ASRock B650 PG Lightning
ASRock B650 PG Lightning Specifications Review
ASRock B650 PG Lightning by ASRock is a Standard-ATX form factor motherboard based on the mid-range B650 chipset and AM5 socket, providing a balanced set of features and connectivity. It is designed to support DDR5 memory, with 4 slots, a maximum capacity of 256 GB, and an overclocking speed of up to 7200 MHz.
VRM Quality
The ASRock B650 PG Lightning has a mid-range VRM configuration, providing 60 A over 14 phases. Suitable for CPUs in the ~140 W TDP range, it can power higher-TDP chips at stock, but sustained overclocking is not recommended due to thermal and voltage ripple considerations. Ideal for mainstream gaming, light workstation work, and general-purpose builds.
See the VRM Appropriate CPU Specification Table at the bottom of this page for recommended CPU options.
Expansion and Storage Overview
The ASRock B650 PG Lightning offers a well-equipped expansion and storage configuration with PCIe 4.0 support, meaning it uses PCI Express 4.0, fast enough for modern GPUs and high-speed NVMe SSDs. It also includes 2 x16 slots , and 2 x1 slots. These PCIe slots are used to connect expansion cards — with the x16 slots typically reserved for graphics cards, while x8, x4, and x1 slots are used for devices like capture cards, sound cards, or network adapters.
For storage, this motherboard provides 3 M.2 slots and 4 SATA ports. M.2 slots are high-speed connectors for modern NVMe SSDs, which are much faster than older storage, while SATA ports are used for traditional hard drives and 2.5-inch SSDs. Together, they allow you to mix fast primary storage with larger, more affordable drives for bulk data.
Connectivity Overview
This motherboard includes basic to moderate connectivity options, such as wired 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s ethernet supporting speeds up to 2500 Gbps. USB ports are adequate for everyday devices, and more details are available in the specs table.
For video output, this motherboard includes HDMI version 2.1 . These video outputs are intended for integrated graphics and will only function if your CPU includes integrated GPU capabilities.
Audio Quality
The motherboard includes a standard audio chipset (Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec) that covers basic needs for casual listening. While adequate for everyday use with mainstream headphones or desktop speakers, discerning users may want to add a USB DAC or sound card for improved fidelity, especially for music production or high-end headphones.
Overall Quality and Value
ASRock B650 PG Lightning is a dependable choice with a respectable overall quality score of 56.20. It provides all the essential features and stable performance expected in a mainstream system, covering typical use cases without unnecessary extras.
This motherboard offers an impressive 86.0% performance-to-price ratio, delivering excellent value by combining strong performance with reasonable cost, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to sacrifice quality.
General Information
| Manufacturer | ASRock |
|---|---|
| Motherboard Name | ASRock B650 PG Lightning |
| Current Price Amazon | $124 |
| Amazon Price Updated | 1 day, 22 hours ago. |
| Motherboard Available | True |
| Chipset / Socket | B650 / AM5 |
| Form Factor | Standard-ATX |
VRM Configuration
| CPU Power Phases (Amps) | 14 (60 A) |
|---|---|
| Power Design | 14+2+1 |
Memory Information
| Type / Slots | DDR5 / 4 slots |
|---|---|
| Max Capacity / Max OC | 256 GB / 7200 MHz |
PCIe Slot Configuration
| Supported Version | PCIe 4.0 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Size | Physical Slots | Gen4 |
|---|---|---|
| x16 | 2 | 2 |
| x1 | 2 | 2 |
Storage Configuration
| M.2 Slot Count | 3 slots |
|---|---|
| M.2 Supported Lengths | 2280 |
| SATA Ports | 4 |
Onboard Audio Features
| Audio Chipset | Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec |
|---|---|
| Analog Audio Jacks | 3 jacks |
| Spatial/Surround Audio | ✔️ Rear Output Supports Spatial Audio |
Motherboard Display Outputs
| HDMI Output | HDMI - Version 2.1 (Max: 4K 120Hz) |
|---|
USB and Thunderbolt Connectivity
Rear USB Ports
| USB 2.0 Type-A (480 Mbps) | 4 |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps) | 7 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20 Gbps) | 1 |
Front USB Ports
| USB 2.0 Type-A (480 Mbps) | 4 |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps) | 2 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps) | 1 |
Internal USB Headers
| USB 2.0 Header (480 Mbps) | 4 |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Header (5 Gbps) | 2 |
Networking Information
| Ethernet | Chipset: 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s LAN Ports: 1 |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi |
Module: Not Included |
| Bluetooth | Supported: No |
Button Features
| Buttons |
BIOS Flashback |
|---|
Quality & Features
Additional Information
| RAM | Supports un-buffered memory. Also supports EXTended Profiles for Overclocking (EXPO) memory modules. Users are advised to refer to the Memory Support List for more information. |
|---|---|
| Display | Features Integrated AMD RDNA™ graphics, but actual support may vary by CPU. The HDMI port is TMDS/FRL 8G Compatible and supports HDR and HDCP 2.3. |
| Expansion | The first PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (PCIE1) supports x16 mode and has 15μ Gold Contact. The second PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (PCIE3) is from the chipset and only supports x2 mode. There is also one M.2 Socket (Key E) for a WiFi/BT module. All PCIe slots support NVMe SSDs as boot disks. |
| Storage |
M.2 Slot Details:
|
| Audio | 7.1 CH HD Audio. Nahimic Audio. |
| Networking | 2 x Antenna Mounting Points |
| Dimensions | 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm |
Note: The specifications and descriptions above are extracted by AI to present the official manufacturer data in a clearer and more natural way for easier understanding. However, this AI-processed information may contain inaccuracies. Please verify all details by consulting the official manufacturer's information provided below.
ASRock B650 PG Lightning Compared to Motherboards with Similar Performance and Features
Motherboard Quality & Features per Price Table
| Motherboard (Desc) | Price (Desc) | Overall_Q (Desc) | VRM_Q (Desc) | Chipset (Desc) | Exp_Str (Desc) | Connect (Desc) | Audio (Desc) | Q&F/Price (Desc) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$180
|
↓
-0.2%
|
57.8%
|
25.0%
|
84.0%
|
81.0%
|
54.0%
|
45.0%
|
61.1%
|
|
|
$147
|
0.0%
|
56.6%
|
22.0%
|
86.0%
|
74.0%
|
56.0%
|
45.0%
|
73.4%
|
|
|
$138
|
↓
-13.7%
|
56.4%
|
24.0%
|
80.0%
|
84.0%
|
54.0%
|
40.0%
|
77.7%
|
|
|
$158
|
↓
-11.7%
|
56.2%
|
25.0%
|
73.0%
|
78.0%
|
60.0%
|
45.0%
|
67.6%
|
|
|
$124
|
0.0%
|
56.2%
|
41.0%
|
68.0%
|
76.0%
|
56.0%
|
40.0%
|
86.0%
|
|
|
$171
|
↑
4.2%
|
56.2%
|
32.0%
|
89.0%
|
66.0%
|
54.0%
|
40.0%
|
62.6%
|
|
|
$190❗
|
0.0%
|
55.8%
|
37.0%
|
76.0%
|
59.0%
|
67.0%
|
40.0%
|
55.8%
|
|
|
$92
|
↓
-36.9%
|
55.8%
|
37.0%
|
76.0%
|
59.0%
|
67.0%
|
40.0%
|
115.1%
|
|
|
$151
|
0.0%
|
55.4%
|
41.0%
|
73.0%
|
59.0%
|
64.0%
|
40.0%
|
69.5%
|
Motherboard Comparison and Detail Specifications Table
| Specification | Perf Chart | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$180
|
↓
-0.2%
|
$147
|
0.0%
|
$138
|
↓
-13.7%
|
$158
|
↓
-11.7%
|
$124
|
0.0%
|
$171
|
↑
4.2%
|
$190❗
|
0.0%
|
$92
|
↓
-36.9%
|
$151
|
0.0%
|
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| Manufacturer | ASUS | MSI | GIGABYTE | ASUS | ASRock | ASUS | MSI | MSI | ASRock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chip/Socket | AMD B850 / AM5 | B850M / AM5 | B850 / AM5 | B840 / AM5 | B650 / AM5 | AMD B850 Chipset / AM5 | B650 / AM5 | B650 / AM5 | B650 / AM5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Form | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX | Standard-ATX | Standard-ATX | Standard-ATX | Micro-ATX | Standard-ATX | Standard-ATX | Standard-ATX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CPU Phases | 8 (60 A) | 7 (60 A) | 8 (60 A) | 8 (60 A) | 14 (60 A) | 8 (80 A) | 12 (60 A) | 12 (60 A) | 14 (60 A) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PWR Design | 8 + 2 + 1 | 7+2 + 1 | 8+2+2 | 8+2+1 | 14+2+1 | 8 + 2 + 1 | 12+2+1 | 12+2+1 | 14+2+1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mem Slots | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Max Mem | 256 GB / 8000 MHz | 256 GB / 8200 MHz | 256 GB / 8200 MHz | 256 GB / 7600 MHz | 256 GB / 7200 MHz | 256 GB / 8000 MHz | 256 GB / 7200 MHz | 256 GB / 7200 MHz | 256 GB / 7200 MHz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCIe | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCIe Slots | 1x16 Gen5 | 1x16 Gen4 | 1x16 Gen5 | 3x16 Gen3 | 1x16 Gen5 | 3x16 Gen3 | 1x16 Gen4 | 3x16 Gen3 | 1x1 Gen3 | 2x16 Gen4 | 2x1 Gen4 | 1x16 Gen5 | 1x1 Gen4 | 2x16 Gen4 | 1x1 Gen3 | 2x16 Gen4 | 1x1 Gen3 | 1x16 Gen4 | 1x16 Gen3 | 1x1 Gen4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M.2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SATA | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Audio | Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 | Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 | Realtek® Audio CODEC | Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 | Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec | Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound Hi… | Realtek® ALC897 Codec | Realtek® ALC897 | Realtek ALC897 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S/PDIF | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HDMI | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DP | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ❌ | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAN | 1 x Realtek 2.5Gb Ethern… (1 ports) | Realtek® 8126VB 5G LAN (1 ports) | Realtek® GbE LAN chip (1… (1 ports) | 1 x Realtek 2.5Gb Ethern… (1 ports) | 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1… (1 ports) | 1 x Realtek 2.5Gb Ethern… (1 ports) | Realtek® 8125BG 2.5G LAN (1 ports) | Realtek® 8125BG 2.5G (1 ports) | 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1… (1 ports) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | ❌ | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | ❌ | Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BT | v5.3 | ❌ | v5.3 | v5.3 | ❌ | v5.3 | v5.3 | v5.3 | v5.2 | Rear USB |
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| USB Headers |
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| Front USB |
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VRM Appropriate CPU Specification Table
| CPU | Price | App_Performance | Game_Performance | TDP/Max | C/SC/T | L2/L3 Cache | Base/Boost | Code Name | GPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$316
|
↓
0.0%
|
63.0%
|
76.4%
|
65 W / 88 W | 12 / 0 / 24 | 1024.0 kB / 64.0 MB | 3.70 GHz / 5.40 GHz | Raphael | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$0
|
0.0%
|
51.9%
|
80.9%
|
65 W / 88 W | 8 / 0 / 16 | 1024.0 kB / 32.0 MB | 3.80 GHz / 5.50 GHz | Granite Ridge | None | |
|
$303
|
0.0%
|
51.9%
|
80.9%
|
65 W / 88 W | 8 / 0 / 16 | 1024.0 kB / 32.0 MB | 3.80 GHz / 5.50 GHz | Granite Ridge | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$235
|
0.0%
|
50.1%
|
78.8%
|
105 W / 142 W | 8 / 0 / 16 | 1024.0 kB / 32.0 MB | 4.50 GHz / 5.40 GHz | Raphael | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$190
|
↓
-32.1%
|
47.8%
|
78.1%
|
65 W / 88 W | 8 / 0 / 16 | 1024.0 kB / 32.0 MB | 3.80 GHz / 5.30 GHz | Raphael | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$266
|
0.0%
|
45.2%
|
63.7%
|
65 W / 61 W | 8 / 0 / 16 | 1024.0 kB / 16.0 MB | 4.20 GHz / 5.10 GHz | Phoenix | Radeon 780M | |
|
$180
|
↓
-14.3%
|
45.1%
|
63.5%
|
65 W / 61 W | 8 / 0 / 16 | 1024.0 kB / 16.0 MB | 4.10 GHz / 5.00 GHz | Phoenix | None | |
|
$185
|
0.0%
|
43.7%
|
80.4%
|
65 W / 88 W | 6 / 0 / 12 | 1024.0 kB / 32.0 MB | 3.90 GHz / 5.40 GHz | Granite Ridge | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$0
|
0.0%
|
41.0%
|
77.9%
|
65 W / 88 W | 6 / 0 / 12 | 1024.0 kB / 32.0 MB | 3.80 GHz / 5.00 GHz | Granite Ridge | None | |
|
$169
|
↓
-0.6%
|
39.7%
|
76.8%
|
105 W / 142 W | 6 / 0 / 12 | 1024.0 kB / 32.0 MB | 4.70 GHz / 5.30 GHz | Raphael | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$240
|
0.0%
|
38.8%
|
86.0%
|
65 W / 88 W | 6 / 0 / 12 | 1024.0 kB / 96.0 MB | 4.10 GHz / 4.70 GHz | Raphael | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$169
|
↓
-0.6%
|
38.2%
|
75.3%
|
65 W / 88 W | 6 / 0 / 12 | 1024.0 kB / 32.0 MB | 3.80 GHz / 5.10 GHz | Raphael | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$103❗
|
0.0%
|
37.8%
|
74.1%
|
65 W / 88 W | 6 / 0 / 12 | 1024.0 kB / 32.0 MB | 3.70 GHz / 5.00 GHz | Raphael | None | |
|
$188
|
0.0%
|
35.8%
|
63.7%
|
65 W / 61 W | 6 / 0 / 12 | 1024.0 kB / 16.0 MB | 4.30 GHz / 5.00 GHz | Phoenix | Radeon 760M | |
|
$0
|
0.0%
|
34.9%
|
73.1%
|
65 W / 88 W | 6 / 0 / 12 | 1024.0 kB / 32.0 MB | 3.70 GHz / 4.70 GHz | Raphael | None | |
|
$149
|
0.0%
|
34.7%
|
62.3%
|
65 W / 61 W | 6 / 0 / 12 | 1024.0 kB / 16.0 MB | 4.20 GHz / 4.70 GHz | Phoenix | None | |
|
$149
|
0.0%
|
31.3%
|
57.3%
|
65 W / 61 W | 6 / 0 / 12 | 1024.0 kB / 16.0 MB | 3.50 GHz / 5.00 GHz | Phoenix2 | Radeon 740M |
Official Manufacturer Data
Memory:
- 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots
- Supports DDR5 ECC/non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to 7200+(OC)*
- Max. capacity of system memory: 256GB*
- Supports Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) and EXTended Profiles for Overclocking (EXPO) memory modules
*Please refer to Memory Support List for more information.
Graphics:
- 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS/FRL 8G Compatible, supports HDR, HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 4K 120Hz
Storage:
- 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
- 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
Chipset:
- 1 x M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen4x2 (32 Gb/s) mode*
- 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors
*Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
Supports ASRock U.2 Kit
Expansion Slots:
- 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1), supports x16 mode*
Chipset:
- 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE3), supports x2 mode*
- 2 x PCIe 4.0 x1 Slots (PCIE2 and PCIE4)*
- 1 x M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module
- 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE1)
*Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
USB:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (Front)
- 9 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (7 Rear, 2 Front)
- 8 x USB 2.0 (4 Rear, 4 Front)
*All USB ports support ESD Protection
Internal I/O:
- 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
- 1 x RGB LED Header*
- 3 x Addressable LED Headers**
- 1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)***
- 1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)****
- 4 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)*****
- 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector
- 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connector)
- 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector
- 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (Supports 2 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)
- 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2 Header (ReDriver)
*Supports in total up to 12V/3A, 36W LED Strip
**Support in total up to 5V/3A, 15W LED Strip
***CPU_FAN1 supports the fan power up to 1A (12W).
****CPU_FAN2/WP supports the fan power up to 2A (24W).
*****CHA_FAN1~4/WP support the fan power up to 2A (24W).
CPU_FAN2/WP and CHA_FAN1~4/WP can auto detect if 3-pin or 4-pin fan is in use.
Back Panel I/O:
- 1 x HDMI Port
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Port (20 Gb/s) (ReDriver)
- 7 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (USB32_34 are Lightning Gaming Ports) (USB32_12 and USB32_56 are from ASMedia ASM1074 hub)
- 4 x USB 2.0 Ports
- 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port
- 1 x BIOS Flashback Button
- HD Audio Jacks: Line in / Front Speaker / Microphone
Audio:
- Nahimic Audio
Special Features:
- PCIe Gen5 (M.2)
- Dual Channel DDR5
Rock-Solid Durability
- 14+2+1 Power Phase, 60A SPS
- Pre-Installed I/O Shield
Ultrafast Connectivity
- 2.5G LAN
- ASRock Lightning Gaming Ports
EZ Update
- BIOS Flashback Button
- ASRock Auto Driver Installer
EZ Troubleshooter
- ASRock Post Status Checker
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