MSI B650M Project Zero – You can kiss your grommets goodbye!

One of the big themes in 2024 is MSI Project Zero where the cables in your PC connect to the back of the motherboard, instead of snaking around to the front. James has recently featured the MSI Z790 Project Zero and now it is time for me to cover the AMD side of things with a review of the MSI B650M Project Zero.

Key features

• Supports AMD Ryzen 8000 / 7000 Series Desktop Processors
• Supports DDR5 Memory, up to 7600+(OC) MHz
• Premium Thermal Solution: Extended Heatsink Design and M.2 Shield Frozr are built for high performance system and non-stop works
• 2.5G LAN and AMD Wi-Fi 6E Solution: Upgraded network solution for professional and multimedia use. Delivers a secure, stable and fast network connection
• Lightning M.2: Running at PCIe Gen 4 maximizes performance for NVMe based SSDs
• Lightning USB 20G: Built-in USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, offers 20Gbps transmission speed, 4x faster than USB 3.2 Gen 1
• Audio Boost: Reward your ears with studio grade sound

Specification:

• CPU Support: AMD Ryzen 7000/8000/9000
• Chipset: AMD B650
• VRMs: 10+2+1 x80A Monolithic Power MP87670 80A DrMOS
• VRM Controller: Monolithic Power MPS2324/MP2857
• PCB: 6 Layer
• Memory support:
  • 4x DDR5, Maximum Memory Capacity 256GB
  • Max. overclocking frequency:
  • 1DPC 1R Max speed up to 7600+ MHz
  • 1DPC 2R Max speed up to 6400+ MHz
  • 2DPC 1R Max speed up to 6400+ MHz
  • 2DPC 2R Max speed up to 5400+ MHz
• Expansion slots:
  • 1x PCIe Gen 4.0 x16 slot (From CPU)
  • 1x PCIe Gen 3.0 x1 slot (From Chipset)
• Storage:
  • 2x M.2 Gen 4.0 x4
  • 4x SATA 6Gbps
• USB support:
  • 4x USB 2.0 (Front)
  • 2x USB 2.0 (Rear)
  • 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 5 Gbps Type A (Rear)
  • 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 5 Gbps Type A (Front)
  • 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 10Gbps Type A (Rear)
  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C (Rear)
  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C (Front)
  • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps Type-C (Rear)
• LAN: Realtek 2.5Gbps LAN
• Wireless/Bluetooth: AMD Wi-Fi 6E 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz, Bluetooth 5.3
• Audio: 7.1-Channel Audio
• Form Factor: mATX 244mm x 244mm

Testing

Test system
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
CPU Cooler: Phanteks Glacier One 360 D30
RAM: 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo DDR5-6000
Graphics: Sapphire RX 6950 XT 16GB Nitro+ Pure
SSD: 1TB Sabrent Rocket 4.0 M.2 NVMe
Case: MSI MAG Pano 100L PZ
Power Supply: NZXT C1500 Platinum 1500W

In our motherboard reviews we usually batter you with pages of test charts but in this instance it would be overkill. We have previously reviewed the AMD Ryzen 7 7700X HERE, the Sapphire RX 6950 XT 16GB Nitro+ Pure HERE and an example of a B650 motherboard in the MSI MPG Carbon WiFi HERE.

The brief facts are these; our CPU pulled 140W under load and ran at a clock speed of 5.125GHz at a temperature of 92 degrees C in an ambient of 23 degrees C.

During a ten minute run of Cinebench R23 the VRMs reached a trivial temperature of 44 degrees C, again at an ambient of 23 degrees C.

The short take is that we we had enabled EXPO in the BIOS the MSI B650M Project Zero performed exactly as we expected with VRM temps that were impressively low.

Closing Thoughts

While this is primarily a motherboard review of the MSI B650M Project Zero, the fact is that we are familiar with the AMD B650 chipset and AMD Zen 4 CPUs while the novel part of the equation is Project Zero. There are some complications working with this novel form factor as you have to be careful to avoid damaging the various headers and connectors before the motherboard is installed in your case. You also have to be careful selecting a case as it is critical it has the correct cutouts to give access to those headers and connectors.

Provided you navigate those gotchas carefully you will surely end up with the cleanest PC you have ever built and with the minimum of fuss. We love the looks of our test PC and are confident the airflow is the best it can possibly be with the minimum of cables and clutter to get in the way.

You can buy the MSI B650M Project Zero for £210 HERE.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

Pros:

• Project Zero hardware helps you build an ultra-tidy PC.
• Good selection of USB ports with WiFi 6E
• The MSI B650M Project Zero performs exactly the way you expect.

Cons:

• It is essential to pick a case that is compatible with your motherboard.
• You pay a significant premium for Project Zero.
• Testing the motherboard assembly outside the case is tricky.

KitGuru says:This Micro-ATX Project Zero motherboard does a fine job for your AMD CPU.

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