ASRock H410M/ac

Middle class

Not all users are guided by the top assembly based on the board with the Intel Z490 chipset. Many are considering cheaper alternatives with the H470 and B460. And if the low-cost is tight, then you can save even more with the H410 chipset. These boards belong to the initial segment, they provide basic needs that do not differ much from each other.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules

However, the ASRock H410M/ac manages to stand out in several ways. Firstly, this is a rare low-cost motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless modules. Wi-Fi of the fifth revision, Bluetooth 4.2, everything is fine with communication. And you can also connect a water pump to the universal connector for the CPU cooler. We have no idea who and why might need it in such a simple board, but nevertheless. Otherwise, we have a complete base-level package: 2 slots for RAM (frequency not higher than 2933 MHz, maximum capacity 64 GB), 4 SATA, one M.2, one for a graphics card plus a classic USB set on the front and rear panels. The main difference from the counterparts in the H410 chipset lies in a more developed 7-phase power supply subsystem. Most manufacturers get by with five phases.

Tight connectors

In terms of equipment, ASRock has turned out to be one of the most advanced boards in its class. But there are questions about the implementation. Firstly, all the plugs and connectors turned out to be extremely tight, literally at every stage of the assembly you need to apply force, no matter whether the RAM stick is stuck in or the power supply is connected. And some plugs seem to be inserted not completely. Also, the layout of the SATA ports, which are partially blocked by the graphics card, is unsuccessful. However, if you do not plan to assemble a computer with your own hands, then you will not have to suffer. But for adequate money (note: by Intel standards) you will get a fairly solid entry-level board with a good power subsystem, all the necessary connectors and wireless modules.