ASROCK B450M PRO4 R2.0 Socket AM4/ AMD B450/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ M.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard
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AI Verdict
This ASRock B450M PRO4 R2.0 is a Micro ATX AM4 motherboard with dual M.2 slots and USB 3.2 Gen2, suitable for budget Ryzen 2000, 3000, and 5000 series builds.
This board is a situational fit, offering a compelling feature set like dual M.2 and USB 3.2 Gen2 for its entry-level price. However, its 10-phase power delivery and reported stability issues with higher-TDP CPUs under load mean it's not ideal for demanding users or heavy overclocking.
If you plan on using a high-end Ryzen CPU or require robust overclocking stability, look for a B550 motherboard with a more substantial VRM design and potentially a BIOS Flashback button.
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Pros
- Includes two M.2 slots, one supporting PCIe Gen3 x4 and the other SATA, for varied storage options.
- Features both USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports, providing 10 Gb/s data transfer speeds.
- Equipped with heatsinks on the VRMs, which can aid in thermal management for the power delivery system.
- Supports a broad range of AMD AM4 Socket Ryzen 2000, 3000, and 5000 Series Desktop Processors.
- Offers four DDR4 DIMM slots, allowing for up to 64GB of RAM at speeds up to 3200MHz, with overclocking potential for higher speeds.
- Incorporates ASRock Full Spike Protection on all USB, Audio, and LAN Ports for component longevity.
Cons
- Only provides four SATA ports, which can restrict storage expansion for users with multiple drives.
- Lacks a BIOS Flashback button, meaning an older, compatible CPU might be necessary for BIOS updates to support newer Ryzen processors.
- Some users report stability issues under sustained heavy loads, particularly with higher-TDP CPUs like the Ryzen 2700X, even with adjusted settings.
- The rear I/O shield is a single metal piece with stamped labels, giving it a less premium appearance.
- Onboard audio uses the Realtek ALC892 codec, which is functional but not the higher-fidelity ALC1220 found on more premium boards.
Dimension Scores
The R2.0 revision features 10 power phases and VRM heatsinks, which is an improvement, but users still report instability with higher-TDP CPUs under load.
It includes dual M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C, and Full Spike Protection, which is a solid set for its price point.
With two M.2 slots, four DDR4 DIMM slots, two PCIe x16 slots, and one PCIe x1 slot, it offers standard expansion, though only four SATA ports can be limiting.
The BIOS interface is logical and easy to navigate, and ASRock provides basic utilities, but the absence of a BIOS Flashback button is a significant drawback for CPU compatibility.
Best For
- Building a cost-effective PC with a Ryzen 2000, 3000, or 5000 series CPU.
- Compact Micro ATX system builds where space is a consideration.
- Users needing dual M.2 storage options without a premium motherboard budget.
- Systems that will not be subjected to prolonged, heavy CPU loads or aggressive overclocking.
Not Recommended For
- Enthusiasts planning extensive CPU overclocking, especially with high-core count Ryzen CPUs.
- Users requiring more than four SATA storage devices.
- Anyone needing a BIOS Flashback feature for CPU compatibility without an older CPU on hand.
Watch Out For
- The board may exhibit instability and unexpected shutdowns under heavy CPU load with processors like the Ryzen 2700X, even when CPU boost is disabled and memory speeds are reduced.
- Without a BIOS Flashback button, updating the BIOS for newer CPUs (like Ryzen 5000 series) might require installing an older, compatible CPU first.
- Only having four SATA ports means you'll hit a storage wall quickly if you plan on using multiple 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives in addition to M.2 SSDs.
- Some users have reported unusually high readings on 'Temperature #3' sensors during stress tests, even when VRMs feel cool to the touch.
Full Specifications
| RAM | DDR4 |
| ASIN | B09JM6QYG1 |
| Brand | ASRock |
| Color | Black |
| Series | B450M PRO4 R2.0 |
| Language | English, English, English, English |
| Platform | Android |
| Batteries | 1 CR2032 batteries required. |
| CPU Socket | Socket AM4 |
| Model Name | B450M PRO4 R2.0 |
| Item Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Chipset Type | AMD B450 |
| Manufacturer | ASRock |
| Memory Speed | 1800 GHz |
| Operating System | - Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit / 11 64-bit * * Summit Ridge do not officially support Windows 11. |
| Item model number | B450M PRO4 R2.0 |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 1800 GHz |
| Product Dimensions | 10.9 x 10.3 x 2.5 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Compatible Processors | AMD Ryzen 2000 Series, AMD Ryzen 3000 Series, AMD Ryzen 4000 Series, AMD Ryzen 5000 Series |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR4 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.9 x 10.3 x 2.5 inches |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 12 GB |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 10 |
What Buyers Say
Many users highlight the ASRock B450M PRO4 R2.0 as a strong value, often praising its feature set for the price, including dual M.2 slots and USB 3.2 Gen2. However, a recurring concern is its stability under heavy load, with some users experiencing system shutdowns when pushing CPUs like the Ryzen 2700X. The lack of a BIOS Flashback button also means you might need an older CPU to update the BIOS for newer Ryzen processors. Despite these issues, it's frequently recommended for budget-conscious builds.
“Man, this board was cheap, but I swear my 2700X kept crashing during games, even after I messed with the settings. It's fine for my kid's basic PC, but I wouldn't trust it for anything serious.”
Common Praise
- The inclusion of two M.2 slots (one PCIe, one SATA) is frequently mentioned as a key advantage for storage flexibility.
- Users appreciate the presence of USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports, offering faster data transfer than older USB standards.
- The motherboard is often cited for its affordability and perceived value, making it a popular choice for budget builds.
- Many found the setup process straightforward, with the board working out of the box with various Ryzen CPUs, sometimes even 5000 series without an initial BIOS update.
- The Micro ATX form factor is seen as beneficial for compact PC builds.
Common Complaints
- Several users reported system instability and unexpected shutdowns when the CPU was under significant load, particularly with higher-end Ryzen 2000 series processors.
- The absence of a BIOS Flashback button is a common point of frustration, as it complicates BIOS updates for newer CPUs if an older one isn't available.
- The rear I/O shield is described as feeling cheap and basic, detracting from the build quality perception.
- The limitation of only four SATA ports is a drawback for users planning extensive traditional storage.
- Some users noted high readings on certain temperature sensors (e.g., 'Temperature #3') during stress tests, even if VRMs felt cool.
Ownership Tips
- BIOS updates can be a hassle without a Flashback button; you might need to borrow an older CPU if yours isn't supported initially.
- For stable operation with higher-TDP CPUs, ensuring excellent case airflow is crucial, as the VRMs, while heatsinked, can still get warm under load.
- The Realtek ALC892 audio codec is perfectly adequate for most users, but don't expect audiophile-level sound quality without a dedicated sound card.
- The two M.2 slots are a lifesaver for keeping cables tidy and boot times fast, but remember one is SATA-only.
- The 'Full Spike Protection' for ports is a nice peace of mind feature, but it's hard to quantify its real-world impact until something goes wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this motherboard support Ryzen 5000 series CPUs out of the box?
While the board supports Ryzen 5000 series, you might need to update the BIOS. Some users reported it working with a Ryzen 5500 out of the box, but it's not guaranteed for all 5000 series CPUs without an update.
How many M.2 slots does this motherboard have?
The ASRock B450M PRO4 R2.0 has two M.2 slots. One supports PCIe Gen3 x4, and the other supports SATA M.2 drives.
Can this motherboard handle Ryzen X3D series CPUs?
Users have reported running X3D CPUs like the 5800X3D on the original B450M Pro4 with no issues for two years. X3D CPUs are generally lower power, so this board should handle them, especially with good case airflow.
Does this motherboard have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
No, the product specifications do not list built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You would need to purchase a separate PCIe Wi-Fi card or USB adapter for wireless connectivity.
What is the maximum RAM speed supported?
The motherboard officially supports DDR4 memory up to 3200 MHz. Higher speeds are achievable through memory overclocking.
Buying Guide
When buying a motherboard, you're essentially picking the central nervous system for your PC. It dictates what CPU, RAM, and storage you can use, and how many expansion cards you can add. For a budget board like this, you need to balance the features you get against potential compromises in power delivery or advanced functionalities. Think about your CPU choice and how many drives you'll actually use, because a cheap board might save you money upfront but limit your upgrades later.
Socket (AM4)
This is the physical connector for your CPU. AM4 means it's designed for AMD Ryzen processors from specific generations. If your CPU isn't AM4, it won't fit.
Chipset (AMD B450)
The chipset manages communication between your CPU and other components like storage, USB, and PCIe slots. B450 is a mid-range chipset, offering a good balance of features and cost for AM4, but it generally lacks newer features like PCIe Gen4 found on B550 or X570 chipsets.
RAM Type (DDR4)
This specifies the type of memory modules the board accepts. DDR4 is the standard for this generation of Ryzen CPUs. You can't use older DDR3 or newer DDR5 RAM with this board.
Form Factor (Micro ATX)
This refers to the physical size of the motherboard. Micro ATX boards are smaller than standard ATX, fitting into more compact PC cases but often having fewer expansion slots or ports.
Alternatives
If you need PCIe Gen4 support for faster SSDs or graphics cards, or a more robust power delivery system for high-end CPU overclocking, look for a B550 or X570 chipset motherboard. If you require more SATA ports or advanced networking, check boards with additional controllers.
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