ASRock AMD B850i Lightning WiFi 6E Socket AM5 Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series DDR5 8200+ (OC) MHz 128GB Mini ITX Motherboard M.2 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s PCIe 5.0 B850 BIOS Flashback vs SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard for Intel 4th Gen Core i7 i5 i3/Pentium/Celeron Series Processors (Micro-ATX, DDR3, PCIe 3.0, NVME M.2, SATA 3.0, VGA/DVI/HDMI-Compatible, Gigabit LAN)

Form Factor and Compatibility

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning WiFi 6E is a Mini-ITX motherboard measuring 170x170mm, designed for compact builds that prioritize space efficiency. It supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors via the Socket AM5 interface. In contrast, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO uses a Micro-ATX form factor with an LGA 1150 socket, compatible only with Intel’s 4th generation Core i7, i5, i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors. The ASRock model requires a small form factor case with proper cooler clearance, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN fits standard Micro-ATX cases. This fundamental difference in compatibility means users must choose based on their CPU platform—AMD or Intel—and build size preference.

Memory Support and Performance

The ASRock B850i Lightning WiFi 6E features two DDR5 DIMM slots supporting dual-channel configurations and overclocked speeds up to 8200+ MHz (OC), with a maximum capacity of 128GB. This enables high-performance computing and future-proofing for demanding applications. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO, however, supports only DDR3 memory at frequencies of 1333, 1600, and 1866 MHz, with a maximum capacity of 32GB using four 8GB modules. While both support dual-channel operation, the ASRock’s DDR5 capability offers significantly higher bandwidth and faster data transfer rates compared to the older DDR3 standard used by the SHANGZHAOYUAN. This makes the ASRock better suited for modern workloads requiring fast memory access.

Expansion and Storage Capabilities

The ASRock B850i Lightning WiFi 6E includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for next-generation graphics cards, along with dual M.2 slots—one Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4) and one Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4)—delivering top-tier storage performance. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO offers a single PCIe x16 3.0 slot and supports M.2 NVMe and SATA mode through automatic switching, but lacks PCIe 5.0 support. It also provides three SATA 3.0 ports and one PCIe x1 2.0 slot. While both offer multiple storage options, the ASRock’s inclusion of PCIe 5.0 and dual high-speed M.2 slots gives it a clear edge in raw throughput and scalability for high-end SSDs and GPUs.

Connectivity and Networking

The ASRock B850i Lightning WiFi 6E comes equipped with Killer 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E with Bluetooth, offering premium wired and wireless connectivity ideal for gaming, streaming, and low-latency tasks. It also includes a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port capable of up to 40Gb/s speeds when paired with compatible processors. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO features a standard Gigabit LAN and HDMI/DVI/VGA-compatible video outputs, but no mention of advanced wireless standards like WiFi 6E. Its USB offerings are limited to standard Type-A ports without any Type-C or high-speed Gen2 support. The ASRock’s networking suite is far more advanced, especially for users seeking modern, high-bandwidth internet and peripheral connections.

Power Delivery and Build Quality

The ASRock B850i Lightning WiFi 6E employs a 10+1+1 phase power design with 110A Smart Power Stage (SPS), ensuring stable voltage delivery under load—critical for high-performance CPUs in compact builds. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO uses a 4-phase power supply with all-solid-state capacitors and a 24+8 pin power interface, requiring at least a 500W power supply. While both use solid capacitors for reliability, the ASRock’s multi-phase design suggests superior current handling and thermal management. Additionally, the ASRock’s 8-layer PCB enhances durability and signal integrity, whereas the SHANGZHAOYUAN specifies an 8-layer PCB as well, though no further details are provided about its construction quality.

Price and Value Comparison

The ASRock AMD B850i Lightning WiFi 6E is priced at $179.99, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO costs $79.99—about 55% cheaper. This price gap reflects the significant differences in technology: the ASRock supports newer AMD platforms, DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and WiFi 6E, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN targets legacy Intel systems with DDR3 and PCIe 3.0. For budget-conscious buyers needing basic functionality with older Intel CPUs, the SHANGZHAOYUAN offers strong value. However, those investing in modern hardware will find the ASRock’s advanced features justify its higher cost, especially considering its future-proofing potential.

Which should you buy?

If you're building a modern system around an AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, or 7000 series processor and need high-speed DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and WiFi 6E, the ASRock AMD B850i Lightning WiFi 6E is the clear choice—despite being $100 more expensive than the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO. Its support for 8200+ MHz overclocked memory and dual ultra-fast M.2 slots ensures peak performance in compact builds. Conversely, if you’re working with an older Intel 4th gen Core i7/i5/i3 or budget-friendly Pentium/Celeron CPU and don’t require cutting-edge connectivity, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO delivers essential functionality at just $79.99. Ultimately, your decision hinges on CPU compatibility and future needs: the ASRock for modern performance, the SHANGZHAOYUAN for legacy affordability.