Comparison Asus PRIME B650-PLUS vs ASRock B650 PG Lightning

The number of processor power phases provided on the motherboard.

Very simplistically, phases can be described as electronic blocks of a special design, through which power is supplied to the processor. The task of such blocks is to optimize this power, in particular, to minimize power surges when the load on the processor changes. In general, the more phases, the lower the load on each of them, the more stable the power supply and the more durable the electronics of the board. And the more powerful the CPU and the more cores it has, the more phases it needs; this number increases even more if the processor is planned to be overclocked. For example, for a conventional quad-core chip, only four phases are often enough, and for an overclocked one, at least eight may be needed. It is because of this that powerful processors can have problems when used on inexpensive low-phase motherboards.

Detailed recommendations on choosing the number of phases for specific CPU series and models can be found in special sources (including the documentation for CPU itself). Here we note that with numerous phases on the motherboard (more than 8), some of them can be virtual. To do this, real electronic blocks are supplemented with doublers or even triplers, which, formally, increases the number of phases: for example, 12 claimed phases can represent 6 physical blocks with doublers. However, virtual phases are much inferior to real ones in terms of capabilities — in fact, t...hey are just additions that slightly improve the characteristics of real phases. So, let's say, in our example, it is more correct to speak not about twelve, but only about six (though improved) phases. These nuances must be specified when choosing a motherboard.

The maximum RAM clock speed supported by the motherboard. The actual clock frequency of the installed RAM modules should not exceed this indicator — otherwise, malfunctions are possible, and the capabilities of the “RAM” cannot be used to the fullest.

For modern PCs, a RAM frequency of 1500 – 2000 MHz or less is considered very low, 2000 – 2500 MHz is modest, 2500 – 3000 MHz is average, 3000 – 3500 MHz is above average, and the most advanced boards can support frequencies of 3500 – 4000 MHz and even more than 4000 MHz.

The ability of the motherboard to work with RAM modules that support XMP (Extreme Memory Profiles) technology. This technology was developed by Intel; it is used in motherboards and RAM blocks and only works if both of these system components are XMP compliant. A similar technology from AMD is called AMP.

The main function of XMP is to facilitate system overclocking (“overclocking”): special overclocking profiles are “sewn” into the memory with this technology, and if desired, the user can only select one of these profiles without resorting to complex configuration procedures. This is not only easier, but also safer: every profile added to the bar is tested for stability.

Number of M.2 slots available in the design of the motherboard. You can find motherboards with 1 M.2 slot, with 2 slots, with 3 slots, and more.

The M.2 slot is created for connecting advanced internal devices in a miniature form factor—particularly high-speed SSD drives, as well as expansion cards like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. However, slots intended solely for connecting peripherals (Key E) are not included in this count. Today, this is one of the most modern and advanced ways of connecting components. But it's worth noting that different interfaces can be implemented through this slot—SATA or PCI-E, and not necessarily both at once. For more details, see “M.2 interface”; here we'll note that SATA has low speed and is mainly used for budget drives, while PCI-E is used for advanced solid-state modules and is also suitable for other types of internal peripherals.

Accordingly, the number of M.2 slots represents how many components in this format can be simultaneously connected to the motherboard. Many modern boards, especially mid-range and high-end ones, are equipped with two or more M.2 slots, particularly with PCI-E support.

Electrical (logical) interfaces implemented through physical M.2 connectors on the motherboard.

For more details about such connectors, see above. Here, we note that they can work with two types of interfaces:

• SATA — a standard originally created for hard drives. Usually, the most recent version supported in M.2 is SATA 3; however, even it is significantly inferior to PCIe in terms of speed (600 MB/s) and functionality (only storage devices);
• PCIe — the most widespread modern interface for connecting internal peripherals (also known as NVMe). It is suitable for various expansion cards (such as wireless adapters) as well as storage devices, with PCIe speeds allowing for the full potential of modern SSDs to be realized. The maximum data transfer speed depends on the version of this interface and the number of lanes. In modern M.2 connectors, you can find PCIe versions 3.0 and 4.0, with speeds of approximately 1 GB/s and 2 GB/s per lane, respectively; and the number of lanes can be 1, 2, or 4 (PCIe 1x, 2x, and 4x, respectively)

Specifically, the M.2 interface in motherboard specifications is indicated by the number of connectors themselves and the type of interfaces provided in each of them. For example, the entry "3xSATA/PCIe 4x" means three connectors capable of operating in both SATA and PCIe 4x formats; and the designation "1xSATA/PCIe 4x, 1xPCIe 2x" means two connectors, one of which works as SATA or PCI...e 4x, and the other only as PCIe 2x.

The version of the M.2 interface determines both the maximum data transfer rate and the supported devices that can be connected via physical M.2 connectors (see the corresponding paragraph).

The version of the M.2 interface in the specifications of motherboards is usually indicated by the number of connectors themselves and by the PCIe revision provided for in each of them. For example, the entry “3x4.0” means three connectors capable of supporting PCIe 4.0; and the designation “2x5.0, 1x4.0” means a trio of connectors, two of which support PCIe 4.0, and another one supports PCIe 5.0.

Operating modes of PCIe 16x slots supported by the motherboard.

For more details about this interface, see above, and data on the modes is provided in case there are multiple PCIe 16x slots on the board. This data specifies the speed at which these slots can operate when expansion cards are simultaneously connected to them and how many lanes each can use. The fact is that the total number of PCI Express lanes on any motherboard is limited, and there are usually not enough for all 16-channel slots to operate at full capacity simultaneously. Accordingly, the speed inevitably has to be limited during simultaneous operation. For example, a 16x/4x/4x configuration means that the motherboard has three 16-channel slots, but if you connect three graphics cards to them simultaneously, the second and third slots can only provide speeds at the PCIe4x level. Accordingly, for a different number of slots, the quantity of digits will match. Some boards offer multiple mode variants, such as 16x/0x/4 and 8x/8x/4x (0x means the slot becomes unusable).

This parameter mainly needs attention when installing multiple graphics cards simultaneously: in some cases, (for example, when using SLI technology), for the adapters to work correctly, they must be connected to slots with the same speed.

Number of USB-C 5Gbps connectors provided on the motherboard.

USB-C connectors (of all versions) are used to connect USB-C ports located on the exterior of the case (usually on the front panel, less often on the top or side) to the "motherboard." These ports are connected to a connector by a special cable, typically allowing one connector to work with only one port. In other words, the number of connectors on the motherboard corresponds to the maximum number of USB-C case ports that can be used with it.

Let's remind you, USB-C is a relatively new type of USB connector, distinguished by its small size and reversible design; these connectors have their own technical features, and thus require separate connectors. Specifically, the USB-C 5Gbps version (formerly known as USB 3.2 gen1 and USB 3.0) provides data transfer speeds up to 4.8 Gbps. Additionally, this version of the connection on a USB-C connector can support USB Power Delivery technology, allowing for power delivery to external devices up to 100W; however, this function is not mandatory, and its presence in a particular motherboard's connectors should be clarified separately.

Number of USB-C 20Gbps ports provided on the motherboard.

USB-C is a universal connector. It is slightly larger than microUSB, features a convenient reversible design (it doesn't matter which way the plug is inserted), and allows for increased power delivery and a range of special functions. Additionally, this same connector is standardly used in Thunderbolt version v3 interfaces and can technically be applied to other interfaces as well.

Regarding the USB-C 20Gbps version specifically, it allows for a connection speed of 20 Gbps.