MSI B850MPOWER Motherboard Review: AMD’s New Budget Gaming Powerhouse

MSI has launched its new B850MPOWER motherboard. The board is designed for AMD’s latest Ryzen processors. It targets budget-conscious gamers and PC builders. The product is available now for $259.

This release is part of AMD’s broader 800-series chipset rollout. According to Reuters, the tech sector is seeing strong demand for affordable performance parts. The B850MPOWER aims to meet that demand directly.

AMD’s B850 Chipset Delivers High-End Features for Less

The AMD B850 chipset is a significant step forward. It brings PCIe Gen5 support for NVMe storage devices. Graphics slots typically run at the still-excellent PCIe 4.0 speed. This balance keeps costs down without major performance sacrifices.

CPU and memory overclocking are fully supported. This was a key feature reserved for higher-end chipsets in the past. Users can now push their Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series chips for extra performance. This makes the platform excellent for enthusiasts on a budget.

MSI’s Design Focuses on Power and Cooling

The MSI B850MPOWER uses a robust power delivery system. This design ensures stable voltage for the CPU during heavy loads. It is crucial for maintaining performance during gaming or content creation sessions.

Large aluminum heatsinks cover the voltage regulation modules. These components effectively dissipate heat. This smart cooling design prevents thermal throttling, ensuring the CPU can run at peak speeds for longer periods.

Info at your fingertips

What CPUs are compatible with the MSI B850MPOWER?

The motherboard supports all AMD Ryzen processors on the AM5 socket. This includes the Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series CPUs. You will need to ensure the BIOS is updated for the newest chips.

Does the B850 chipset support PCIe 5.0 for graphics?

Typically, B850 motherboards prioritize PCIe 5.0 for an M.2 NVMe storage slot. The primary graphics slot usually operates at PCIe 4.0, which offers more than enough bandwidth for current high-end GPUs.

How does the B850 differ from the more expensive X870?

The main differences are the lack of mandatory USB4 support and fewer high-speed USB ports. The B850 still offers excellent connectivity, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gbps), but focuses its cost on core performance features.

Is this a good board for a first-time builder?

Yes, its clear layout and straightforward feature set make it a solid choice. MSI’s BIOS is also known for being user-friendly, which helps newcomers navigate settings with confidence.

Can you overclock memory on this motherboard?

Absolutely. The B850 chipset supports memory overclocking (AMP/EXPO). You can run DDR5 memory kits well beyond the base JEDEC specification to maximize your system’s performance.

Trusted Sources: AMD, Reuters, MSI