Next to the DRAM slots is M2_2, the second of four M.2 sockets. This one runs up to PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps) and supports up to 80mm devices. We’ll cover the other three a bit later. Moving down the right edge, we run into the first three (of six) 4-pin fan headers. Each header supports DC- and PWM-controlled devices, with varying power outputs. The CPU _FAN1 header starts in auto mode and outputs up to 2A/24W. The PUMP_SYS1 header starts in PWM mode and delivers the highest output at 3A/36W. Lastly, the system fan headers also start in Auto mode and output the least at 1A/12W. There are plenty of headers and lots of power to go around. Below that are the first 3-pin ARGB header, the Debug LEDs, a 24-pin ATX power connector, and finally a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C connector.
Power delivery on the B850 MPower consists of 15 phases, 12 of which are responsible for Vcore. Power is supplied to the Duet Rail configuration via the 8-pin EPS connector(s) to a Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) MP22501 controller. Power then heads to the MPS2512 60A MOSFETs. The 720A available isn’t a lot at all, especially for an ‘overclocking’ motherboard. That said, it should still be fine to overclock flagship-class processors like the Ryzen 9 9950X , or even pushing gaming processors like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D . You should be fine here, but I would have liked to see higher-output MOSFETs on a board designed for overclocking.
On the bottom half of the board, starting on the left side, is the audio section. Here, MSI uses the Realtek ALC4080 codec, a few dedicated audio capacitors, and the audio separation line – typical fare. It’s a middling audio codec and fine for an overclocking-focused board.
In the middle of our Micro ATX board are two PCIe slots and two M.2 sockets, with the third up by the DRAM slots and the fourth on the back of the board. The primary full-length PCIe slot connects through the CPU and runs at PCIe 5.0 x16 speeds. The bottom x4 slot connects to the chipset and runs at PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. Seeing as there are only two PCIe slots, I’d like to see the second slot be open-ended or full-length to better support expansion needs.
Under the EZ M.2 Shield Frozr plate heatsink are two M.2 sockets (M2_1 and M2_3). M2_1 is the second PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps) socket, connected to the CPU. The bottom and the rear M.2 sockets (M2_3/4) connect through the chipset with M2_3 running the full PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps), while M2_4 on the back of the motherboard runs up to PCIe 4.0 x2 (32 Gbps). It’s nice to see four M.2 sockets on a smaller board. But I worry about the heatsinks with hot-running PCIe 5.0 drives and extended file transfers under the plate heatinks. At the very least, you’ll want a good amount of cool air passing over those heatsinks. Last, along the right edge, are two SATA ports and two 4-pin fan headers.
We've also included many images of the active IC's for the board. MSI and B850 MPower used a wide range of brands including Monolithic Power systems (VRMs), Realtek (audio, USB, PWM controller), and Genysys Logic (USB) chips.
(Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) At the bottom are several headers, ranging from the front panel to the fans. From left to right, we’ve listed them below. One item worth mentioning is the supplemental PCIe power connector for additional board power, so the board can actually output everything it’s rated for.
The rear IO on the B850 MPower has what you need, but it’s surprisingly sparse, even for B850. Starting on the left, there are two small buttons: BIOS Flash and Clear CMOS. Next to that is an HDMI (v2.1) video output for integrated graphics, and the Realtek 5 GbE port. Next, there are 9 USB ports. You get two Type-C ports (20 Gbps and 10 Gbps), three USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps, red) ports, and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps, blue). Next to that is the Wi-Fi 7 connection and the audio stack (two 3.5mm jacks and SPDIF out).
Current page: MSI B850 MPower Features and Specifications
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-b850-mpower-motherboard-review#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.