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MSI Pro B850M-X specifications and in-depth review

MSI Pro B850M-X

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI Pro B850M-X is a Micro-ATX motherboard designed for users looking for a solid foundation for their computing needs. Featuring an AM5 CPU socket and a B850 chipset, it supports a variety of components to build a capable system.

This motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 5600 MHz, expandable via its 2 memory slots. It includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and offers RAID 0, 1, and 10 support for flexible storage setups, while lacking integrated graphics and Wi-Fi support.

Pros
  • Supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, with overclocking speeds up to 8200 MHz for improved performance.
  • Offers multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 for flexible storage options.
  • Includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and PCIe x4 slot for future-proofing expansion needs.
  • Has RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics.
  • Equipped with a TPM connector for enhanced security features.
Cons
  • Lacks support for integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output.
  • Does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, limiting wireless connectivity options.
  • Only has 1 M.2 socket, which may limit fast storage expansion.
  • Does not include an S/PDIF out port for digital audio output.
  • No support for RAID 5 or RAID 0+1, limiting certain advanced redundancy options.
Who is this for?

The MSI Pro B850M-X is well-suited for users seeking a stable, feature-rich motherboard for mid-range desktop builds. Its support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and RAID 10 offers flexibility for demanding workloads like content creation or light gaming, where high memory capacity and storage redundancy are beneficial. Additionally, the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot ensures that the motherboard can accommodate future graphics cards and expansion needs, making it ideal for users looking to build a future-proof system.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be suitable for users looking for a fully wireless experience or those who need high-end multimedia capabilities. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so wireless connectivity would require additional hardware. Additionally, the absence of integrated graphics means a dedicated GPU is required, making it less ideal for users who need a system without a discrete graphics card. Its limited RAID support (no RAID 5 or 0+1) could also be a drawback for those seeking more advanced storage redundancy options.

General info:

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

The MSI Pro B850M-X motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and a B850 chipset, supporting a single CPU socket. It has a Micro-ATX form factor and includes RGB lighting for added customization. While it does not offer integrated graphics, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, it is designed for easy overclocking and features a straightforward BIOS reset function. The board also supports HDMI 2.1 output and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 128GB
RAM speed (max) 5600 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 8200 MHz
memory slots 2
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory ✕

The MSI Pro B850M-X motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory across its 2 available memory slots, with a maximum speed of 5600 MHz. For users seeking more performance, the board also allows for overclocked speeds up to 8200 MHz. It operates with 2 memory channels and does not support ECC memory, offering a solid foundation for high-performance tasks.

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 MSI Pro B850M-X motherboard offers a range of connectivity options, including an HDMI output and a DisplayPort for video output. For USB connections, it provides 3 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port, and 2 USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, it features 1 RJ45 Ethernet port and supports USB Type-C for modern peripherals, though it does not include Thunderbolt, VGA, or PS/2 ports.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 4
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion) 2
M.2 sockets 1
Has TPM connector ✓
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector ✕
SATA 2 connectors 0

The MSI Pro B850M-X motherboard offers a variety of expansion options with its connectors. It includes 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, and 4 additional USB 2.0 ports for flexible peripheral connections. Additionally, the board features 4 fan headers for cooling, 1 M.2 socket for fast storage, and 4 SATA 3 connectors for traditional hard drives or SSDs. It also supports a TPM connector for enhanced security but does not have U.2 or mSATA support.

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 Pro B850M-X motherboard offers a range of expansion slots, including 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe x4 slot for versatile GPU and other expansion card support. It lacks PCIe 4.0 or PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, but the available slots should be sufficient for most users seeking reliable expansion capabilities.

Audio:

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

The MSI Pro B850M-X motherboard provides a 7.1 audio channel configuration for immersive sound experiences. It includes 3 audio connectors for flexible audio device connections but does not feature 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 MSI Pro B850M-X motherboard supports several RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 (1+0), offering flexibility for different storage setups. However, it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1, limiting certain advanced redundancy or performance options.

Final Verdict

The MSI Pro B850M-X is a solid choice for users looking to build a reliable mid-range desktop system. With its support for up to 128GB of DDR5 memory and RAID 10, it offers ample memory capacity and storage flexibility for tasks like content creation and light gaming. The inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot adds future-proofing for expansion, though it lacks features like built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and integrated graphics, which may limit its appeal for users seeking an all-in-one solution. Overall, this motherboard is a great fit for users focused on building a dependable system with flexibility for future upgrades.

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