ASRock B650 PG Lightning
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Standard size motherboard from the 2022 ASRock Pro line. Unlike most of its peers, its capabilities go beyond the boundaries of the middle class. The ASRock B650 PG Lightning is equipped with an AM5 processor socket, replacing the popular but aging AM4 socket. The model is designed to work with DDR5 memory and high-speed SSD drives, providing support for the fourth and fifth generation PCI-E bus.
In total, the platform supports the installation of DDR5 RAM modules with a maximum frequency of 7200 MHz and a total volume of up to 192 GB, which makes it an attractive choice for users focused on working with large amounts of fast and modern RAM. Drive installation options include three M.2 connectors for high-speed NVMe SSD drives, including one operating in PCI-E 5.0 mode, as well as four SATA3 ports for standard HDD and SSD drives.
An integrated, high-performance 17-phase power converter with a larger heatsink and improved circuitry ensures the full potential of multi-core Ryzen 7000 series processors. In addition, the board provides two PCI-E slots for installing video cards that support Crossfire mode. Additional free connectors along the perimeter of the board for LED strips and water cooling exceed the capabilities of most PRO series boards, turning this model into a rather interesting option for a gaming PC using next-gen components. The Dragon RTL8125BG network controller with 2.5 Gbps bandwidth provides high performance in competitive games and resource-intensive tasks.
Gaming power and technological superiority
ASRock B650 PG Lightning motherboard is designed for professional-grade gaming PCs. The main advantage of the model is its high-quality power design with 17 phases (14/2/1), providing support for powerful multi-core AMD 7000 series processors. The optimized VRM is complemented by SPS technology, which prevents overheating and allows you to safely overclock the system. The board supports EXPO/XMP profiles for improved performance and offers manual overclocking capabilities for DDR5 memory. Gaming PCI slots feature a reinforced metal base, and the M.2 interface with PCI Express 5.0 support significantly increases data transfer speeds. For efficient cooling, radiators are provided on key elements, allowing the use of both coolers and water cooling systems.
Simplified maintenance and optimized use
ASRock B650 PG Lightning provides automatic driver installation through a proprietary application after installing the OS. Firmware updates are available using the BIOS Flashback feature. Various controllers servicing ports for gaming devices guarantee minimal delay in signal transmission and increased response. USB 3.2 and USB-C interfaces are supported for quick connections. In terms of gaming features, it is worth noting an audio tracker to determine the direction of sound, a 2.5 Gbps network adapter for a reliable online connection, and an audio system with Nahimic technology to improve the sound of voice and music.
