ASRock B850 LiveMixer WiFi

Name: ASRock B850 LiveMixer WiFi
Brand: ASRock
SKU: 9577

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B850 LiveMixer WiFi is a feature-rich motherboard designed for high-performance computing. It supports the latest AM5 CPU socket and provides support for a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7. The motherboard's ATX form factor makes it suitable for most standard PC cases, offering a balanced combination of features for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

For memory, the ASRock B850 LiveMixer WiFi supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM across 4 slots, with speeds up to 8000 MHz when overclocked. In terms of expansion, it includes 2 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, giving ample room for high-end GPUs. Additionally, it supports multiple RAID configurations like RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10, and comes with 3 M.2 sockets for fast storage options.

Pros

Supports multiple Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7, ensuring compatibility with modern wireless networks.
Offers dual BIOS for added security and reliability in case of system failures or BIOS corruption.
Includes a wide range of storage RAID options, such as RAID 1, 5, 10, and 0 for various configurations and redundancy.
Equipped with 6 fan headers for enhanced cooling options, improving airflow management in high-performance builds.
Has built-in Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity with compatible devices.

Cons

Does not support integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU for display output.
Lacks support for mSATA and U.2 connectors, limiting certain types of storage expansion options.
Does not include Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports, which may be a limitation for high-speed peripheral connectivity.

Who is this for?

This motherboard is ideal for users looking for a reliable and flexible platform with advanced networking and storage features. Its support for multiple Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7, makes it a strong choice for users needing fast and versatile wireless connectivity. Additionally, the inclusion of dual BIOS provides an added layer of reliability for overclocking and system recovery, which would benefit enthusiasts or those who frequently tweak their system settings. Its wide range of RAID options also makes it suitable for users who need redundancy or performance boosts in their storage setup.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be ideal for users who rely on integrated graphics, as it does not support integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU. It also lacks mSATA and U.2 connectors, which may be limiting for users seeking specific storage expansion options or using older storage devices. Additionally, the absence of Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports makes it less suitable for users who need the highest speeds for external devices and peripherals.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	B850
form factor	ATX
release date	January 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 LiveMixer WiFi motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and supports the B850 chipset, making it compatible with the latest processors. Its ATX form factor ensures a versatile fit in most cases. The board supports a wide range of Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, 6E, and 7, offering excellent connectivity options. Additionally, it includes built-in Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless devices and HDMI 2.1 output for high-quality video. For enthusiasts, the motherboard offers easy overclocking, dual BIOS for added security, and customizable RGB lighting. It also provides a 3-year warranty period for peace of mind.

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 LiveMixer WiFi motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, distributed across 4 memory slots. It operates with a dual-channel memory configuration and supports overclocked RAM speeds of up to 8000 MHz for enhanced performance. However, it does not support ECC memory, which may be a consideration for users requiring error-correcting capabilities.

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)	1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 2.0 ports	8
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	1
RJ45 ports	1
Has USB Type-C	✓
eSATA ports	0
DVI outputs	0
has a VGA connector	✕
PS/2 ports	0

The ASRock B850 LiveMixer WiFi motherboard offers a wide range of connectivity options, including 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) port, 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports, and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) port. It also features a DisplayPort output and an HDMI port for video output, as well as an RJ45 port for network connectivity. For additional USB options, the motherboard includes 8 USB 2.0 ports and 1 USB Type-C. However, it does not support Thunderbolt, eSATA, or VGA connectors.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (through expansion)	1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	4
SATA 3 connectors	2
fan headers	6
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion)	4
M.2 sockets	3
Has TPM connector	✓
U.2 sockets	0
Has mSATA connector	✕
SATA 2 connectors	0

The ASRock B850 LiveMixer WiFi motherboard offers a variety of expansion options, including 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectors, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connector, and additional 4 USB 2.0 ports for peripheral devices. It is equipped with 2 SATA 3 connectors for storage, along with 3 M.2 sockets for fast storage options. The motherboard also features 6 fan headers for optimal cooling and a TPM connector for enhanced security, but it does not include mSATA or U.2 sockets.

Expansion slots:

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

The ASRock B850 LiveMixer WiFi motherboard is equipped with 2 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, providing ample bandwidth for high-performance expansion cards like GPUs. It does not support PCIe 3.0, PCIe x1, PCIe 2.0, PCIe x4, PCIe x8, or legacy PCI slots, focusing on modern PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 standards for future-proof performance.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC)	120 dB
audio channels	7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port	✓
audio connectors	2

The ASRock B850 LiveMixer WiFi motherboard offers impressive audio capabilities, featuring a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for high-quality sound output. It supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive surround sound and includes a S/PDIF Out port for digital audio transmission. Additionally, it provides 2 audio connectors for flexible audio setup.

Storage:

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

The ASRock B850 LiveMixer WiFi motherboard supports a variety of RAID configurations to enhance storage performance and redundancy, including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10. However, it does not support RAID 0+1, which is an older combination of RAID 0 and RAID 1.

Final Verdict

The motherboard excels with its advanced features like Wi-Fi 7 support and dual BIOS, offering a reliable and versatile platform for enthusiasts and users needing high-speed wireless connectivity and system resilience. Its extensive RAID support makes it a solid choice for those focused on storage performance and redundancy. However, its lack of integrated graphics and some modern ports may limit its appeal to specific user groups. Overall, this motherboard is well-suited for performance-oriented users who prioritize network speed, storage flexibility, and system stability.