ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W – AMD B650 AM5 ATX Motherboard, White PCB, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, 3X M.2, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN, USB 10Gbps Type-C, DisplayPort, HDMI™, BIOS Flashback™, Aura Sync, Advanced AI PC 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)

Socket Compatibility and Processor Support

ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W supports AMD’s AM5 socket, enabling compatibility with AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series desktop processors. In contrast, SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO uses the LGA 1150 socket, designed specifically for Intel’s 4th generation Core i7, i5, i3, Pentium, and Celeron processors. This fundamental difference means the two motherboards are incompatible with each other’s CPU ecosystems. The ASUS model is built for modern, high-performance computing with future-proofing in mind, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN targets older Intel platforms. The price gap reflects this divide: the ASUS board costs $149.99, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN is priced at $79.99—about 47% cheaper.

Memory and Storage Interface Speeds

The ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W features DDR5 memory support, which offers higher bandwidth and lower power consumption compared to DDR3. It includes multiple M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 5.0, enabling ultra-fast storage speeds. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO, on the other hand, only supports DDR3 memory with a maximum frequency of 1866MHz and up to 32GB of RAM across four DIMMs. Its storage interface includes an M.2 slot that supports both NVMe and SATA modes, switching automatically. While functional, it lacks PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 capabilities. The ASUS motherboard provides significantly faster memory and storage performance, essential for modern workloads and gaming, whereas the SHANGZHAOYUAN remains rooted in legacy technology.

Connectivity and Networking Performance

ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W delivers advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and rear USB 10Gbps Type-A and Type-C ports. It also supports front USB 5Gbps Type-C. These features enable faster data transfer, reduced latency, and improved wireless performance. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO includes a standard Gigabit LAN port and no mention of Wi-Fi or USB 10Gbps. Its connectivity options are limited to PCIe 3.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x1, and three SATA 3.0 ports. The ASUS board’s 2.5Gb LAN and USB 10Gbps offer nearly double the speed of the SHANGZHAOYUAN’s 1Gb LAN and standard USB 3.0 speeds. For users prioritizing fast network and peripheral performance, the ASUS model is clearly superior.

Power Delivery and Build Quality

The ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W employs an 8+2+1 phase power design with a 6-layer PCB, alloy chokes, and durable capacitors for stable power delivery under load. This robust setup supports high-end CPUs and overclocking potential. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO uses a 4-phase power supply with all-solid-state capacitors and an 8-layer PCB, which ensures reliability but is less capable than the ASUS design. Both boards feature solid construction, but the ASUS’s 8+2+1 phase system indicates greater capacity for power-hungry components. Additionally, the ASUS board includes a 24+8 pin power connector, requiring at least a 500W PSU, while the SHANGZHAOYUAN specifies the same requirement. The ASUS build quality is more advanced, supporting higher-tier systems.

Cooling and Thermal Management

ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W comes with VRM and M.2 heatsinks, a PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers, and Fan Xpert 2+ software for precise cooling control. These features help maintain optimal temperatures during sustained workloads. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO includes heat dissipation armor protection and an 8-layer PCB to manage thermal output, but no specific heatsinks are mentioned. While both boards aim for thermal stability, the ASUS model offers dedicated cooling solutions for key components like the VRM and M.2 drives. The SHANGZHAOYUAN relies on passive heat spreaders and general PCB design for thermal management, making it less effective under heavy loads.

RGB Lighting and Customization Options

ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W includes three Addressable RGB Gen 2 headers and full compatibility with ASUS Aura Sync, allowing for extensive lighting customization across peripherals and case components. This enables synchronized, dynamic lighting effects. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO does not mention any RGB lighting features or compatible software. Users seeking aesthetic personalization will find the ASUS board far more versatile. The absence of RGB support in the SHANGZHAOYUAN limits its appeal to users focused on minimalism or budget builds without visual enhancements.

Which should you buy?

If you're building a modern, high-performance PC with an AMD Ryzen 7000 or newer processor, the ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W is the clear choice. It supports DDR5, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and USB 10Gbps—features absent in the SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO. Though priced at $149.99, it offers future-proofed technology and superior connectivity. The SHANGZHAOYUAN B85M PRO at $79.99 is about 47% cheaper and suitable only for older Intel 4th gen systems with DDR3 memory. If your goal is a low-cost, basic build using legacy hardware, it may suffice. However, for performance, longevity, and advanced features, the ASUS board justifies its higher cost. Choose the ASUS if you want a powerful, modern platform; choose the SHANGZHAOYUAN only if you’re constrained by budget and must use outdated Intel hardware.