ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 Review

The ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 motherboard is an excellent mid-tier solution for PC builders seeking a balance between affordability and performance. Built on the AMD B450 chipset, it supports a range of processors from the Ryzen series, offering an ideal base for gamers, content creators, or anyone looking to build a solid personal computer. With features like USB 3.1 support, dual M.2 slots, and a strong power phase design, this motherboard provides great flexibility and performance for a Micro ATX form factor.

In this review, we’ll delve deep into the board’s features, performance, pros and cons, and much more, giving you a comprehensive overview of the Best Budget Gaming Motherboard.

Key Features

1. Socket AM4 Compatibility

   The ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 motherboard is compatible with a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors, including Ryzen 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation. This allows you to pair it with high-performance CPUs suitable for multitasking, gaming, and content creation.

2. Memory Capacity and Performance

   With four DDR4 DIMM slots, this motherboard supports up to 64GB of RAM, providing excellent headroom for memory-hungry applications. It also supports overclocking, with speeds up to 3200 MHz, enhancing performance.

3. Dual M.2 Slots

   The motherboard comes with two M.2 slots, one Ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3 x4) and another M.2 (PCIe Gen2 x4), enabling you to use high-speed NVMe SSDs for faster boot times and efficient data transfer speeds.

4. Graphics Support

   It supports AMD Quad CrossFireX, which means you can connect multiple GPUs for enhanced graphical performance, making it an ideal choice for gamers and those in need of significant GPU computing power.

5. SATA and USB Connectivity

   The ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 features six SATA3 ports and multiple USB 3.1 Gen1 and Gen2 ports, ensuring plenty of storage and peripheral connectivity.

6. High-Quality Power Design

   The 9 power phase design helps ensure stable performance even under high loads. It also supports up to 105W water cooling for Pinnacle Ridge processors, ensuring adequate cooling for high-performance CPUs.

7. Durable Build Quality

   Constructed with high-quality components, this motherboard is durable and designed for long-term use. The Digi Power design ensures steady and efficient power delivery to the CPU.

8. Compact Micro ATX Form Factor

   Despite its compact size, the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 motherboard packs plenty of features, making it ideal for smaller builds without compromising on performance.

Specifications

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent compatibility with a wide range of Ryzen processors.
• Supports high-speed memory with overclocking capabilities.
• Dual M.2 slots for faster storage solutions.
• Great connectivity options with USB 3.1 Gen2 support.
• Micro ATX form factor ideal for compact builds.

Cons:

• Lacks built-in Wi-Fi.
• Limited PCIe bandwidth when using multiple GPUs.
• The audio quality is decent but not premium.

Performance Overview

The ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 performs remarkably well for a motherboard in its class. It offers strong support for Ryzen processors, handling both gaming and heavy workloads efficiently. Whether you’re building a PC for productivity or gaming, this board can support it with ease. The power delivery system, coupled with the 9 power phase design, ensures that overclocking remains stable without causing excessive heat buildup.

The dual M.2 slots also make a significant difference in system responsiveness. NVMe SSDs installed on these slots drastically reduce boot times and improve overall data transfer speeds. Additionally, the support for Quad CrossFireX gives gamers an edge by enabling multi-GPU setups, which can significantly boost performance in demanding games.

Conclusion

The ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 is a well-rounded motherboard that strikes a perfect balance between affordability, performance, and feature set. It stands out with its strong power delivery system, dual M.2 slots, high-speed memory support, and ample connectivity options. The Micro ATX form factor allows it to fit into smaller cases, which is ideal for compact builds without compromising on performance.

While it lacks built-in Wi-Fi, which could be a deal-breaker for some, this can easily be resolved by adding a Wi-Fi adapter. For those looking to build a powerful, yet affordable, gaming or productivity PC with AMD Ryzen processors, the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 is a solid choice.

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Comparison With Similar Products

When comparing the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 with other motherboards in the same category, several factors like chipset features, price, expandability, and suitability for different tasks come into play. Below is a comparison between the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 and two other popular motherboards: the MSI B450M Mortar Max and the Gigabyte B450M DS3H. These motherboards share the same B450 chipset, but they have variations in features and performance that can affect user choice.

Comparison Table

Detailed Comparison

1. VRM Design and Power Phases:

• The ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 stands out with its 9 power phase design, which is higher than both the MSI B450M Mortar Max and the Gigabyte B450M DS3H. This makes it more efficient for stable overclocking, particularly with high-end Ryzen processors. The Gigabyte B450M DS3H’s 4-phase VRM design is comparatively weaker and might struggle with heavy overclocking or higher power CPUs like the Ryzen 9.

2. RAM Support:

• While the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 supports up to 3200 MHz memory speeds (via overclocking), the MSI B450M Mortar Max takes the lead with support for up to 4133 MHz, making it more suitable for enthusiasts who want the best possible performance. The Gigabyte B450M DS3H sits in the middle, supporting up to 3600 MHz, which is good but not as impressive as the MSI.

3. Expansion Slots:

• Both the ASRock and MSI motherboards have two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, which offer more flexibility for multi-GPU setups. The Gigabyte B450M DS3H falls short here with only one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, making it less ideal for users who want to install multiple GPUs or other high-performance components.

4. Storage Options:

• The ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 and MSI B450M Mortar Max both offer two M.2 slots, allowing for faster storage expansion with NVMe SSDs. The Gigabyte B450M DS3H only has one M.2 slot, which limits its flexibility when it comes to adding more high-speed storage options.

5. Audio and Networking:

• All three motherboards offer 7.1 HD audio and Gigabit Ethernet, with the Realtek ALC892 audio codec in both the ASRock and MSI motherboards. The Gigabyte B450M DS3H uses a slightly older Realtek ALC887 codec, which is less advanced in terms of audio quality, but still sufficient for most users.

6. RGB Lighting and Aesthetics:

• For users who are into aesthetics and RGB setups, the MSI B450M Mortar Max offers more with built-in RGB headers and compatibility with MSI Mystic Light software. This feature is absent in both the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 and the Gigabyte B450M DS3H, making the MSI board a more appealing option for gamers who want to customize their build’s lighting.

7. BIOS Flashback:

• One notable feature of the MSI B450M Mortar Max is the BIOS Flashback button, which allows you to update the BIOS without needing a CPU or GPU. This is particularly useful if you’re upgrading to a Ryzen 5000 series processor. The ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 and Gigabyte B450M DS3H do not offer this feature, making BIOS updates more complicated in comparison.

FAQs

Is the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 motherboard compatible with Ryzen 5000 series CPUs?

Yes, the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 motherboard can support Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, but it requires a BIOS update. Initially, this motherboard was designed for Ryzen 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation processors. However, ASRock later released a BIOS update that enables compatibility with Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. To perform the update, you will need to download the BIOS file from the official ASRock website and follow their detailed instructions for flashing the BIOS.

If you are building a new PC, it is important to note that you may need an older Ryzen CPU to perform the BIOS update before installing the Ryzen 5000 series CPU. Some sellers or services can offer pre-updated motherboards, or you can reach out to ASRock’s customer support for assistance. Once updated, the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 can run Ryzen 5000 series processors, giving you access to the latest performance and features without needing to upgrade to a more expensive motherboard.

Can this motherboard handle overclocking for Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 CPUs?

The ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 is capable of handling overclocking, especially for mid-range CPUs like the Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7. Its 9 power phase design ensures stable power delivery to the CPU, which is crucial for maintaining system stability during overclocking.

However, while it does a great job with Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7, its power delivery and cooling capabilities may not be as robust as those found on higher-end motherboards like the X570 series, especially for demanding overclocks on Ryzen 9 processors.

That being said, the board still allows for moderate overclocking of the Ryzen 9, particularly for users who pair it with effective cooling solutions like high-end air or water coolers. For everyday overclocking needs, it holds up well, but extreme overclockers might face some limitations, especially when pushing the Ryzen 9 CPU to its limits. Overall, this motherboard provides a decent overclocking experience for most users, but it may not be the best choice for enthusiasts looking for extreme overclocking performance.

Does the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 have built-in Wi-Fi?

No, the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 motherboard does not come with built-in Wi-Fi. This omission might be a drawback for users who prefer wireless networking, especially in setups where a wired connection is not feasible.

However, the lack of built-in Wi-Fi is quite common in motherboards at this price range, particularly in the Micro ATX form factor. Fortunately, this issue can be easily resolved by using a dedicated PCIe Wi-Fi card or a USB Wi-Fi adapter, both of which are relatively affordable.

For users who prefer or require wireless connectivity, adding an aftermarket Wi-Fi solution is simple and cost-effective. Many users opt for external Wi-Fi adapters that offer dual-band support, or you can invest in a higher-end PCIe Wi-Fi card that provides better range and stability. Additionally, the motherboard’s built-in Gigabit Ethernet port ensures that wired connections are fast and reliable, which is especially important for gaming or streaming.

What is the maximum supported RAM speed?

The ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 motherboard supports DDR4 RAM with speeds of up to 2400 MHz by default, but it can achieve higher speeds through overclocking. Specifically, this motherboard can handle memory speeds of up to 3200 MHz when overclocked, which is a significant boost for users who need enhanced system performance. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers, content creators, and power users who rely on fast memory speeds to run demanding applications and games.

With its four DDR4 DIMM slots, the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 also supports up to 64GB of RAM, providing plenty of memory for even the most resource-hungry tasks. The motherboard’s flexibility with memory speed and capacity means you can configure your system to meet your specific needs, whether you’re focused on gaming, video editing, or multitasking.

Moreover, users who take advantage of faster memory speeds through overclocking will notice reduced loading times and smoother overall performance in applications that rely heavily on memory bandwidth.

Is this motherboard good for gaming?

Yes, the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 is an excellent choice for gaming, especially when paired with a compatible AMD Ryzen processor. It supports AMD Quad CrossFireX, which allows you to connect multiple GPUs to enhance graphical performance.

This is a major advantage for gamers who want to push their systems to the limits in graphically demanding games or virtual reality experiences. Additionally, the dual M.2 slots allow for fast NVMe SSDs, which can dramatically improve game load times and overall system responsiveness.

While it lacks some high-end features found on premium gaming motherboards, such as Wi-Fi and additional RGB headers, the ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 still offers more than enough for a mid-tier gaming build. Its compact Micro ATX form factor is great for those who prefer smaller, more portable gaming setups.

Combined with the support for overclocking both the CPU and RAM, this motherboard provides a solid foundation for a gaming rig capable of handling modern titles at high settings. Whether you’re into competitive gaming or immersive AAA experiences, this motherboard delivers reliable performance.