ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 AM4 AMD Promontory B450 SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
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AI Verdict
This is a rock-solid, no-frills foundation for a budget AM4 build that includes WiFi and four RAM slots, but the severe lack of fan headers requires planning.
It delivers a solid foundation for a budget Ryzen 5000 build by including built-in WiFi and 4 RAM slots for under $90. The lack of fan headers and single HDMI port severely limit cooling options and APU multi-monitor setups.
If you need more fan headers, PCIe 4.0, or USB-C, step up to a B550M chipset motherboard.
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Pros
- Includes built-in Intel 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2
- Features 4 DDR4 RAM slots supporting up to 128GB, unlike many 2-slot budget alternatives
- 10-phase VRM design with heavy metal heatsinks keeps temperatures stable on 65W CPUs
- Ships with an updated BIOS that boots Ryzen 5000 series processors out of the box
Cons
- Provides only three total fan headers (1 CPU, 1 4-pin chassis, 1 3-pin chassis)
- Lacks USB-C ports entirely on both the rear I/O and internal headers
- Rear I/O features only a single HDMI port, preventing dual-monitor APU setups
- ASRock Polychrome RGB software frequently fails to sync with third-party memory sticks
Dimension Scores
The 10-phase design with solid metal heatsinks handles 65W and 105W AM4 chips without thermal throttling.
Built-in WiFi, BT 4.2, and 4 RAM slots provide excellent value, though the lack of USB-C is a noticeable omission.
Features just one M.2 slot and a secondary PCIe slot crippled by PCIe 2.0 x4 speeds.
The UEFI BIOS is straightforward, but ASRock's Polychrome RGB software is universally criticized for bugs and poor sync capabilities.
Best For
- Budget 1080p gaming builds using a 65W CPU like the Ryzen 5 5600
- First-time builders needing built-in WiFi without installing a separate PCIe network card
- Compact Micro ATX cases with minimal case fans
Not Recommended For
- Multi-monitor office setups relying entirely on integrated graphics
- High-airflow cases requiring individual fan curve control for 4+ fans
- Builds utilizing PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, as the board caps out at Gen3 speeds
Watch Out For
- You only get two case fan headers, and one is a 3-pin. You must buy a fan hub or splitters to run a standard 3-fan front intake setup.
- If you plan to use an APU like the Ryzen 5 5600G without a graphics card, the single HDMI port restricts you to exactly one monitor.
- The secondary PCIe x16 slot runs at PCIe 2.0 x4 speeds, severely bottlenecking any modern expansion cards you plug into it.
Full Specifications
| RAM | DDR4 |
| ASIN | B09KZYMP8P |
| Brand | ASRock |
| Series | B450M/AC R2.0 |
| Platform | Windows 10 |
| Batteries | 1 CR2032 batteries required. |
| CPU Socket | Socket AM4 |
| Model Name | B450M/AC R2.0 |
| Item Weight | 2.23 pounds |
| Chipset Type | AMD B450 |
| Manufacturer | ASRock |
| Memory Speed | 2133 MHz |
| Item model number | B450M/AC R2.0 |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 2133 MHz |
| Product Dimensions | 10.83 x 10.24 x 2.36 inches |
| Compatible Processors | AMD A Series |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR4 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.83 x 10.24 x 2.36 inches |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 32 GB |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 2 |
What Buyers Say
This is a classic budget workhorse that handles cheap AM4 builds, but it shows its age in the connectivity department. The inclusion of WiFi and four RAM slots at this price is the main draw for most buyers. The severe lack of fan headers means you will almost certainly need to buy a fan splitter if you are building in a modern case. APU users frequently get caught off guard by the single HDMI port.
“Great little board for my budget 5600x build and the wifi works flawlessly, but having only two case fan headers is a massive pain.”
Common Praise
- Ryzen 5000 series CPUs boot right up without needing a BIOS flash
- VRM heatsinks are surprisingly heavy and keep temperatures stable during gaming
- Having 4 RAM slots makes future memory upgrades much easier than typical 2-slot budget boards
- Included WiFi antennas provide a stable connection through a couple of walls
Common Complaints
- Only has one 4-pin and one 3-pin chassis fan header, forcing the use of splitters
- ASRock Polychrome RGB software is clunky and frequently fails to sync with RAM
- No DisplayPort or VGA means APU builds are stuck with a single monitor
- Bluetooth drivers often need to be manually downloaded from ASRock's site to work properly
Ownership Tips
- The 3-pin chassis fan header runs at 100% speed by default and lacks PWM control.
- Windows often fails to grab the Intel Bluetooth drivers automatically, requiring a manual download from ASRock's website.
- The M.2 slot sits directly under the primary PCIe slot, meaning your GPU dumps heat straight onto your NVMe drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this support Ryzen 5000 series out of the box?
Yes. The R2.0 version ships with a BIOS that supports Ryzen 5000 CPUs like the 5600X without requiring a manual flash.
Can I run dual monitors without a graphics card?
No. The board only has a single HDMI port. If you use an APU like the 5600G, you are limited to one screen.
How many case fans can I plug in?
You get exactly two chassis fan headers. One is a 4-pin and the other is a 3-pin. You need a fan splitter for more than two case fans.
Does it have built-in WiFi and Bluetooth?
Yes. It includes an Intel 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 module, plus two screw-on antennas in the box.
Does this board have a USB-C port?
No. There are zero USB-C ports on the rear I/O and no internal headers for a front panel USB-C connection.
Buying Guide
When buying a budget B450 board in 2024, you trade modern conveniences for a rock-bottom price. You get a reliable foundation for a cheap gaming PC, but you lose out on PCIe 4.0 speeds, USB-C, and robust cooling support. Count your case fans and buy splitters if you have more than two. If you use a dedicated graphics card, the single HDMI port on the motherboard will not affect you.
Micro ATX Form Factor
This is a shorter, squarer board than a standard ATX. It fits in smaller cases but gives you fewer slots to plug in extra expansion cards.
AMD B450 Chipset
This older motherboard brain supports great budget CPUs but limits your graphics card and SSD to PCIe 3.0 speeds—like driving a fast car on a highway with a 65mph speed limit.
Intel 802.11ac WiFi
Also known as WiFi 5. It is not the absolute newest standard, but it is plenty fast for gaming and streaming without running an Ethernet cable across your house.
Alternatives
If you need PCIe 4.0 for a newer graphics card, multiple M.2 slots, or USB-C, search for a B550M motherboard with WiFi.
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