MSI Pro B660-A DDR4 ATX Motherboard Review (911-7D59-001)
Table of Contents
Introduction
The MSI Pro B660-A DDR4 ATX Motherboard is a solid offering for budget-conscious PC builders looking for a reliable foundation for their next system. It boasts a compelling feature set, including support for 12th Gen Intel Core processors, DDR4 memory, and a robust PCIe layout. But how does it actually perform in real-world scenarios? Let’s delve into the details to see if this board delivers on its promise.
Key Features
The MSI Pro B660-A comes packed with features that cater to a wide range of users:
- LGA 1700 Socket: Supports the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors.
- Intel B660 Chipset: Offers a balance of features and affordability.
- Dual Channel DDR4 Memory: Supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory.
- PCIe 5.0 & 4.0 Support: The board includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for next-gen graphics cards and several PCIe 4.0 slots for other components.
- Realtek ALC897 Codec: Provides high-quality audio output.
- M.2 Slots: Offers two M.2 slots for fast storage solutions.
- MSI Mystic Light: Allows customization of RGB lighting.
Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Intel B660 |
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Memory Support | DDR4, up to 128GB |
| PCIe Slots | 2x PCIe x16, 1x PCIe x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 2x M.2 |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC897 |
| LAN | Realtek GbE LAN |
| Form Factor | ATX |
Performance
In terms of performance, the MSI Pro B660-A delivers as expected from a B660 motherboard. It provides ample bandwidth and stability for everyday tasks, productivity, and gaming. I paired this motherboard with an Intel Core i7-12700K processor and 32GB of DDR4-3200 RAM, and the system consistently performed well, handling resource-intensive applications and games smoothly.
The board’s PCIe 5.0 x16 slot allows for seamless integration of the latest high-end graphics cards, maximizing their performance potential. Additionally, the M.2 slots, supporting both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 drives, offer exceptional storage speeds.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the MSI Pro B660-A’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Excellent value for money.
- Solid feature set for its price point.
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Supports both PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 technologies.
- Good thermal design with effective heatsinks.
Cons:
- Limited overclocking capabilities compared to higher-end boards.
- No onboard Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
- Relatively basic I/O panel.
Final Verdict
The MSI Pro B660-A DDR4 ATX Motherboard is an excellent choice for budget-minded PC builders looking for a solid platform for 12th Gen Intel Core processors. It offers a strong mix of features, reliable performance, and value. While it might lack some advanced features found on high-end boards, its overall capabilities are more than sufficient for most users.
If you’re after an affordable, reliable, and feature-rich motherboard that delivers exceptional performance for gaming and everyday tasks, the MSI Pro B660-A DDR4 is highly recommended.