ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND Motherboard

85%

Value for Money

Gaming Performance

Ease of Installation

Overclocking Capability

Build Quality

Compatibility with Ryzen CPUs

CrossFire Support

M.2 and SSD Support

Audio Quality

PCIe Slot Availability

Ethernet Connectivity

Long-Term Durability

Size and Form Factor

Overview

The ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND Motherboard is a reliable option for those looking to build a budget-friendly or mid-range PC. With support for AMD Ryzen processors and the AMD B450 chipset, this microATX board ensures solid performance at an affordable price. It's a great choice for users who need a stable foundation for a gaming rig or productivity machine, without breaking the bank. While it may not offer the high-end features of more expensive boards, the ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND is a practical solution for many DIY builders.

Features & Benefits

This motherboard supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at 2400 MHz, providing enough power for a variety of tasks. It also features multiple PCIe slots, allowing users to add graphics cards or expansion cards for enhanced functionality. The Realtek ALC892 7.1-channel audio offers impressive sound quality, making it suitable for gaming and multimedia applications. Additionally, the M.2 support ensures fast storage speeds, ideal for users looking for quick load times and smooth performance in their builds. Overall, it’s a feature-packed motherboard for the price.

Best For

The ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND is best suited for gamers on a budget or DIY PC builders using AMD Ryzen processors. It’s also a solid choice for those seeking a motherboard with CrossFire support for multi-GPU setups, allowing for better graphical performance in compatible games. Whether you’re assembling a gaming rig or need a reliable board for everyday tasks, this motherboard offers the essential features without unnecessary frills. Its versatility and price point make it an appealing choice for a wide range of users.

User Feedback

Users generally praise the ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND for its ease of installation and sturdy build quality, which is typical of ASRock’s offerings. Many appreciate its strong performance for the price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious builders. However, some users have pointed out that overclocking on this board is somewhat limited, especially at higher-end specs. While it’s a reliable board for most needs, enthusiasts seeking extreme overclocking potential may want to explore higher-end options.

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Pros

Ideal for gamers and builders on a budget, offering solid performance at an affordable price.
Supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, providing good headroom for most mid-range builds.
The microATX form factor makes it a great choice for compact PC builds.
Multiple PCIe slots allow for future upgrades and multi-GPU setups with CrossFireX support.
Installation is straightforward, with positive feedback about ease of setup from users.
Realtek ALC892 7.1-channel audio delivers decent sound quality for gaming and multimedia needs.

Cons

Limited overclocking capabilities, which may not satisfy users seeking to push their system to higher performance levels.
Not suitable for users with high-end processors or GPUs that require extensive power and cooling support.
Some users report that the BIOS options are basic and lack advanced features for enthusiasts.
The lack of Wi-Fi support may require additional adapters or a separate network card for some setups.
While the build quality is generally good, the board may not be as durable under heavy use as higher-end models.
Users building top-tier gaming PCs may find this motherboard’s overall performance underwhelming with very high-end hardware.

Ratings

The ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND Motherboard has garnered positive feedback across multiple review platforms worldwide, with a strong focus on its affordability and solid performance. After filtering out spam, bot-generated, and incentivized reviews, we found that both its strengths and limitations were well reflected in the scores. Users across different languages and regions consistently praised its value for money, ease of installation, and gaming capabilities, although some noted its limitations in overclocking potential. Here's a breakdown of the key ratings based on verified user feedback from various sources.

Value for Money

91%

Many users appreciate the solid feature set offered at this price point. The combination of performance and affordability makes this motherboard a great option for those looking to build a budget-friendly or mid-range PC without compromising on core capabilities like memory support and PCIe slots.

Some buyers feel that while the motherboard offers good value, there are cheaper alternatives in the market that provide fewer features. A few users also mentioned that certain high-end components could push the limits of what this board can handle efficiently.

Gaming Performance

88%

This motherboard excels in gaming performance for its price, with users noting that it handles most modern games and gaming setups well. It supports CrossFireX for multi-GPU setups, which is particularly valuable for users looking to build a high-performance gaming rig on a budget.

However, some users report that at higher graphical settings or with more demanding titles, the motherboard's performance may start to show limitations. Overclocking potential is not as robust as with higher-end boards, which could be a drawback for more serious gamers.

Ease of Installation

94%

Most users found installation straightforward, with clear instructions and well-labeled connectors. The microATX form factor also makes it easier to fit into a variety of PC cases, and many mentioned that it was a hassle-free experience for DIY builders.

A small number of users found that the installation process could be tricky if they had to deal with older or non-standard components. In some cases, BIOS updates were needed for full compatibility, which added an extra step for new builders.

Overclocking Capability

65%

35%

For users looking for an entry-level motherboard, the overclocking capabilities of this board are sufficient for moderate use. Some users managed to push performance slightly beyond stock settings without stability issues, which is a bonus at this price point.

However, many users report that the overclocking potential is limited compared to other more expensive motherboards. Those seeking significant performance boosts from overclocking might find this board lacking, especially with higher-end CPUs.

Build Quality

89%

The ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND is praised for its sturdy build quality, with many users highlighting the durable components used in its design. The heatsinks are robust, and the overall construction feels solid, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.

Some buyers noted that while the build quality is generally solid, the motherboard can be prone to slight warping when handling or installation if not done carefully. A few also reported that the heatsinks could be a little more efficient under heavy load.

Compatibility with Ryzen CPUs

90%

This motherboard is highly praised for its seamless compatibility with AMD Ryzen processors. Users have successfully paired it with a variety of Ryzen chips, from budget models to more powerful ones, without any issues. The AM4 socket and B450 chipset ensure smooth performance across multiple generations.

Although compatibility is generally great, some users have noted that the board may require BIOS updates for newer Ryzen processors, particularly those from the Ryzen 3000 series and beyond. This can add an extra layer of complexity for new buyers.

CrossFire Support

80%

20%

CrossFire support is a key feature for gamers looking to boost graphics performance. Many users have praised this motherboard for providing the flexibility to run multiple GPUs, which is ideal for gaming setups that demand extra graphical power.

However, some users feel that CrossFire is less relevant in modern gaming, given the rise of single powerful GPUs. Additionally, there have been reports of reduced performance when running multi-GPU setups due to potential bottlenecks or compatibility issues.

M.2 and SSD Support

86%

The inclusion of M.2 support is a welcome addition, providing faster storage options for users who need quick load times and system responsiveness. Buyers have noted that the motherboard performs well with NVMe SSDs, which adds a nice speed boost for budget-conscious builds.

A few users experienced issues with certain M.2 drives not being recognized immediately, requiring BIOS updates or configuration tweaks. Some also reported that the M.2 slot could be a bit limiting for users with multiple storage devices.

Audio Quality

83%

Realtek ALC892 7.1-channel audio provides solid sound quality for gaming, media consumption, and daily use. Most users find the audio output to be clear and suitable for their needs, especially for those not using high-end external sound cards.

While the audio is good for most users, audiophiles or those looking for high-end sound output might be disappointed by the lack of premium audio components. Some users also report occasional interference or static, particularly in noisy environments.

PCIe Slot Availability

85%

The board features multiple PCIe slots, including three x16 slots, making it flexible for users who want to add extra graphics cards, expansion cards, or storage controllers. This versatility is appreciated by gamers and DIY builders who want to future-proof their setups.

A few users noted that the positioning of the PCIe slots can sometimes cause issues with large graphics cards or other bulky components. Also, some configurations might block access to other slots, limiting expansion options.

Ethernet Connectivity

87%

The Gigabit Ethernet support ensures stable and fast network connections, which is particularly appreciated by gamers and those who rely on internet connectivity for work or streaming. Users found the network performance reliable for both casual and heavy usage.

While most users found the Ethernet connectivity reliable, a few noted that they experienced occasional drops in connection, especially under heavy network traffic. In such cases, upgrading the network drivers resolved some issues, but not all users were satisfied with the solution.

Long-Term Durability

82%

18%

The durability of this motherboard is generally well-received, with users mentioning that it holds up well over time. Even with frequent use, it continues to provide stable performance and shows minimal wear and tear, making it a solid investment for long-term use.

Some users reported minor durability issues, such as small issues with connectivity or occasional boot failures after extended use. Though rare, these problems seem to occur with higher-end setups that demand more from the board.

Size and Form Factor

88%

The MicroATX form factor makes it versatile and compact, allowing users to fit it into a variety of PC cases, even smaller ones. This is especially appreciated by those with limited space or those building compact gaming or office PCs.

While the size is generally a plus, some users found that the limited space could be restrictive in certain configurations. For example, large GPU or cooling setups may cause space issues, especially when pairing with larger cases or multi-GPU setups.

Suitable for:

The ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND Motherboard is a great choice for budget-conscious gamers and DIY PC builders who are looking to build a reliable mid-range PC. Users seeking solid performance without breaking the bank will benefit from its features, such as support for Ryzen processors, multiple PCIe slots for graphics cards, and CrossFireX for multi-GPU setups. Additionally, the microATX form factor makes it ideal for compact builds, which is perfect for those with limited space or who prefer smaller cases. For example, casual gamers or those building a home office PC with a Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 processor will find this board to be a solid option that balances cost and capability.

Not suitable for:

While this motherboard offers great value for its price, it may not be the best option for users seeking high-end performance or extensive overclocking capabilities. Enthusiast gamers or professional content creators who require the absolute best in terms of power and expansion may find the limitations in overclocking and the relatively lower performance ceiling off-putting. Additionally, users looking to run the most demanding setups with multiple GPUs may experience some bottlenecks due to the board's constraints on higher-end configurations. For instance, a user with a Ryzen 9 processor or those using the latest GPU models might find this motherboard lacking in terms of high-performance demands.

Specifications

Form Factor: This motherboard uses a microATX form factor, offering a compact design that fits in most mid-sized PC cases.
Chipset: The motherboard is equipped with the AMD B450 chipset, ensuring compatibility with Ryzen processors and various performance features.
Socket: Supports AM4 socket, compatible with a range of AMD Ryzen processors including 1000, 2000, and 3000 series (excluding Ryzen 5000 series without BIOS update).
Memory Support: Supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory with a maximum memory speed of 2400 MHz, providing ample capacity for gaming and productivity tasks.
PCIe Slots: Equipped with three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and three PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, allowing for expansion with graphics cards and other components.
CrossFireX Support: Supports multi-GPU setups with AMD CrossFireX, allowing users to run two or more AMD graphics cards for improved performance.
Audio: Features Realtek ALC892 7.1-channel audio, delivering high-quality sound for immersive gaming and media experiences.
M.2 Support: Provides M.2 support for fast storage options, ideal for installing NVMe SSDs for quicker boot and load times.
Network: Includes Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed internet connectivity and stable online performance, crucial for gaming and streaming.
USB Ports: Offers a variety of USB ports, including USB 3.1 and USB 2.0, for connecting external devices like storage drives and peripherals.
Dimensions: The motherboard measures 12 x 2.5 x 9.6 inches, making it a suitable choice for compact gaming builds and general-purpose PC setups.
Weight: The motherboard weighs approximately 3.08 pounds, typical for a microATX board with its feature set.
Power Delivery: Equipped with a 6-phase power delivery system to ensure stable power for the processor, ideal for moderate overclocking.
Expansion Slots: Comes with multiple expansion slots including PCIe x16 and x1, allowing flexibility for additional cards such as sound or network cards.
Storage Support: In addition to M.2, this motherboard also supports up to six SATA3 ports for additional storage drives, offering plenty of options for users.
Compatibility: Compatible with most major operating systems, including Windows and Linux, providing flexibility for different setups.
BIOS Features: Supports UEFI BIOS, allowing for an intuitive setup and overclocking interface for users looking to tweak their system performance.

FAQ

This motherboard is ideal for gamers and DIY PC builders looking for an affordable yet solid option for AMD Ryzen processors. It’s well-suited for budget or mid-range PC builds, offering reliable performance without breaking the bank.

This motherboard has 4 RAM slots and supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at a speed of 2400 MHz, allowing for good memory expansion for most users and gamers.

The ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND Motherboard supports Ryzen processors with an AM4 socket and the B450 chipset, making it compatible with most Ryzen 1000, 2000, and 3000 series CPUs. It does not support Ryzen 5000 series processors without a BIOS update.

Yes, this motherboard supports multi-GPU setups with CrossFireX technology, allowing users to install two or more AMD graphics cards for improved gaming performance, depending on the specific model.

The ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND comes with Realtek ALC892 7.1-channel audio, providing clear and high-quality sound that’s great for gaming, movies, and multimedia use.

Many users have reported that this motherboard is easy to install, with straightforward connectivity and clear instructions. It's designed to be user-friendly, making it a good choice for first-time builders.

Yes, the ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND offers M.2 support for faster storage options. You can install an M.2 SSD to take advantage of faster data transfer speeds, ideal for boot drives or games.

While the ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND supports overclocking to some extent, it’s not as robust as higher-end motherboards. Users looking to push their system to its limits may find the overclocking capabilities somewhat limited.

This microATX motherboard has dimensions of 12 x 2.5 x 9.6 inches, making it compact enough for most mid-sized PC cases while offering good expandability for multiple components.

No, the ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND does not have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth support. Users who need these features will need to use separate adapters or network cards.