ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi Motherboard: features and specs explained

The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi is an ATX motherboard for AMD's AM5 socket, built for Ryzen 7000 series desktop processors. It uses DDR5 memory and offers PCIe 5.0 for both a graphics slot and storage. It is the foundation of a new desktop build rather than a drop-in upgrade for older AMD systems. Here is what its main specs mean.

The AM5 socket and what it fits

AM5 is AMD's socket for Ryzen 7000 desktop processors. It is not physically or electrically compatible with the older AM4 socket, so processors and coolers from AM4 builds won't carry across. ASUS lists this board as ready for Ryzen 7000 series chips; check the manufacturer's CPU support list, because newer processors may need a BIOS update.

AM5 boards use DDR5 memory only. DDR4 modules do not fit, so a build needs DDR5 kits.

Power delivery and cooling

ASUS describes a 12 + 2 power stage design with 8+4-pin ProCool power connectors, alloy coils and durable capacitors. The power stages convert the PC's 12-volt supply into the lower voltage the processor needs. More stages generally share the load and help the board hold steady under demanding multi-core work.

The VRM heatsinks have airflow channels cut into them and use conductive thermal pads on top. Good VRM cooling matters most in sustained heavy workloads, and in a case with some airflow.

PCIe 5.0, M.2 and storage

The board provides one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, all with heatsinks. PCIe 5.0 doubles the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 per lane, so it suits the newest, fastest NVMe SSDs. Today's everyday workloads rarely saturate it, but it gives room to grow. There is also one PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot for the graphics card; ASUS says the SafeSlot is reinforced to hold heavy cards.

Connectivity

At the back are one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port and eleven additional USB ports, plus HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 video outputs. These outputs work with processors that include integrated graphics. A USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C front-panel connector lets a suitable case's front USB-C port run at full speed. The title also lists WiFi 6E, which adds the 6GHz band for wireless connections where your router supports it, and Aura Sync for RGB lighting control.

Size and who it suits

It is a full ATX board at about 9.6 x 9.6 inches, weighing 3.1 lb. That means it needs an ATX-compatible case. It suits builders putting together a new Ryzen 7000 gaming or creative PC who want PCIe 5.0 and plenty of ports.

What to check before you buy

• CPU: confirm your processor is on the supported list and whether a BIOS update is needed to boot it.
• Memory: buy DDR5 and check the manufacturer's tested memory list.
• Case and cooler: make sure the case takes ATX boards and the cooler supports AM5 mounting.
• Power supply: you need the 8+4-pin CPU connectors and a unit sized for your parts.
• Storage: count your M.2 drives against the three slots.
• Model number: the listing's model is 90MB1BQ0-M0EAY1; check you are getting the board you expect.

The short version

• An ATX AM5 motherboard for Ryzen 7000 desktop processors, using DDR5 memory.
• 12 + 2 power stages with 8+4-pin ProCool connectors and heatsinked VRMs.
• One PCIe 5.0 and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, plus a PCIe 5.0 x16 SafeSlot.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, eleven more rear USB ports, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4.
• WiFi 6E and Aura Sync lighting support.

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