ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E ATX Motherboard

ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E ATX Motherboard — image 1
ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E ATX Motherboard — image 2
ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E ATX Motherboard — image 3
ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E ATX Motherboard — image 4
ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E ATX Motherboard — image 5
87%
91%
Performance
89%
Stability
88%
Overclocking Capability
92%
WiFi 6E Connectivity
85%
Ease of Installation
87%
Build Quality
70%
BIOS Setup & Updates
90%
Value for Money
88%
Storage Expansion Options
84%
USB Port Availability
93%
Compatibility with Ryzen CPUs
86%
Graphics Output (HDMI/DisplayPort)
More

Overview

The ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E ATX Motherboard offers a solid foundation for high-performance PCs, particularly those powered by AMD Ryzen 7000/8000/9000 series processors. This motherboard stands out for its support of DDR5 memory up to 7200MHz (OC), enabling excellent speeds for both gaming and content creation. With PCIe 5.0, it provides faster data transfer speeds and ensures compatibility with next-gen GPUs, while its integrated WiFi 6E offers reliable, high-speed wireless connectivity. It’s a robust option for those building or upgrading their systems with future-proof features.

Features & Benefits

This ATX board offers a range of advanced features to enhance your computing experience. The dual M.2 slots—one with PCIe Gen5x4 and the other with Gen4x4—enable fast, high-capacity storage options for gamers and power users. A powerful 14+2+1 power phase configuration with 80A Dr.MOS ensures stable and efficient power delivery, even during overclocking. Additionally, the inclusion of HDMI and DisplayPort outputs offers versatile video options for multi-monitor setups or media centers. With Realtek ALC4082 HD audio, the board also delivers excellent sound quality.

Best For

The ASRock B650 Steel Legend is ideal for gamers seeking reliable, high-performance hardware for demanding titles and applications. Content creators will appreciate the board’s ability to handle intensive workloads, especially with its fast storage options and overclocking support. This motherboard is also perfect for tech enthusiasts building a future-proof PC with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory support. Finally, users who require strong wireless connectivity will benefit from the integrated WiFi 6E, making it a great choice for both home and office environments.

User Feedback

User feedback for this motherboard is generally positive, with many praising its stability and the ease of installation. The overclocking capability stands out as a highlight, offering noticeable performance gains, especially in gaming. A few users have noted the board’s solid build quality and attractive design. However, some reviews mention that BIOS updates are necessary for optimal performance, with a few users encountering initial issues related to settings. Overall, it’s a great choice for those looking for a reliable, high-performance motherboard, despite the minor setup hurdles.

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Pros

  • This motherboard offers excellent stability and ease of installation, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced builders.
  • Users appreciate the high overclocking potential, especially for boosting performance during gaming and demanding workloads.
  • The dual M.2 slots (PCIe Gen5x4 and Gen4x4) allow for fast and flexible storage options, enhancing load times and data access speeds.
  • WiFi 6E support provides faster and more reliable wireless connectivity, making it a great choice for users with high-speed internet needs.
  • The 14+2+1 power phase with 80A Dr.MOS ensures smooth power delivery for stable system performance, even under heavy load.
  • Many users commend the solid build quality and the sleek design, which adds a premium feel to their builds.

Cons

  • Some users have reported issues with BIOS settings that require updates for optimal performance, particularly with newer CPUs.
  • The motherboard's higher price point may not be justified for users with basic needs or those on a budget.
  • Limited SATA ports may not be sufficient for users with extensive storage requirements or multiple drives.
  • Not all users find the PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 features necessary for their use case, which could make this board overkill for casual setups.
  • A few reviewers experienced compatibility problems with older RAM modules, which required manual adjustments in BIOS.
  • The motherboard's large form factor may not fit in smaller PC cases, potentially restricting its use for compact builds.

Ratings

The ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E ATX Motherboard has garnered generally positive feedback from users across multiple platforms and languages. After filtering out spam, bot-generated, and incentivized reviews, the scores reflect a genuine and diverse range of user experiences, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. This device stands out for its solid performance, overclocking potential, and connectivity, though some users noted the need for BIOS updates to optimize its capabilities. Below are the aggregated scores based on verified reviews worldwide, giving an in-depth look at how it performs in real-world scenarios.

Performance
91%
Users consistently praise the device's ability to handle demanding tasks like gaming and content creation. The high-speed DDR5 memory support, coupled with PCIe 5.0, ensures fast performance and smooth multitasking, even under heavy workloads. This board performs exceptionally well in both gaming and productivity scenarios.
A few users reported that performance was hindered by the need for BIOS updates, especially with new Ryzen CPU models. Some also mentioned that while the performance is strong, the initial setup could be slightly complex for users unfamiliar with BIOS configurations.
Stability
89%
Many users highlight the motherboard's stability, particularly during extended usage. Whether running multiple applications or pushing the system during gaming sessions, this board consistently provides reliable performance without crashes. It offers a solid base for high-performance PC builds.
However, some reviews mention that stability can sometimes be affected by incompatible RAM or GPU configurations, particularly if the system is not tuned correctly. While rare, a few users noted occasional stability issues with specific Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
Overclocking Capability
88%
The overclocking potential is one of the standout features, with users praising its ability to handle increased power demands. The 14+2+1 power phase and 80A Dr.MOS provide stable power delivery, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to push their system's limits.
Some users experienced challenges with overclocking, particularly with certain memory configurations. While the motherboard supports overclocking, a few found that fine-tuning settings was necessary to avoid system instability.
WiFi 6E Connectivity
92%
WiFi 6E support is another highlight, offering users faster, more reliable wireless connections. Reviewers have praised the speed and stability of the wireless connection, especially in high-traffic networks or when gaming online. The 6E standard significantly improves speeds compared to older WiFi technologies.
A few users experienced issues with WiFi connectivity during initial setup, with some needing to manually update drivers. However, this problem seems isolated and not common across all users, with most enjoying seamless WiFi performance after setup.
Ease of Installation
85%
The installation process is generally easy, with many users commenting on the clear and well-documented setup instructions. The layout is user-friendly, allowing for easy cable management and hardware installation, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced builders.
However, some users felt that the need for BIOS updates prior to installation made the process less straightforward. A few also mentioned that the board could benefit from more clearly marked components for quicker installation.
Build Quality
87%
The build quality of this motherboard is solid, with users praising its durability and premium feel. The sturdy PCB and reinforced components ensure that the board can withstand heavy usage and overclocking demands. The aesthetics, especially the sleek black and silver color scheme, are also a plus.
A small number of users noted that the motherboard's size could make it tight for installation in smaller cases. While generally well-built, there were occasional mentions of specific components feeling slightly fragile under heavy handling.
BIOS Setup & Updates
70%
30%
Once updated, the BIOS offers a range of useful features for fine-tuning system performance. Many users appreciate the options for CPU and memory configuration, allowing for personalized optimization of their system.
However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues with the BIOS setup process, particularly with newer Ryzen processors. Some users faced difficulties with updating the BIOS, while others reported that the system was unresponsive until the update was completed.
Value for Money
90%
This motherboard offers excellent value for its price, providing high-end features like PCIe 5.0, DDR5 support, and WiFi 6E connectivity at a competitive price point. Many users felt they were getting premium performance and future-proofing for their investment without overspending.
Despite its overall value, a few users felt that the price could be a bit high for those who don't need the advanced features like PCIe 5.0 and WiFi 6E. However, this is more of a consideration for budget-conscious buyers rather than a widespread issue.
Storage Expansion Options
88%
The dual M.2 slots, including one PCIe Gen5x4 and one PCIe Gen4x4, provide excellent options for fast storage. Users have praised the flexibility these slots offer for building a system with high-speed storage needs, making it ideal for gamers and content creators.
A few users mentioned that while the storage expansion options are robust, the motherboard could benefit from more SATA ports. Those with large storage needs might find the four SATA3 ports limiting for multiple hard drives or SSDs.
USB Port Availability
84%
The motherboard offers ample USB ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port, which users appreciate for connecting modern peripherals like high-speed storage devices. The variety of ports allows for easy device connection and convenient data transfer.
However, some users felt that the total number of USB ports could be more generous. A few reviewers noted that they needed to use USB hubs to connect additional devices, particularly in setups with multiple accessories.
Compatibility with Ryzen CPUs
93%
Users frequently mention the seamless compatibility with AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, ensuring a smooth setup and high-performance experience. The motherboard delivers strong performance with Ryzen chips, making it a top choice for users building a Ryzen-based system.
There were minimal reports of compatibility issues, but a few users experienced some initial hiccups with BIOS configuration when using the latest Ryzen processors. Once updated, the system ran smoothly, but initial setup could be frustrating for first-time builders.
Graphics Output (HDMI/DisplayPort)
86%
The inclusion of both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs offers great flexibility for users who don't use a dedicated GPU. Several users appreciate having the option to use integrated graphics, especially for basic computing tasks and multitasking.
However, users running high-performance gaming setups reported that these outputs may not fully support demanding graphics requirements. While they work well for non-gaming tasks, serious gamers will likely prefer using a dedicated GPU.

Suitable for:

The ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E ATX Motherboard is well-suited for gamers and content creators who require a stable, high-performance platform for demanding applications. With support for AMD Ryzen 7000/8000/9000 series processors and high-speed DDR5 memory, this motherboard excels in tasks that require robust processing power, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. Additionally, tech enthusiasts looking to build a future-proof PC will appreciate the PCIe 5.0 and WiFi 6E capabilities, which provide enhanced performance and connectivity for next-gen GPUs and fast, reliable wireless speeds. The motherboard's easy installation and solid build quality further make it an attractive option for those building a high-performance machine.

Not suitable for:

This motherboard may not be the best choice for users on a tight budget or those who don’t need the advanced features it offers. While the ASRock B650 Steel Legend delivers impressive performance, some users reported that its higher price point may not justify the investment for casual users or those with more basic computing needs. Additionally, while installation is generally straightforward, users unfamiliar with BIOS settings might find the setup process challenging, especially when dealing with BIOS updates required for optimal performance. Those who require extensive storage options might also find the number of SATA ports limiting, making it less ideal for users with heavy storage demands.

Specifications

  • Chipset: Equipped with the AMD B650 chipset, designed for the latest Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors.
  • Socket: Uses the AM5 socket, compatible with AMD Ryzen 7000 series and future AM5 CPUs.
  • Memory: Supports DDR5 memory up to 7200MHz (OC), ensuring high-speed performance for demanding tasks.
  • PCIe Slots: Includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for versatile GPU and expansion card support.
  • M.2 Slots: Has two PCIe Gen5x4 M.2 slots and two PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 slots, offering fast storage options.
  • WiFi: Features WiFi 6E (802.11axe) for faster, more reliable wireless connectivity.
  • Audio: Powered by the Realtek ALC4082 7.1-channel HD audio chipset, delivering high-quality sound.
  • USB Ports: Offers a total of 10 USB ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Rear) and a USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C (Front).
  • Display Output: Supports HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for flexible video display options.
  • Power Phases: Equipped with a 14+2+1 power phase design and 80A Dr.MOS, ensuring stable power delivery for overclocking.
  • Form Factor: ATX form factor, providing a full-sized layout compatible with most mid and full-tower PC cases.
  • Storage Expansion: Supports 4x SATA3 ports for additional storage devices alongside the M.2 slots.
  • Cooling: Includes both active and passive heatsinks for effective thermal management during high workloads.
  • Audio Enhancements: Features Nahimic Audio 4 software, offering enhanced sound optimization for gaming and media playback.
  • Overclocking: Designed for overclocking, with stable power delivery and cooling to support high-performance CPUs and memory.
  • Dimensions: Measures 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm (12-inch x 9.6-inch), fitting ATX-compatible cases.
  • Compatibility: Fully compatible with AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors and other AM5-based systems.
  • Expansion Slots: Includes multiple PCIe slots to accommodate GPUs, expansion cards, and storage devices.

FAQ

This motherboard supports high-speed DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 for faster data transfer, and WiFi 6E for reliable wireless connectivity. It's ideal for gamers and content creators who need stable performance for demanding applications and high-end gaming setups.

Yes, the ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E ATX Motherboard is fully compatible with AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors, offering solid performance and support for high-end workloads.

Installation is generally straightforward, as the motherboard is designed for ATX cases, and most users report that it fits well with standard PC chassis. The clear layout and easy-to-follow instructions contribute to a hassle-free setup.

Yes, this board features a 14+2+1 power phase and 80A Dr.MOS, which ensure stable power delivery for overclocking, allowing users to boost their CPU and RAM for higher performance, particularly in gaming and content creation.

It provides multiple storage options, including 2x PCIe Gen5x4 M.2 slots, 2x PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 slots, and 4x SATA3 ports, allowing users to install fast SSDs or traditional hard drives for extensive storage needs.

WiFi 6E provides faster and more reliable wireless speeds, especially in environments with high network traffic or when using high-speed internet. If you're a gamer, streamer, or content creator relying on a stable internet connection, it can be highly beneficial.

Some users have noted that the BIOS settings may require updates to ensure optimal performance, particularly with newer processors. While not a widespread issue, it can affect users seeking a plug-and-play experience.

Yes, the ASRock B650 Steel Legend supports multiple GPUs, as it includes one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. However, multi-GPU setups are better suited for users with demanding graphical workloads, such as 3D rendering or high-end gaming.

No, this motherboard is an ATX form factor, which is generally too large for small or compact PC cases. It’s best suited for mid or full-size tower cases where the layout allows proper airflow and space for other components.

The ASRock B650 Steel Legend offers high-quality audio via its Realtek ALC4082 7.1 channel HD audio chipset, providing clear and immersive sound for gaming, media consumption, or content creation. Users appreciate the sound clarity and depth, even without dedicated audio hardware.