The ASRock B660 Steel Legend stands out as a formidable motherboard for anyone looking to build a robust 12th or 13th Gen Intel system without breaking the bank, offering an exceptional balance of features, performance, and aesthetics for its price point.

It’s an ideal choice for mainstream gamers and PC enthusiasts who want solid power delivery, ample connectivity, and a distinctive design without venturing into the premium Z690 or Z790 chipset territory.

This board expertly bridges the gap between budget-friendly options and high-end enthusiast platforms, providing a compelling package for those aiming for a high-value build.

When considering a motherboard for your next build, especially if you’re eyeing the ASRock B660 Steel Legend, it’s wise to consider complementary components that enhance your system’s overall performance and longevity.

Here’s a breakdown of essential products that pair well with a high-performance motherboard like the B660 Steel Legend, along with their key features, average prices, and notable pros and cons:

Intel Core i5-12600K Processor
- Key Features: 10 Cores 6 P-cores + 4 E-cores, 16 Threads, up to 4.9 GHz Max Turbo Frequency, Intel UHD Graphics 770, LGA 1700 socket.
- Average Price: $200-$250
- Pros: Excellent gaming performance, strong multi-threaded performance for its price, efficient hybrid architecture, unlocked for overclocking though B660 chipsets don’t allow CPU overclocking, this CPU still offers great base performance.
- Cons: Runs hotter than non-K counterparts, requires a dedicated cooler.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics Card
- Key Features: 12GB GDDR6 VRAM, Ampere architecture, Ray Tracing Cores, Tensor Cores, DLSS support.
- Average Price: $280-$350
- Pros: Great 1080p and respectable 1440p gaming performance, good ray tracing capabilities for its tier, excellent value for current-gen gaming.
- Cons: Performance uplift over previous generation is moderate, can be bottlenecked by weaker CPUs in some scenarios.
Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe SSD
- Key Features: PCIe Gen3.0 x4, NVMe 1.3, V-NAND Technology, up to 3,500 MB/s sequential read, 3,300 MB/s sequential write speeds, various capacities 500GB, 1TB, 2TB.
- Average Price: $50-$100 for 1TB
- Pros: Blazing fast speeds for everyday tasks and gaming, highly reliable, excellent software support, good endurance.
- Cons: PCIe Gen3.0, so not the absolute fastest if you have Gen4/Gen5 slots, but still more than sufficient for most users.
Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM
- Key Features: DDR4, various speeds 3200MHz, 3600MHz, low-profile heat spreaders, XMP 2.0 support, available in different kit sizes 16GB, 32GB.
- Average Price: $45-$80 for 16GB kit
- Pros: Reliable performance, widely compatible, low profile design fits most CPU coolers, excellent value.
- Cons: Not RGB if that’s a preference, performance scales with frequency but diminishing returns beyond 3600MHz for gaming.
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition CPU Air Cooler
- Key Features: Single tower, 4 copper heat pipes, 120mm SickleFlow fan, improved fin stack, black anodized finish.
- Average Price: $35-$45
- Pros: Excellent cooling performance for its price, relatively quiet, easy to install, aesthetically pleasing all-black design.
- Cons: Can be tall for some smaller cases, might require low-profile RAM.
Seasonic FOCUS Plus Gold 650W Power Supply
- Key Features: 80 PLUS Gold certified, fully modular cables, 10-year warranty, compact size, fluid dynamic bearing fan.
- Average Price: $80-$100
- Pros: High efficiency, very reliable, fully modular for easy cable management, long warranty, quiet operation.
- Cons: Slightly higher price than non-modular or lower efficiency PSUs, but the quality justifies it.
Lian Li Lancool 216 Mid-Tower Case
- Key Features: Excellent airflow, two 160mm front fans, one 140mm rear fan, support for large GPUs and radiators, versatile mounting options.
- Average Price: $90-$110
- Pros: Outstanding airflow out of the box, easy to build in, clean aesthetics, good cable management options, supports large components.
- Cons: Front fans can be a bit loud at full speed, larger footprint than some mid-towers.

Table of Contents

Power Delivery and VRM Performance

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend truly shines in its power delivery system, especially considering its B660 chipset designation. For those who aren’t into extreme CPU overclocking, which the B660 chipset doesn’t natively support for the CPU core anyway, a robust VRM Voltage Regulator Module ensures stable power to the CPU under sustained loads, crucial for gaming and productivity. This board features a 9+1+1 phase design, which is more than ample for even the most demanding Intel 12th and 13th Gen K-series CPUs running at their stock or turbo frequencies.

Robust Dr.MOS Design: ASRock utilizes Dr.MOS power stages, which integrate driver ICs and MOSFETs into a single package. This design offers several advantages:
- Higher Efficiency: Reduces power loss and heat generation.
- Improved Thermal Performance: Dr.MOS solutions run cooler, enhancing long-term stability and reliability.
- Better Current Handling: Capable of delivering higher current per phase, leading to more stable voltage for the CPU.
Premium 50A Power Chokes: Complementing the Dr.MOS setup are premium 50A power chokes. These chokes effectively make the saturation current up to three times better than traditional chokes, providing enhanced and stable Vcore voltage to the motherboard.
- Reduced Heat: Less energy wasted as heat.
- Increased Stability: Critical for maintaining boost clocks during heavy workloads.
Aluminum Alloy Heatsinks: The VRM section is covered by substantial aluminum alloy heatsinks. These aren’t just for show. they play a vital role in dissipating heat generated by the power stages, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring sustained performance.
- Optimized Cooling: Designed to maximize surface area for heat dissipation.
- Enhanced Longevity: Keeps critical components within safe operating temperatures, extending the lifespan of the motherboard.

In practical terms, this means that even if you drop an Intel Core i7-12700K or i9-12900K into this board, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend can handle the power demands without flinching.

It ensures that your CPU maintains its boost clocks consistently, translating to smoother gameplay and faster rendering times.

This is a significant advantage over many entry-level B660 boards that might skimp on VRM quality, leading to performance degradation under load.

Connectivity and Expansion Options

One area where the ASRock B660 Steel Legend truly delivers is its generous array of connectivity and expansion options, catering to both current and future needs.

It’s built to accommodate a wide range of peripherals, storage devices, and expansion cards, making it a versatile foundation for any PC build.

PCIe Slot Configuration: Caffeine Review
- Primary PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot: This slot is reinforced with Steel Slot technology, providing enhanced durability for heavy graphics cards and improved signal stability. It directly connects to the CPU, ensuring maximum bandwidth for your NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Graphics Card or any other high-performance GPU.
- Secondary PCIe 3.0 x16 Slot: Operating at x4 speed, this slot is chipset-fed and can be used for additional expansion cards, like a capture card or a high-speed networking card.
- Multiple PCIe 3.0 x1 Slots: Two additional x1 slots provide flexibility for smaller peripherals like sound cards or Wi-Fi cards if not using the integrated Wi-Fi.
Storage Solutions:
- Triple M.2 Slots: This is a standout feature for a B660 board.
  - Hyper M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4: Directly connected to the CPU, this slot is ideal for your primary Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe SSD or any other high-speed NVMe drive, offering blistering read/write speeds.
  - Ultra M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4: Chipset-fed, suitable for a secondary NVMe drive.
  - M.2 Key E for Wi-Fi: Specifically designed for a Wi-Fi module, allowing you to add wireless connectivity easily.
- Six SATA3 6Gb/s Ports: For traditional 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch HDDs, providing ample storage expansion capabilities for large game libraries or media files.
USB Port Array:
- Rear I/O:
  - USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C: A blazing-fast port capable of 20Gbps, perfect for modern external SSDs and future-proof connectivity. This is a premium feature not always found on B660 boards.
  - USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A: Two 10Gbps ports for high-speed peripherals.
  - USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A: Four 5Gbps ports for general use.
  - USB 2.0: Two ports for legacy devices like keyboards and mice.
- Front Panel Headers:
  - USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C Header: For modern PC cases with front panel Type-C ports.
  - USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Headers: Two headers supporting four additional 5Gbps ports.
  - USB 2.0 Headers: Two headers supporting four additional USB 2.0 ports.
Networking and Audio:
- Dragon 2.5 Gigabit LAN: Provides ultra-fast wired internet connectivity, essential for online gaming and large file transfers. It’s a significant upgrade over standard Gigabit Ethernet.
- Optional Wi-Fi 6E Module: While not included by default, the dedicated M.2 Key E slot allows for easy installation of a Wi-Fi 6E module, offering cutting-edge wireless performance and lower latency.
- Nahimic Audio: Enhanced 7.1 CH HD Audio with Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec. Nahimic Audio provides an immersive listening experience with features like Sound Tracker and various audio profiles, beneficial for both gaming and multimedia consumption.

This comprehensive suite of connectivity options ensures that the ASRock B660 Steel Legend can serve as the backbone for a powerful and versatile system, capable of handling a wide range of tasks from high-end gaming to content creation.

Design and Aesthetics

The “Steel Legend” moniker isn’t just a marketing gimmick.

It truly encapsulates the aesthetic philosophy of this ASRock motherboard.

The B660 Steel Legend features a distinctive and appealing design that sets it apart from many other boards in its price segment.

It’s a blend of industrial robustness and subtle RGB flair, making it an excellent choice for builds with a strong visual presence.

Camouflage-Inspired Theme: The most striking visual element is the silver and white camouflage pattern printed directly onto the matte black PCB. This isn’t overly aggressive but adds a unique texture and visual depth. It avoids the common all-black or plain gray aesthetics, giving your build a more custom look without being ostentatious.
Polychrome RGB Lighting: ASRock’s Polychrome RGB system is integrated into the motherboard, featuring addressable RGB headers.
- Integrated Lighting: The chipset heatsink and the I/O shroud often feature integrated RGB lighting zones, casting a subtle glow.
- RGB Headers: Two addressable RGB headers and two standard RGB headers allow you to synchronize lighting with other components like RGB fans, RAM such as Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM if you choose the RGB variants, though the non-RGB still fits the theme, and LED strips, all controllable via ASRock’s Polychrome Sync software. This creates a cohesive lighting ecosystem within your Lian Li Lancool 216 Mid-Tower Case.
Metallic Accents and Heatsinks:
- VRM Heatsinks: The large, angular VRM heatsinks are not only functional but also contribute significantly to the board’s rugged appearance. Their brushed metallic finish complements the overall theme.
- M.2 Heatsink: At least one of the M.2 slots typically the primary Gen4 slot comes with a dedicated heatsink to keep your high-speed NVMe SSDs cool, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining optimal performance. This also contributes to the clean, finished look.
Reinforced PCIe Slot: The primary PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, dubbed “Steel Slot,” is reinforced with a metal cover. This not only enhances durability for heavy graphics cards but also adds another metallic accent to the board’s aesthetic.
Black PCB: The foundation is a high-quality matte black PCB, which serves as an excellent backdrop for the silver camouflage pattern and RGB lighting, making the colors pop without being overwhelming.

Overall, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend successfully balances a distinctive visual style with practical design elements.

Corel Aftershot Pro Review

It’s a motherboard that will look good in almost any build, especially those aiming for a clean, modern, or slightly industrial aesthetic, while still offering robust performance and features.

It truly makes a statement in the mid-range motherboard segment.

BIOS and Software Experience

A motherboard’s user experience extends beyond its hardware specifications to its BIOS/UEFI interface and accompanying software suite.

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend, like other ASRock boards, offers a functional and feature-rich BIOS, along with a decent array of utilities.

UEFI BIOS Interface:
- EZ Mode: For beginners, the EZ Mode provides a simplified overview of system status, boot priority, fan speeds, and enables quick access to basic settings like XMP profiles for your Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM. This mode is user-friendly and helps get your system up and running quickly.
- Advanced Mode: For enthusiasts, the Advanced Mode offers granular control over almost every aspect of the motherboard. This includes:
  - CPU Configuration: Settings for Intel’s power limits PL1/PL2, allowing you to optimize performance for your Intel Core i5-12600K Processor within the B660 chipset’s capabilities.
  - DRAM Configuration: Detailed timings and voltage adjustments for memory overclocking and stability tuning.
  - Fan Control: ASRock’s Fan-Tastic Tuning allows for precise control over fan curves based on temperature sensors, ensuring optimal cooling and noise levels for your Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition CPU Air Cooler and case fans in your Lian Li Lancool 216 Mid-Tower Case.
  - Storage Configuration: Management of SATA and M.2 modes AHCI/RAID, ensuring proper setup for your https://amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+970+EVO Plus+NVMe+SSD.
  - Q-Flash Plus: A convenient feature that allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU, RAM, or GPU installed. You just need a USB stick with the BIOS file and the power supply connected. This is a lifesaver for troubleshooting or supporting new CPU generations.
ASRock Software Utilities:
- ASRock Polychrome Sync: As mentioned, this software allows you to control and synchronize the motherboard’s integrated RGB lighting and any connected RGB headers, creating a unified lighting theme for your build. It’s intuitive and offers various effects.
- ASRock App Shop: A centralized hub for downloading drivers, utilities, and even some third-party software. It simplifies the process of getting your system fully functional after installation.
- ASRock Live Update & APP Shop: Keeps your drivers and BIOS updated, ensuring you have the latest performance enhancements and security patches.
- ASRock Restart to UEFI: A small utility that lets you reboot directly into the UEFI BIOS from Windows, saving you the hassle of spamming the DEL key during boot-up.
- ASRock XFast LAN: Prioritizes network traffic for gaming and streaming, aiming to reduce latency and improve online performance, especially beneficial when leveraging the Dragon 2.5 Gigabit LAN.

While ASRock’s software might not always be as polished as some competitors, it’s generally functional and provides essential control.

The BIOS, in particular, is well-laid out and offers the necessary options for a B660 chipset, allowing users to fine-tune their system for optimal performance and stability without unnecessary complexity. Panasonic Lumix Dc S5 Ii Review

Performance Benchmarks and Real-World Usage

When evaluating a motherboard, especially one positioned for mainstream performance like the ASRock B660 Steel Legend, understanding its real-world impact on system performance is crucial.

While the chipset itself dictates much of the CPU and memory performance ceiling e.g., no CPU core overclocking on B660, a well-designed board ensures that components operate at their full potential without throttling.

CPU Performance Consistency:
- The robust VRM design with Dr.MOS and premium 50A power chokes ensures that your Intel Core i5-12600K Processor or any 12th/13th Gen Intel CPU maintains its maximum boost clocks for extended periods. In CPU-intensive tasks like video rendering e.g., HandBrake, Cinebench R23 or complex simulations, the Steel Legend allows the CPU to sustain higher power limits PL1/PL2 without hitting thermal or power throttling limits on the motherboard’s side. This translates directly to faster completion times.
- Gaming Performance: In games, where CPU demands can be spiky, the consistent power delivery prevents micro-stutters and ensures stable frame rates, especially when paired with a capable GPU like the https://amazon.com/s?k=NVIDIA+GeForce+RTX 3060+Graphics+Card. The motherboard’s stability helps ensure the GPU is fed with consistent data.
Memory Performance:
- The B660 Steel Legend supports DDR4 memory up to 4800MHz OC, providing ample headroom for high-speed RAM kits. While reaching the absolute highest speeds might depend on the specific CPU’s memory controller, enabling XMP Extreme Memory Profile on your Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM at speeds like 3200MHz or 3600MHz is straightforward and significantly boosts system performance, especially in gaming and productivity applications sensitive to memory latency.
- Real-world impact: Faster RAM means less time waiting for data, resulting in smoother multitasking and quicker loading times for applications and games.
Storage Performance:
- With its Hyper M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 slot, the board unleashes the full potential of high-speed NVMe SSDs like the https://amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+970+EVO Plus+NVMe+SSD. In benchmarks, you’ll see sequential read/write speeds exceeding 3500 MB/s, leading to near-instantaneous boot times, lightning-fast game loading, and rapid file transfers. Even the secondary Gen3 M.2 slot offers substantial performance improvements over traditional SATA SSDs.
- M.2 Heatsinks: The included M.2 heatsink on the primary slot is critical. During sustained transfers, NVMe drives can throttle due to heat. The heatsink prevents this, ensuring that your storage always performs at its peak.
Networking and Audio Experience:
- Dragon 2.5 Gigabit LAN: For users with compatible network infrastructure, the 2.5GbE port provides a noticeable upgrade in wired network speeds, especially for large file transfers across a local network or for maximizing internet speeds beyond 1 Gigabit. This translates to faster game downloads and smoother streaming.
- Nahimic Audio: While subjective, the Nahimic Audio enhancements do make a difference for many users. The virtual surround sound, bass boost, and volume stabilizer features can improve immersion in games and clarity in communication. For competitive gamers, the Sound Tracker feature can even provide a directional indication of in-game sounds.

In summary, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend consistently delivers on its promises.

It provides a stable and performant platform that allows your chosen components to operate efficiently, leading to a smooth and responsive computing experience for gaming, content consumption, and daily productivity tasks.

Its robust design ensures that you get the most out of your investment without unnecessary compromises. Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition Review

Value Proposition and Target Audience

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend carves out a very compelling niche in the crowded motherboard market, offering a strong value proposition for a specific segment of PC builders.

It’s not necessarily the cheapest B660 board, nor does it aim to be the most feature-rich that’s the Z690/Z790 territory, but it strikes an excellent balance that makes it a smart choice for many.

Who is it for?
- Mainstream Gamers: This is arguably its primary audience. Gamers who want a stable platform for their 12th or 13th Gen Intel CPU and a powerful GPU like the https://amazon.com/s?k=NVIDIA+GeForce+RTX 3060+Graphics+Card without spending extra on CPU overclocking features they won’t use. The robust VRM, PCIe Gen4 support, and multiple M.2 slots are all highly beneficial for gaming.
- PC Enthusiasts on a Budget: Those who appreciate quality components like the Dr.MOS VRM, ample connectivity 2.5GbE, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, and appealing aesthetics, but don’t need the absolute bleeding edge or extreme overclocking capabilities of Z-series chipsets.
- Content Creators Light to Medium: For tasks like video editing, graphic design, or streaming that benefit from powerful multi-core CPUs and fast storage but might not demand constant, extreme overclocks. The ample RAM support and multiple M.2 slots are very useful here.
- Users Upgrading from Older Platforms: If you’re moving from an older Intel or AMD platform and want a solid, modern foundation for a 12th/13th Gen CPU, the Steel Legend offers a significant upgrade in terms of features and performance without excessive cost.
Why it’s a strong value:
- Premium VRM at a Mid-Range Price: The 9+1+1 phase Dr.MOS VRM is typically found on more expensive boards. This provides excellent stability and longevity, allowing you to run even high-end K-series CPUs like the Intel Core i5-12600K Processor at their peak performance without issues.
- Generous M.2 and USB Connectivity: Three M.2 slots including a Gen4 and two Gen3, six SATA ports, and a comprehensive array of USB ports, including the high-speed 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, offer future-proofing and versatility rarely seen in this price segment.
- 2.5 Gigabit LAN: A significant upgrade over standard Gigabit Ethernet, beneficial for network-intensive tasks and competitive online gaming.
- Distinctive Aesthetics: The Steel Legend design, with its camouflage pattern and Polychrome RGB, stands out without being overly flashy, appealing to those who want a visually interesting build.
- Overall Build Quality: ASRock generally maintains good build quality for their Steel Legend series, including features like the Steel Slot and sturdy heatsinks, which contribute to the board’s durability.

In essence, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend is perfect for the savvy builder who understands that raw CPU overclocking might not be worth the extra cost of a Z-series board, especially when modern Intel CPUs boost so well out of the box.

It offers all the essential features you need for a high-performance system, wrapped in an attractive package, without an unnecessary premium.

It’s about smart spending without compromising on core performance or essential modern features.

Comparisons to Other B660 Boards

When evaluating the ASRock B660 Steel Legend, it’s helpful to understand how it stacks up against its peers in the B660 chipset category.

The B660 market is competitive, with each manufacturer offering boards with different strengths and weaknesses. Logitech Brio 300 Review

The Steel Legend often finds itself in the upper-mid range of B660 offerings, justifying its price with specific advantages.

Vs. Entry-Level B660 Boards e.g., ASRock Pro RS, MSI PRO B660M-A, ASUS Prime B660M-A:
- VRM: The Steel Legend’s 9+1+1 Dr.MOS VRM is significantly superior to the often weaker, less efficient power stages found on budget B660 boards. This means better stability and longevity for high-end CPUs like the Intel Core i5-12600K Processor under sustained load.
- Connectivity: The Steel Legend typically offers more M.2 slots often three vs. two, a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port vs. 1GbE, and the premium USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, which are often absent on entry-level models.
- Aesthetics & Build Quality: The Steel Legend’s distinctive camouflage design, larger heatsinks, and reinforced PCIe slot offer a more premium look and feel compared to the plainer designs of budget boards.
- Price: Entry-level boards are typically $20-$50 cheaper, but often at the cost of the aforementioned features.
Vs. Mid-Range B660 Boards e.g., Gigabyte B660 Gaming X, MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk WiFi:
- VRM: This is where the competition gets tighter. Boards like the Tomahawk also feature very strong VRMs. The Steel Legend is competitive here, often offering comparable or slightly better power stages per phase.
- Connectivity: All these boards generally offer 2.5GbE LAN and multiple M.2 slots. The Steel Legend’s inclusion of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 20Gbps Type-C can be a differentiating factor, as some competitors might only offer 10Gbps Type-C or not have the 20Gbps standard at all.
- Features: Similar features like M.2 heatsinks and reinforced PCIe slots are common. The choice here often comes down to specific port layouts, BIOS preferences, and aesthetic appeal.
- Price: These boards are usually in a similar price bracket, making the choice more about specific feature sets and brand loyalty. The Steel Legend often provides a good balance without leaning too heavily into specific niche features.
Vs. Z690/Z790 Chipsets:
- CPU Overclocking: The fundamental difference. Z-series chipsets allow for CPU core overclocking K-series CPUs, while B660 does not. If CPU overclocking is a must, you must go Z-series.
- Memory Overclocking: While B660 supports memory overclocking, Z-series boards generally offer higher frequency support and more granular control, pushing beyond the 4800MHz+ offered by B660.
- PCIe Lanes: Z-series often have more PCIe 4.0/5.0 lanes from the CPU and chipset, allowing for more PCIe Gen4 M.2 slots or additional GPU configurations.
- Price: Z-series boards are significantly more expensive, often starting where the B660 Steel Legend tops out, and going much higher.
- Value: For users who don’t overclock the CPU, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend offers most of the essential features of a Z-series board like PCIe Gen4 for GPU/NVMe, strong VRM for stable stock performance, 2.5GbE, good USB at a substantially lower cost, making it a much better value proposition for non-overclockers.

In conclusion, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend positions itself as a premium B660 offering.

It justifies its slightly higher price over budget B660s by delivering significantly better power delivery, more advanced connectivity, and superior aesthetics.

It competes fiercely with other mid-range B660 boards, often winning on specific features like the 20Gbps USB-C or its distinctive visual design, while offering a much more cost-effective alternative to Z-series boards for those who don’t prioritize CPU core overclocking.

Future-Proofing Considerations

Intel LGA 1700 Socket: The board supports both 12th Gen “Alder Lake” and 13th Gen “Raptor Lake” Intel Core processors. This means you have flexibility if you initially start with a 12th Gen CPU like the Intel Core i5-12600K Processor and decide to upgrade to a more powerful 13th Gen CPU later without replacing your motherboard. This provides a clear upgrade path within the current Intel ecosystem.
DDR4 Memory Support: While DDR5 is the newer standard, DDR4 remains highly relevant and offers excellent performance, especially at speeds like 3200MHz or 3600MHz like the Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM. DDR4 kits are significantly more affordable than DDR5, making it a cost-effective choice for current builds. Furthermore, the performance difference in gaming between high-end DDR4 and entry-level DDR5 is often marginal. This means your DDR4 RAM investment can last for several years.
PCIe Gen4 for GPU and NVMe SSDs:
- GPU: The primary PCIe 4.0 x16 slot ensures your https://amazon.com/s?k=NVIDIA+GeForce+RTX 3060+Graphics+Card or any future Gen4 GPU operates at its full potential. Even next-generation mainstream GPUs are likely to continue leveraging PCIe Gen4 effectively before Gen5 becomes widespread in that segment.
- NVMe SSDs: The Hyper M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 slot directly connected to the CPU ensures that your primary drive, like the https://amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+970+EVO Plus+NVMe+SSD, can deliver top-tier performance for years to come. While PCIe Gen5 SSDs are emerging, Gen4 drives are still extremely fast and more than sufficient for the vast majority of users, including gamers and content creators. The board’s additional Gen3 M.2 slots also offer solid expansion.
High-Speed USB Connectivity: The inclusion of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 20Gbps Type-C is a notable future-proofing feature. This port offers double the bandwidth of standard 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2, making it ready for high-speed external storage devices that will become more common in the future. The presence of a front panel USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C header also ensures compatibility with modern cases.
2.5 Gigabit LAN: While 1Gbps Ethernet is still prevalent, 2.5Gbps is becoming increasingly common, especially with faster internet connections and growing home network demands. Having 2.5GbE built-in means your wired network connection won’t be a bottleneck for the foreseeable future.
Robust Power Delivery: The strong VRM design is a key aspect of future-proofing. It ensures that the board can reliably handle even the most power-hungry 12th and 13th Gen Intel CPUs at their stock and turbo frequencies, maximizing their lifespan and performance without needing to upgrade the motherboard for CPU stability.

While PCIe Gen5 is absent for the GPU slot and some very high-end Z-series features are missing, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend intelligently focuses on delivering excellent performance where it matters most for its price point.

Marvel Snap For Ios Review

It provides a solid foundation that can comfortably support powerful components for several years, allowing for meaningful upgrades to CPU, GPU, and storage without immediately bottlenecking your system or forcing a complete platform overhaul.

What is the ASRock B660 Steel Legend?

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend is a mid-range ATX motherboard designed for Intel 12th and 13th Generation Core processors using the LGA 1700 socket, based on the Intel B660 chipset.

Is the ASRock B660 Steel Legend good for gaming?

Yes, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend is an excellent choice for gaming due to its robust power delivery, PCIe Gen4 support for graphics cards and NVMe SSDs, and 2.5 Gigabit LAN.

Does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend support CPU overclocking?

No, the Intel B660 chipset does not support CPU core overclocking multiplier adjustment. However, it does allow for memory overclocking via XMP profiles.

What CPUs are compatible with the ASRock B660 Steel Legend?

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend is compatible with Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake and 13th Gen Raptor Lake Core processors, as well as select Pentium Gold and Celeron processors, all utilizing the LGA 1700 socket.

Does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend support DDR5 RAM?

No, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend only supports DDR4 RAM.

There are specific B660 models that support DDR5, but this “Steel Legend” variant is DDR4-only.

What is the maximum RAM speed supported by the ASRock B660 Steel Legend?

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend supports DDR4 RAM speeds up to 4800MHz OC through XMP profiles.

How many M.2 slots does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend have?

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend features three M.2 slots: one Hyper M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4, one Ultra M.2 PCIe Gen3 x4, and one M.2 Key E for Wi-Fi modules.

Does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend have Wi-Fi?

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend does not come with a Wi-Fi module pre-installed, but it has a dedicated M.2 Key E slot where you can install a Wi-Fi card. Lg Eclair Se6 Review

What kind of Ethernet port does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend have?

It features a Dragon 2.5 Gigabit LAN port, offering faster wired network speeds compared to standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet.

Does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend have RGB lighting?

Yes, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend features integrated Polychrome RGB lighting and offers addressable RGB headers to connect additional RGB strips or fans.

Is the ASRock B660 Steel Legend compatible with Windows 11?

Yes, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend is fully compatible with Windows 11, including support for TPM 2.0 via firmware and Secure Boot.

Does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend come with M.2 heatsinks?

Yes, the primary PCIe Gen4 M.2 slot on the ASRock B660 Steel Legend typically comes with a dedicated heatsink to prevent thermal throttling of NVMe SSDs.

What is the power delivery VRM like on the ASRock B660 Steel Legend?

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend boasts a robust 9+1+1 phase power design utilizing Dr.MOS power stages and premium 50A power chokes, providing excellent stability for 12th and 13th Gen Intel CPUs.

Is the ASRock B660 Steel Legend a good value for money?

Yes, it offers an excellent balance of features, performance, and build quality for its price, making it a strong value proposition for mainstream gaming and general PC builds without CPU overclocking.

Can I run an Intel Core i9-12900K on the ASRock B660 Steel Legend?

Yes, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend’s robust VRM can handle the Intel Core i9-12900K at its stock and turbo frequencies without issues, though you won’t be able to manually overclock the CPU.

Does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend support PCIe 5.0?

No, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend supports PCIe 4.0 for its primary GPU slot and M.2 slots, not PCIe 5.0.

What is the audio solution on the ASRock B660 Steel Legend?

It uses the Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec and features Nahimic Audio enhancements for immersive 7.1 channel HD audio.

How many SATA ports does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend have?

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend typically provides six SATA3 6Gb/s ports for traditional SSDs and HDDs. Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill And Smoker Review

Does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend have a USB-C port on the rear I/O?

Yes, it usually includes a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port on the rear I/O, offering speeds up to 20Gbps.

Can I flash the BIOS without a CPU on the ASRock B660 Steel Legend?

Yes, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend supports BIOS Flashback often called Q-Flash Plus or similar by ASRock, allowing you to update the BIOS without a CPU, RAM, or GPU installed.

Is the ASRock B660 Steel Legend a good choice for a first-time PC builder?

Yes, its clear layout, decent manual, and robust features make it a solid choice for first-time builders, offering stability and ample connectivity without being overly complex.

Does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend have debug LEDs?

Yes, like many modern ASRock motherboards, it typically includes diagnostic LEDs POST Status Checker to help troubleshoot boot issues.

What is the form factor of the ASRock B660 Steel Legend?

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend is an ATX form factor motherboard, suitable for standard ATX cases.

Does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend support fan curve control?

Yes, the UEFI BIOS offers advanced fan control options, including graphical fan curve tuning Fan-Tastic Tuning, to optimize cooling and noise.

Can the ASRock B660 Steel Legend power my graphics card without issues?

Yes, the reinforced PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and robust power delivery ensure stable and sufficient power for high-end graphics cards like the https://amazon.com/s?k=NVIDIA+GeForce+RTX 3060+Graphics+Card.

Does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend support integrated graphics?

Yes, if your Intel CPU has integrated graphics e.g., non-F series CPUs, the motherboard supports it and provides display outputs such as HDMI and DisplayPort.

What are the main advantages of the ASRock B660 Steel Legend over a Z690 motherboard?

The main advantage is cost.

For users who don’t need CPU core overclocking, the ASRock B660 Steel Legend offers most essential features PCIe Gen4, strong VRM, good connectivity at a significantly lower price than Z690. Mighty Doom Review

What software is included with the ASRock B660 Steel Legend?

ASRock provides software utilities such as Polychrome Sync for RGB control, App Shop for driver updates and utilities, and sometimes Nahimic Audio software for audio enhancements.

Is the ASRock B660 Steel Legend suitable for content creation?

Yes, for light to medium content creation, the board’s strong VRM, PCIe Gen4 NVMe support, and ample RAM capacity make it a capable platform.

For heavy, sustained workloads and CPU overclocking, a Z-series board might be preferred.

How does the ASRock B660 Steel Legend compare aesthetically to other boards?

The ASRock B660 Steel Legend stands out with its distinctive silver and white camouflage pattern on a black PCB, along with integrated RGB lighting and robust heatsinks, giving it a unique and visually appealing industrial look.

Asrock B660 Steel Legend Review