ASRock AMD AM5 B850 Pro-A
ASRock AMD AM5 B850 Pro-A Specifications Review
ASRock AMD AM5 B850 Pro-A by ASRock is a Standard-ATX form factor motherboard based on the mid-range B850 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 192 GB, and an overclocking speed of up to 7200 MHz.
VRM Quality
The ASRock AMD AM5 B850 Pro-A has a mid-range VRM configuration, providing 80 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 AMD AM5 B850 Pro-A offers a well-equipped expansion and storage configuration with PCIe 5.0 support, meaning it uses PCI Express 5.0, the newest standard offering extremely high bandwidth for next-generation graphics cards and ultra-fast NVMe storage. It also includes 2 x16 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 4 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.
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 AMD AM5 B850 Pro-A is a dependable choice with a respectable overall quality score of 58.80. 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 79.8% 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 AMD AM5 B850 Pro-A |
| Current Price Amazon | $140 |
| Amazon Price Updated | 7 hours, 21 minutes ago. |
| Motherboard Available | True |
| Chipset / Socket | B850 / AM5 |
| Form Factor | Standard-ATX |
VRM Configuration
| CPU Power Phases (Amps) | 14 (80 A) |
|---|---|
| Power Design | 14+2+1 |
Memory Information
| Type / Slots | DDR5 / 4 slots |
|---|---|
| Max Capacity / Max OC | 192 GB / 7200 MHz |
PCIe Slot Configuration
| Supported Version | PCIe 5.0 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Size | Physical Slots | Gen5 | Gen4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| x16 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Storage Configuration
| M.2 Slot Count | 4 slots |
|---|---|
| M.2 Supported Lengths | 2230, 2242, 2260, 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
USB and Thunderbolt Connectivity
Rear USB Ports
| USB 2.0 Type-A (480 Mbps) | 6 |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps) | 4 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (5 Gbps) | 1 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps) | 1 |
Front USB Ports
| USB 2.0 Type-A (480 Mbps) | 3 |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps) | 2 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20 Gbps) | 1 |
Internal USB Headers
| USB 2.0 Header (480 Mbps) | 3 |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Header (5 Gbps) | 2 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Header (20 Gbps) | 1 |
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 | Features OptiMem II. Supported memory types, data rate(Speed), and number of DRAM modules vary depending on the CPU and memory configuration. Non-ECC, un-buffered DDR5 memory supports On-Die ECC function. |
|---|---|
| Expansion | PCIE1 will run at Gen5x16 with 9000 and 7000 series processors, Gen4x8 with 8000 (Phoenix 1) series processors and Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 2) series processors. The second x16 slot (PCIE2) supports x4 mode. If M2_3 is occupied, PCIE2 will be disabled. The primary VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE1) features 15μ Gold Contact. |
| 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 AMD AM5 B850 Pro-A 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$166
|
↑
0.5%
|
60.2%
|
25.0%
|
81.0%
|
90.0%
|
60.0%
|
45.0%
|
69.0%
|
|
|
$170
|
0.0%
|
59.8%
|
37.0%
|
80.0%
|
65.0%
|
74.0%
|
43.0%
|
66.8%
|
|
|
$170
|
0.0%
|
59.4%
|
16.0%
|
78.0%
|
94.0%
|
58.0%
|
51.0%
|
66.4%
|
|
|
$140
|
0.0%
|
59.0%
|
37.0%
|
86.0%
|
67.0%
|
65.0%
|
40.0%
|
80.1%
|
|
|
$140
|
0.0%
|
58.8%
|
54.0%
|
69.0%
|
78.0%
|
53.0%
|
40.0%
|
79.8%
|
|
|
$150
|
0.0%
|
58.6%
|
25.0%
|
86.0%
|
69.0%
|
73.0%
|
40.0%
|
74.2%
|
|
|
$150
|
0.0%
|
58.4%
|
37.0%
|
74.0%
|
64.0%
|
74.0%
|
43.0%
|
74.0%
|
|
|
$145❗
|
↑
1.4%
|
58.4%
|
37.0%
|
74.0%
|
64.0%
|
74.0%
|
43.0%
|
76.3%
|
|
|
$255
|
0.0%
|
58.2%
|
31.0%
|
76.0%
|
40.0%
|
59.0%
|
85.0%
|
43.4%
|
Motherboard Comparison and Detail Specifications Table
| Specification | Perf Chart | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$166
|
↑
0.5%
|
$170
|
0.0%
|
$170
|
0.0%
|
$140
|
0.0%
|
$140
|
0.0%
|
$150
|
0.0%
|
$150
|
0.0%
|
$145❗
|
↑
1.4%
|
$255
|
0.0%
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturer | ASUS | GIGABYTE | ASUS | MSI | ASRock | MSI | GIGABYTE | GIGABYTE | MSI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chip/Socket | B650E / AM5 | B850M / AM5 | B650 / AM5 | AMD B850 / AM5 | B850 / AM5 | B850M / AM5 | B650M / AM5 | B650M / AM5 | B650I / AM5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Form | Standard-ATX | Micro-ATX | Standard-ATX | Standard-ATX | Standard-ATX | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX | Mini-ITX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CPU Phases | 8 (60 A) | 12 (60 A) | 6 (50 A) | 12 (60 A) | 14 (80 A) | 8 (60 A) | 12 (60 A) | 12 (60 A) | 8 (80 A) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PWR Design | 8+2+1 | 12+2+2 | 6+1+1 | 12 + 2 + 1 | 14+2+1 | 8+2 + 1 | 12+2+2 | 12+2+2 | 8+2+1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mem Slots | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 2 / DDR5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Max Mem | 256 GB / 8000 MHz | 256 GB / 8200 MHz | 192 GB / 7600 MHz | 256 GB / 8200 MHz | 192 GB / 7200 MHz | 256 GB / 8200 MHz | 256 GB / 8000 MHz | 256 GB / 8000 MHz | 128 GB / 7200 MHz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCIe | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | PCIe 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCIe Slots | 1x16 Gen5 | 1x16 Gen4 | 2x16 Gen3 | 1x16 Gen5 | 1x16 Gen3 | 3x16 Gen4 | 2x1 Gen4 | 2x16 Gen4 | 1x1 Gen3 | 1x16 Gen5 | 1x16 Gen4 | 1x16 Gen5 | 1x16 Gen4 | 1x1 Gen3 | 2x16 Gen4 | 2x16 Gen4 | 1x16 Gen4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M.2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SATA | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Audio | Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 | Realtek® Audio CODEC | Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 | Realtek ® ALC897 | Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec | Realtek® ALC897 | Realtek® Audio CODEC | Realtek® Audio CODEC | Realtek® ALC4080 Codec | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S/PDIF | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HDMI | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ❌ | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1 FRL) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DP | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ❌ | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ❌ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAN | 1 x Realtek 2.5Gb Ethern… (1 ports) | Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN (1 ports) | 1 x Realtek 2.5Gb Ethern… (1 ports) | Realtek ® 8125 2.5G LAN (1 ports) | 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1… (1 ports) | Realtek® 8126VB 5G LAN (1 ports) | Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN (1 ports) | Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN (1 ports) | Realtek® RTL8125BG 2.5Gb… (1 ports) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) | ❌ | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BT | v5.3 | v5.3 | v5.3 | v5.3 | ❌ | v5.4 | v5.2 / 5.3 | v5.3 | v5.3 | Rear USB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| USB Headers |
|
|
|
❌ |
|
❌ |
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Front USB |
|
❌ |
|
|
|
|
❌ |
❌ |
|
VRM Appropriate CPU Specification Table
| CPU | Price | App_Performance | Game_Performance | TDP/Max | C/SC/T | L2/L3 Cache | Base/Boost | Code Name | GPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$700
|
0.0%
|
84.9%
|
84.0%
|
120 W / 162 W | 16 / 0 / 32 | 1024.0 kB / 128.0 MB | 4.20 GHz / 5.70 GHz | Raphael | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$329
|
0.0%
|
74.7%
|
80.2%
|
120 W / 162 W | 12 / 0 / 24 | 1024.0 kB / 64.0 MB | 4.40 GHz / 5.60 GHz | Granite Ridge | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$700
|
0.0%
|
68.0%
|
82.3%
|
120 W / 162 W | 12 / 0 / 24 | 1024.0 kB / 128.0 MB | 4.40 GHz / 5.60 GHz | Raphael | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$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 | |
|
$484
|
0.0%
|
59.0%
|
100.0%
|
120 W / 162 W | 8 / 0 / 16 | 1024.0 kB / 96.0 MB | 4.70 GHz / 5.60 GHz | Granite Ridge | Radeon Graphics | |
|
$445
|
0.0%
|
58.1%
|
98.8%
|
120 W / 162 W | 8 / 0 / 16 | 1024.0 kB / 96.0 MB | 4.70 GHz / 5.20 GHz | Granite Ridge | 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 | |
|
$349
|
0.0%
|
47.1%
|
89.1%
|
120 W / 162 W | 8 / 0 / 16 | 1024.0 kB / 96.0 MB | 4.20 GHz / 5.00 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:
Graphics:
- 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots
- Supports DDR5 ECC/non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to 8000+(OC)
- Max. capacity of system memory: 256GB
- Supports Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) and EXTended Profiles for Overclocking (EXPO) memory modules
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 Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type 2230/2242/2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
- 1 x Ultra M.2 Socket (M2_4, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen3x4 (32 Gb/s) mode*
- 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors
ASMedia ASM1061:
- 2 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors * Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks M2_1 is the first priority for M.2 installation. M2_1 will run at Gen5x4 with 9000 and 7000 series processors and Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 1 and Phoenix 2) series processors. M2_2 will run at Gen4x4 with 9000 and 7000 series processors, Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 1) series processors and Gen4x2 with 8000 (Phoenix 2) series processors. If M2_3 is occupied, PCIE2 will be disabled. If SATA3_1 or SATA3_2 is occupied, M2_4 will downgrade to Gen3x2 mode.
Expansion Slots:
- 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1), supports x16 mode*
Chipset:
- 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2), supports x4 mode*
- 1 x M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module
- 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE1) * PCIE1 will run at Gen5x16 with 9000 and 7000 series processors, Gen4x8 with 8000 (Phoenix 1) series processors and Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 2) series processors. If M2_3 is occupied, PCIE2 will be disabled. Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
USB:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (Rear)
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C (Rear)
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (Rear (USB32_1 and USB32_2))
Chipset:
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (2 Rear (USB32_3 and USB32_4), 2 Front)
- 9 x USB 2.0 (6 Rear, 3 Front)
Internal I/O:
- 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
- 1 x RGB LED Header*
- 3 x Addressable LED Headers**
- 2 x CPU Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
- 4 x Chassis Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
- 1 x AIO Pump Fan Connector (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 3 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 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s)
Back Panel I/O:
- 1 x HDMI Port
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C Port (10 Gb/s)
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C Port (DP-alt mode supports DP1.4a)
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Ports
- 6 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
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