ASRock B850M-X

Name: ASRock B850M-X
Brand: ASRock
SKU: 2671

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock B850M-X is a Micro-ATX motherboard designed for users seeking a reliable foundation for their builds. Featuring an AM5 CPU socket, it supports modern processors and offers dual BIOS for added security and flexibility. This motherboard is engineered to support up to 128GB of memory, catering to users who need significant RAM capacity for demanding applications.

With DDR5 memory support, the ASRock B850M-X ensures fast performance, while the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort gives users multiple video output options. It also provides a range of connectivity options, including USB Type-C and multiple fan headers, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and productivity builds.

Pros

Supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, allowing for large and fast memory configurations.
Includes dual BIOS for increased reliability and easier system recovery.
Offers flexible storage options with support for RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 0 configurations.
Provides a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C.
Includes six fan headers, ensuring ample cooling options for a variety of builds.

Cons

Does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, limiting wireless options.
Lacks support for RAID 5 and RAID 0+1 configurations, restricting certain advanced storage setups.
Only has two memory slots, which could limit upgrade potential compared to motherboards with more slots.
Does not include an 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 B850M-X motherboard is well-suited for users who require a reliable and flexible system for general computing, light gaming, and productivity tasks. With its support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and dual BIOS, it is ideal for those who want a stable and future-proof platform with ample memory capacity. It also provides ample cooling options with six fan headers, making it a solid choice for users who need efficient airflow in more demanding setups.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users seeking advanced wireless connectivity or those needing more intensive storage configurations. It lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, which can limit wireless connectivity for modern use cases. Additionally, it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1, which could be a limitation for users requiring more complex or robust storage solutions for data redundancy and performance.

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	226 mm
width	244 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The ASRock B850M-X motherboard features a Micro-ATX form factor and an AM5 CPU socket, making it compatible with modern processors. It supports the B850 chipset and offers a range of features, including dual BIOS for added reliability and ease of overclocking. While it does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it comes with HDMI 2.1 and a single DisplayPort for video output. The motherboard also has a 3-year warranty, offering peace of mind for users.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	128GB
overclocked RAM speed	8200 MHz
memory slots	2
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The ASRock B850M-X motherboard supports up to 128GB of memory, providing ample capacity for demanding tasks. It features DDR5 memory support with two memory slots and two memory channels, ensuring efficient data transfer. The motherboard also supports overclocked RAM speeds up to 8200 MHz, though 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)	3
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C)	1
USB 2.0 ports	2
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-X motherboard offers a variety of port options, including one USB Type-C port and three USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB-A ports for fast data transfer. It also features an HDMI output and a DisplayPort, making it suitable for different display setups. Additionally, it has a single RJ45 port for wired networking and two USB 2.0 ports, but does not support Thunderbolt or VGA connectors.

Connectors:

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

The ASRock B850M-X motherboard provides various expansion options, including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectors and four USB 2.0 ports through expansion. It also features two M.2 sockets for high-speed storage, along with four SATA 3 connectors for traditional drives. Additionally, it has six fan headers, a TPM connector, and does not support mSATA or U.2 connectors.

Expansion slots:

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

The ASRock B850M-X motherboard includes two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, offering ample bandwidth for modern GPUs and expansion cards. It also features one PCIe x1 slot for additional peripherals, while other older slot types, such as PCI, PCIe 3.0, and PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, are not supported.

Audio:

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

The ASRock B850M-X motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels, providing immersive sound for gaming or media consumption. It offers three audio connectors for flexible audio device connections 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-X motherboard supports several RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10 (1+0), and RAID 0, providing users with flexible options for data redundancy and performance. However, it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 configurations.

Final Verdict

The ASRock B850M-X motherboard offers solid performance for general computing and light gaming needs, with notable features such as dual BIOS and support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory. Its ample fan headers and stable platform make it a great choice for users focused on reliability and flexibility. However, the lack of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and advanced RAID support limits its suitability for more demanding or modern setups. Overall, it's a dependable option for users who don't require high-end wireless or advanced storage configurations.