ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi

Name: ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi
Brand: ASRock
SKU: 94660

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi is a feature-rich ATX motherboard that offers solid performance for users building high-performance systems. It supports the latest technologies such as Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and is equipped with a variety of connectivity options to meet the demands of modern computing.

This motherboard is compatible with the AM5 socket and supports up to 256GB DDR5 memory, with a maximum overclocked RAM speed of 8000 MHz. It includes one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, and multiple M.2 sockets for fast storage. Additionally, the ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi features 7.1 audio channels, S/PDIF output, and supports RAID 0, 1, and 10 configurations for versatile storage management.

Pros

Supports a wide range of Wi-Fi versions, including Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), offering flexibility for various wireless network setups.
Includes dual BIOS support, providing added system stability and backup in case of BIOS failure.
Equipped with four M.2 sockets for high-speed storage, allowing for fast data access and ample expansion options.
Offers multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A and USB-C), for efficient connectivity with modern peripherals.
Features a 130 dB signal-to-noise ratio (DAC) for high-quality audio output, enhancing the sound experience for users.

Cons

Does not support integrated graphics, requiring a separate GPU for video output.
Lacks support for RAID 5 and RAID 0+1 configurations, limiting some advanced storage options.
No support for Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports, which may be a limitation for users requiring high-speed peripheral connections.
Does not have VGA or DVI outputs, restricting compatibility with older displays.
Does not support ECC memory, limiting its reliability for certain professional or critical workloads.

Who is this for?

This motherboard is well-suited for users who require advanced wireless connectivity with support for Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and dual BIOS for added system stability. It is ideal for individuals looking to build high-performance systems that utilize multiple M.2 storage devices, offering flexible storage expansion. Gamers and content creators will also benefit from the robust audio quality, thanks to the 130 dB signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring an immersive experience.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard is not suitable for users who need integrated graphics, as it lacks this feature, requiring a dedicated GPU for display output. It may also be less ideal for those who rely on RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 for complex storage configurations, as these are not supported. Additionally, users needing Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports for high-speed peripherals will find this motherboard lacking the necessary connectivity options.

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 Steel Legend WiFi features an AM5 CPU socket and supports the B850 chipset, making it compatible with the latest AMD processors. This ATX motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options, including support for Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 5.4, enabling fast wireless connections. It also includes RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics and dual BIOS support for added system reliability. The motherboard is designed without integrated graphics, and it comes with a 3-year warranty period.

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 Steel Legend WiFi motherboard supports a maximum memory capacity of 256GB and features four memory slots for flexibility. It supports DDR5 memory and operates with two memory channels, allowing for efficient data transfer. Additionally, it can achieve overclocked RAM speeds of up to 8000 MHz, though it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	3
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	2
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 Steel Legend WiFi offers a variety of ports for versatile connectivity. It includes two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A), three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A), and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C), along with four USB 2.0 ports for older devices. The motherboard also features an HDMI output, a USB Type-C connector, and one RJ45 port for networking. Notably, it does not include Thunderbolt, eSATA, DVI, or VGA ports.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	4
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	4
SATA 3 connectors	4
fan headers	6
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 Steel Legend WiFi motherboard is equipped with a variety of expansion connectors, including four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, four additional USB 2.0 ports, and four USB 3.0 ports for expansion. It also provides four SATA 3 connectors for storage devices, along with six fan headers for cooling solutions. Additionally, the board includes four M.2 sockets for fast storage and a TPM connector for enhanced security. Notably, there are no U.2 or mSATA connectors on this motherboard.

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 Steel Legend WiFi motherboard offers a solid expansion slot configuration, featuring one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics and other expansion cards. It does not include PCIe 3.0 x16, x1, x4, or x8 slots, nor any PCI or PCIe 2.0 slots. This motherboard is optimized for modern PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 devices, ensuring fast data transfer rates and compatibility with cutting-edge hardware.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC)	130 dB
audio channels	7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port	✓
audio connectors	2

The ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi motherboard delivers high-quality audio performance with a 130 dB signal-to-noise ratio (DAC) and support for 7.1 audio channels, providing an immersive sound experience. It also includes an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output and features two audio connectors for additional audio devices or headphones.

Storage:

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

The ASRock B850 Steel Legend WiFi motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10 (1+0), and RAID 0 for flexible storage setups. However, it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 configurations, providing users with a choice of redundancy and performance options for their storage needs.

Final Verdict

The motherboard offers a strong foundation for high-performance builds, particularly excelling in advanced wireless connectivity with support for Wi-Fi 7 and robust storage options via multiple M.2 sockets. Its dual BIOS provides additional reliability for system stability, making it a solid choice for users seeking a dependable and flexible platform. However, its lack of integrated graphics and support for certain RAID configurations may limit its appeal for those with specific needs. Overall, it is a well-rounded option for users prioritizing wireless performance, storage expandability, and stability in their builds.