MSI Unveils the PRO B650-A WIFI: A Feature-Packed Entry-Mainstream Socket AM5 Motherboard

MSI, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware, has announced the launch of its latest entry-mainstream motherboard under the PRO series, the PRO B650-A WIFI. This new offering, built around the Socket AM5 platform, aims to deliver a balance of performance, features, and affordability for users looking to harness the power of AMD’s latest Ryzen processors.

Robust Design and Build Quality

The MSI PRO B650-A WIFI is designed in the standard ATX form factor, making it compatible with a wide range of PC cases. The motherboard features a 6-layer PCB, which enhances its durability and thermal performance. One of the standout aspects of this board is the inclusion of heatsinks for all its M.2 slots, ensuring efficient heat dissipation for high-speed storage devices.

Power Delivery and VRM Solution

To support the demanding power requirements of high-performance CPUs, the PRO B650-A WIFI draws power from a combination of a 24-pin ATX and two 8-pin EPS power connectors. It employs a robust 14+2+1 phase VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) solution, which is capable of handling even the top 170 W TDP Ryzen 9 chips. This ensures stable power delivery, which is essential for maintaining performance and reliability under heavy loads.

Memory and Expansion Options

The CPU socket on the MSI PRO B650-A WIFI is wired to four DDR5 DIMM slots, allowing users to install the latest DDR5 memory modules for improved performance and efficiency. The board features a PCI-Express 4.0 x16 slot, which is ideal for high-performance graphics cards. Additionally, it includes two M.2 NVMe Gen 4 slots directly connected to the CPU, offering ultra-fast storage options. A third M.2 Gen 4 slot is wired to the B650 FCH (Fusion Controller Hub), providing even more flexibility for storage expansion.

Premium Audio and USB Connectivity

MSI has equipped the PRO B650-A WIFI with a high-quality onboard audio solution powered by the Realtek ALC4080 CODEC. This ensures crisp and clear audio output, whether for gaming, media consumption, or professional use. In terms of USB connectivity, the motherboard is well-equipped with a 20 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 type-C port, three 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 type-A ports, and four 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Additionally, there are several USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 ports accessible via internal headers, providing ample options for connecting peripherals.

Display Outputs and Networking

For users who rely on integrated graphics, the MSI PRO B650-A WIFI includes both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, ensuring compatibility with a variety of display devices. Networking capabilities are also a strong suit of this motherboard, featuring a 2.5 GbE interface driven by the Realtek 8125B controller. Wireless connectivity is handled by an AMD/Mediatek-sourced WLAN module that supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, delivering fast and reliable network performance.

Storage and Additional Features

In addition to the three M.2 Gen 4 slots, the motherboard provides four SATA 6 Gbps ports! allowing for further storage expansion with traditional SATA SSDs or HDDs. One of the notable features of the MSI PRO B650-A WIFI is the support for USB BIOS Flashback! enabling users to update the BIOS easily without needing to install a CPU, memory, or graphics card.

Conclusion

The MSI PRO B650-A WIFI is a well-rounded motherboard that caters to a broad spectrum of users! from gamers and content creators to professionals seeking reliable and high-performance computing solutions. With its robust power delivery, extensive connectivity options! and support for the latest technologies, it stands out as a compelling choice in the entry-mainstream motherboard market. While MSI has yet to reveal the pricing for this new board, its feature set suggests that it will offer significant value for those looking to build or upgrade their systems on the Socket AM5 platform.

Source: momomo_us (Twitter)