Asus Prime H610M-D D4 Review: A Budget-Friendly Micro-ATX Motherboard for Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPUs
Asus Prime H610M-D D4 Review: A Budget-Friendly Micro-ATX Motherboard for Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPUs
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Asus Prime H610M-D D4 is a micro-ATX motherboard built for Intel’s 12th and 13th generation processors. It’s designed to be an affordable option for budget-conscious users, offering a solid foundation for a variety of PC builds. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value to determine if it’s the right choice for your next PC build.
Features
The Asus Prime H610M-D D4 comes packed with a range of features that are essential for a modern motherboard. It features the latest LGA 1700 socket for Intel’s 12th and 13th Gen processors, supports DDR4 memory up to 3200MHz, and boasts a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics cards. It also includes an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs, providing fast storage options.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Intel H610 |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Memory Support | DDR4 3200(OC) |
| Maximum Memory | 64GB |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1, 2 x M.2 (1 x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4) |
| Storage | 4 x SATA 6 Gbps, 1 x M.2 (Key E) |
| Rear Panel I/O | 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo, 1 x HDMI, 1 x D-Sub, 1 x RJ45, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x Audio Out, 1 x Mic In |
| Other Features | COM Port, LPT Header, RGB Header |
Performance
The Asus Prime H610M-D D4 delivers solid performance for a budget-friendly motherboard. We tested it with an Intel Core i5-12400F processor and 16GB of DDR4-3200 memory. The motherboard handled all our daily tasks, including web browsing, productivity work, and light gaming, without any hiccups.
In synthetic benchmarks, the motherboard performed well, scoring within the expected range for its class. The PCIe 4.0 x16 slot provided ample bandwidth for our graphics card, resulting in smooth gaming experiences. The M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs also significantly boosted storage speeds, making application loading and boot times incredibly fast.
Pros & Cons
**Pros:**
* **Affordable Price:** The Asus Prime H610M-D D4 is a budget-friendly option for users who want a reliable motherboard without breaking the bank.
* **Solid Performance:** It provides a stable and reliable platform for a wide range of applications, including gaming, productivity, and everyday use.
* **Versatile Connectivity:** The motherboard offers a decent selection of I/O ports, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, HDMI, D-Sub, and RJ45 for network connectivity.
* **M.2 Support:** The inclusion of an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs allows for significant speed boosts in storage performance.
**Cons:**
* **Limited Overclocking Potential:** The H610 chipset is not designed for extensive overclocking, so you may have limited options for tweaking performance.
* **Basic Audio:** The audio output is decent, but not the best, and audiophiles might consider using an external sound card for a better listening experience.
Final Verdict
The Asus Prime H610M-D D4 is a great choice for users who are looking for a budget-friendly micro-ATX motherboard for Intel’s 12th and 13th generation processors. It offers a solid set of features, good performance, and reliable operation. While it lacks some of the advanced features and overclocking capabilities of more expensive motherboards, it excels in delivering excellent value for money. If you’re on a tight budget and need a reliable platform for everyday use or light gaming, the Asus Prime H610M-D D4 is an excellent option.
