ASRock B850 Challenger Wi-Fi specifications and in-depth review

ASRock B850 Challenger Wi-Fi

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B850 Challenger Wi-Fi is a feature-rich ATX motherboard designed for modern PC builds. It supports the AM5 CPU socket and offers a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless wireless performance.

With support for up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM, the motherboard has four memory slots and dual BIOS for enhanced stability. It also features PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 slots, as well as ample USB connectivity and RAID support for versatile storage configurations.

Pros
  • Supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM, offering substantial memory capacity for demanding workloads.
  • Equipped with both PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for high-speed expansion options.
  • Has dual BIOS for enhanced stability and reliability during system updates or configuration changes.
  • Comes with Wi-Fi 7 support, ensuring the latest wireless connectivity standards for fast and stable internet connections.
  • Includes RGB lighting for customizable aesthetic features, appealing to users seeking a more personalized look.
Cons
  • Does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1, limiting some advanced storage configurations.
  • Lacks Thunderbolt ports, which may be a drawback for users requiring high-speed external device connectivity.
  • Does not have integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU for video output.
  • No mSATA or U.2 connectors for additional storage options.
  • No S/PDIF out port, limiting certain audio output capabilities for home theater setups.
Who is this for?

This motherboard is ideal for users looking to build a high-performance system with modern connectivity options, thanks to its support for Wi-Fi 7 and up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM. It is well-suited for power users who require ample memory capacity and fast wireless networking for tasks such as gaming, content creation, or data-heavy applications. The inclusion of both PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 x16 slots ensures excellent expansion possibilities for high-speed graphics cards and other add-ons.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be ideal for users who require advanced RAID setups like RAID 5 or RAID 0+1, as it lacks support for these configurations. It also does not have integrated graphics, making it unsuitable for those who need video output without a dedicated GPU. Additionally, the lack of Thunderbolt and S/PDIF ports could be limiting for users relying on high-speed external devices or digital audio setups.

General info:

CPU socket AM5
chipset B850
form factor ATX
release date July 2025
supports Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Has Bluetooth
Bluetooth version 5.4
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock
has RGB lighting
Easy to reset BIOS
Has dual BIOS
has aptX
CPU sockets 1
Has integrated graphics
warranty period 3 years
height 244 mm
width 305 mm
Has integrated CPU

The ASRock B850 Challenger Wi-Fi is an ATX motherboard featuring the AM5 CPU socket and B850 chipset, designed for advanced connectivity and performance. It supports Wi-Fi 7 alongside earlier versions, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless wireless communication. The board includes dual BIOS for enhanced stability, RGB lighting for customization, and a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind. Additionally, it supports HDMI 2.1 but lacks integrated graphics, making it ideal for users pairing it with a dedicated GPU.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 256GB
overclocked RAM speed 8000 MHz
memory slots 4
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory

The ASRock B850 Challenger Wi-Fi motherboard supports a maximum memory capacity of 256GB with four memory slots, allowing for substantial RAM expansion. It is compatible with DDR5 memory and operates across dual memory channels for enhanced bandwidth. Additionally, the board supports overclocked RAM speeds up to 8000 MHz, though it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 0
USB 4 40Gbps ports 0
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 0
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
has an HDMI output
DisplayPort outputs 0
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector
PS/2 ports 0

The ASRock B850 Challenger Wi-Fi motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options. It includes USB Type-C support and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) port, along with four USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports and four USB 2.0 ports for versatile peripheral connections. Additionally, the motherboard features an HDMI output, one RJ45 port, but lacks DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, and VGA connectors for external displays.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 4
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 6
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion) 4
M.2 sockets 2
Has TPM connector
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector
SATA 2 connectors 0

The ASRock B850 Challenger Wi-Fi motherboard offers a variety of expansion options. It includes two M.2 sockets for high-speed storage, four SATA 3 connectors, and four additional USB 3.0 ports for connecting external devices. The board also supports TPM connectors for security, six fan headers for cooling, and provides up to four USB 2.0 ports through expansion, though it lacks mSATA and U.2 connectors.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x1 slots 2
PCI slots 0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x4 slots 0
PCIe x8 slots 0

The ASRock B850 Challenger Wi-Fi motherboard provides a solid selection of expansion slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics or other PCIe devices. It also features two PCIe x1 slots for additional expansion cards, though it lacks PCIe x4, x8, or older PCI slots for further customization.

Audio:

audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port
audio connectors 3

The ASRock B850 Challenger Wi-Fi motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound. It includes three audio connectors for easy integration with audio devices but does not have an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1
Supports RAID 10 (1+0)
Supports RAID 5
Supports RAID 0
Supports RAID 0+1

The ASRock B850 Challenger Wi-Fi motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 0 for flexible storage options. However, it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 setups, offering fewer redundancy choices compared to other configurations.

Final Verdict

The motherboard offers a robust foundation for high-performance systems, featuring support for Wi-Fi 7, up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM, and both PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for excellent expansion flexibility. While it excels in modern connectivity and memory options, its lack of integrated graphics and limited RAID configurations may not suit all users. This product is ideal for enthusiasts looking for advanced features and high-speed connectivity in their builds.

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