ASRock AMD B850i Lightning WiFi 6E Socket AM5 vs MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi Motherboard AMD B650

Overview of the ASRock AMD B850i Lightning and MSI B650 Gaming Plus

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning is priced at $179.99, while the MSI B650 Gaming Plus comes in slightly lower at $171.54, making it about 4.7% cheaper. Both motherboards support the latest AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors, catering to gamers and PC builders seeking high-performance options. The ASRock model features a compact Mini-ITX design, making it ideal for small form factor builds, while the MSI offers a more traditional ATX layout, providing ample space for additional components.

Design and Form Factor

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning sports a Mini-ITX form factor, measuring 170x170mm, making it suitable for compact builds. This design is ideal for those who prioritize space efficiency without compromising on performance. In contrast, the MSI B650 Gaming Plus adopts the ATX standard, which allows for more expandability and additional features, such as extra PCIe slots. This difference in form factor may influence your choice based on the case size and desired configuration.

Power Delivery and VRM

When it comes to power delivery, the ASRock AMD B850i Lightning features a robust 10+1+1 phase power design with a 110A Smart Power Stage, ensuring stable performance even in compact builds. The MSI B650 Gaming Plus, however, employs a 12+2 Duet Rail VRM, which is designed to handle demanding multi-core processors with ease. This additional power phase could provide better overclocking capabilities for users looking to push their hardware further, making the MSI a strong contender for performance enthusiasts.

Memory Support and Overclocking

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning supports dual-channel configurations with two DDR5 DIMM slots, enabling speeds of up to 8200+ MHz (OC). This high-speed memory support is impressive and is geared towards users who want to maximize their system performance. On the other hand, the MSI B650 Gaming Plus offers four DDR5 DIMM slots, supporting overclocking speeds of 6400+ MHz. While the ASRock has the edge in maximum speed, the MSI provides greater memory capacity, which could be crucial for users running memory-intensive applications.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is another area where both motherboards shine, though they take different approaches. The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning includes Killer 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E with Bluetooth, ensuring high-speed wired and wireless connectivity. It also features an HDMI and USB Type-C port, along with multiple USB 3.2 Gen2 ports for versatile connections. Meanwhile, the MSI B650 Gaming Plus also features WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a dedicated 2.5Gbps LAN port. The inclusion of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20Gbps) ports and HDMI 2.1 further enhances its connectivity capabilities, making it a strong option for gamers and content creators.

Storage Solutions

Storage performance is another key consideration. The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning features both a Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4) and a Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4) slot, offering maximum storage performance and flexibility. In contrast, the MSI B650 Gaming Plus comes with two M.2 Gen4 x4 slots that include Shield Frozr technology to prevent thermal throttling during intense SSD usage. While the ASRock provides the latest PCIe 5.0 support, the MSI's dual M.2 slots cater to users looking for efficient cooling solutions for their high-speed storage.

Cooling Features

Cooling is crucial for maintaining performance during intense gaming or heavy workloads. The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning focuses on compact design but includes advanced networking features to ensure stable connectivity. The MSI B650 Gaming Plus, however, boasts a more elaborate cooling strategy with 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, an extended heatsink, and a dedicated pump-fan cooling header. These features suggest that the MSI model may handle heat better in high-demand scenarios, providing a potential advantage for overclockers and gamers.

Price Comparison

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning is priced at $179.99, while the MSI B650 Gaming Plus is available for $171.54. This makes the MSI approximately $8.45 cheaper, or about 4.7%. Although the price difference is not significant, it may influence budget-conscious buyers who are looking for the best value without sacrificing performance. Both motherboards offer excellent features for their price points, but the MSI's lower cost may make it more appealing for those on a tighter budget.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ASRock AMD B850i Lightning and the MSI B650 Gaming Plus ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a compact design and the highest possible memory speed, the ASRock model is an excellent choice. However, if you value expandability, superior cooling solutions, and a lower price point, the MSI B650 Gaming Plus would be the better option. Both motherboards support the latest Ryzen processors and offer robust features, ensuring that either choice will lead to a powerful gaming or computing experience.