ASRock just launched a budget motherboard “optimized for AMD Ryzen X3D processors”
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When putting together a new gaming PC, there are many things to consider. One of the places you should start is figuring out whether you want an AMD or Intel-based build. Right now, AMD feels like the most sensible option for gamers, especially as it pulls away with its X3D technology – 3D stacked V-Cache to aid gaming performance in particular.
The best CPU for gaming on the market at the moment is the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, and if you want the best motherboard to support it, you’re probably best off going with one of the new X870 or last-gen X670 models. However, there are always more budget options if you prefer. That’s where ASRock comes in with its newly revealed B650M Pro X3D board.
- Cores: 8
- Threads: 16
- Boost clock speed: 5.2GHz
- Base clock speed: 4.7GHz
- L3 cache: 96MB
- TDP: 120W
- Platform: AM5
ASRock B650M Pro X3D motherboard
As listed on the ASRock website, the B650M Pro features a more budget-friendly chipset which many gamers settle for. If you’re looking for the best gaming performance on a budget, this X3D-focused board may be one of the best B650 motherboards right now. ASRock claims the motherboard is “optimized for AMD Ryzen X3D processors” and confirms it is “AMD Ryzen 9000 Desktop Ready” – it will also support 8000 and 7000 series CPUs.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Socket | AMD Socket AM5 |
| Chipset | AMD B650 |
| Form Factor | Micro ATX, 9.6-in x 9.6-in / 24.4 cm x 24.4 cm |
| PCIe Version | PCIe Gen5 (Graphics, M.2) |
| Memory Speed | up to 8000+ (OC) |
| Memory Capacity | 256GB DDR5 |
ASRock doesn’t go into a whole lot of detail regarding why this motherboard is so good for X3D chips, but it boasts a “hi-density power connector” designed to withstand CPU overclocking. The 9800X3D is AMD’s first X3D processor to support overclocking, and Team Red is also “excited” about the overclocking potential of its upcoming 9950X3D and 9900X3D chips, which will be released this quarter – so the improved power connector is much appreciated for the latest 9000 series processors.
Speaking of overclocking, this motherboard also comes with DDR5 XMP & EXPO support for all your memory OC needs. ASRock says this is to comply with the “built for stable and reliable” designing concept of this board. XMP & EXPO make the process much easier for users with pre-tested profiles.
The last thing to touch on is price. We have yet to spot a retailer listing the B650M Pro X3D, and ASRock doesn’t share any pricing details on its product listing. However, as a B650 chipset board, this will certainly belong to the more budget tier despite the great specifications. On Newegg, we can see B650M motherboards retailing around the $100 – $200 range, so we could be looking at somewhere within this region.
It’s worth noting that AMD partners have already launched B850 motherboards on the latest 800-series chipset, so it’s somewhat of a surprise to see ASRock releasing a ‘last-gen’ product, but this should only help keep the price tag down.
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