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ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi vs MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against motherboards at a similar price

The ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi and MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI both score 5.6/10 overall.

The ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi leads on platform and features.

The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI leads on power delivery and value.

They score the same on connectivity and BIOS and support.

ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi

ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi is a micro-ATX AM5 board for builders who want storage options on a B650 platform. It suits a compact desktop or homelab box that needs three M.2 slots, four SATA ports and 2.5GbE. It is less suited to anyone who wants the latest wireless or USB standards.

Typically about £168.13 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI

MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

This is a micro-ATX AM5 board for people building a compact Ryzen 7000, 8000 or 9000 system on a mid-range chipset. It suits builders who want 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 6E and a solid CPU power stage without paying for PCIe 5.0 storage. It fits best with two memory sticks and a modest storage plan.

Typically about £151.49 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightASRock B650M Pro RS WiFiMSI PRO B650M-A WIFI
Platform and features25%7/105/10
Connectivity25%5/105/10
Power delivery20%6/107/10
BIOS and support15%5/105/10
Value15%4/106/10
Overall5.6/105.6/10

Specifications

SpecASRock B650M Pro RS WiFiMSI PRO B650M-A WIFI
CPU socket (e.g. AM5, AM4, LGA1851, LGA1700)AM5AM5 (Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 series supported)
ChipsetAMD B650AMD B650
Form factor (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX)Micro-ATXMicro-ATX (mATX), PCB 243.84 mm x 243.84 mm
Memory: type (DDR4 or DDR5), number of slots, maximum capacity and speedDDR5, 4 DIMM slots, dual channel, up to 192GB, up to 7200+(OC) MHzDDR5, 4 DIMM slots, dual-channel, max 256 GB; 7200+ MHz OC at 1DPC 1R, 6000+ MHz at 1DPC 2R and 2DPC 1R, 4800 MHz JEDEC base; AMD EXPO supported; not ECC or unbuffered only
M.2 NVMe slots and their PCIe generation3 slots: 1 x Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5 x4), 1 x Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x4), 1 x M.2 (PCIe Gen4 x2); separate Key-E slot for Wi-Fi module2 M.2 slots, both PCIe 4.0 x4 from the CPU (M.2_1 and M.2_2); M.2_2 unavailable with Ryzen 8500/8300; Wi-Fi module uses a separate M.2 Key-E slot
PCIe slots1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 and 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16PCI_E1 PCIe 4.0 x16 (from CPU), PCI_E3 PCIe 4.0 x4 (from chipset), PCI_E2 PCIe 3.0 x1; no PCIe 5.0 slot stated
Wired and wireless networking (e.g. 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 7)Dragon 2.5GbE (RTL8125BG); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with BluetoothRealtek 8125BG 2.5GbE LAN; AMD Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) with Bluetooth 5.3; no Wi-Fi 7
Rear USB ports, including USB-C and USB41 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A+C (rear), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C (front header), 6 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (2 rear, 4 front)Conflicting on MSI page: summary lists 4x 5Gbps and 4x 10Gbps Type-A on rear plus 1x 10Gbps Type-C front; back-panel list shows 2x 10Gbps and 1x 5Gbps Type-A rear. No rear USB-C or USB4. Verify with datasheet.

Strengths and weaknesses

ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi

  • + PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot plus two Gen4 slots
  • + Four SATA3 ports alongside three M.2 slots
  • + 8+2+1 phase Dr.MOS power delivery
  • − Wi-Fi module not included in the box
  • − Wi-Fi 6E only; no Wi-Fi 7 or USB4
  • − Latest listed BIOS is labelled beta

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want Wi-Fi 7, USB4 or 20Gbps USB ports
  • Builders who need a PCIe 5.0 slot for their graphics card
  • Buyers who want a wireless module included in the box
Read the full ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi review ›

MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI

  • + 8-phase 55A DrMOS power stage with 8+4-pin CPU power
  • + Rear Flash BIOS button and four EZ Debug LEDs
  • + 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth 5.3 included
  • − No PCIe 5.0 slot stated; both M.2 slots are PCIe 4.0
  • − Owners report memory training and boot trouble with four DIMMs
  • − No rear USB-C or USB4, and no Wi-Fi 7

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want a PCIe 5.0 NVMe slot or graphics slot
  • Anyone planning four DIMMs at high EXPO speeds
  • Builders who need rear USB-C, USB4 or Wi-Fi 7
Read the full MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI review ›

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