MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 (911-7D77-001) Motherboard Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 motherboard is a solid choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a reliable platform for their latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. This Micro-ATX board offers a compelling mix of features, including DDR5 support, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and ample expansion options, all at a competitive price point.
Features
The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 is packed with features that make it a versatile choice for various build scenarios. Here are some of the highlights:
- AMD B650 Chipset: This chipset enables support for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, offering impressive performance gains and new features like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory.
- 4 x 2-Channel DDR5 Slots: The motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, providing ample capacity for demanding workloads and gaming.
- Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity: The integrated Wi-Fi 6E module delivers blazing-fast wireless speeds and a more stable connection for online gaming, streaming, and other network-intensive tasks.
- 2x PCI-E x16 Slots: The motherboard provides two PCI-E x16 slots, allowing users to install dual high-end graphics cards for maximum graphical power.
- 2x M.2 Slots: The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 comes equipped with two M.2 slots, supporting both NVMe and SATA SSDs. This allows for fast and efficient storage configurations.
- 1x HDMI and 1x DP: The motherboard provides both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of displays.
- USB 23.2/2.0: The motherboard offers a comprehensive selection of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and USB 2.0 ports.
- MSI Core Boost: This technology ensures optimal power delivery to the CPU, enabling stable and high-performance operation.
- M-Flash: This feature allows users to quickly and easily update the BIOS without needing to install the operating system.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | AMD B650 |
| Socket | AM5 |
| Memory Slots | 4 x 2-Channel DDR5 |
| Maximum Memory | 128GB |
| Expansion Slots | 2x PCI-E x16, 1x PCI-E x1 |
| Storage | 2x M.2, 6x SATA III |
| LAN | Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE LAN |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 Codec |
| Rear Panel I/O | 1x PS/2, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x RJ45, 1x Wi-Fi 6E, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB 2.0, Audio Jacks |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
Performance
The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 delivers solid performance, as expected from a modern motherboard with the AMD B650 chipset. I paired this board with an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor and 32GB of DDR5-6000 memory. The system consistently delivered high frame rates in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, while multitasking was a breeze thanks to the powerful processor and ample memory.
The Wi-Fi 6E connectivity provided fast and reliable internet speeds, making online gaming and streaming a seamless experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent performance with AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors
- Robust feature set including DDR5 support, Wi-Fi 6E, and ample expansion options
- Stable and reliable operation
- Competitive price point
Cons
- No built-in RGB lighting, which some users might miss
- The lack of a front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C header could be an inconvenience for some
Final Verdict
The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 is a well-rounded motherboard that offers a balance of performance, features, and value. Its excellent support for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and ample expansion options make it a compelling choice for gamers and enthusiasts. While it lacks some features like built-in RGB lighting and a front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C header, these are minor shortcomings that don’t detract significantly from the overall experience. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich Micro-ATX motherboard for your next AMD Ryzen 7000 build, the MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 is definitely worth considering.