This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:22:19
The video provides an extensive review of various motherboards using the B650 chipset, focusing on their performance, value, and features. The key theme is helping viewers make informed decisions when purchasing a B650 motherboard by comparing multiple models across different price ranges.
The video begins by discussing entry-level and budget-friendly options like the ASRock B650M Pro RS, deemed the best entry-level board, and the MSI B650M Gaming Plus Wi-Fi. It highlights essential features such as VRM performance, Wi-Fi capabilities, PCIe support, and connectivity options for different budgets.
Mid-range options like the ASRock B650 Steel Legend Wi-Fi are praised for offering robust features at competitive prices, including PCIe 5.0 support, extensive USB ports, and good VRM performance. The video compares these boards to alternatives from MSI, Gigabyte, and ASUS, identifying the ASRock B650 Steel Legend Wi-Fi as the best mid-range option.
For high-end models, the video highlights the ASRock B650E Taichi Lite for its excellent value at $240 with strong power stages and comprehensive features. Other premium boards like the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi and Gigabyte B650 Aorus Master are discussed, with the speaker generally favoring ASRock for its balance of price and features.
Throughout the video, ASRock stands out as a recommended brand due to its competitive pricing and feature set, despite occasional VRM issues in the past. The video concludes by emphasizing that all discussed boards support upcoming Zen5 CPUs, making them future-proof investments.
Overall, the video serves as a detailed guide for selecting the best B650 motherboard, taking into account various user preferences and budget constraints.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter begins by emphasizing that they have tested 56 motherboards using the B650 chipset. They then transition into a sponsored segment, promoting Thermo Grizzly’s Cryosheet Graphene Thermal Pads, which are highlighted for their high thermal conductivity, durability, and ease of use. After the sponsorship message, the presenter discusses the cost issues surrounding the AM5 platform motherboards since their introduction, mentioning that even models without PCI 5.0 support have been expensive.
They provide specific pricing history, noting that the ASRock B650M HDV M.2 motherboard, initially priced at $120, had fluctuated and faced stock issues. Due to this, the presenter recommends the ASRock B650M Pro RS as the best entry-level B650 motherboard at $130, highlighting its availability and offering a Wi-Fi version for an additional $10.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker compares various B650 motherboards, considering their VRM thermal performance and overall value. The ASRock B650M Pro R/S and B650M HDV models are highlighted for their ability to comfortably power high-end Ryzen processors like the Ryzen 9 7950X, with only a $10 price difference accounting for additional slots and ports. The video advises avoiding the ASUS Prime B650M-A WiFi and the Gigabyte B650M Gaming WiFi due to poor performance. For those preferring ATX models, the Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX and MSI Pro B650 DS3H are noted as decent options, although the speaker suggests the ASRock B650 PG Lightning or Live Mixer for superior performance at a comparable price point.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, several microATX motherboard options are discussed for those with a budget between $170 and $220. The new MSI B650M Gaming Plus Wi-Fi is highlighted as a good value option at $160, although its price is yet to be confirmed. Comparisons are made between this board and others like the Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX and MSI MAG B650M Mortar Wi-Fi, noting that the Gaming Plus uses cheaper 10-phase VRMs versus the Mortar’s high-quality 12-phase VRMs. Other comparable models include the ASUS TUF Gaming B650M Plus Wi-Fi, Gigabyte, and MSI boards which offer similar features like PCIe 5.0 for the primary slot, Wi-Fi 6E (except the ASUS board with Wi-Fi 6), 2.5 Gb LAN, m.2 heat spreaders, and basic LED debugging. The choice ultimately depends on user preference.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the best mid-range ATX motherboards priced between $170 and $200. While there are many options available, the speaker highlights the ASRock B650 Steel Legend Wi-Fi at $180 as the top choice due to its strong VRM, PCI 5.0 support on both the primary PCIe x16 and M.2 slots, extensive USB ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5 Gbit LAN. Availability can be an issue, but it stands out compared to other boards such as the MSI B650 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi and the Asus TUF Gaming B650E Wi-Fi. If the Steel Legend is unavailable, the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX is recommended. At $190, other options include the ASRock B650E PG Riptide WiFi, ASRock B650 PR RS, and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi, although the B650 Steel Legend Wi-Fi is usually better equipped and cheaper.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker compares various B650 motherboards, emphasizing the ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi as the best option due to its superior features and lower price. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is highlighted for lacking PCI 5.0 support. Gigabyte’s B650 Aorus Elite AX V2 is more expensive by $20 with similar features. The MSI Pro B650 DP WiFi and Asus TUF Gaming B650 D Plus WiFi are mentioned as less equipped or poorly priced. The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi lacks PCI 5.0 for the primary slot and fewer USB ports. Gigabyte’s B650 Aorus Elite AX and ASRock’s official B650 version are also more expensive with no major advantages. Ultimately, the speaker strongly recommends the ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi for its value and feature set.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the value and features of the B650E Taichi Lite motherboard, highlighting its competitive price of $240 USD. The board offers robust capabilities, such as 24-phase 105A power stages, PCIe 5.0 support, multiple M.2 slots, 14 USB 3.2 ports, and WiFi 6E. Despite being a no-frills model with fewer aesthetic features, it includes essentials like a debug code LED. The speaker also compares it to alternative motherboards, such as the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Elite and the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi, suggesting the Taichi Lite as the best value. The NZXT N7 B650E is noted for its unique design but slightly higher temperatures under load. Lastly, the MSI MPG B650 Edge Wi-Fi is criticized for being less competitive at the same price point.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, various motherboards are discussed with a focus on their features, pricing, and PCI configurations. The Asus ProArt B650 Creator supports time 8/time 8 operation for its PCI slots, making it a potential choice for certain users despite its average pricing and features. The Asus ROG Strix B650E Gaming Wi-Fi, priced at $320, offers PCI 5.0 for its slots and m.2 slots, though its usefulness is questioned due to current PCI 5.0 card availability. The ASRock B650 Tai Chi at $370 is deemed not worth its higher price over the “Light” version. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Master at $470 is noted for its high price, good looks, and features, but it’s considered inferior to the ASRock B650E type Light. The speaker recommends ASRock motherboards for their value and features, echoing their historical ability to offer competitive pricing and excellent features.
00:21:00
In this part of the video, the speaker reflects on ASRock’s history, noting that while the company has had some VRM issues over the years, it has generally been a reliable brand for value. The speaker is pleased to see ASRock returning to its roots by offering competitively priced motherboards. They emphasize that all the discussed boards support the upcoming Zen5 CPU, offering great value for those planning to upgrade. The speaker encourages viewers to give the video a thumbs up if it was helpful, subscribe for more content, and check out additional resources and discussions on platforms like Floatplane, Patreon, and Discord.