Sapphire, known primarily for its graphics cards, has ventured into the motherboard market with intriguing offerings for the Chinese market. Their latest additions are the AM5-based B650 motherboards, featuring two unique designs, each catering to different user needs. These releases are notable even though they don’t boast the latest 800-series chipsets.
The NITRO motherboard, mirroring Sapphire’s renowned graphics series, is a Mini-ITX design. It sports an 8-power stage with 80A power delivery, hinting at its robust performance capabilities, though it reflects more of the previous-generation NITRO graphics aesthetics. This board supports DDR5 memory up to 6000 MT/s, and while official specifications suggest this limit, there may be potential for even higher memory speeds.
On the other hand, the PULSE B650M is a Micro-ATX model with a 7+2+1 (60A) power stage design. It accommodates dual DDR5 DIMM slots, enabling speeds up to 7400 MT/s. Despite having more USB ports than the NITRO, the PULSE lacks a USB Type-C port on the I/O panel.
Both motherboards support all AM5 processors, including the Ryzen 7000, 8000, and the newest 9000 series, ensuring compatibility with a range of AMD’s latest CPUs. These boards are not just technologically notable; their pricing makes them an attractive option in Sapphire’s target market. The PULSE model is listed at an affordable 899 RMB (approximately 126 USD), while the more feature-rich NITRO model is available for 2786 RMB (around 392 USD).
Despite being in development for some time, these motherboards haven’t dominated media headlines, perhaps due to their geographic exclusivity and Sapphire’s focus on graphics cards. Although an 800-series board isn’t anticipated soon, these B650 models demonstrate Sapphire’s commitment to expanding their product offerings in key markets.
These motherboard releases signify Sapphire’s expansion beyond graphics, marking a promising step into the realm of motherboards with unique features and competitive pricing that might appeal to tech enthusiasts looking for alternatives outside mainstream brands.
