ASRock AMD B850i Lightning WiFi 6E Socket AM5 vs MSI PRO B650-S WiFi ProSeries Motherboard

Overview of the ASRock AMD B850i Lightning and MSI PRO B650-S

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning is priced at $179.99, while the MSI PRO B650-S costs $139.99, making the MSI approximately 22% cheaper. Both motherboards support AMD's Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series processors, but they differ significantly in design and features. The ASRock is a Mini-ITX motherboard ideal for compact builds, while the MSI features an ATX form factor, offering more expandability options.

Design and Form Factor

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning has a Mini-ITX design, measuring 170x170mm, making it suitable for small form factor builds. This compact design is perfect for users looking to save space without compromising performance. Conversely, the MSI PRO B650-S comes in an ATX form factor, which allows for greater expansion options, including more PCIe slots and memory slots. If you prioritize compactness, the ASRock is a better choice; however, if you want more room for upgrades, the MSI's larger size may be more suitable.

Power Delivery and System Stability

The ASRock features a premium power delivery system with a 10+1+1 phase design and a 110A Smart Power Stage, ensuring stable performance even in compact builds. On the other hand, the MSI PRO B650-S has a 12+2 Duet Rail Power System, which includes dual 8-pin CPU power connectors for enhanced power stability. For users pushing their systems to the limit, both boards provide robust power delivery, but the MSI offers slightly more capacity with its additional power phases.

Memory Support and Performance

The ASRock motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory running at speeds of 8200+ MHz (OC), offering excellent performance for high-demand applications. In contrast, the MSI PRO B650-S supports dual-channel DDR5 memory up to 7200+ MHz (OC). While both motherboards support high-speed memory, the ASRock takes the lead with greater capacity and higher maximum speeds, making it better suited for memory-intensive tasks.

Storage Options

When it comes to storage, the ASRock offers dual ultra-fast storage options with both Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4) and Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4) slots, which can maximize storage performance. The MSI PRO B650-S also includes M.2 slots but is limited to PCIe 4.0, which means it may not achieve the same speeds as the ASRock’s PCIe 5.0 capabilities. Thus, for users who prioritize the fastest storage solutions, the ASRock is the clear winner.

Networking Features

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning boasts advanced networking features, including Killer 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E with Bluetooth for high-speed connectivity. Meanwhile, the MSI PRO B650-S also includes 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E but features Bluetooth 5.3, which may offer slightly better performance for wireless communication. Both motherboards are well-equipped for modern networking needs, but the ASRock's Killer LAN may provide an edge in gaming scenarios.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the ASRock offers a variety of ports, including HDMI and USB Type-C with DisplayPort Alt-mode support, allowing for versatile monitor configurations. It also has multiple USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports for fast data transfer. On the other hand, the MSI PRO B650-S includes HDMI/DP and USB 3.2 Gen 2, but lacks the extensive port options available on the ASRock. For users who need a wide range of connectivity, the ASRock may be the better option.

Price and Value

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning is priced at $179.99, while the MSI PRO B650-S is available for $139.99. This difference of $40 makes the MSI a more budget-friendly choice, approximately 22% less expensive than the ASRock. However, the additional features and capabilities of the ASRock may justify the higher price for users seeking maximum performance and expandability.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ASRock AMD B850i Lightning and the MSI PRO B650-S ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for a compact motherboard with high memory capacity and advanced storage options, the ASRock is the better choice. However, if you prefer a more budget-friendly option with decent performance and expandability, the MSI is a solid contender. Consider your use case and future upgrade plans when making your decision.