ASRock motherboard choice.

[LAOK]

Hey guy, I've put a PCPP list for my next build, linked below. I have decided on all the parts, even bought some already, but I am still torn about the motherboard. After (too) much research I narrowed it down to two ASRock boards: B650M PG Riptide and B650M-HDV/M.2

The issue is I'm having trouble figuring out if the Riptide is worth the extra 50+ pounds. From what I can tell the main differences are the better VRMs, more USB and an additional PCIe/M.2 slot. I don't mind it if there are some meaningful upgrades, but I'm wondering if it's not just due to dodgy pricing in my region?

The build with the Riptide - https://uk.************.com/list/JrK84M

B650M-HDV/M.2 - https://uk.************.com/product/Dq4Zxr/asrock-b650m-hdvm2-micro-atx-am5-motherboard-b650m-hdvm2

 

[LAOK]

FYI: You can't link to that site because they then link to competitors of OCUK.

Oh, sorry. I didn't realise, it seems to be the most popular PC list builder. I'll keep it in mind for the future.

There's a review of the HDV/M.2 here, which might help:

Is The New Cheapest B650 Board Any Good? Asrock B650M-HDV/M.2 Review

Thermal Grizzly: https://www.thermal-grizzly.com/produkte/522-cpu-contact-frame-for-12th-gen-intel-by-der8auerSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/...

www.youtube.com

From what I can see, they're pretty similar boards.

The Riptide does have 4 RAM slots (versus 2). It is also MATX with all the screws to support the board, whereas the HDV is missing those on the far edge.

I lost count on how many times I've watched all of their MB videos.x)

I haven't used more than two RAM slots in like 15 years, so that should be ok. As for the screws, does that mean I'll have to supply some myself?

I don't think the Riptide has an extra M.2, unless you saw something I missed.

My bad, I think I compared that to the PG Lightning instead. These two do indeed only have two each.

The HDV/M.2 doesn't have any RGB headers.

Oh no, where will I plug my Christmas lighst in? Just kidding.:] Don't care, no RGB is included in this plan. Don't dislike it, just can't be bothered with it.

Guess I'll just have to keep digging and hoping to find something. As it stands the Riptide is almost 50 pounds more and out of stock at the only vendor that even offers that price. 50% jump in price is hard to justify for things I have no use for anyway. I do also keep an eye out on the Gigabyte B650M DS3H, though that one is at Riptide's price point around here. So it doesn't seem like the best of deals.