ASRock B850M Pro-A

Name: ASRock B850M Pro-A
Brand: ASRock
SKU: 7390

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B850M Pro-A is a reliable Micro-ATX motherboard designed for AM5 CPUs. It offers solid performance and flexibility for users looking to build a capable system. With support for up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, this motherboard is built to handle demanding workloads and large memory configurations.

In terms of connectivity, the ASRock B850M Pro-A features a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for modern graphics cards, along with 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and an HDMI 2.1 output. Notably, it supports dual BIOS, providing added protection and recovery options. Additionally, the motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 configurations for versatile storage setups.

Pros

Supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory for high memory capacity.
Includes 3 M.2 sockets for versatile storage options.
Dual BIOS support provides additional system reliability and protection.
Has 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound experience.
Offers a range of connectivity options, including USB Type-C and HDMI output.

Cons

Does not support integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU.
Lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality for wireless connectivity.
No support for RAID 5 or RAID 0+1, limiting some advanced storage configurations.
Does not include S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.
Lacks PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe x1 slots, limiting expansion flexibility.

Who is this for?

The ASRock B850M Pro-A motherboard is well-suited for users building a system with high memory capacity and multiple storage options. With support for up to 256GB of DDR5 memory and 3 M.2 sockets for high-speed storage, it is ideal for those requiring robust multitasking and fast data access. Additionally, its dual BIOS support ensures added system reliability, making it a good choice for users seeking stability in their builds.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard is not suitable for users seeking wireless connectivity or integrated graphics. It lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, which may be limiting for those building compact, wireless-first systems. Furthermore, the absence of integrated graphics means a dedicated GPU is necessary, which could be inconvenient for users not planning to install one.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	B850
form factor	Micro-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	244 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The ASRock B850M Pro-A motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and is compatible with the B850 chipset, making it suitable for modern processors. The board is built in a Micro-ATX form factor and offers easy overclocking capabilities, allowing users to enhance performance. It also includes dual BIOS for added system reliability, while lacking integrated graphics and Bluetooth support. With HDMI 2.1 output and no support for Wi-Fi, this motherboard focuses on essential connectivity features, and it is covered by a 3-year warranty.

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 B850M Pro-A motherboard supports a maximum memory size of 256GB, offering ample space for high-performance applications. It features 4 memory slots and supports DDR5 memory with a maximum speed of 8000 MHz, ensuring excellent memory bandwidth. With dual memory channels, it provides efficient data transfer, 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)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	1
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	1
RJ45 ports	1
Has USB Type-C	✓
eSATA ports	0
DVI outputs	0
has a VGA connector	✕
PS/2 ports	0

The ASRock B850M Pro-A motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options, including 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports, and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) port. For video output, it provides both an HDMI port and a DisplayPort output. Additionally, it includes an RJ45 port for networking, while lacking legacy ports like VGA, PS/2, or DVI. The board also features a USB Type-C connection, enhancing modern peripheral compatibility.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	4
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	4
SATA 3 connectors	4
fan headers	5
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 B850M Pro-A motherboard provides a variety of connectors for expansion and connectivity. It includes 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, and 4 USB 3.0 ports for external devices. The board also features 3 M.2 sockets for high-speed storage options and 5 fan headers to ensure optimal cooling. Additionally, it supports a TPM connector for enhanced security, though it does not include U.2 or mSATA connectors.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots	0
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	1
PCIe x8 slots	0

The ASRock B850M Pro-A motherboard features a variety of expansion slots to support various components. It includes 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-performance graphics cards, and 1 PCIe x4 slot for additional expansion cards. Notably, it does not offer any PCIe 4.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x16, or PCIe x1 slots, making it a more streamlined option for specific use cases.

Audio:

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

The ASRock B850M Pro-A motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for high-quality sound output. It offers 3 audio connectors for connecting 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 B850M Pro-A motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 0 for various storage setups. However, it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 configurations, offering a more streamlined set of options for data redundancy and performance.

Final Verdict

The ASRock B850M Pro-A motherboard is a solid choice for users looking to build a stable system with ample memory and fast storage options. With support for up to 256GB of DDR5 memory and multiple M.2 sockets, it offers great scalability for demanding tasks. However, its lack of built-in wireless connectivity and integrated graphics may limit its appeal for those seeking an all-in-one solution. Overall, this motherboard is best suited for those building a traditional desktop setup with dedicated components and a focus on reliability and performance.