ASRock B850 Livemixer WiFi Review: Budget Motherboard for Creators
▼ Summary
– The ASRock B850 Livemixer is a competitively priced motherboard with a mature black and silver design, targeting content creators with extensive USB connectivity.
– It features 14 rear USB ports, Realtek ALC1220 audio, 2.5 GbE and Wi-Fi 7 networking, and supports high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 9 9950X despite modest power delivery.
– Performance is adequate for gaming and general use, though it encountered memory compatibility issues with a specific Kingston DDR5-6000 kit during testing.
– Key specifications include PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 slots, DDR5 support up to 8000 MHz, multiple M.2 sockets, and a 17-phase power delivery system with 80A MOSFETs.
– The motherboard offers practical features like a BIOS Flashback button, ample fan headers, and RGB lighting, making it a solid option for budget-conscious builds.
The ASRock B850 Livemixer WiFi stands out as a compelling budget-friendly motherboard designed specifically for content creators, offering an impressive array of connectivity options and solid performance without breaking the bank. Priced at $189.99, this board replaces the earlier brightly colored B650 model with a more refined black and silver aesthetic that appeals to a wider audience while retaining its focus on streaming and multitasking workflows.
One of the most notable features is the generous rear I/O, which includes 14 USB ports—a count that rivals some far more expensive models. These ports accommodate a variety of peripherals, from cameras and microphones to external storage, making it an ideal foundation for streaming setups. Networking is handled by a Realtek 2.5 GbE controller and integrated Wi-Fi 7, ensuring fast and reliable connections. Audio duties fall to the previous-generation flagship Realtek ALC1220 codec, which remains a respectable choice at this price point.
Power delivery uses a 17-phase design with 14 phases dedicated to Vcore, employing 80A Vishay SiC659 Dr. MOS components. While not the most heavy-duty solution on the market, it competently supports even high-end processors like the Ryzen 9 9950X, allowing users to extract full performance provided cooling is adequate. The board’s understated design includes a single RGB strip beneath the extended M.2 heatsink, adding a touch of customization without overwhelming the build.
Performance across gaming and productivity tasks proved more than satisfactory, though some memory compatibility issues arose during testing. A Kingston DDR5-6000 kit encountered problems, requiring substitution with an alternative kit running at the same speed but with slightly looser timings. These differences are negligible in real-world use and unlikely to be noticed outside of synthetic benchmarks. A faster DDR5-7200 kit performed flawlessly, underscoring the importance of checking the qualified vendor list for optimal compatibility.
The board includes three full-length PCIe slots, with the top reinforced slot supporting PCIe 5.0 x16 for graphics cards. Two additional PCIe 4.0 x4 slots are available, though the lowest shares bandwidth with the third M.2 socket, so users must choose between them. Storage options are plentiful, with one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot and two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, all equipped with heatsinks. Four SATA ports round out the storage connectivity.
Included accessories are minimal but adequate—two SATA cables, a Wi-Fi antenna, and a thermistor cable are provided. The rear I/O is thoughtfully organized, featuring HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, Wi-Fi antenna connectors, a BIOS Flashback button, and a mix of USB ports including 10 Gbps Type-C and 5 Gbps Type-A options. The audio stack includes analog and SPDIF outputs, while the 2.5 GbE port ensures speedy wired networking.
Overall, the ASRock B850 Livemixer WiFi delivers exceptional value for creators seeking a capable and connectivity-rich platform. Its combination of abundant USB ports, modern networking, and support for high-speed components makes it a strong contender in the budget segment, though prospective buyers should verify memory compatibility for a smooth building experience.
(Source: NewsAPI Gaming Hardware & Accessories)
