Another new arrival for B550 with free shipping for a limited time.
6x50A primaries and the large heatsink are suitable for running 3950X at stock speed.
Key-E M.2 and antenna mounts makes it a good option for pairing with Intel AX200 for WiFi6 connectivity (https://www.mwave.com.au/product/intel-wifi-6-ax200-dualband…).
They're normally only available on a select few high-end boards. It's great that ASRock is including it in almost all of their B550 boards.
And if you don't want to use it for Wi-Fi, you can always get an adapter that allows for M.2 SSD's. :)
It's a blank space. The pcie or m.2 card you would need to buy would still work if the mobo dies
I only just found out the ax200 is m.2. I'm out of touch with this tech but that's seems such a waste of an m.2 port
It has an m.2 slot specifically for a wifi card, it's not taking up space otherwise reserved for storage
The board still has 2 x M-Key slots for SSDs, just an extra E-Key slot for WiFi cards.
Wow. 8 downvotes for pointing out that USB is by far the most versatile solution. This board really can suck sometimes. It's not a bargain if it doesn't last.
More proof that correct isn't necessarily popular. Keep downvoting. Maybe if you downvote enough it'll change reality to your liking.
If you bought a USB WIFI adapter for a PC 10 years ago, so long as there are drivers it will work. Sure you're probably looking at 54Mbps G Wifi, but you'd still have it. Buy an AX200 and what are the odds you'll be able to use it with every laptop and desktop you own in 5 years, never mind 10?
Go on, downvote.
I'm not downvoting, but many USB Wi-Fi adapters are plagued by heat issues and weak antennae. Also I think I'd rather save my USB port.
So find reviews, and get a decent one.
There are plenty of motherboards plagued with issues too, which is why you should look at the reviews for them as well as purchasing. In fact the latest cheap Asrock z490 is complete junk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZe_VC4i3wk&feature=youtu.be…
They got blacklisted for providing this information by Asrock btw, so I'm in no hurry to buy an Asrock board to be honest, even if this board is okay.
https://twitter.com/HardwareUnboxed/status/12829059601895546…
Btw it's not an okay board. "It has a terrible VRM". Forget overclocking a high end CPU.
https://youtu.be/ihg6XQiqW7A?t=1203
These addon cards usually are painful to work with - fiddly as all hell connecting the antenna to the M.2, then routing to the backplate, and easily becomes snagged when working with other stuff if not routed very carefully (whcih sometimes isn't possible). The thin antenna wires aren't well shielded either and sit right next to other electronics. All in all it's a pain in the butt compared to plugging a USB stick in, attaching an antenna and easily moving it between machines.
But hey you guys don't need to be warned away from crap. You guys know better, downvoting me into oblivion. Enjoy your sub-par junk with short longevity. Attempting to present information to Ozbargainers is a bit like doing your best to kick yourself in the nuts. At least I wasn't blacklisted by Asrock huh?
@syousef: I never said anything about the VRM solution on this board. I think it's fine as a good value board, for someone running a modest gaming build with like a 3600 and 5700 XT or 3700X and 2080 Super. Going for a 3900X or 3950X overclocked powerhouse of course I'd invest in something with a better VRM setup. I'd be interested in an example of a board with better VRMs in this price range.
Also what do you mean the antenna is fiddly to work with? It has 2 screw on ports at the back of the board, you just screw the antenna on and done. I've owned a PCIe x1 adapter, it's basically just a PCIe 2.0 x1 to M.2 E-key adapter with a Wi-Fi card pre-instralled. What the board does is just implement the adapter into itself for you to connect the M.2 E-key Wi-Fi card and have the connectors on the rear I/O. It was not fiddly at all.
@Void: Still freaking arguing and still with strawmen. When did I say you said anything about the VRM on this board? Are you guys seriously out to take a **** on anyone that provides actual information about the products in the deal?
I'd be interested in an example of a board with better VRMs in this price range.
ARRRGHHHH That example is RIGHT IN THE VIDEO I LINKED TO! It's a roundup. And anyway spending an extra $50 on a board that's going to be with you for 3-5 years is a good idea.
I'd provide you with a Carey Holzman video where he's having trouble attaching the antenna and needs to get his glasses out but you'd only take a dump on that too, so I'm not wasting my time finding the clip.
I'M OUT!!!!
@syousef: I just said that the B550M Pro4 shouldn't be paired with a mildly OC'd 3900X+, I'm not arguing with your assessment. Buildzoid said it's terrible, but never said it's going to die on a 3600 or 3700X. I seriously doubt a 65W chip is going to kill a B550M Pro4 in 5 years without a really heavy OC. 3900X is where it gets iffy. Do you think the B550M Steel Legend or B550M Bazooka are better? Or is it better to go all out with the Mortar?
About the antenna, I don't have any trouble attaching it. All I had to do was line up the antenna's screw over the connector in the Wi-Fi adapter, and twist with my thumb. It was a Gigabyte GC-WBAX200 FWIW.
@Void: Good for you. Buy what you want. I provided some info and you've addressed one or two points in depth and ignored the rest. It's still fiddlier to install those cards than to plug in a USB stick. They still aren't transferable to a laptop. They still don't fit most motherboards. I'm tired of being slammed and downvoted for providing info, and you're still arguing minor points with me. What exactly do you want from me?
@syousef: But… like… why would you transfer it to a laptop? Most people won't do that. Most laptops already have an adequate Wi-Fi adapter. If someone wanted that they can go right ahead. As for Wi-Fi I was mainly talking about the B550M Pro4's M.2 E-key connector. I'm not slamming you with downvotes, but I agree a discussion should not be downvoted to oblivion. You bring good points, the B550M Pro4 does have a meh VRM setup at best. But I don't think a Wi-Fi adapter is fiddly, the end goal for most people is to get Wi-Fi capabilities into their PC. An internal card does a good job of that, with no need to use up a USB port, a larger form factor so that it doesn't overheat (nothing's over heating on Australian internet :p), and it being integrated right into the PC. Once it's installed you can forget about it. I guess you could say it's inaccessible to many mATX boards with a layout so that a triple slot GPU blocks the x1 connector.
@Void: Your mother board may die. You may sell it. You may decide to use a wired connection instead. You may go on a long trip (granted not during covid). Under all these circumstances you can still use your wifi6 usb dongle but it is likrly a sunk cost if you buy one that only works with certain motherboards.
Most people also don't use all their usb ports and those that do typically want several more and get a usb hub.
Many people aren't comfortable opening up their case. But an end user will know how to plug in usb.
Your mother board may die.
From the VRMs? Lmao just joking around. I think if your motherboard dying kills PCIe devices you've got the bigger things to worry about like the video card.
You may sell it.
Sell it with the Wi-Fi card for more! If that fails then you could potentially carry it over if M.2 E-key becomes standard, I'm seeing it pop in more and more with B550.
You may decide to use a wired connection instead.
You… you… you can still keep the Wi-Fi card? I don't see your argument here.
You may go on a long trip.
If you're taking your laptop, it already has built in Wi-Fi. If you're talking about the desktop PC, it's got the aforementioned adapter.
Many people aren't comfortable opening up their case.
We're talking about pairing it with a motherboard someone building their PC is using, not a prebuilt buyer. If we were talking about a prebult buyer, your average consumer, this argument would change dramatically.
@Void: Motherboard dies without killing the card. Now you are going to limit yourself to a replacement board that supports that tech?
Sell it with the wifi card 2nd hand and expect to get your money back? You're funny.
You don't see the argument against having a specialized part you cant repurpose for anything if you go wired?
Most laptops still don't come with wifi6.
You're taking the mickey.
Beware, usually secondary slots like that share PCI lanes with other slots / connectors so either you won't get the full speed on the last couple of SATA connections or your PCIE slot will go down to x4 or something
Back in my day that was the only way you add a wi-fi adapter to your machine. We've come full circle.
Wonder why they only include free shipping with Asrock.
Probably high margin
I assume they have a kick-back deal going with Asrock, or Asrock's Australian agent, to increase buy rates.
This is a fantastic deal - not only is the board a great price, but when ordering a complete system it would save quite a bit of postage costs too.
My last two builds have been with Asrock boards and they are awesome for the money. And seem mostly well built. One of the sata ports on my current board is to loose but i dont use them all anyway. Very under rated pc brand as is cooler master and thermaltake.
Boards are expensive these days, increased demand due to covid?
B550 is quite a step up from B450, mid-range boards like this one is already better than higher-end B450 boards like the Tomahawk. Entry-level B550 is closer to mid-range B450 etc.
There is a slight higher demand but the B550s are an big upgrade from the B450s. Price is closer to the X570s.
X570
All PCIe 4.0 slots
B550
Have some PCIe 4.0 slots (afaik 1x for the graphics card and 1x for one of the M2 NVMe drive slots)
Do not have the chipset fan some people were concerned about from the X570s
Do not appear to have as many boards with thermal issues as the X570s (although this is still a relatively new board so there are reviews but not as many as X570s)
B550 version of the X570 counterpart is newer and costs slightly less
Can a friendly OzB Computer Enthusiast/Expert tell me a bit about the strengths/weaknesses of the B550M over the B450M?
For example, this board vs a MSI B450M Mortar Max?
Thanks very much!
B550M Pro4 pros:
B450M Mortar Max pros:
Thanks!
I thought that the B450M Mortar Max could run two NVMe SSDs too?.. but it might restrict usage of one of the PCI-E slots I think?
(I hope so, because I'm on the lookout for a 2nd NVMe M.2. SSD to install in my B450M Mortar Max one day)
You are correct actually, turns out Mortar Max runs one M.2 slot straight to the CPU so it can indeed support dual NVMe.
However, the second slot will only run at PCIe 2.0 x4 which peaks at around 1600Mb/s, so it'll bottleneck even entry-level NVMe drives.
@Cielescha: Thanks!
That's very useful to know… so if I do go for that 2nd NVMe drive, I'll make sure to go for a cheap one.
@SomeRandom: So can I use this in the second Slot in mortar max?
Thinking about using ssd in one and this in the second slot.
@Dorminate: No, Mortar Max does not have E-Key M.2.
You could use this in a PCIe slot instead.
https://www.amazon.com.au/EDUP-Adapter-Wireless-Bluetooth-EP…
@Cielescha: ASRock's 2nd NVME runs at PCIe 3.0 x2. Other B550 boards will run 2nd NVME at PCIe 3.0 x4 (eg Asus, MSI). Something to keep in mind, as the allocation of PCIe lanes is one point of differentiation by mobo manufacturers for the B550 chipset
@qazwsx: Thanks, I wasn't aware this was the case. PCIe 3.0 x2 would probably cap out at around 1800Mb/s which is a shame. Seems like some of the cheaper Gigabyte boards also share this design.
@Cielescha: I've used PCIe 3.0 x2 myself on my laptop and with a 2.2GB/s NVMe SSD and it benches 1.95GB/s sequential read.
The only negative I know about the Mortar Max is that it uses 50watts extra at idle compared to every other board. It's the only reason I stayed away from it. That brings up average power of a system on idle to 100watts instead of 50watts with another motherboard. My OCD just doesn't allow me to buy a motherboard like that. Seeming wasted power for no good reason
mind to share the source for reference?
search for reviews about mortar max that test power consumption at idle and 100% cpu. Most of the reviews agreed that mortar max had the anomaly of using 50 extra watts at idle. At 100% cpu it behaved normally. Also note these reviews were when the board was released, so maybe it's possible a reduction in wattage could be achieved with a bios release
How does it compare to the GIGABYTE B550M AORUS PRO?
VRM performance should be pretty similar.
B550M Aorus Pro Pros (lol):
B550M Pro4 Pros:
One thing I'm not a fan of for Gigabyte's B550M mobos is the PCIe x1 slot is directly next to the PCIe x16 slot, and then the 2nd PCIe 16x slot (which runs at x4) is right next to the x1 slot.
So essentially, any mid-range dual-slot graphics card will block the PCIe x1 slot, and a lot of high-end graphics cards (those 2.5- or 2.7-slot designs) will block all your PCIe slots, unless you use some riser or something to mount the card somewhere else.
Seems to be quite a persistent design issue across the GB B550M Aorus line.
This annoys me so much. I've ruled out so many motherboards because of this basic design issue.
I was wondering where the 2nd M.2 socket on this AsRock MB is and found it in the far bottom right. Not sure how you could easily route the WiFi antennae cables to the antennae mounting bracket at the far top left. Around the back?
That's the second M-key M.2, the E-key M.2 slot is just below the M.2 Armor, next to the CMOS battery.
I don't see any mention of this, but they don't have any stock. It says available for preorder and no other details
Ozbargained it looks like, only pre-order now.
Umart, in stock at various stores in NSW/QLD $179 pickup, or add postage which to Melbourne was $14, $193 total assuming im looking correctly
https://www.umart.com.au/Asrock-B550M-PRO4-AM4-mATX-Motherbo…
thanks I got the umart one!
Please can anyone give me a legit reason i should NOT upgrade from ab350 pro4 to this 550?
Do you plan to buy a Zen3 CPU? If not, you probably don't need an upgrade.
I bought a 3800x. It is currently sitting next to my monitor…
The one benefit a better MB won't give you is better performance
You're fine. If you find it VRM throttling just buy some cheap heatsinks off Aliexpress, but I doubt it would.
How ofter do people put APU's in these? The onboard video doesn't working with something normal like a 3600 or 3700X right?
3600 and 3700X don't have onboard video, Zen3 APUs are currently OEM only.
You probably won't want to use an APU with this board anyway as there is no SOC heatsink.
They're based on the Zen 2 architecture though. I don't think you can put like a 3200G on it because it's Zen+, unless AMD bases support on the "generation" rather than architecture.
Anyone able to tell me - I've got an Asrock B450 Pro-4, Ryzen 5 2600, 16GB 3200 & an RTX 2070 gaming Z atm.
Spent some time getting it all clocked up conservatively to 4100, 3600, 2055 respectively (could push it to 4200/3733/2070). This seems to be a common current, but ageing setup (give or take).
Can this mobo help do any better?
Is there a point to going with this board now, for any other reason? I see better audio codec only, my current VRM's seem sweet, although poor on paper, apparently.
As I'm gonna need to upgrade to a Navi or RTX 30XX (and CPU to match) as soon as they release, any point owning this mobo, for then?
2600 isn't very demanding on VRM. You might be able to push the RAM a tiny bit further, not really worth a motherboard upgrade.
You'll probably want to wait out on upgrading until you decide on a new CPU.
Side note: B550 can't run 2nd gen ryzen, so you'd have to move on CPU wise as part of the move.
The motherboard will have absolutely zero effect on your GPU OC, your CPU looks like it's already OC'd quite well and it might influence memory overclocking by a timing. PCIe 4.0 won't be necessary for years to come. I don't see a reason you should upgrade. Definitely push 3733 on the memory!
*$169
Can you get small (ie HTPC) size cases for these? All I think I could need is power supply + MB + CPU + cooler + RAM.
Yep, something like the InWin BL647 would work well for an APU build.
https://www.umart.com.au/InWIN-BL647-mATX-LP-Black-300W-80+G…
![[Back Order] Asrock B550M Pro4 AM4 Micro-ATX Motherboard $195 Free Shipping @ Mwave](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/n/87/553887.jpg?h=b2a27fca)
I didn't know desktop motherboards could have a slot specifically for a wifi card like that. Seems like a good option for upgradability.