ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi

Product Overview

Summary of Reviews

Pros

• Future-Proof Features: Supports cutting-edge technology like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, positioning it as a good option for future upgrades.
• Affordable: Competitive pricing, particularly given its advanced features like WiFi 6E and PCIe 5.0.
• Decent Build Quality: Generally robust build, including good VRM phases, which offers better than average power management.
• Good Memory Support: Supports high-speed DDR5 RAM, suitable for future AMD Ryzen processors.

Cons

• Limited SATA Ports: Comes with only two 6Gbps SATA ports, which might be limiting for users with multiple SATA drives.
• BIOS Usability: The BIOS lacks an Easy Mode and has tricky navigation, which can be a frustration point for less experienced users.
• Audio and Networking: Uses an aging audio codec and has limited I/O options for USB and Ethernet compared to competitors.
• Memory Compatibility Issues: Some users report difficulties with RAM speeds over DDR5-6000, suggesting potential BIOS or motherboard limitations.

Conclusion

The ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi motherboard is a solid choice for users who are looking to future-proof their system with support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory. It's competitively priced and offers a range of modern features, making it suitable for gamers on a budget. However, the motherboard might not be ideal for users requiring extensive SATA storage or those who are inexperienced with BIOS settings due to its usability issues. It stands as a better option for those who prioritize new technology integration over extensive connectivity and user-friendly interfaces.