ASRock B850 Pro RS

Name: ASRock B850 Pro RS
Brand: ASRock
SKU: 73089

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B850 Pro RS is a versatile ATX motherboard built to support AMD's AM5 CPUs, offering solid performance and advanced features. It comes with dual BIOS for added reliability and ease of use, alongside support for 256GB of high-speed DDR5 memory.

This motherboard is equipped with a variety of connectivity options, including USB Type-C ports and HDMI 2.1 output. It features 4 M.2 sockets for fast storage, 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and supports RAID 1 and RAID 10 for flexible storage configurations.

Pros

Supports dual BIOS, providing added reliability and recovery options.
Has RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics.
Includes 4 M.2 sockets for fast storage options and future upgrades.
Supports a maximum of 256GB of DDR5 memory, catering to high-memory demands.
Provides multiple USB ports, including USB Type-C, for versatile connectivity.

Cons

Does not support Wi-Fi or built-in Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.
Lacks support for RAID 5 and RAID 0+1 configurations, limiting storage redundancy options.
Does not include integrated graphics, requiring a separate GPU for video output.
No S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.
No support for mSATA or U.2 connectors, limiting certain storage expansion options.

Who is this for?

The ASRock B850 Pro RS is ideal for users who require a high-performance motherboard with support for dual BIOS for added reliability and 4 M.2 sockets for fast storage options. It is well-suited for users building systems with a focus on memory-intensive tasks, as it supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory. This motherboard is also great for enthusiasts who prefer customizable aesthetics with RGB lighting and need flexible connectivity options, including USB Type-C.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard is not suitable for users who require Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, as these features are not included. It also lacks integrated graphics, so users will need a separate GPU for video output. Additionally, users who rely on RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 for data redundancy will find the lack of support for these configurations limiting. The absence of an S/PDIF Out port also makes it unsuitable for those who require high-quality digital audio output.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	B850
form factor	ATX
release date	January 2025
supports Wi-Fi	✕
Has Bluetooth	✕
HDMI version	HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock	✓
has RGB lighting	✓
Easy to reset BIOS	✕
Has dual BIOS	✓
CPU sockets	1
Has integrated graphics	✕
warranty period	3 years
height	244 mm
width	305 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The ASRock B850 Pro RS motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and supports the B850 chipset, making it compatible with modern AMD processors. It is built in an ATX form factor and includes RGB lighting for aesthetic customization. While it does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the motherboard offers HDMI 2.1 output and features dual BIOS for enhanced system reliability. It also includes a 3-year warranty and does not have integrated graphics or an integrated CPU.

Memory:

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

The ASRock B850 Pro RS motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM, ensuring plenty of memory capacity for demanding applications. It features a maximum RAM speed of 8000 MHz, with the ability to overclock to the same speed for enhanced performance. With 4 memory slots and 2 memory channels, it offers flexibility in building a high-performance memory setup, although it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	0
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)	1
USB 2.0 ports	6
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 Pro RS motherboard offers a range of connectivity options, including USB Type-C and HDMI outputs. It includes 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A), 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (USB-C), and 6 USB 2.0 ports for versatile peripheral connections. Additionally, it features 1 RJ45 port for network connectivity and does not support VGA, DVI, or Thunderbolt ports.

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	4
fan headers	7
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion)	4
M.2 sockets	4
Has TPM connector	✓
U.2 sockets	0
Has mSATA connector	✕
SATA 2 connectors	0

The ASRock B850 Pro RS motherboard offers a wide array of connectors to enhance system expandability. It includes 4 M.2 sockets for fast storage, 7 fan headers for efficient cooling, and 4 SATA 3 connectors for additional storage drives. The motherboard also supports expansion with 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, and 4 additional USB 3.0 ports. Additionally, it has a TPM connector for security purposes but does not support mSATA or 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	0
PCI slots	0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x4 slots	0
PCIe x8 slots	0

The ASRock B850 Pro RS motherboard features a total of two high-speed PCIe x16 slots: one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for modern GPU or expansion card support. However, it does not include PCIe x1, x4, x8, or older PCI slots. This setup ensures excellent compatibility with the latest generation of graphics cards and other expansion devices.

Audio:

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

The ASRock B850 Pro RS motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels, providing immersive surround sound for high-quality audio performance. It features 3 audio connectors for easy connection of audio devices but does not include 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 Pro RS motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations for flexible storage management. It includes support for RAID 1 (mirroring), RAID 10 (1+0), and RAID 0 (striping), allowing for a balance of performance and redundancy. However, it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 configurations.

Final Verdict

The ASRock B850 Pro RS is a robust motherboard designed for users who need a reliable platform with advanced features for high-performance systems. With support for up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, dual BIOS for added stability, and ample connectivity options like USB Type-C and 4 M.2 slots, it stands out as a solid choice for enthusiasts and those focused on speed and customization. However, the lack of integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as limited RAID configurations, may limit its appeal for certain users. Overall, it is a strong option for those building high-performance systems where these limitations are not a concern.