ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 AC Supports 3rd Gen vs SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO LGA 1150 Motherboard for

Price Comparison

When comparing prices, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is the cheaper option at $79.99, making it about 21% less expensive than the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 AC, which retails for $100.71. This price difference could be significant for budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable motherboard without overspending. The ASRock B550, priced higher, may justify its cost with advanced features aimed at gamers, but for those on a tighter budget, the SHANGZHAOYUAN offers a compelling alternative.

Performance Overview

In terms of performance, the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 AC supports 3rd Gen AMD AM4 Ryzen processors, which are known for their strong performance in gaming and multitasking scenarios. Conversely, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO supports Intel's 4th Gen processors, which may not match the Ryzen 3000 series in terms of raw performance, particularly in gaming applications. This could make the ASRock a better choice for users looking for cutting-edge performance, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN still holds its ground for general computing tasks.

Compatibility

The ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 AC is designed for the AMD AM4 socket, making it compatible with a wide range of modern AMD processors, including future Ryzen releases. On the other hand, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO uses the LGA 1150 socket compatible with Intel's 4th Gen processors. If you're planning on a build that will last through multiple generations, the ASRock may offer more flexibility, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN is limited to older Intel CPUs, which could restrict future upgrades.

Memory Support

Memory support is another area where the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 AC excels, supporting DDR4 memory speeds up to 4733+ (OC). This capability allows for faster memory performance, essential for gaming and high-performance applications. In contrast, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO supports DDR3 memory, with maximum speeds of 1866MHz. This significant difference in memory technologies means that the ASRock motherboard is better suited for high-performance tasks, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN may lag behind in speed and overall performance.

Expansion Options

The ASRock B550 offers a more robust expansion capability with 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and multiple PCIe 3.0 slots. This allows for greater flexibility in adding graphics cards, storage, and other expansion cards. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO, while providing essential slots including 1 PCIe x16 3.0 and 1 PCIe x1, does not offer the same level of expandability, which could limit users' options for future upgrades or additional components.

Gaming Features

The ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 AC is designed with gamers in mind, featuring an 8 Power Phase Design for improved power delivery and stability during intense gaming sessions. It also includes dedicated graphics output options like HDMI, which are vital for gamers looking to connect to high-definition monitors. In contrast, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO, while it does support gaming through Intel's 4th Gen processors, lacks the specialized gaming features that make the ASRock a more appealing choice for dedicated gamers.

Build Quality

Build quality is essential for longevity and performance, and the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 AC has an 8-layer PCB design which enhances stability and durability. This design is particularly beneficial for gamers who push their systems to the limit. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO also emphasizes stability with a solid-state capacitor design, but its overall build may not match the advanced engineering found in the ASRock model. Users looking for a motherboard that withstands heavy use might prefer the ASRock for its enhanced robustness.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 AC and the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO boils down to your specific needs. If you are a gamer or a power user looking for modern features, extensive compatibility, and high performance, the ASRock at $100.71 is likely the better investment. However, if your computing needs are more modest and you are seeking a cost-effective solution for basic tasks, the SHANGZHAOYUAN at $79.99 could be the right fit. Consider your current and future requirements carefully before making a decision.