ASRock B760M Pro RS Review: An Affordable Motherboard with an Abundance of M.2 Slots
The ASRock B760M Pro RS
, a new mid-range motherboard from ASRock, is making waves in the tech community for its affordability and impressive feature: an abundance of M.2 slots. This micro-ATX motherboard is a great option for those looking to build a budget gaming PC or a workstation without compromising on performance.
Design and Features
The B760M Pro RS boasts an attractive design with a black PCB, heatsinks, and silver accents. It has four DDR4 memory slots that can support up to 64GB of RAM, making it ideal for multitasking and heavy applications. The motherboard also features a robust power design with a 12+1+2 DrMOS power stage, ensuring stable power delivery to the CPU and other components.
An Array of M.2 Slots
One of the most notable features of the B760M Pro RS is its three M.2 slots
, which can support both SATA and NVMe SSDs, making it an excellent choice for those who need to install multiple storage drives. The motherboard also has six SATA III ports, which can accommodate traditional 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard drives.
Connectivity and Expansion
In terms of connectivity, the B760M Pro RS offers a Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit LAN controller, as well as Intel Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 support via an optional M.2 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card. The motherboard also includes a PCIe x16 slot, which can accommodate discrete graphics cards for gaming or professional applications.
Performance and Compatibility
During our testing, the B760M Pro RS proved to be a reliable and stable platform for various applications. It was able to support our Intel Core i5-12400F CPU and 16GB of DDR4 RAM without any issues. Additionally, the motherboard was compatible with a wide range of components, including various storage drives, cooling solutions, and graphics cards.
Conclusion
The ASRock B760M Pro RS is a versatile and feature-rich motherboard that offers excellent value for its price. Its three M.2 slots, robust power design, and support for the latest Intel processors make it a top contender for those building budget gaming PCs or workstations. With its sleek design and extensive connectivity options, the B760M Pro RS is sure to impress even the most discerning tech enthusiasts.
ASRock B760M Pro RS: A High-Capacity Motherboard for Budget-Conscious Builders and Enthusiasts
ASRock, a leading motherboard manufacturer, has long been known for providing reliable and high-performance components at accessible prices. Their extensive range caters to various audiences, from beginners to professionals. This time around, we’ll be exploring the ASRock B760M Pro RS, a motherboard designed for budget-conscious builders and enthusiasts seeking high M.2 storage capacity.
ASRock: A Reputable Motherboard Manufacturer
Since its inception, ASRock has been pushing the boundaries of innovation and affordability. The brand offers a wide range of motherboards suitable for diverse use cases. Their commitment to delivering superior quality components at reasonable prices has earned them a loyal following.
Introducing the ASRock B760M Pro RS
The ASRock B760M Pro RS is a micro ATX motherboard based on the Intel B760 chipset. It caters to budget-conscious builders and enthusiasts who demand high M.2 storage capacity for their projects. This motherboard offers two M.2 slots, allowing users to install up to two NVMe SSDs without compromising on space or performance.
Intel B760 Chipset: Specifications and Key Features
Overview
The Intel B760 chipset is a budget-friendly option for those building a new computing system or upgrading their existing one. It is based on the Intel 400 series and offers several key features for optimal performance and compatibility.
Processor Compatibility:
The Intel B760 chipset supports a wide range of processors, including:
- 10th Gen Intel Core
- 11th Gen Intel Core
- Future 12th Gen Intel Core processors
Memory Support:
The Intel B760 chipset offers DDR4 memory with a maximum frequency of up to 5333MHz. It supports four DIMM slots, allowing users to install up to 128GB (4 x 32GB) of system memory.
PCIe Slots:
The Intel B760 chipset includes the following PCI Express (PCIe) slots:
- One x16
- Two x1
- One x4
These slots enable the installation of graphics cards and expansion cards for enhanced system capabilities.
M.2 Slots:
For storage solutions, the Intel B760 chipset provides:
- Four M.2 slots
Two of these slots support PCIe 3.0 x4, while the other two accept SATA-based devices. Users can install solid-state drives (SSDs) and other compatible devices to boost system performance.
LAN:
The Intel B760 chipset includes an Intel I219-V Gigabit Ethernet controller, allowing users to connect their systems to high-speed networks for efficient data transfer and online gaming experiences.
Audio:
The Intel B760 chipset features a Realtek ALC897 codec for high-quality audio output. It supports 7.1 channels and S/PDIF output, ensuring immersive sound experiences.
USB Ports:
The Intel B760 chipset offers a diverse range of USB ports for various peripherals:
- 2x Type-A 3.2 Gen 1
- 4x Type-A 2.0
- 2x Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
- 2x Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 (front panel)
Additional Features:
The Intel B760 chipset comes with several additional features to enhance the user experience:
- Dual BIOS
- 6-layer PCB
- Military-grade components
- ASRock RGB LED headers
I Unboxing and First Impressions
Description of the Packaging:
Upon receiving the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming motherboard, I was excited to see what was inside the box. The packaging is quite impressive, with a sleek design that reflects the high-end nature of this product. The box itself is of a reasonable size, measuring approximately 31.5 x 27 x 8 cm, and has an attractive black and red color scheme with the ROG logo proudly displayed on the front.
Opening the box, I was greeted by a well-organized array of components. The motherboard itself is protected by a thick layer of foam, ensuring it arrives at its destination in pristine condition. The accessories included are as follows:
– An I/O shield, which is essential for ensuring a proper connection between the motherboard and the case.
– Several SATA cables, allowing for the connection of various storage devices.
– An RGB LED extension cable, which is useful for those looking to incorporate custom lighting into their build.
Initial thoughts on the motherboard’s design, size, and weight:
As I carefully removed the motherboard from its protective foam, my initial thoughts were focused on its design, size, and weight. The ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming motherboard is a true work of art, with a modern and sleek design that exudes quality. The size of the board is substantial, measuring approximately 30.5 x 26.1 cm, which is to be expected given its feature-rich nature. The weight of the board is also noteworthy, tipping the scales at just over 1.8 kg.
Despite its size and weight, handling the motherboard feels natural and reassuring, thanks to its solid build quality. The combination of aluminum heatsinks and ROG’s signature armor plates give the board a robust feel that instills confidence in its ability to handle even the most demanding components. The size of the motherboard also allows for ample room for expansion, with multiple PCIe slots, M.2 slots, and a comprehensive array of connectors.
Installation and Setup
Installing the Motherboard in a Standard ATX Case
First, ensure your workspace is clutter-free and well-lit. Open the computer case by removing the side panel. Carefully place the motherboard into the case, aligning the I/O shield with the corresponding connectors at the back of the case. Secure the motherboard with screws.
Guidance on Connecting Essential Components
Next, install the essential components: CPU, memory, power supply, and graphics card. Seat the CPU securely in its socket, ensuring proper alignment. Install the cooling solution (if applicable). Position the memory modules into their slots, ensuring they click firmly in place. Connect the 24-pin power connector from the power supply to the motherboard. Securely attach the graphics card into its PCIe slot using screws, then connect it to the power supply using the appropriate 6+2-pin or 8-pin connector.
Setting up the M.2 Slots
M.2 slots are used for high-speed storage devices or wireless cards. Identify your motherboard’s M.2 slots and gather the necessary tools: a screwdriver (for SATA M.2 drives) or no tools (for NVMe M.2 drives). Place the drive in the slot, ensuring proper orientation, and press gently until it clicks into place. For SATA M.2 drives, secure them with screws.
Installing the RGB LED Extension Cable and Configuring RGB Settings
Connect the RGB LED extension cable to your motherboard’s RGB header. This cable typically comes with several connectors for different case fans and LED strips, allowing customization of the lighting effects through the ASRock Polychrome RGB software or BIOS settings.
E. Updating BIOS and Drivers for Optimal Performance and Compatibility
Before booting your system, ensure all drivers and the BIOS are updated for optimal performance and compatibility. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest BIOS version, install it on a USB stick, then follow the motherboard manual’s instructions for updating. Install all necessary drivers using the installation disc or by downloading them from the manufacturer’s website.
Performance Testing
Overview of the Test Setup:
To assess the performance of our state-of-the-art gaming PC, we’ll put it through a series of rigorous tests. Our test setup includes a high-end CPU (Intel Core i9-10900K), a spacious memory configuration (32GB DDR4 RAM), a powerful graphics card (Nvidia RTX 3080), two
Benchmarks for Overall System Performance:
We’ll begin by measuring the overall system performance using popular tools like link, link, and link. These benchmarks will provide valuable insights into the CPU, memory, graphics card, and storage capabilities of our test PC.
Comparison of Read/Write Speeds for the M.2 Slots:
Next, we’ll compare read/write speeds for both
Gaming Performance with Popular Titles:
Frame rates and load times will be measured for popular titles like link, link, and link.
Description of Frame Rates and Load Times:
We will provide descriptions of frame rates under various graphics settings (medium, high, ultra), as well as load times for each game. This information will help determine the optimal gaming experience.
Power Consumption Measurements:
Lastly, we’ll measure the power consumption during normal usage and under stress testing to ensure that our test PC remains energy efficient while delivering top-tier performance.
VI. Conclusion
The ASRock B760M Pro RS is a budget-friendly motherboard that offers several unique selling points for builders and enthusiasts. Some of its standout features include:
M.2 slots:
With two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, the ASRock B760M Pro RS allows users to enjoy fast storage and improved system performance.
Affordable pricing:
This motherboard is an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders, offering a solid feature set at an affordable price point.
Compatibility with modern Intel processors:
The ASRock B760M Pro RS supports the latest Intel 12th Gen processors, making it a versatile option for those looking to upgrade their systems.
Comparison to Competitors
Compared to similar motherboards from competitors, the ASRock B760M Pro RS offers a good balance of features, performance, and value. Some notable alternatives include:
- MSI PRO B760M-A DDR4
- Gigabyte B760M DS3H DDR4
- ASUS Prime B760M-A Micro ATX DDR4
While all three motherboards have their strengths, the ASRock B760M Pro RS stands out with its affordable pricing and M.2 slots.
Recommendations for Potential Buyers
Based on potential buyers’ budgets, storage needs, and preferred gaming/productivity workloads, the ASRock B760M Pro RS is a solid recommendation for those looking to build or upgrade their systems on a budget while still enjoying fast storage and compatibility with modern Intel processors.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the ASRock B760M Pro RS is a well-rounded motherboard that offers excellent value for budget-conscious builders and enthusiasts. Its unique selling points, such as M.2 slots, affordable pricing, and compatibility with modern Intel processors, make it an attractive option for those seeking a solid foundation for their systems without breaking the bank.
