ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi AMD AM5 Mini-ITX Motherboard, Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Processors, DDR5 7200+ (OC), PCIe 5.0 M.2, 2.5G LAN, WiFi 6E, 8+2+1 Power Phase 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)

Price and Value Comparison

The ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi is priced at $169.99, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is available for $79.99—nearly 53% cheaper. This significant price gap reflects a fundamental difference in target market: the ASRock board targets high-performance, future-ready builds, whereas the SHANGZHAOYUAN serves budget-conscious users seeking basic functionality. At $79.99, the SHANGZHAOYUAN offers the lowest entry point for an Intel LGA 1150 motherboard with M.2 support, but it lacks modern features found on the ASRock model. The ASRock’s higher cost is justified by its advanced chipset, PCIe 5.0 support, and premium power delivery system.

Socket and Processor Compatibility

The ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors via the AM5 socket, ensuring compatibility with cutting-edge CPUs. In contrast, the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is designed for Intel’s 4th generation Core i7, i5, i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors using the LGA 1150 socket. This means the SHANGZHAOYUAN cannot support newer Intel generations beyond 4th gen, limiting upgrade potential. The ASRock’s AM5 platform enables future-proofing with DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 expansion, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN is locked to older DDR3 technology and PCIe 3.0 speeds.

Memory Support and Performance

The ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi features dual DDR5 DIMM slots capable of supporting overclocked speeds up to 7200+ (OC) in dual-channel mode, offering significantly faster memory performance than older standards. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO, however, only supports DDR3 memory at frequencies of 1333, 1600, and 1866 MHz, with a maximum capacity of 32GB across four slots. While adequate for legacy systems, this represents a major performance bottleneck compared to DDR5. The ASRock’s ability to handle higher-speed memory directly impacts overall system responsiveness and multitasking efficiency.

Storage and Expansion Capabilities

The ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi includes a PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot, enabling ultra-fast NVMe SSD speeds, along with a second M.2 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 and two SATA III ports. This provides flexible, high-performance storage options ideal for modern workloads. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO also features an M.2 slot that supports both NVMe and SATA modes automatically, plus three SATA III ports and one PCIe x16 3.0 slot. However, it lacks PCIe 5.0 support and has no dedicated front panel USB Type-C connectivity. The ASRock’s superior storage interface ensures better data throughput and scalability.

Connectivity and Networking Features

The ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi delivers modern connectivity with Intel WiFi 6E and Phantom Gaming 2.5G LAN, providing faster wireless speeds and lower latency than standard gigabit Ethernet. It also includes multiple USB 3.2 Gen2 ports with front and rear Type-C support. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO offers only a standard Gigabit LAN port and limited USB 3.0 connectivity, with no mention of USB Type-C or Wi-Fi capabilities. Its lack of built-in wireless networking means users must rely on external adapters, adding cost and complexity. The ASRock’s integrated 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E make it far more suitable for gaming, streaming, and high-bandwidth tasks.

Form Factor and Build Quality

The ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi uses a Mini-ITX form factor measuring 170mm x 170mm, making it ideal for compact, space-saving builds. Despite its small size, it features an 8+2+1 phase power design with premium Dr.MOS components for stable voltage delivery. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO is Micro-ATX sized, which allows for slightly more internal space but still fits in mid-tower cases. It uses a 4-phase power supply with all-solid-state capacitors and an 8-layer PCB for improved durability. While both boards are built for reliability, the ASRock’s higher phase count and advanced power regulation suggest better performance under load.

Which should you buy?

Choose the ASRock B650I Lightning WiFi if you’re building a modern, high-performance system with an AMD Ryzen 7000 or 8000 series CPU, prioritizing speed, future-proofing, and advanced features like PCIe 5.0, DDR5 7200+ OC, and WiFi 6E. It costs $169.99—about 110% more than the SHANGZHAOYUAN—but delivers vastly superior performance and longevity. Opt for the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO only if you're working with an older Intel 4th gen processor, have a tight budget, and need only basic functionality. At $79.99, it’s a low-cost solution for legacy systems, but it lacks modern connectivity, memory support, and expansion potential. For most users seeking a capable, forward-looking build, the ASRock is the clear winner despite its higher price.