 5.5GHz single-core boosts and provided excellent performance in games. Overall, the MSI B650ITX delivered solid performance for both gaming and multi-core tasks.

Pros and Cons of the MSI B650ITX

As with any product, the MSI B650ITX motherboard has its pros and cons. Let's take a closer look at what sets this motherboard apart and where it may fall short:

Pros:

• Solid performance for mid-range gaming builds
• Sleek design with built-in rear I/O shield
• Actual audio connectors for improved audio experience
• Supports Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless connectivity
• Clear CMOS button and flash BIOS button for easy troubleshooting and updating

Cons:

• Layout choices, such as the placement of front panel connectors, may be inconvenient
• Limited number of USB ports compared to higher-tier motherboards
• Lack of PCIe 5.0 support for expansion slots and M.2 slots

Despite a few drawbacks, the MSI B650ITX offers excellent value for its price range and is a reliable choice for mid-range gaming builds.

Comparisons with Other Mini ITX Motherboards

When considering a motherboard for your Ryzen 7000 build, it's important to compare options to make an informed decision. In comparison to other Mini ITX motherboards, the MSI B650ITX holds its own in terms of performance and features. It may not have the same level of high-end features as some other boards, but it offers a good balance of performance and price. One alternative worth considering is the Gigabyte B650I, which is currently priced lower than the MSI B650ITX. However, the Gigabyte board only supports one Gen 5 M.2 slot, which may be a limiting factor for some users.

Pricing and Availability

It is worth noting that the pricing of the MSI B650ITX motherboard has seen some fluctuations. Earlier this year, it was priced around $220-$230, which was considered reasonable for its features and performance. However, at the time of writing this article, the price has increased to at least $290, which may affect its overall value proposition. It is unclear whether this price hike is temporary or a more permanent change. Additionally, the availability of the motherboard may vary, so it's important to check with retailers for the latest pricing and stock information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MSI B650ITX motherboard offers solid performance and features for mid-range gaming builds. Its sleek design, integrated rear I/O shield, and audio connectors make it a suitable choice for Mini ITX or SFF (small form factor) systems. While it lacks PCIe 5.0 support and has a few layout quirks, the overall value of this motherboard is dependent on its pricing. At its original price point of $220-$230, it was highly recommended for its performance and feature set. However, with the current price increase, the competitiveness of the MSI B650ITX may be diminished. Ultimately, the decision to choose this motherboard should be based on personal requirements and budget considerations.

Additional Resources

For more information about the MSI B650ITX motherboard and other Mini ITX options, you may find the following resources helpful:

• MSI Official Website: www.msi.com
• Gigabyte Official Website: www.gigabyte.com
• AMD Official Website: www.amd.com