MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi
MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi Specifications Review
MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi by MSI is a Micro-ATX form factor motherboard based on the mid-range B850M 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 8200 MHz.
VRM Quality
The MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi has a basic VRM configuration, delivering 60 A across 8 phases. Best for low-power CPUs (≤65 W TDP). Using high-wattage chips or overclocking could cause severe thermal issues and instability. Recommended for budget builds, office workstations, and media PCs.
See the VRM Appropriate CPU Specification Table at the bottom of this page for recommended CPU options.
Expansion and Storage Overview
The MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi offers a balanced 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 , and 1 x1 slot. 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 2 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 offers solid and reliable connectivity features, including wireless networking with the Wi-Fi 7 standard, and wired Realtek® 8126VB 5G LAN ethernet supporting speeds up to 5000 Gbps. Bluetooth 5.4 is available for wireless accessories. It also provides a good selection of modern USB ports to cover most connectivity needs. For exact USB specifications, please see the detailed table.
For video output, this motherboard includes HDMI version 2.1 , DisplayPort version 1.4 . 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) 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
MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi is a dependable choice with a respectable overall quality score of 58.60. 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 74.2% 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 | MSI |
|---|---|
| Motherboard Name | MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi |
| Current Price Amazon | $150 |
| Amazon Price Updated | 6 hours, 24 minutes ago. |
| Motherboard Available | True |
| Chipset / Socket | B850M / AM5 |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
VRM Configuration
| CPU Power Phases (Amps) | 8 (60 A) |
|---|---|
| Power Design | 8+2 + 1 |
Memory Information
| Type / Slots | DDR5 / 4 slots |
|---|---|
| Max Capacity / Max OC | 256 GB / 8200 MHz |
PCIe Slot Configuration
| Supported Version | PCIe 5.0 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot Size | Physical Slots | Gen5 | Gen4 | Gen3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| x16 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| x1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Storage Configuration
| M.2 Slot Count | 2 slots |
|---|---|
| M.2 Supported Lengths | 2280, 2260 |
| SATA Ports | 4 |
Onboard Audio Features
| Audio Chipset | Realtek® ALC897 |
|---|
Motherboard Display Outputs
| HDMI Output | HDMI - Version 2.1 (Max: 4K 60Hz) |
|---|---|
| DisplayPort Output | DisplayPort - Version 1.4 (Max: 4K 60Hz) |
USB and Thunderbolt Connectivity
Rear USB Ports
| USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps) | 3 |
|---|---|
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps) | 3 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps) | 2 |
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 |
Networking Information
| Ethernet | Chipset: Realtek® 8126VB 5G LAN LAN Ports: 1 |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi |
Version: Wi-Fi 7 Bandwidth: 160MHz Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz |
| Bluetooth |
Version: 5.4 |
Button Features
| Buttons |
BIOS Flashback Clear CMOS |
|---|
Quality & Features
Additional Information
| RAM | Supports AMD EXPO. Max overclocking frequency for Ryzen 9000 Series Processors varies by configuration: 1DPC 1R up to 8200+ MT/s, 1DPC 2R up to 6400+ MT/s, 2DPC 1R up to 6400+ MT/s, 2DPC 2R up to 6000+ MT/s. Supports AMD POR Speed, JEDEC Speed, and Un-buffered memory. Supports CUDIMM in Clock Driver bypass mode only. |
|---|---|
| Display | Available only on processors featuring integrated graphics. Graphics specifications may vary depending on the CPU installed. |
| Expansion | PCI_E1 Gen PCIe 5.0 supports up to x16 (From CPU). PCI_E2 Gen PCIe 3.0 supports up to x1 (From Chipset). PCI_E3 Gen PCIe 4.0 supports up to x4 (From Chipset). The PCI_E1 slot supports PCIe 5.0 x16 with Ryzen 9000/7000 Series processors, PCIe 4.0 x8 with Ryzen 8700/8600/8400 Series processors, and PCIe 4.0 x4 with Ryzen 8500/8300 Series processors. |
| Storage |
M.2 Slot Details:
|
| Audio | 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio |
| Networking | The Wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot. Supports MU-MIMO TX/RX, up to 2.9Gbps. Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be. Supports MLO, 4KQAM. |
| Buttons | The text lists a 'Flash BIOS Button' and a 'Clear CMOS Button'. |
| Dimensions | 24.4cm x 24.4cm |
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.
MSI PRO B850M-A WiFi 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$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%
|
|
|
$189
|
0.0%
|
58.0%
|
25.0%
|
78.0%
|
77.0%
|
62.0%
|
48.0%
|
58.3%
|
Motherboard Comparison and Detail Specifications Table
| Specification | Perf Chart | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price |
$170
|
0.0%
|
$170
|
0.0%
|
$140
|
0.0%
|
$140
|
0.0%
|
$150
|
0.0%
|
$150
|
0.0%
|
$145❗
|
↑
1.4%
|
$255
|
0.0%
|
$189
|
0.0%
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturer | GIGABYTE | ASUS | MSI | ASRock | MSI | GIGABYTE | GIGABYTE | MSI | ASUS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chip/Socket | B850M / AM5 | B650 / AM5 | AMD B850 / AM5 | B850 / AM5 | B850M / AM5 | B650M / AM5 | B650M / AM5 | B650I / AM5 | B650 / AM5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Form | Micro-ATX | Standard-ATX | Standard-ATX | Standard-ATX | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX | Mini-ITX | Standard-ATX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CPU Phases | 12 (60 A) | 6 (50 A) | 12 (60 A) | 14 (80 A) | 8 (60 A) | 12 (60 A) | 12 (60 A) | 8 (80 A) | 8 (60 A) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PWR Design | 12+2+2 | 6+1+1 | 12 + 2 + 1 | 14+2+1 | 8+2 + 1 | 12+2+2 | 12+2+2 | 8+2+1 | 8(60A)+2(60A)+1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mem Slots | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | 2 / DDR5 | 4 / DDR5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Max Mem | 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 | 192 GB / 8000 MHz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCIe | 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 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PCIe Slots | 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 | 2x16 Gen4 | 1x1 Gen4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M.2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SATA | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Audio | Realtek® Audio CODEC | Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 | Realtek ® ALC897 | Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec | Realtek® ALC897 | Realtek® Audio CODEC | Realtek® Audio CODEC | Realtek® ALC4080 Codec | Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S/PDIF | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HDMI | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ❌ | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1) | ✔️ (2.1 FRL) | ✔️ (2.1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DP | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ❌ | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ✔️ (1.4) | ❌ | ✔️ (1.4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAN | 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) | Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet (1 ports) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wi-Fi | 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 | Wi-Fi 6E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BT | v5.3 | v5.3 | v5.3 | ❌ | v5.4 | v5.2 / 5.3 | v5.3 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$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 | |
|
$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 | |
|
$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:
Memory Support DDR5 8200 - 5600 (OC) MT/s / 5600 - 4800 (JEDEC) MT/s
Ryzen™ 9000 Series Processors max. overclocking frequency:
• 1DPC 1R Max speed up to 8200+ MT/s
• 1DPC 2R Max speed up to 6400+ MT/s
• 2DPC 1R Max speed up to 6400+ MT/s
• 2DPC 2R Max speed up to 6000+ MT/s
Supports AMD POR Speed and JEDEC Speed
Supports Memory Overclocking and AMD EXPOTM
Supports Dual-Channel mode
Supports Non-ECC, Un-buffered memory
Supports CUDIMM, Clock Driver bypass mode only*
Graphics:
Support HDMITM 2.1, maximum resolution of 4K 60Hz*
1x DisplayPort
Support DisplayPort 1.4, maximum resolution of 4K 60Hz*
*Available only on processors featuring integrated graphics. Graphics specifications may vary depending on the CPU installed.
Storage:
M.2_1 Source (From CPU) supports up to PCIe 5.0 x4 , supports 2280/2260 devices
M.2_2 Source (From CPU) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4 , supports 2280/2260 devices
4x SATA 6G
M2_1 slot
• Supports up to PCIe 5.0 x4 (For Ryzen™ 9000/ 7000 Series processors)
• Supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4 (For Ryzen™ 8000 Series processors)
M2_2 slot
• Supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4
• Supports up to PCIe 4.0 x2 (For Ryzen™ 8500/ 8300 Series processors)
*Please refer to the manual for M.2 SSD heatsink restrictions.
Expansion Slots:
1x PCI-E x1 slot
PCI_E1 Gen PCIe 5.0 supports up to x16 (From CPU)
PCI_E2 Gen PCIe 3.0 supports up to x1 (From Chipset)
PCI_E3 Gen PCIe 4.0 supports up to x4 (From Chipset)
PCI_E1 slot
• Supports PCIe 5.0 x16 (For Ryzen™ 9000/ 7000 Series processors)
• Supports PCIe 4.0 x8 (For Ryzen™ 8700/ 8600/ 8400 Series processors)
• Supports PCIe 4.0 x4 (For Ryzen™ 8500/ 8300 Series processor)
USB:
3x USB 5Gbps Type A (Rear)
2x USB 5Gbps Type A (Front)
3x USB 10Gbps Type A (Rear)
2x USB 10Gbps Type C (Rear)
1x USB 10Gbps Type C (Front)
Internal I/O:
2x Power Connector(CPU_PWR)
1x Power Connector(PCIE_PWR 8pin)
1x CPU Fan
1x Combo Fan (Pump_Sys Fan)
3x System Fan
2x Front Panel (JFP)
1x Chassis Intrusion (JCI)
1x Front Audio (JAUD)
1x Com Port (JCOM)
1x Tuning Controller connector(JDASH)
3x Addressable V2 RGB LED connector (JARGB_V2)
1x RGB LED connector(JRGB)
1x TPM pin header(Support TPM 2.0)
4x USB 2.0 ports
2x USB 5Gbps Type A ports
1x USB 10Gbps Type C ports
Back Panel I/O:
DisplayPort
USB 10Gbps Type-A
USB 10Gbps Type-A
USB 5Gbps Type-A
5G LAN
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Audio connectors
Flash BIOS Button
HDMI™
USB 10Gbps Type-C
USB 5Gbps Type-A
WiFi:
The Wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot
Supports MU-MIMO TX/RX, 2.4GHz/ 5GHz/ 6GHz* (160MHz) up to 2.9Gbps
Supports 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac/ ax/ be
Supports Bluetooth® 5.4**, MLO, 4KQAM
Audio:
7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
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