ASRock B650E Taichi Lite Motherboard Review

Features and Specifications

Features

• Supports AMD Ryzen™ 7000 Series Processors
• 24+2+1 Phase Power Design, SPS for VCore+GT
• 4 x DDR5 DIMMs, supports up to 6600+(OC)
• 1 PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 PCIe 4.0 x16
• Graphics Output Options: 1 USB4 Type-C, 1 HDMI
• Realtek ALC4082 5.1 CH HD Audio Codec, ESS SABRE9218 DAC, WIMA Audio Caps
• 1 Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4), 2 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4), 4 SATA3
• 1 USB4 Type-C (Rear), 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front), 3 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear), 10 USB 3.2 Gen1 (8 Rear, 2 Front)
• Killer 2.5G LAN
• Killer 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.3

Overview

Taichi represents the philosophical state of undifferentiated absolute and infinite potential. A motherboard that fulfills every task – with style! Become like water. Shapeless, formless, versatile for any situation.

SPS (Smart Power Stage)

Dr.MOS design features the latest SPS (Smart Power Stage) technology. It’s optimized for monitoring current and temperature of each phase, thus delivering smoother and neater power to the CPU with enhanced performance and OC capability.

24+2+1 Power Phase Design

Featuring sturdy components and completely smooth power delivery to the CPU. Plus, it offers unmatched overclocking capabilities and enhanced performance with the lowest temperature for advanced gamers as well.

Server Grade Ultra Low Loss PCB

The server grade ultra low loss PCB improves signal integrity, allowing motherboard to support PCIe 5.0 for both graphics card and M.2 SSD, it also improves memory OC potential to deliver the most extreme memory performance.

8 Layer PCB design

The 8 Layer PCB provides stable signal traces and power shapes delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency, ensures a reliable and long-lasting system while delivering ultimate performance without any compromise.

DDR5 DIY Friendly Design

Due to the unique electrical architecture of DDR5 DIMM, there’s a high risk of damaging the memory module if AC power isn’t disconnected properly during removal or installation. To prevent this, ASRock has implemented a trouble free protection circuit on every DDR5 motherboard, lowers the risk of damaging your memory module.

PCIe 5.0 wih SMT

Compares to conventional DIP style PCIe slot, the SMT type PCIe slot improves signal flow and maximize stability under high speed, a key breakthrough to fully support the lighting speed of the latest PCIe 5.0 standard.

The latest PCI Express 5.0 is capable to perform a breathtaking bandwidth of 128GBps, ready to unleash the full potential of future high end graphic cards.

DDR5 EXPO & XMP Support

Derived from the “built for stable and reliable” designing concept, ASRock does not compromise on any details. All B650E motherboards are built with 8-Layer and premium low-loss materials, enthusiasts are able to enjoy the boost of DDR5 memory overclocking performance up to 6600MHz and beyond by enabling the pre-tested profiles. Make sure the memory modules are AMD EXPO™/ Intel® XMP capable and overclocking can be made so affordable, satisfying and absolutely no sweat at all.

Blazing OC Tuner

The Blazing OC Tuner allows AM5 CPU to switch between OC mode and PBO(Precision Boost Overdrive) mode when the CPU current hits threshold. Anything above current threshold will engage manual OC mode; if below current threshold then will engage Precision Boost Overdrive mode. This idea is to combine overclocking on all cores and automatic boost on a single core to get the best performance out of your CPU. There is no need to enter BIOS to setup up, you can modify all the settings on time under OS.

AMD PBO Technology

PBO(Precision Boost Overdrive) is an automatic performance-maximizing technology that is able to improve your PC’s performance by raising clock speeds based on the conditions inside your PC, AMD’s processors is equipped with intelligent thermal sensors designed to analyze conditions inside your PC and make the “go faster” decision as often as possible, please ensure system cooling is sufficient before enabling PBO.

KiLLER E3100 + AX1675

The Killer Ethernet controller is designed specically for competitive gamers and performance-hungry users, this motherboard comes with both Killer E3100 2.5G Ethernet & WiFi 6E solution, the enhanced detection and prioritization engine provides the ultimate networking experience for gaming and multimedia applications.

Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax

WiFi 6E technology has extended to the whole new 6GHz spectrum band, providing more WiFi capability and giving an even better and faster internet traffic. In addition to deliver higher speeds, the WiFi 6E also enhances the lower latency and supports service levels that are equivalent to 5G networks.

KiLLER Doubleshot Pro

Killer DoubleShot Pro allows the use of both the Killer Wireless and Killer Ethernet interfaces work at the same time which will give the end user max throughput as high as 4.9 Gbps, it automatically utilizes the fastest network connection for high priority traffic, this ensures the highest priority traffic will always be put on the fastest and most reliable link.

Enhanced USB4 Type-C

USB4 technology brings speed and versatility to the most advanced USB Type-C, offering a fast and simple level of connection for work or home. It enables lightning-fast data transfer up to 40Gbps and supports up to 9V@3A 27W with the next generation PD 3.0 for superfast charging!

Fast Charging Technology

Enjoy the superfast charging rate, up to 9V@3A 27W with the next generation PD 3.0!

ESS SABRE9218 DAC

Embrace the audio stunning performance with ES9218 SABRE DAC!
√ True Hi-Fi Audio. No distorted digital signal
√ 130dB SNR
√ 112dB THD+N and supports higher impedance up to 600 Ω headphone

WIMA Audio Cap

Optimized for high end audio applications! Deliver crystal and balanced sound to satisfy even the pickiest audiophile.

Nahimic Audio

Whether you are using headphones, a headset, external or internal speakers, via USB, Wi-Fi, analog output or even HDMI, Nahimic Audio offers you the most engaging listening experience, vibrant and rich with details.

Lightning Gaming Ports

Aimed for die hard gamers and enthusiasts! Lightning Gaming Ports are sourced from two different controller interfaces that assist gamers in connecting the high speed mice/keyboard with the lower jitter and latency!

POLYCHROME RGB

This motherboard features onboard RGB headers and an addressable RGB header that allow motherboard to be connected to compatible LED devices such as strip, CPU fans, coolers, chassis and so on. Users may also synchronize RGB LED devices across the Polychrome RGB Sync-certified accessories to create their own unique lighting effects.

PCIe Gen5 Blazing M.2

The Blazing M.2 accommodates the latest PCI Express 5.0 standard to perform twice the bandwidth compared to previous generation, with a breathtaking 128GB/s transfer speed, it is ready to unleash the full potential of future ultrafast SSDs.

Multi-Layer M.2 Heatsink

The extra large aluminum alloy M.2 heatsink effectively improves heat dissipation to keep those high speed M.2 SSDs as cool as possible, it is able to give better stability while maintaining top performance.

Anti-drop Screw

Tired of dropping screws or screws missing inside chassis? The enhanced M.2 heatsink with anti-drop screw design that make sure installation process more easily.

Front USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C

The latest USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C delivers up to 20 Gbps data transfer rate which is 2x as fast as previous generation, providing a blazing fast data transfer interface with reversible USB Type-C design that fits the connector either way.

Specifications

• Unique Feature
  Superb Productivity
  – PCIe Gen5 (Graphics, M.2)
  – Dual Channel DDR5
  – USB4 Type-C Port (40 Gb/s)
  Rock-Solid Durability
  – Server-Grade Low-Loss PCB
  – 24+2+1 Power Phase, 105A SPS for VCore+GT with Enlarged Heatsink Armor
  – Flexible Integrated I/O Shield
  – Nichicon 12K Black Caps (100% Japan made high quality conductive polymer capacitors)
  Ultrafast Gaming
  – Killer 2.5G LAN, Killer
  802.11ax Wi-Fi 6EModule
  – Killer DoubleShot™ Pro
  – ASRock Lightning Gaming Ports
  EZ Update
  – BIOS Flashback Button
  – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
• CPU
  – Supports AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen™ 7000 Series Processors
  – Supports ASRock Hyper BCLK Engine
• Chipset
  – AMD B650
• Memory
  – Dual Channel DDR5 Memory Technology
  – 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots
  – Supports DDR5 non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to 6600+(OC)
  – Max. capacity of system memory: 192GB
  – Supports Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) and EXTended Profiles for Overclocking (EXPO) memory modules
• BIOS
  – 256Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
• Graphics
  Integrated AMD RDNA™ 2 graphics (Actual support may vary by CPU)
  – 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS/FRL 8G Compatible, supports HDR, HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 4K 120Hz
  – 1 x USB4, supports HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 8K 60Hz*

  *Only the CPU’s embedded graphics can be displayed through USB4 ports. If you want to display to a Type-C monitor, please use CPU models with embedded graphics.
  USB4 graphics output may not be compatible with certain Type-C monitors. Please use graphics card outputs instead.
• Audio
  – 5.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC4082 Audio Codec)
  – WIMA Audio Capacitors (For Front Outputs)
  – ESS SABRE9218 DAC for Front Panel Audio (130dB SNR)
  – Individual PCB Layers for R/L Audio Channel
  – Impedance Sensing on Rear Out port
  – Nahimic Audio
• LAN
  – 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s
  – Killer E3100G
  – Supports Killer LAN Software
  – Supports Killer DoubleShot™ Pro
• Wireless LAN
  – 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E Module
  – Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
  – Supports Dual-Band 2×2 160MHz with extended 6GHz band support*
  – 2 antennas to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity technology
  – Supports Bluetooth 5.3 + High speed class II
  – Supports MU-MIMO
  – Supports Killer LAN Software
  – Supports Killer DoubleShot™ Pro

  *Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz band) will be supported by Microsoft^® Windows^® 11. The availability will depend on the different regulation status of each country and region. It will be activated (for supported countries) through Windows^® Update and software updates once available.
  A 6GHz compatible router is required for 6E functionality.
• Slots
  CPU:
  – 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1), supports x16 mode*
  Chipset:
  – 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2), supports x4 mode*
  – 1 x Vertical M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module- 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE1)

  *If M2_3 is occupied, PCIE2 will be disabled.
  Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
• Storage
  CPU:
  – 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2230/2242/2260/2280/22110 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
  Chipset:
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  ASMedia ASM1061:
  – 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors

  *Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
  If M2_3 is occupied, PCIE2 will be disabled.
• RAID

  – Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 for M.2 NVMe storage devices*

  *Requires additional M.2 NVMe expansion cards to support RAID 10
• USB
  – 1 x USB4 Type-C (Rear)
  – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
  – 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
  – 10 x USB 3.2 Gen1 (8 Rear, 2 Front)
  – 4 x USB 2.0 (Front)

  *All USB ports support ESD Protection
• Connector
  – 1 x SPI TPM Header
  – 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
  – 1 x RGB LED Header*
  – 3 x Addressable LED Headers**
  – 1 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin)***
  – 1 x CPU/Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)****
  – 6 x Chassis/Water Pump Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)*****
  – 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector)
  – 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connector)
  – 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector (15μ Gold Audio Connector)
  – 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
  – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Header (Supports 2 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)
  – 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s) (ReDriver)
  – 1 x Dr. Debug with LED
  – 1 x Power Button with LED
  – 1 x Reset Button with LED

  *Supports in total up to 12V/3A, 36W LED Strip

  **Support in total up to 5V/3A, 15W LED Strip

  ***CPU_FAN1 supports the fan power up to 1A (12W).

  ****CPU_FAN2/WP_3A supports the fan power up to 3A (36W).

  *****CHA_FAN1~6/WP support the fan power up to 2A (24W).

  *****CPU_FAN2/WP_3A and CHA_FAN1~6/WP can auto detect if 3-pin or 4-pin fan is in use.

• Rear Panel I/O
  – 2 x Antenna Ports
  – 1 x HDMI Port
  – 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
  – 1 x USB4 Type-C Port (40 Gb/s)*
  – 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports (10 Gb/s) (ReDriver) (USB32_12 are Lightning Gaming Ports. USB32_11 supports Ultra USB Power.)
  – 8 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Ports (ASMedia ASM1074 hub)
  – 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port
  – 1 x Clear CMOS Button
  – 1 x BIOS Flashback Button
  – 1 x Line Out Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
  – 1 x Microphone Input Jack (Gold Audio Jack)

  *Supports USB PD 3.0 up to 9V@3A (27W) / 5V@3A (15W) charging
• Software and UEFI
  Software
  – ASRock Motherboard Utility (A-Tuning)
  – Killer Control Center
  – ASRock Polychrome SYNC*
  UEFI
  – ASRock Full HD UEFI
  – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
  – ASRock Instant Flash

  *These utilities can be downloaded from ASRock Live Update & APP Shop.
• Accessories
  – 1 x User Manual
  – 4 x SATA Data Cables
  – 1 x Wireless Dongle USB Bracket
  – 1 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna
  – 3 x Screws for M.2 Sockets
  – 1 x Standoff for M.2 Socket
• Form Factor
  – EATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 10.5-in, 30.5 cm x 26.7 cm
  – 8 Layer PCB

More information on ASRock’s website.