ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I Gaming WiFi Motherboard Review DDR5 and PCIe 5.0

Description

Initial Impressions and Build Quality

The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I Gaming WiFi motherboard immediately stood out when I first unboxed it. Its mini-ITX form factor is compact yet feels incredibly robust. I was genuinely impressed by the premium build quality, with thick heatsinks and high-quality alloy chokes adding to its durability. The 10+2 power stages and ProCool power connector make it clear that this motherboard is designed to handle the demands of multi-core AMD Ryzen processors, even under heavy workloads. The sleek black design, paired with Aura Sync RGB lighting, adds an aesthetically pleasing touch, making it a fantastic choice for anyone wanting a compact yet visually striking gaming setup.

Performance and Power Delivery

I tested this motherboard with a Ryzen 7000 series processor, and the performance was nothing short of exceptional. The optimized VRM thermals, combined with high-conductivity thermal pads, kept temperatures in check, even during intense gaming sessions. The 10+2 power stages ensure stable power delivery, which is crucial for maintaining performance consistency. It’s worth noting that while the motherboard supports AMD Ryzen 9000 and 8000 series processors, a BIOS update might be required. This could be a small inconvenience for some, but it’s manageable with ASUS’ clear update guides.

Storage Options and Expandability

One of the key benefits of this motherboard is its next-gen M.2 support. The PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, cooled by a large heatsink, is perfect for boosting storage performance, and there’s an additional PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot for those needing extra storage. I installed a PCIe 5.0 SSD, and the data transfer speeds were blazing fast, making file transfers and game load times unbelievably quick. The compact size of this board doesn’t compromise on expandability, and I found the SafeSlot PCIe 5.0 x16 slot particularly useful for securely installing my GPU.

Networking and Connectivity

The inclusion of WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN makes this motherboard a standout for those who demand high-speed connectivity. I tested the WiFi 6E with a compatible router, and the connection was stable, even when streaming 4K content and gaming simultaneously. Bluetooth 5.2 integration is another feature that proved handy for connecting peripherals like wireless headphones. On the wired front, the Intel 2.5G Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard ensures a reliable and secure connection for competitive gaming.

The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port is an excellent addition, offering high-speed data transfer capabilities. Alongside this, the motherboard features seven additional USB ports, which I found more than sufficient for plugging in all my peripherals and external drives.

Audio Quality and Gaming Immersion

The ALC4080 audio codec paired with the Savitech SV3H712 amplifier took my gaming experience to a whole new level. I tested the audio with various games that rely heavily on sound design, and the clarity and depth were remarkable. Features like DTS Sound Unbound and Sonic Studio III enhance immersion, especially in games with spatial audio. Whether it’s the subtle sound of footsteps in an FPS or the roaring engines in a racing simulator, the audio performance was consistently impressive.

Positives

• Compact mini-ITX design with premium build quality and aesthetic RGB lighting.
• Exceptional power delivery through 10+2 power stages and ProCool power connector.
• Next-gen M.2 support with PCIe 5.0 for ultra-fast storage performance.
• High-speed networking with WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN for seamless connectivity.
• Immersive audio experience supported by robust hardware and advanced software.

Caveats

• A BIOS update may be required for use with AMD Ryzen 9000 and 8000 series processors, which could be a hassle for some users.
• The compact size might limit future expandability compared to larger motherboards.
• Price point may feel high for those on a tight budget, despite the feature set.

Competing Products

When comparing this mini-ITX motherboard to others like the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi or Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra, the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I Gaming WiFi stands out for its superior power delivery system and PCIe 5.0 M.2 support. The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi offers similar connectivity options but lacks the same thermal optimization, making it less suitable for overclocking. On the other hand, Gigabyte’s Aorus Ultra provides comparable networking features but doesn’t include the advanced audio enhancements found in the ASUS model. The RGB lighting and customization options are also far more refined on ASUS motherboards, adding a layer of personalization that competitors often fall short on.

Smart Spending

Given the extensive feature set and robust performance, the price to quality ratio is quite strong for this motherboard. It positions itself as a high-end option for gamers and enthusiasts who value cutting-edge technology and reliable performance. While not the most budget-friendly choice, the investment feels justified for the next-gen capabilities, especially the PCIe 5.0 support and WiFi 6E integration. For those who demand the best from their gaming rigs, this motherboard delivers on its promises without compromise.