Detailed review of ASRock B660M-HDV MicroATX Motherboard for Intel B660 CPUs

Description

Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Practical

The ASRock B660M MicroATX Motherboard (B660M-HDV) strikes a balance between a compact form factor and solid build quality. As a MicroATX motherboard, it fits snugly into smaller cases without feeling cramped. The layout is intuitive, with clearly labeled components and ports, which makes assembly straightforward even for someone who’s not a seasoned PC builder. One thing I found particularly useful was the 6-phase power design, which promises better stability and efficiency. The black PCB with subtle accents gives it a clean and professional look, which pairs well with most builds, especially those focused on aesthetics.

However, while the physical structure feels durable, the absence of any significant heatsinks for the VRMs might be a concern for those planning to push their system to its limits. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering overclocking or running demanding workloads.

Performance and Features: A Solid Foundation

Performance-wise, this motherboard is more than capable, especially for a mid-range or entry-level gaming and productivity setup. I tested it with an Intel 12th Gen processor, and the compatibility was seamless. The support for DDR4 memory up to 5066 MHz (OC) is a standout feature, especially if you’re someone like me who loves tinkering with RAM speeds. The motherboard handled my overclocked RAM effortlessly, delivering a noticeable boost in multitasking and gaming performance.

The inclusion of 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot is a big plus, ensuring compatibility with the latest GPUs for maximum performance. In addition, the two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots are perfect for adding things like sound cards or capture cards. The M.2 Key-E slot for Wi-Fi is a thoughtful addition, especially if you’re not a fan of Ethernet cables snaking across your room. That said, I wish it came with built-in Wi-Fi instead of just the slot for it.

Positive Features

The ASRock B660M-HDV comes with several noteworthy advantages that make it stand out in its category:

• Compact MicroATX design that’s perfect for smaller builds while still offering enough expandability.
• Supports the latest 12th Gen Intel processors, ensuring top-notch compatibility.
• DDR4 memory support up to 5066 MHz (OC) for improved performance in gaming and multitasking.
• PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for the latest GPUs, ensuring future-proofing for high-end graphics cards.

Negatives

While the motherboard has many merits, a few limitations stood out during my time using it:

• No integrated Wi-Fi, which might be a dealbreaker for some users.
• Lack of VRM heatsinks, making it less ideal for heavy overclocking.
• The number of USB 3.0 ports could be higher, especially for users with multiple peripherals.

Ease of Installation: User-Friendly Setup

Installing this motherboard was a breeze. The clear labeling of ports and slots made connecting components straightforward. I appreciated the inclusion of four USB 2.0 ports, though I did miss having more USB 3.0 options for faster data transfer. The 9.84 x 7.87-inch dimensions fit perfectly in my compact case, and the mounting points aligned without any hassle. It’s these small details that made the setup experience enjoyable.

The BIOS interface was another standout feature. With its straightforward layout and intuitive design, tweaking settings like RAM timings and CPU configurations was simple. I didn’t have to hunt through endless menus to find what I needed. For anyone building their first PC, this motherboard’s user-friendly BIOS could save a lot of headaches.

Competing Brands

Comparing this motherboard to others in the same price range, it holds its ground well. The ASUS Prime B660M-A is a close competitor, offering similar features but with slightly better VRM cooling. However, it’s also bulkier and more expensive, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious buyers or those with smaller cases. On the other hand, the MSI Pro B660M-A provides better onboard audio quality but lacks some of the overclocking capabilities that the ASRock model offers.

What makes the ASRock B660M-HDV stand out is its balance between cost and performance. While it doesn’t offer the premium features of its pricier rivals, it delivers reliable performance and a decent feature set for most users, especially those not looking to push their hardware to extremes.

Cost Efficiency

From a price-to-quality ratio, this motherboard is a fantastic choice for budget builds. It delivers solid performance without charging a premium for features you might not even need. While it lacks extras like built-in Wi-Fi or RGB lighting, it focuses on the essentials, making it a cost-effective option for gamers, students, or professionals building mid-range PCs. I’d say it’s worth every penny if your needs align with what it offers.

For anyone looking for a reliable motherboard that doesn’t break the bank, the ASRock B660M MicroATX Motherboard checks most of the boxes. It’s not without its flaws, but its affordability and functionality make it a strong contender in the market.

Additional information