Asrock B650E Pg Itx Review

The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi is a formidable contender in the compact computing arena, offering a compelling blend of AM5 platform support, PCIe 5.0 capabilities, and robust power delivery within a Mini-ITX footprint.

It’s a powerhouse board designed for enthusiasts and builders looking to pack serious performance into small form factor SFF builds, making it an excellent choice for a high-end gaming PC or a compact workstation.

This board doesn’t just promise cutting-edge features.

It delivers them, positioning itself as a top-tier option for anyone building a future-proof, space-efficient system.

Unpacking the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi: A Deep Dive into Features

When you’re building a compact system, every inch, every watt, and every feature counts.

The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi isn’t just another Mini-ITX motherboard.

It’s a meticulously engineered piece of hardware designed to push the boundaries of small form factor performance.

Let’s break down what makes this board tick and why it stands out in a crowded market.

Robust Power Delivery for Demanding CPUs

One of the most critical aspects of any high-performance motherboard is its power delivery system, especially when dealing with power-hungry CPUs like AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series. ASRock has clearly prioritized this, and it shows. Rippling Review

• 10+2+1 Phase Dr.MOS VRM Design: This isn’t just marketing jargon. it signifies a serious commitment to stable and efficient power delivery. Each Dr.MOS power stage is a highly integrated solution that optimizes performance for synchronous buck-set down applications. What does this mean for you?
  • Excellent Stability: Under heavy loads, like gaming for hours or running intensive productivity tasks, the board maintains consistent voltage, preventing performance throttling or instability.
  • Improved Efficiency: Less energy is wasted as heat, translating to cooler operation and potentially a longer lifespan for the components.
  • Overclocking Headroom: For those looking to squeeze every last drop of performance out of their CPU, a robust VRM is essential. This board provides ample overhead for stable overclocks.
• Premium 90A Power Chokes: These chokes are designed to effectively make the saturation current up to three times better, providing enhanced and improved Vcore voltage to the motherboard. This ensures a smoother, cleaner power signal.
• Nichicon 12K Black Caps: These are high-quality capacitors known for their extended lifespan and reliability. They can endure extreme conditions with superb stability, providing a solid foundation for your system for years to come.
  • Longevity: Rated for at least 12,000 hours of operation at 105°C, far exceeding typical caps.
  • Stable Performance: They contribute to the overall stability of the power delivery system, reducing ripple and noise.

In essence, ASRock hasn’t skimped on the power delivery.

This means you can confidently pair the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi with even the most demanding Ryzen 7000 series processors, including the powerful Ryzen 9 models, without worrying about bottlenecking or thermal issues related to the VRM.

PCIe 5.0: Future-Proofing Your Storage and Graphics

PCIe 5.0 is the bleeding edge of connectivity, offering double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0. While current hardware might not fully saturate these lanes, having them ensures your system is ready for the next generation of GPUs and NVMe SSDs.

• PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot for Graphics Cards: This slot is essential for enthusiasts and gamers who want to ensure they can utilize the absolute fastest graphics cards released in the coming years. While current GPUs are largely PCIe 4.0 x16, future iterations will benefit from this increased bandwidth.
  • Benefits for Next-Gen GPUs: When NVIDIA’s or AMD’s next-gen cards arrive, they might be designed to leverage PCIe 5.0, and your board will be ready.
  • Reduced Latency: Although marginal for current gaming, higher bandwidth can translate to reduced data transfer latency.
• PCIe 5.0 M.2 Slot for NVMe SSDs: This is where PCIe 5.0 currently makes a more tangible difference. PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSDs are already on the market, offering sequential read/write speeds that can reach up to 12,000 MB/s or even higher.
  • Blazing Fast Storage: Imagine loading games, large design files, or video projects almost instantaneously. This significantly reduces load times and improves overall system responsiveness.
  • Optimized Workflows: For professionals dealing with massive datasets, 3D rendering, or 8K video editing, the sheer speed of PCIe 5.0 storage can dramatically cut down workflow times.
• Strategic Placement: ASRock has thoughtfully placed the PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot on the front of the board, often under a heatsink, for optimal cooling, crucial for these incredibly fast, but also heat-generating, drives.

The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 for both the GPU and a primary M.2 slot makes the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi an exceptionally future-proof motherboard. You’re not just buying a board for today.

You’re investing in a platform that can accommodate advancements for years to come. Canon Powershot V10 Review

Connectivity and Networking: Stay Connected, Stay Fast

In a world increasingly reliant on seamless digital interaction, robust connectivity is non-negotiable.

The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi delivers on this front with a comprehensive suite of networking and I/O options.

• Killer E3100G 2.5G LAN: This high-performance Ethernet controller is designed to provide maximum networking throughput with low latency.
  • Lag-Free Gaming: For competitive gamers, stable and fast internet is paramount. The Killer E3100G prioritizes game traffic, reducing lag and packet loss.
  • Faster Downloads: Whether it’s game updates, large files, or streaming high-bitrate content, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet significantly speeds up your wired connection.
  • Intelligent Prioritization: Killer’s software can automatically detect and prioritize important network traffic, ensuring your online activities run smoothly.
• Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax + Bluetooth 5.2: For those who prefer or require wireless connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E is the latest and greatest, offering significant advantages over previous Wi-Fi standards.
  • Tri-Band Support 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz: The addition of the 6GHz band provides exclusive, uncongested channels for Wi-Fi 6E devices, leading to less interference and higher speeds, especially in crowded wireless environments.
  • Lower Latency: Wi-Fi 6E generally offers lower latency compared to older standards, which is beneficial for online gaming and real-time applications.
  • Increased Capacity: It can handle more devices simultaneously without performance degradation, perfect for smart homes with numerous connected gadgets.
  • Bluetooth 5.2: For wireless peripherals like headphones, controllers, and keyboards, Bluetooth 5.2 offers improved stability, range, and efficiency.
• Rich USB Port Selection: Despite its small size, the board offers a decent array of USB ports for various peripherals.
  • USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Rear: With speeds up to 20Gbps, this is perfect for ultra-fast external SSDs or docks.
  • USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A/C Rear: Offering 10Gbps, these are great for high-speed devices.
  • USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Rear & Front Header: Standard 5Gbps ports for general peripherals.
  • USB 2.0 Front Header: Useful for internal devices or older peripherals.
• DisplayPort and HDMI: For integrated graphics if using an APU, these ports provide options for connecting displays.
• BIOS Flashback Button: A lifesaver! This allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU, RAM, or GPU installed, which is incredibly useful for supporting newer CPUs out of the box or recovering from a bad BIOS flash.

The comprehensive connectivity options ensure that the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi is not just a powerful gaming platform but also a highly functional workstation hub, capable of handling a multitude of peripherals and high-speed network demands.

Storage Options: More Than Meets the Eye

Mini-ITX boards are often criticized for their limited storage options.

However, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi cleverly maximizes its compact space to offer surprisingly robust storage capabilities. Acer Aspire Vero 2023 Review

• Two M.2 Slots for NVMe SSDs: This is a huge plus for a Mini-ITX board.
  • Front M.2 Slot PCIe Gen5 x4: As discussed, this is the primary, blazing-fast slot, typically covered by a heatsink for optimal thermal performance. It’s ideal for your primary operating system drive and frequently accessed games or applications.
  • Rear M.2 Slot PCIe Gen4 x4: A crucial second slot, often overlooked in smaller form factors. This provides a dedicated space for additional high-speed storage without taking up valuable SATA ports. It’s perfect for a secondary game library, media storage, or scratch disk for creative work.
    • Installation Note: Accessing the rear M.2 slot requires removing the motherboard from the case, so plan your installation accordingly. Install your rear M.2 drive before mounting the motherboard in your chassis.
• Two SATA3 Ports: While NVMe is king, SATA ports are still essential for traditional 2.5-inch SSDs or 3.5-inch HDDs.
  • Cost-Effective Storage: SATA drives often offer a better cost-per-gigabyte ratio, making them ideal for bulk storage of games, movies, or backups.
  • Legacy Device Support: If you have existing SATA SSDs or HDDs, these ports ensure compatibility.

Having two M.2 slots, including a PCIe Gen5 option, in such a small form factor is a significant advantage.

It allows for a primary ultra-fast drive and a secondary fast drive, offering flexibility and capacity that belies the board’s size.

The inclusion of two SATA ports further rounds out its storage capabilities, ensuring you have options for all your data needs.

Thermal Design: Keeping Cool in a Compact Space

Heat management is paramount in SFF builds, where airflow can be restricted.

ASRock has implemented several features to ensure the B650E PG-ITX WiFi stays cool, even under load. Pressable Web Hosting Review

• Enlarged XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsinks: These aren’t just for show. The beefy heatsinks over the VRM components are designed to dissipate heat effectively from the power delivery system.
  • Improved Thermal Performance: Larger surface area means better heat transfer away from critical components, preventing thermal throttling.
  • Increased Stability: Cooler VRMs lead to more stable power delivery and higher sustained performance.
• M.2 Heatsink: The primary PCIe Gen5 M.2 slot comes with its own dedicated heatsink. PCIe Gen5 SSDs can run quite hot due to their extreme speeds, so this is a necessary addition to maintain performance and prevent thermal throttling of the drive itself.
• Premium Thermal Pads: High-quality thermal pads are used to ensure excellent contact between the VRM components and the heatsinks, maximizing heat transfer efficiency.
• Multiple Fan Headers: Despite its small size, the board provides adequate fan headers for case fans and CPU cooling.
  • CPU Fan Header: Dedicated for your CPU cooler.
  • Chassis Fan/Pump Headers: Multiple headers allow for flexible cooling configurations, whether you’re using air cooling or an AIO liquid cooler.
  • Fan Curve Control: ASRock’s BIOS provides comprehensive fan curve control, allowing you to fine-tune fan speeds based on temperature to achieve your desired balance of cooling and noise levels.

Effective thermal management is crucial for the longevity and performance of your components, especially in a compact Mini-ITX case where airflow can be challenging.

The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi’s robust thermal design helps ensure your system runs cool and stable, even when pushing its limits.

ASRock’s User Experience: BIOS and Software

Beyond the hardware specifications, the user experience offered by a motherboard’s BIOS and accompanying software can significantly impact your build and daily usage.

ASRock generally provides a solid experience in this regard.

• User-Friendly UEFI BIOS: ASRock’s UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Interface BIOS is generally well-regarded for its intuitive layout and comprehensive options.
  • EZ Mode/Advanced Mode: Caters to both beginners and experienced users. EZ Mode provides quick access to common settings, while Advanced Mode offers granular control over every aspect of the system.
  • Full Range of Overclocking Options: For those looking to tweak performance, the BIOS provides extensive controls for CPU voltage, frequency, RAM timings, and power limits.
  • Fan Control: Detailed fan curve customization allows you to optimize acoustics and cooling.
  • Instant Flash: A simple way to update the BIOS using a USB stick.
• ASRock Polychrome RGB: For RGB enthusiasts, Polychrome RGB allows you to synchronize lighting across compatible ASRock products and third-party RGB accessories.
  • Customization: Offers various lighting effects and colors to personalize your build’s aesthetics.
  • Addressable RGB Headers: The board includes headers for connecting addressable RGB strips or fans, allowing for more intricate lighting patterns.
• Dragon 2.5G LAN Software: This software, specific to the Killer E3100G LAN, provides tools for network optimization.
  • Bandwidth Control: Prioritize network traffic for specific applications e.g., games, streaming.
  • Network Analysis: Monitor network performance and identify potential issues.
• BIOS Flashback: As mentioned earlier, this external button is a major convenience. It allows you to update the BIOS even without a CPU or RAM installed. This is invaluable if you’re installing a brand-new CPU that requires a BIOS version newer than the one shipped with the board.
  • Troubleshooting Aid: Can help recover from a corrupted BIOS flash.
  • Ease of Use: Just a USB stick with the BIOS file and a press of a button.

ASRock’s commitment to a user-friendly experience extends from the BIOS to the supporting software. Hisense 55 Inch U6 Series Uled Tv 55U6K Review

This ensures that whether you’re a seasoned PC builder or new to the game, you’ll have the tools and features you need to manage and optimize your system effectively.

Considerations for Mini-ITX Builds

Building in a Mini-ITX form factor is an art and a science.

While the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi is an excellent foundation, there are inherent challenges and considerations that come with compact systems.

Component Compatibility and Clearance

Space is at a premium in Mini-ITX cases, and careful planning of components is crucial to avoid clearance issues.

• CPU Cooler Height: This is often the biggest hurdle. Large air coolers may not fit in many ITX cases.
  • Check Case Specifications: Always verify the maximum CPU cooler height supported by your chosen ITX case.
  • AIO Liquid Coolers: Many ITX builders opt for All-in-One AIO liquid coolers due to their more compact CPU block and radiator placement. The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi supports standard pump headers.
  • Low-Profile Air Coolers: If air cooling is preferred, look for low-profile coolers specifically designed for ITX builds.
• GPU Length and Thickness: High-performance GPUs can be very long and thick, potentially interfering with front panel cables, fans, or even the side panel.
  • Case GPU Support: Check the maximum GPU length and width supported by your case. Some cases have specific GPU orientation e.g., vertical mount only.
  • Triple-Slot GPUs: Be mindful of triple-slot GPUs, as they can limit airflow or prevent installation in some ultra-compact cases.
• RAM Clearance: While less common with AM5, some large CPU air coolers can overhang RAM slots, potentially interfering with tall RAM heatsinks. Ensure your RAM choice is compatible with your chosen CPU cooler.
• Cable Management: Even with modular PSUs, routing cables in a tight ITX case can be challenging. Good cable management is essential for airflow and aesthetics.
  • Custom Cables: Some enthusiasts opt for custom-sleeved, shorter cables to improve airflow and reduce clutter.
  • SFX/SFX-L PSUs: These smaller power supplies are almost mandatory for most ITX cases, offering more room for other components.

Thorough research into your chosen case and components is non-negotiable for a successful Mini-ITX build. K7 Total Security Review

The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi’s standard layout generally works well, but the external components you choose will dictate your building experience.

Thermal Management in SFF Cases

While the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi has a robust VRM heatsink and M.2 cooling, the overall thermal performance of an SFF build is heavily dependent on the case and fan configuration.

• Airflow is Key: In a small case, every fan placement and airflow path matters.
  • Intake/Exhaust Fans: Plan for adequate intake and exhaust fans to create positive or negative pressure, depending on your preference and case design.
  • Fan Orientation: Ensure fans are oriented correctly pushing or pulling air in the right direction.
  • Mesh Panels: Cases with mesh panels on multiple sides generally offer superior airflow compared to solid panels.
• Component Heat Output: Be realistic about the heat output of your chosen CPU and GPU.
  • TDP Considerations: A high-TDP CPU combined with a powerful GPU can generate a lot of heat in a small enclosure.
  • Undervolting/Power Limiting: For extreme SFF builds, some users undervolt their CPU and/or GPU to reduce heat output and power consumption without significant performance loss.
• Dust Accumulation: Compact cases can sometimes accumulate dust more quickly due to smaller, higher-RPM fans. Regular cleaning is recommended.
  • Dust Filters: Look for cases with easily removable and cleanable dust filters.

Effective thermal management in an SFF build requires a holistic approach, considering the case, cooling components, and component selection alongside the motherboard’s built-in cooling features.

The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi provides a solid base, but the rest is up to your build strategy.

Conclusion: Is the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi Right for You?

The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi positions itself as a premium, no-compromise Mini-ITX motherboard for the AM5 platform. Clover Dating App Review

Its robust power delivery, PCIe 5.0 support for both GPU and NVMe, excellent connectivity, and thoughtful thermal design make it a top-tier choice for enthusiasts.

• Who is it for?

  • SFF Enthusiasts: If you’re passionate about building compact, powerful systems, this board offers the features to achieve high-end performance in a small footprint.
  • Gamers: Pairing this board with a high-end Ryzen 7000 series CPU and a powerful GPU will result in an exceptional gaming experience in a manageable size.
  • Creative Professionals: For those needing a compact workstation for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or heavy multitasking, the PCIe 5.0 storage and robust CPU support are invaluable.
  • Users Seeking Future-Proofing: The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 ensures your system is ready for the next generation of components.

• Who might look elsewhere?

  • Budget-Conscious Builders: This is a premium board, and its price reflects its features. If you’re on a strict budget, a B650 non-E or a larger form factor might be more cost-effective.
  • Users Not Needing PCIe 5.0: If your current and foreseeable needs don’t extend to PCIe 5.0 SSDs or future GPUs, you might find a more affordable B650 Mini-ITX board without the “E” designation sufficient.

Ultimately, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi is a statement piece, demonstrating that you don’t need a massive ATX board to harness the full potential of AMD’s AM5 platform.

It’s an investment in a compact, powerful, and future-ready system. Hp Z4 G5 Review

If your budget allows and your vision is a small form factor beast, this board should be at the top of your list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question

What is the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi?

Answer: The ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi is a high-end, Mini-ITX form factor motherboard designed for AMD’s AM5 socket processors, offering support for PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and advanced connectivity features.

Does the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi support AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors?

Answer: Yes, it is specifically designed for and fully supports AMD Ryzen 7000 series desktop processors with the AM5 socket. Dji Mavic 3 Pro Review

What does “B650E” mean compared to “B650”?

Answer: The “E” in B650E signifies “Extreme” and indicates that the motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 for both the primary graphics card slot and at least one M.2 NVMe SSD slot.

Standard B650 boards may only offer PCIe 5.0 for the GPU or not at all.

Does this motherboard support DDR5 RAM?

Answer: Yes, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi exclusively supports DDR5 RAM, as is standard for the AM5 platform. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Nc Review

How many M.2 NVMe SSD slots does the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi have?

Answer: It features two M.2 NVMe SSD slots: one PCIe Gen5 x4 slot front and one PCIe Gen4 x4 slot rear.

Is the primary M.2 slot PCIe Gen4 or Gen5?

Answer: The primary M.2 slot on the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi is a PCIe Gen5 x4 slot.

Does it have Wi-Fi? What standard? Lenovo Yoga Book 9I Review

Answer: Yes, it includes Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E, supporting 802.11ax with tri-band 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz capabilities.

What kind of Ethernet port does it have?

Answer: It features a Killer E3100G 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet LAN port.

Does this motherboard have a BIOS Flashback feature?

Answer: Yes, it has a dedicated BIOS Flashback button, allowing you to update the BIOS without a CPU, RAM, or GPU installed. Cooler Master Cmodx Motion 1 Review

What type of USB-C ports are on the rear I/O?

Answer: It has one USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port 20Gbps and one USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port 10Gbps on the rear I/O.

Can I overclock my CPU and RAM on this board?

Answer: Yes, with its robust 10+2+1 phase Dr.MOS VRM design, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi is well-equipped for CPU and DDR5 memory overclocking.

Does the motherboard come with an M.2 heatsink? Seauto Shark Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner Review

Answer: Yes, the primary PCIe Gen5 M.2 slot typically comes with a dedicated heatsink to manage thermal performance.

How many SATA ports does it have?

Answer: It has two SATA3 6Gb/s ports for traditional 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch storage drives.

Is the VRM cooling sufficient for high-end Ryzen CPUs?

Answer: Yes, the board features enlarged XXL Aluminum Alloy heatsinks and a robust VRM design 10+2+1 phase Dr.MOS specifically engineered to handle the thermal demands of high-end Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. Asus Dual Nvidia Geforce Rtx 4060 Oc Edition Review

What kind of audio codec does it use?

Answer: It uses the Realtek ALC1220 7.1 CH HD Audio Codec, offering high-quality audio output.

Are there RGB headers on the board?

Answer: Yes, it includes both addressable RGB headers and standard RGB headers, controllable via ASRock Polychrome RGB software.

What are the dimensions of a Mini-ITX motherboard? Corsair 2000D Rgb Airflow Review

Answer: Mini-ITX motherboards have standard dimensions of 6.7 inches x 6.7 inches 17 cm x 17 cm.

Is this a good motherboard for a compact gaming PC?

Answer: Yes, its PCIe 5.0 support, robust power delivery, and high-speed connectivity make it an excellent choice for a high-performance compact gaming PC.

Do I need a specific type of power supply for this board?

Answer: For most Mini-ITX cases, you will need a small form factor power supply, such as an SFX or SFX-L PSU, to ensure proper fit and cable management.

What are the advantages of Wi-Fi 6E over Wi-Fi 6?

Answer: Wi-Fi 6E utilizes the 6GHz band, providing exclusive, uncongested channels, leading to less interference, higher speeds, and lower latency, especially in environments with many Wi-Fi devices.

Can I connect multiple displays to this motherboard?

Answer: If using an AMD APU with integrated graphics, the board has both DisplayPort and HDMI outputs for connecting displays.

If using a dedicated GPU, you’ll connect displays to the GPU’s ports.

Is installing the rear M.2 SSD difficult?

Answer: Installing the rear M.2 SSD requires removing the motherboard from the PC case, so it’s generally recommended to install it before mounting the motherboard in your build.

Does it support liquid cooling?

Answer: Yes, it has multiple fan/pump headers, including dedicated ones for AIO liquid coolers, allowing for flexible cooling solutions.

What is the benefit of a 2.5G LAN port?

Answer: A 2.5G LAN port offers 2.5 times the bandwidth of standard Gigabit Ethernet 1G LAN, resulting in faster file transfers, lower latency for online gaming, and quicker downloads if your internet plan and network infrastructure support it.

Is this board suitable for a quiet PC build?

Answer: While the board itself contributes to stability, overall system noise largely depends on your choice of CPU cooler, case fans, and GPU.

The comprehensive fan control in ASRock’s BIOS helps optimize for quiet operation.

Does the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi come with a pre-mounted I/O shield?

Answer: Yes, like many modern high-end motherboards, it comes with a pre-mounted I/O shield for easier installation and a cleaner look.

Can this motherboard support a Ryzen 9 7950X3D?

Answer: Yes, with its robust power delivery system, the ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi is capable of supporting even high-end processors like the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, though careful consideration of cooling in an ITX case is essential.

What is the latest BIOS version for this motherboard?

Answer: The latest BIOS version can always be found on ASRock’s official product support page for the B650E PG-ITX WiFi.

It’s recommended to check periodically for updates.

Are there any specific RAM compatibility considerations for this board?

Answer: While it supports DDR5, users often seek RAM from the Qualified Vendor List QVL on ASRock’s website to ensure optimal compatibility and performance, especially for higher speeds and EXPO profiles.

Is this motherboard good for content creation?
Answer: Absolutely.

The support for high-core count Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, PCIe 5.0 for ultra-fast storage crucial for large file handling, and robust connectivity make it an excellent foundation for a compact content creation workstation.