ASRock B850M Riptide WiFi

Name: ASRock B850M Riptide WiFi
Brand: ASRock
SKU: 44478

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B850M Riptide WiFi is a Micro-ATX motherboard built to support a wide range of modern components. Featuring an AM5 CPU socket, it is compatible with the latest processors and offers strong connectivity options, including built-in Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Its compact design and reliable features make it a solid choice for users looking to build a powerful PC setup. Wi-Fi 7 support ensures fast and stable wireless performance for demanding applications.

This motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory across 4 slots and offers an impressive overclocking potential with RAM speeds up to 8000 MHz. It has 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 1 PCIe x4 slot, and a range of USB connectivity, including USB Type-C. Additionally, it features RAID 0, 1, and 10 support, making it a great choice for storage flexibility and performance in advanced setups.

Pros

Supports multiple Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7, providing flexible wireless connectivity options.
Has a dual BIOS for added reliability and safety in case of system failures.
Equipped with 4 fan headers, allowing for effective cooling in larger or more demanding builds.
Offers a significant maximum memory capacity of 256GB, with support for high-speed RAM up to 8000 MHz when overclocked.
Includes a TPM connector for enhanced security, useful for users needing secure boot and encryption capabilities.

Cons

Lacks support for RAID 5 and RAID 0+1, limiting advanced data redundancy and protection options.
Does not have an S/PDIF Out port, restricting digital audio output options.
No support for mSATA or U.2 connectors, limiting storage expansion and flexibility in certain configurations.
Does not include PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, potentially limiting the use of next-gen graphics cards or other expansion cards.
No VGA connector or PS/2 ports, which may be a limitation for users with legacy peripherals.

Who is this for?

This motherboard is ideal for users who need strong connectivity options, as it supports multiple Wi-Fi standards including Wi-Fi 7, along with Bluetooth 5.4. It is well-suited for users who prioritize reliability and data safety, thanks to its dual BIOS feature and support for RAID 1 and RAID 10 configurations. Additionally, its ability to handle up to 256GB of memory at speeds up to 8000 MHz makes it a good choice for users who require high memory bandwidth for gaming or content creation.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users who need extensive storage flexibility, as it lacks support for RAID 5 and does not include mSATA or U.2 connectors. It is also not ideal for those who require legacy support, since it does not have a VGA connector or PS/2 ports. Additionally, users who need to install cutting-edge graphics cards might find the absence of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots limiting.

General info:

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

The ASRock B850M Riptide WiFi is a Micro-ATX motherboard with an AM5 CPU socket and B850 chipset, designed to support modern processors. It features Wi-Fi 7 support, providing high-speed wireless connectivity, along with Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless device pairing. The motherboard also supports HDMI 2.1 for high-quality video output, and is equipped with dual BIOS for added reliability. Additionally, it offers RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option, while its compact form factor is ideal for building efficient systems.

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 B850M Riptide WiFi motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory across 4 slots, enabling significant capacity for high-performance setups. It is equipped with dual-channel memory architecture for improved bandwidth, and can achieve overclocked RAM speeds up to 8000 MHz for enhanced performance. However, it does not support ECC memory, making it more suitable for gaming and general computing rather than mission-critical applications.

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 Riptide WiFi motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB Type-C and multiple USB ports for flexible device connections. It features 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. Additionally, it includes an HDMI output, a DisplayPort output, and an RJ45 port for network connectivity. However, it does not have Thunderbolt or eSATA support, and lacks a VGA connector or PS/2 ports.

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 Riptide WiFi motherboard offers a wide range of connectors for expansion and customization. It includes 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 4 additional USB 2.0 ports, and 4 USB 3.0 ports for versatile device connectivity. The board also supports up to 3 M.2 sockets for fast storage options and provides 4 SATA 3 connectors. For cooling, it has 5 fan headers, and it features a TPM connector for enhanced security. However, it does not include mSATA or U.2 sockets.

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 Riptide WiFi motherboard offers a variety of expansion options, including 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe x4 slot for high-performance add-ons. It does not feature PCIe 4.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x16, or PCI slots. This board is designed for users who require the latest connectivity, with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for modern graphics and expansion cards, while providing flexibility for additional devices through the PCIe x4 slot.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC)	120 dB
audio channels	7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port	✕
audio connectors	3

The ASRock B850M Riptide WiFi motherboard features a high-quality audio system with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for clear sound output. It supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive surround sound, making it suitable for entertainment and gaming. The motherboard includes 3 audio connectors 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 B850M Riptide WiFi motherboard supports several RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10 (1+0), and RAID 0 for improved data redundancy and performance. However, it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1, offering fewer options for users who require more advanced data protection or scalability.

Final Verdict

The motherboard offers strong performance for users seeking high memory support, with a maximum of 256GB and speeds up to 8000 MHz, making it a solid choice for gaming or content creation. Its robust connectivity, including support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, alongside features like dual BIOS and RAID support, ensure reliability and data protection. While it may not suit users needing advanced storage flexibility or legacy port support, it remains a versatile option for modern, high-performance builds, particularly for those focusing on memory and network performance.