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

MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4 review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£130CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel B660Form factor:microATX

MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 4 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 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 58% of models
Score components

40%

6.1

Technical score

20%

6.1

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

9.0

User score

â–¼Worse than 58% of motherboards
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 54%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 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 50% of models
Score components

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

7.9

Platform

16%

5.1

Storage

15%

7.1

Network

13%

3.0

Ports

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

7.4

Power & Cooling

5%

6.4

Audio

â–²Better than 50%
6.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.1/ 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 75% of models

6.1

Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

8.3

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
4 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–¼Worse than 75%
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 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 79% of models

70%

9.0

Rating

30%

9.0

Popularity

â–²Better than 79%
?

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
  • msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
msi-pro-b660m-a-ddr4
Where to buy
    N/A~ £130
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4

Based on 4

Reviewers like the generous storage options, but most complain about the I/O shield and weak onboard audio.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 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 50% of models
Score components:

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

7.9

Platform

16%

5.1

Storage

15%

7.1

Network

13%

3.0

Ports

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

7.4

Power & Cooling

5%

6.4

Audio

6.1
Reviews score
6.1
User score
9.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.7
CPU socket
LGA 1700
This motherboard uses LGA 1700, which is more up-to-date than 54.7% of Motherboards and the same as 22.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel B660
This motherboard uses Intel B660, which is more capable than 57.3% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.7% of Motherboards.
Form factor
microATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% 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
4,800 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 51.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.1% 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 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, which is faster than 49.9% of Motherboards and the same as 3.1% of Motherboards.
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
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.7% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x1
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x4/x1, which is more generous than 77.7% of Motherboards and the same as 5.9% 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)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.1% 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
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than 60.3% of Motherboards and the same as 11.2% 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.
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
97 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 97 dB, which is lower than that of 65.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.9% 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
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
VRM phases
8+1+1
This motherboard has 8+1+1 VRM phases, which is fewer than 56.3% of motherboards and equal to 1.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
4
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 4 fan headers, which is fewer than 64.7% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% 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

MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 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
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    JTBT1 header
    1 vs 0
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 21.6% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 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 79% of models

    70%

    9.0

    Rating

    30%

    9.0

    Popularity

    9.0 vs 7.4
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x4/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    JTBT1 header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has more DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    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 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel B660 vs Intel B860).
    Intel B660 vs Intel B860
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 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
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 16.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.1/ 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 75% of models

    6.1

    Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    8.3

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    6.1 vs 7.3
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel B660 vs Intel B860).
    Intel B660 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No automatic overclocking
    This motherboard does not support automatic overclocking, while the average motherboard does. 74.1% of motherboards support automatic overclocking.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA 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.
  • 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 rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 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
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 18 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (97 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    97 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.
  • 1.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    4 vs 5.5

Video reviews

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

Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
03/08/2022
Benchmark review · Entry-level Intel board
Verdict
The MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4 is a competent entry Intel board with fast storage and 2.5 GbE, but its few rear USB ports and dated audio hold it back.
7.7
custompc.com
✓ explicit
04/10/2023
Review · Budget Intel 12th-gen board
Verdict
The MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4 is a cheap, plain option for Intel 12th Gen, but it has few features and no overclocking, so similar boards offer more.
8.0
alktech.co
≈ estimated
05/09/2022
Hands-on review · Budget B660 board
Verdict
The MSI PRO B660M-A WIFI DDR4 is a value-for-money Micro ATX board with Raptor Lake support and strong VRM cooling, suited to budget builds that keep DDR4 memory.
7.0
hardware-journal.de
≈ estimated
18/04/2023
Lab test · Entry-level Micro ATX
Verdict
The MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4 is a plain budget Micro ATX board for Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPUs, suited to DDR4 upgraders who don't need RGB or extras.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4

  • Excellent VRM performance, capable of handling high-end CPUs like the i7-12700 or even the i9-12900 without thermal throttling
  • Strong value proposition for budget-conscious builders looking for a stable 12th-gen Intel platform
  • Features 2.5G LAN for faster networking compared to standard gigabit ethernet
  • Includes two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots for high-speed storage, one with a 'Shield Frozr' heatsink
  • User-friendly BIOS (MSI Click BIOS) that is easy to navigate for enabling XMP and basic tuning
  • Provides a set of four EZ Debug LEDs to help troubleshoot boot, VGA, DRAM, and CPU issues

What customers don't like about MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4

  • Uses an older, mid-range audio codec (ALC897) which may lack the quality found on pricier boards
  • Lacks an integrated I/O shield, requiring manual installation during the PC build process
  • No USB Type-C port on the rear I/O panel, though a front-panel header is available
  • Aesthetic is very plain with no built-in RGB lighting, which may not appeal to gamers looking for a 'flashy' look
  • The CMOS battery uses a non-standard two-pin connector on some variants (WiFi model), making future replacement more difficult than standard CR2032 holders
  • Slightly more expensive than some competing budget B660 models while offering fewer aesthetic features

Verdict

The MSI Pro B660M-A DDR4 is a micro-ATX motherboard designed for Intel LGA 1700 processors, featuring the Intel B660 chipset and support for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds reaching 4800MHz (OC). Key specifications include a robust 12-phase power delivery system (VRM) with substantial heatsinks, dual PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for high-speed storage, a primary PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and a Realtek 2.5G LAN controller. Its main pros are the class-leading VRM thermal performance that can reliably handle high-end CPUs like the i7-12700, a user-friendly BIOS, and extensive video connectivity via two HDMI 2.1 and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports. Notable cons include a budget Realtek ALC897 audio codec, the absence of a rear-panel USB Type-C port, a basic non-integrated I/O shield, and only four SATA ports.

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