ASRock B560M PRO4 motherboard review reliable choice for Intel 10th/11th Gen builds

Description

A Compact Powerhouse for Your PC Build

Testing the ASROCK B560M PRO4 was, as a tech enthusiast, a satisfying experience. This motherboard offers a balance between affordability and functionality, making it a solid choice for those building a mid-range gaming PC or upgrading their current system. The Intel Socket 1200 support for 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors gives it a modern edge, ensuring compatibility with powerful CPUs without breaking the bank.

Its build quality immediately stood out. The board feels sturdy, and despite its Micro-ATX form factor, it doesn’t compromise on features. With 4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, I had no issues running memory-intensive applications. Adding to the appeal is the 4800 MHz memory speed, which provides smooth multitasking and faster load times.

Positive Features

The motherboard’s Intel B560 chipset brings several enhancements. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of PCIe 4.0 x16, which allows for faster data transfer rates when using a modern GPU. Additionally, the dual M.2 slots give plenty of room for speedy NVMe SSDs, making storage solutions versatile and future-proof. Even the 6 SATA 6GB/s ports were enough to accommodate traditional hard drives and SSDs.

The Realtek ALC897 audio codec ensured decent audio output, though it’s not elite-level sound quality. For a casual gamer or someone who doesn’t use high-end audio equipment, it’s more than adequate. The 7 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports made connecting peripherals a breeze, and the 6 USB 2.0 ports provided options for older devices. I didn’t find myself fumbling for extra ports, even when setting up multiple devices.

Key positive aspects include:

• Support for both 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors, keeping upgrade paths open.
• PCIe 4.0 and dual M.2 slots, excellent for gamers needing fast GPUs and SSDs.
• Multiple USB ports, including 3.2 Gen1 for modern accessories.
• Compact Micro-ATX design, saving space without losing essential features.

Areas for Improvement

While the motherboard delivers impressive features for its price, it’s not without its shortcomings. The Realtek ALC897 audio codec, while acceptable, isn’t designed for audiophiles. If you’re looking for immersive sound, you might want to consider an external DAC or a board with a higher-end sound solution.

Another downside is the lack of integrated Wi-Fi. I had to rely on a separate Wi-Fi card, which isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something many users expect in 2023. Finally, the single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot could limit GPU options for those wanting to run multiple GPUs, though this won’t affect most users.

Notable negative aspects:

• No built-in Wi-Fi, requiring an additional purchase for wireless connectivity.
• Basic audio codec, which may not satisfy audio enthusiasts.
• Only one PCIe 4.0 slot, limiting multi-GPU configurations.

Design and Build Quality

The Micro-ATX form factor of this board is a lifesaver for compact builds. Despite its smaller size, the layout is intuitive, and I didn’t struggle with cable management or component installation. The black PCB with subtle silver accents gives it a sleek, understated look that fits well into most PC cases. Features like the Intel Gigabit LAN were reliable during testing, offering consistent connectivity for online gaming and streaming.

The dual M.2 slots were strategically placed to avoid interference with larger GPUs, which is a thoughtful touch. Additionally, the 6 SATA ports are neatly arranged, making cable routing straightforward even in tighter cases.

Competing Products

When comparing this board to competitors like the MSI B560M PRO-VDH or Gigabyte B560M DS3H, it holds its own in terms of memory support and storage options. The MSI board includes integrated Wi-Fi, which is a big plus, but it falls short in terms of USB connectivity. The Gigabyte model, on the other hand, offers similar features but lacks the PCIe 4.0 slot, making it less appealing for those who want cutting-edge performance for their GPUs.

Where the ASROCK B560M PRO4 shines is in its PCIe 4.0 support and dual M.2 slots, which are ideal for gamers or creators needing fast storage and GPU options. However, the absence of integrated Wi-Fi might steer some users toward its competitors.

Affordable Quality

Given its feature set, this motherboard offers excellent bang for the buck. The inclusion of PCIe 4.0, dual M.2 slots, and support for up to 128GB DDR4 memory makes it a fantastic choice for most mid-range builds. While it lacks some premium features like integrated Wi-Fi or advanced audio, it compensates with reliable performance and future-proofing features. If you’re looking for a motherboard that balances cost and functionality, this one is hard to beat.

Overall, the ASROCK B560M PRO4 is a solid pick for anyone building a capable PC without splurging on unnecessary features. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or someone upgrading an older system, this board delivers where it counts.

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