ASRock B850i Lightning WiFi 6E Motherboard review for AMD Ryzen builds

Description

Compact Design for Small Builds

The ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi motherboard is a compact powerhouse, designed specifically for mini-ITX builds. Its small form factor makes it ideal for those who want to save space without sacrificing performance. I found it incredibly easy to fit into a compact case, and it left plenty of room for airflow. The 9.13 x 7.64 x 3.78-inch dimensions ensure a snug fit in smaller setups, making it a go-to option for those venturing into small-form-factor (SFF) PCs. It’s lightweight too, which is always a plus when dealing with compact builds.

Performance Features

This motherboard doesn’t hold back when it comes to raw power. Supporting AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors, the 10+1+1 phase power design with 110A SPS for VCore ensures stable performance even during heavy multitasking or gaming. I paired it with a Ryzen 7900 processor, and the performance was buttery smooth. The DDR5 support with up to 8200+ MHz (OC) is a game-changer for enthusiasts who love overclocking. I tested it with 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and the speed absolutely blew me away.

Advanced Connectivity

Connectivity options are a major highlight here. The dual M.2 slots—one Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4) and one Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4)—provide ample storage options. I installed an NVMe Gen4 drive and was impressed by the fast boot times and transfer speeds. Additionally, the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot ensures compatibility with the latest GPUs, which I tested by installing an RTX 4080. For display output, the HDMI and USB Type-C (DP-Alt) options worked seamlessly, making it versatile for a variety of setups.

The Killer 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E provide excellent network performance. Whether I was gaming online or streaming 4K movies, there was no lag or stuttering. Bluetooth connectivity also paired effortlessly with my wireless peripherals.

Cooling and Efficiency

Efficient cooling is critical for any build, especially with high-performance components, and this motherboard delivers. The compact design doesn’t compromise on cooling options. With proper airflow, the temperatures stayed well under control. I noticed that even under heavy loads, the board maintained stable performance, thanks to its thermal management system.

Key Benefits

• Compact mini-ITX design ideal for small builds
• Supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 processors
• DDR5 compatibility with up to 8200+ MHz overclocking
• Dual M.2 slots for blazing-fast storage
• Advanced WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN ensure smooth connectivity

Areas for Improvement

• Limited USB ports compared to larger boards
• The BIOS interface could be more user-friendly
• Not all systems support the BIOS Flashback feature
• Price point might be high for casual users
• Requires a CR2032 battery, which wasn’t included in my package

Competitive Options

When comparing the ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi to similar products, the MSI MPG B650I Edge and the ASUS ROG Strix B650I come to mind. While ASRock offers PCIe 5.0 support, the MSI board sticks to PCIe 4.0 but provides more USB ports for peripherals. ASUS, on the other hand, excels with its superior BIOS interface and slightly more robust cooling design. However, neither competitor matches the DDR5 overclocking potential of this ASRock motherboard. If storage speed and compact size are your priorities, this product stands out.

Smart Spending

Considering the features packed into this motherboard, it offers excellent value for money for enthusiasts and gamers alike. The performance, connectivity, and advanced technology like PCIe 5.0 make it a worthwhile investment. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, the sheer power and future-proofing it provides justify the cost. If you’re building a high-performance compact system, this motherboard is definitely worth considering.

Additional information