OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

ASRock B850M-X review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£90CPU socket:AM5Chipset:AMD B850Form factor:microATX

ASRock B850M-X Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 1 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASRock B850M-X
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

40%

6.5

Technical score

20%

6.5

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

6.5

Sentiment score

10%

8.9

User score

â–¼Worse than 51% of motherboards
7.9

Value for money

Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–²Better than 59%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 58% of models
Score components

19%

6.3

Memory

16%

8.6

Platform

16%

7.0

Storage

15%

8.1

Network

13%

2.8

Ports

8%

5.1

Expansion

8%

6.6

Power & Cooling

5%

5.7

Audio

â–²Better than 58%
6.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 72% of models

6.5

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–¼Worse than 72%
8.9

User score

User score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 74% of models

70%

8.9

Rating

30%

8.9

Popularity

â–²Better than 74%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • asrock-b850m-x
  • asrock-b850m-x
  • asrock-b850m-x
  • asrock-b850m-x
  • asrock-b850m-x
  • asrock-b850m-x
asrock-b850m-x
asrock-b850m-x
asrock-b850m-x
asrock-b850m-x
asrock-b850m-x
asrock-b850m-x
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASRock B850M-X

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 58% of models
Score components:

19%

6.3

Memory

16%

8.6

Platform

16%

7.0

Storage

15%

8.1

Network

13%

2.8

Ports

8%

5.1

Expansion

8%

6.6

Power & Cooling

5%

5.7

Audio

6.5
Reviews score
6.5
User score
8.9
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.9
CPU socket
AM5
This motherboard uses AM5, which is more up-to-date than 85.5% of Motherboards and the same as 14.5% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
Chipset
AMD B850
This motherboard uses AMD B850, which is more capable than 88.6% of Motherboards and as capable as 4.2% of Motherboards.
Form factor
microATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.1% of motherboards and equal to 21.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.1% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
8,200 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 8,200 MT/s, which is higher than that of 90.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.5% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 34.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4, which is faster than 80% of Motherboards and the same as 2.9% of Motherboards.
Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 6.1% of motherboards and equal to 46.8% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/10, which is less flexible than 67.6% of Motherboards and the same as 23.6% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.4% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 90.9% of motherboards and equal to 6.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, which is more generous than 51% of Motherboards and the same as 9.6% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 63.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
13
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 13 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 64.8% of motherboards and equal to 7.6% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125B
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8125B LAN controller, which is faster than 70.4% of Motherboards and equal to 12.2% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi 6E.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than 71.5% of Motherboards and the same as 16.7% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC897, which is higher-end than 20.2% of Motherboards and the same as 29.9% of Motherboards.
Nahimic audio.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
90 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 90 dB, which is lower than that of 93.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.3% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
3
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 11.3% of motherboards and equal to 39.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
6+1+1
This motherboard has 6+1+1 VRM phases, which is fewer than 77.3% of motherboards and equal to 1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more

ASRock B850M-X vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (AM5 vs LGA 1151).
    AM5 vs LGA 1,151
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 74.5% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    8,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 20.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.9/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 74% of models

    70%

    8.9

    Rating

    30%

    8.9

    Popularity

    8.9 vs 7.4
  • 66.7% cheaper
    ASRock B850M-X is cheaper than the average motherboard (£90 vs £150).
    £90 vs £150
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (AM5 vs LGA 1151).
    AM5 vs LGA 1,151
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 74.5% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    8,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • Supports ECC memory
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    ECC requires compatible CPU.
  • 64% higher overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (8,200 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    8,200 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8125B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 25 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (90 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    90 dB vs 115 dB
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • Fewer RAID options
    This motherboard offers fewer RAID levels than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10).
    JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
    0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 11.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 72% of models

    6.5

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    6.5 vs 7.3
  • 13.3% lower sentiment score
    6.5 vs 7.5
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • Fewer RAID options
    This motherboard offers fewer RAID levels than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10).
    JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
    0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 5x4, 1x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
    1x PCIe 5.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (13 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    13 vs 15
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    3 vs 4
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4).
    5.2 vs 5.4
  • 25 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (90 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    90 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (6+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    6+1+1 vs 10

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Mike's unboxing, reviews and how to
≈ estimated
21/02/2025
Unboxing and walkthrough · ports and BIOS check
Verdict
The ASRock B850M-X is a simple, budget-friendly board that covers most builds, with a weaker power section.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASRock B850M-X

  • Excellent value for budget-conscious AM5 builds
  • User-friendly BIOS with intuitive interface
  • Includes built-in Wi-Fi and 2.5Gb Ethernet at a low price point
  • Straightforward installation process and reliable first-time boot for most
  • Features multiple fan headers and dedicated pump PWM headers
  • Good connectivity for a compact board, including USB-C front panel headers
  • Effective diagnostic LEDs to help with troubleshooting hardware issues

What customers don't like about ASRock B850M-X

  • Lower quality onboard audio (Realtek ALC897) compared to higher-end models
  • Limited to only two RAM slots, which restricts future memory expansion
  • VRM power delivery (6+1+1 phase) can struggle and run hot with high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 9 9950X
  • Minimalist aesthetic with no premium heatsinks or protective backplates
  • Reported issues with initial boot/POST requiring a BIOS flashback for some CPU/RAM combinations
  • Missing some high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) ports due to cost-saving measures
  • Difficulty removing or upgrading the pre-installed Wi-Fi module in some versions

Verdict

The ASRock B850M-X is a budget-friendly Micro-ATX motherboard built on the AMD AM5 socket, supporting Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. It features a 6+1+1 phase Dr.MOS VRM design and provides modern storage through a Blazing M.2 PCIe Gen 5 x4 slot and a secondary Hyper M.2 PCIe Gen 4 x4 slot. Key specifications include two DDR5 DIMM slots supporting overclocked speeds up to 8200+ MT/s, a primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for next-gen graphics, 2.5G LAN, and USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C connectivity. Main pros include its highly competitive pricing, PCIe 5.0 support for M.2 storage, and user-friendly features like BIOS Flashback and an auto-driver installer. However, notable cons include a limited expansion potential due to having only two RAM slots and a basic Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which may be less impressive for high-fidelity sound seekers.

Compare ASRock B850M-X with other products in the Motherboards category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of ASRock B850M-X and other products in the Motherboards category

No results found