MSI MAG B850M Mortar specifications and in-depth review

MSI MAG B850M Mortar

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar is a reliable Micro-ATX motherboard designed to support AM5 CPUs, offering a variety of features for customization and connectivity. The board includes RGB lighting for an enhanced aesthetic and is designed for easy overclocking, providing flexibility for performance tuning.

For memory, it supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM, with speeds reaching up to 5600 MHz and 8200 MHz when overclocked. It also includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 3 M.2 sockets, and RAID support for multiple configurations like RAID 0, 1, and 10. The motherboard has HDMI 2.1 output, supports TPM connectors, and offers 7.1 audio channels with S/PDIF out for robust sound options.

Pros
  • Supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, providing ample capacity for demanding tasks.
  • Includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed expansion, offering future-proof performance for graphics cards.
  • Has a 7.1 audio channel configuration and supports S/PDIF out for quality audio output.
  • Offers multiple RAID options, including RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 for flexible storage configurations.
  • Provides RGB lighting for aesthetic customization, enhancing the overall look of the build.
Cons
  • Does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, limiting wireless connectivity options out of the box.
  • Lacks support for integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output.
  • No Thunderbolt or USB 4 ports for faster data transfer or high-speed peripheral support.
  • Does not support U.2 or mSATA connectors, reducing flexibility for certain storage devices.
Who is this for?

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar motherboard is ideal for users looking to build a high-performance gaming PC or workstation, with its support for up to 256GB of DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion slot. It is also a good choice for those who need reliable audio output with 7.1 channel support and S/PDIF out. Additionally, its multiple RAID configurations make it suitable for users requiring data redundancy and performance.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard is not suitable for users seeking wireless connectivity, as it lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support. It also does not include integrated graphics, making it impractical for builds that rely on onboard video. Additionally, its lack of support for Thunderbolt ports and advanced storage connectors like U.2 and mSATA may limit compatibility with high-speed peripherals and specialized storage devices.

General info:

CPU socket AM5
chipset B850
form factor Micro-ATX
release date May 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 243.8 mm
width 243.8 mm
Has integrated CPU

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and supports the B850 chipset, providing a solid foundation for your system. It has a Micro-ATX form factor, offering a compact design suitable for various builds. While it does not support built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it includes RGB lighting for added customization. The motherboard is designed for easy overclocking, has a dual BIOS for reliability, and features HDMI 2.1 output. It also offers a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 256GB
RAM speed (max) 5600 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 8200 MHz
memory slots 4
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, providing ample capacity for demanding applications. It can handle RAM speeds up to 5600 MHz, with overclocking potential reaching 8200 MHz for enhanced performance. The board features 4 memory slots and supports dual-channel memory, although it does not support ECC memory.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 3
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) 0
USB 2.0 ports 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 1
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 MSI MAG B850M Mortar motherboard offers a variety of ports for connectivity, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports, with 3 available, and a USB Type-C port for fast data transfer. It also includes HDMI output for video, a single RJ45 port for Ethernet, and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for high-speed performance. Notably, it does not feature VGA, DVI, Thunderbolt, or eSATA ports.

Connectors:

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

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar motherboard offers a variety of expansion options, including 3 M.2 sockets and 4 SATA 3 connectors for storage devices. It also features 6 fan headers for optimal cooling and includes USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports through expansion. Additionally, it has a TPM connector for security, but 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 MSI MAG B850M Mortar motherboard features a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics and other expansion cards. Additionally, it offers a PCIe x4 slot for further expansion. Notably, it does not include PCIe 4.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x16, or PCI slots, limiting its compatibility with older or specific expansion cards.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC) 120 dB
audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port
audio connectors 2

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar motherboard offers a 7.1 audio channel configuration for immersive sound. It also features a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio (DAC) for clear audio output and includes an S/PDIF out port for digital audio connectivity. Additionally, the board provides two audio connectors for flexible speaker or headset setup.

Storage:

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

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10 (1+0), RAID 5, and RAID 0 for enhanced data redundancy and performance. However, it does not support RAID 0+1, limiting some potential combinations for storage setups.

Final Verdict

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar is a solid motherboard for users seeking a high-performance, versatile platform with support for the latest technologies, including PCIe 5.0 and up to 256GB of DDR5 memory. Its robust RAID support and advanced audio features make it an excellent choice for gaming and workstation builds. However, its lack of wireless connectivity and integrated graphics may limit its appeal for those who need these features. Overall, this motherboard offers great potential for users focused on power and performance in a compact Micro-ATX form factor.

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