MSI Pro B650M-P AM5 mATX Motherboard Review

Table of Contents

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

Introduction

The MSI Pro B650M-P AM5 is a mid-range mATX motherboard based on AMD’s B650 chipset. It’s designed to cater to budget-conscious builders who want a solid platform for their next AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor. This motherboard boasts DDR5 support, ample storage options, and essential connectivity features, making it a compelling option for a range of use cases. I’ve had the opportunity to put this motherboard through its paces, and in this review, I’ll share my experiences, discuss its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately determine whether it’s a worthwhile purchase.

Features

The MSI Pro B650M-P AM5 packs a punch in terms of features, offering a balance of performance and value. Here are some key highlights:

• AMD B650 Chipset: Provides support for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, offering a significant performance leap over previous generations.
• 4x DDR5 Slots: Supports up to 192GB of DDR5 memory, allowing for substantial memory capacity for demanding applications and multitasking.
• 1x PCI-E x16 Slot: Enables installation of powerful graphics cards for gaming and creative tasks.
• 2x M.2 Storage Slots: Provides ample space for NVMe SSDs, delivering lightning-fast boot times and application load speeds.
• 4x SATA 6G Ports: Supports traditional hard drives and SSDs, offering flexibility for storage configurations.
• Realtek 8125BG 2.5G LAN: Provides faster network speeds for online gaming, streaming, and file transfers.
• HDMI / DP / VGA Outputs: Offers versatile display connectivity options for a variety of monitors.

Performance

In terms of performance, the MSI Pro B650M-P AM5 delivered as expected. I tested it with an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor and a GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card. The system booted up quickly thanks to the NVMe SSDs and consistently maintained smooth performance across various tasks, including gaming, video editing, and multitasking. The DDR5 memory also proved to be a significant advantage, delivering notably faster loading times and smoother frame rates in demanding games.

The motherboard’s Realtek 8125BG 2.5G LAN provided noticeably faster network speeds compared to standard Gigabit Ethernet, significantly reducing file transfer times and making online gaming feel more responsive. The integrated audio, while not the highest quality, provided sufficient sound quality for everyday use.

Pros & Cons

As with any product, the MSI Pro B650M-P AM5 has its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros

• Solid performance with AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors
• Support for DDR5 memory for enhanced performance
• Ample storage options with two M.2 slots and four SATA ports
• Fast 2.5G LAN for improved network connectivity
• Versatile display outputs (HDMI, DP, VGA)
• Affordable price point for a B650 motherboard

Cons

• Limited overclocking options compared to higher-end B650 motherboards
• No onboard Wi-Fi connectivity (requires a separate adapter)
• Integrated audio could benefit from a higher-quality codec

Final Verdict

The MSI Pro B650M-P AM5 is a solid choice for budget-conscious builders who want a reliable platform for their next AMD Ryzen 7000 series processor. It offers a good balance of performance, features, and affordability. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end boards, its strong performance, versatile connectivity, and competitive price make it a compelling option for gamers, content creators, and everyday users alike.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective mATX motherboard that can handle your daily computing needs and a bit more, the MSI Pro B650M-P AM5 is definitely worth considering.