MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO mATX AM5 Motherboard Review: A Deep Dive

The MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO is an exciting addition to the AM5 platform, offering a compelling mix of features and performance in a compact mATX form factor. In this in-depth review, we’ll dissect its capabilities, explore real-world usage, and ultimately determine whether it’s the right choice for your next build.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance Analysis
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The B650M PROJECT ZERO is a mid-range motherboard designed for users looking to build a powerful AMD Ryzen 7000 series system without breaking the bank. It boasts a robust feature set that includes support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and a host of other modern technologies.

Key Features

Let’s delve into the standout features of the B650M PROJECT ZERO:

• AMD B650 Chipset: Provides a solid foundation for Ryzen 7000 series processors and supports PCIe 5.0 and DDR5.
• mATX Form Factor: Offers a compact footprint, making it ideal for smaller cases.
• 4x DDR5 Slots: Supports up to 128 GB of high-speed DDR5 memory.
• 2x M.2 Slots: One PCIe 5.0 and one PCIe 4.0 slot for lightning-fast storage.
• Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3: Provides fast and reliable wireless connectivity.
• HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4: Supports high-resolution displays.
• Robust VRM: Ensures stable power delivery for demanding workloads.

Performance Analysis

We put the B650M PROJECT ZERO through its paces, evaluating its performance with a Ryzen 7 7700X processor and DDR5-6000 memory. Here’s what we found:

• CPU Performance: The motherboard delivered excellent CPU performance, allowing the Ryzen 7 7700X to reach its full potential. We observed no thermal throttling issues during demanding tasks.
• Memory Performance: DDR5-6000 memory ran flawlessly, delivering impressive bandwidth figures. We saw noticeable gains in memory-intensive applications compared to DDR4.
• Storage Performance: The PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot offered blistering read and write speeds, making loading times significantly faster.
• Gaming Performance: The motherboard provided a solid gaming experience, with no noticeable bottlenecks. We were able to run AAA titles at high settings with smooth frame rates.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a quick breakdown of the B650M PROJECT ZERO’s strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

• Solid performance for both CPU and memory.
• Excellent connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
• Compact mATX form factor ideal for smaller builds.
• Robust VRM ensures stable power delivery.

Cons

• Limited overclocking headroom compared to higher-end B650 motherboards.
• The lack of integrated RGB lighting may be a drawback for some users.

Final Verdict

The MSI B650M PROJECT ZERO is a solid choice for budget-conscious builders seeking a capable mATX motherboard for their Ryzen 7000 series system. It delivers excellent performance and a rich feature set, making it an attractive option for users who prioritize value and efficiency. While it lacks the extreme overclocking potential of its higher-end counterparts, it still offers a smooth and reliable experience for everyday computing and gaming.

Specifications