Last week we tested the N7 Z790 from NZXT and today we are going to test the AMD version, the N7 B650E. This model is available for sale on the brand’s website for $319.99 or 379.99 euros.
Aesthetically we remain of course in the spirit of the brand NZXT but we welcome the AM5 socket specific to the new chipsets of AMD and the support of DDR5. We’ll be testing this motherboard with a Ryzen 5 7600, a processor from the non-X line we just reviewed. We should have a very interesting combo by associating these two components even if as you will see, a Ryzen 9 7950X processor would not have scared it!
Thanks to NZXT for making these two N7 motherboards samples available! Tell us in the comments if you would like to see us design a full NZXT PC around this motherboard?
[nextpage title=”NZXT N7 B650E: “]
Bundle:
A little tour through the bundle of this NZXT N7 B650E to see if it benefits from “special accessories”. Same observation as the Z790 version, we find ourselves with the bare minimum, i.e. the two traditional SATA cables, the Wi-Fi antenna, the motherboard quick install and 2 screws for SSD. This is a usual thing at NZXT since the brand is content with a very light bundle. Now when we see its price of $319.99 or 379.99 euros, we could have at least hoped for a USB key with the different drivers. If we compare to the competition on this B650E chipset, the price is interesting making this model one of the most affordable.
Architecture:
The NZXT N7 B650E is architected around AMD’s new chipset, the B650E. As a reminder, with the arrival of the AM5 socket and the support of DDR5, AMD has launched simultaneously four new chipsets: the X670(E) and the B650(E). As a reminder, here is a table that highlights the differences between these different chipsets.
The B650 chipset in Extreme version is a model that is intended for the entry level even if the B650 cards will be even cheaper. After the Z690 chipset and the LGA-1700 socket, it’s AMD’s turn to make its revolution. Goodbye socket AM4, hello socket AM5. It’s time to forget the PGA socket (Pin Grid Array) in which you used to put your processor in order to welcome the LGA socket(Land Grid Array). This socket will look like those already present for years on Intel motherboards. Why this change? Simply because of the larger number of pins on the Ryzen 7000 (1718).
AMD decided, with the AM5 socket, to keep a back plate already present for the AM4 socket. The 4 external holes that hold the retention system to fix your cooling system are still present. The distance between these 4 holes is identical to the AM4 socket, so you will still be able to use your cooling system as long as it uses the original backplate on your motherboard!
But AMD goes further and adds 4 more holes. These will be used to hold the AM5 socket in place but also to hold the backplate in place. This one should not be removed anymore like on the previous generation. Finally, the locking mechanism changes. We find the reinforcement frame, the force frame and the latch. Once your Ryzen 7000 has been placed, respecting the alignment keys, you just have to close the latch to keep it in place.
The dimensions of the board are 305 mm x 244 mm, which corresponds to the ATX format. The dominant colors on the PCB are white and black, reinforced by the white steel casing. The design is quite neutral but it is a will of NZXT to take the design code of its case range. As a reminder, two colors are available: white and black. Finally, you should know that the card has no RGB system but several connectors compatible with NZXT components. These are directly implanted on the PCB.
The different heat sinks :
Let’s start the tour of the owner with the radiators, of which there are three!
First of all, the two radiators located on the top of the motherboard and which cover the power supply stage. These two radiators are connected together by a screw, they do not have heat pipes and are in direct contact with the mosfets via a thermal pad. We are here on a completely passive system.
The third heatsink, which covers the chipset, is hidden under the metal cover that covers more than half of the PCB. The area of the metal cover where the heatsink is located is perforated to allow for easier heat removal.
Three M.2 SSD slots:
While we’re on the subject of this fairing, three areas can be removed just by unclipping them to access the three SSD slots. They are held in place by two magnets except for the slot under the socket which will require the use of a Phillips screwdriver.
This NZXT N7 B650E has three slots to accommodate M.2 SSDs: a 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 5.0 x4 mode), a 2242/2260/2280/22110 (PCIe 4.0 x4) and finally a 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe 4.0 x2)
DDR5 support:
This new X670E chipset also brings DDR5 support. Our NZXT N7 B650E has four slots for memory. Keep in mind that there are two priority slots as indicated on the PCB (A2 and B2). This motherboard can accommodate a maximum of four DDR5 memory sticks. It supports dual channel memory kits up to 6000 MHz (OC) and a maximum of 128 GB.
AMD, in collaboration with the manufacturers of memory modules, now offers kits with “EXPO” technology. This is an alternative to the XMP profile (A-XMP at AMD). As a reminder, XMP allows, via the BIOS, to automatically activate the characteristics of your memory kit: the frequency, the timings as well as the voltage. The AMD EXPO technology will also allow you to overclock DDR5 in a single click in combination with the Ryzen 7000.
There are three PCIe ports. The first one is a PCIe 5.0 in 16x and the other two PCIe are in 4.0. As we said before, there are four NZXT RGB connectors on the PCB as well as two ARGB connectors in 5v.
[nextpage title=”The PCB and the connectors: “]
The tools for clocking:
Let’s start with the elements inserted on the PCB which can be interesting tools for overclockers. Of course, they will be few since this board is not intended for overclocking.
- The power button: allows you to turn on the motherboard.
- The reset button: allows to restart the motherboard in case of failure.
- The CMOS CLR: allows to erase the BIOS parameters in order to return to the default ones.
- The Q LED : 4 LEDs (CPU – DRAM – VGA – BOOT) which allow to diagnose errors during the boot of the board. If one of them stays on, it means that the corresponding component has a problem.
Connectors :
The rear panel has the following components. First of all the Clear CMOS, the BIOS Flashback as well as the antenna mounts for the dual band Wi-Fi. The board has an HDMI port, 2 USB 2.0, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 type-C, two USB 3.2 Gen 2, four USB 3.2 Gen 1, a LAN port (RJ45), 1 Optical S/PDIF Out and the various audio outputs. Finally, the audio part is provided by a Realtek ALC1220 chip.
To power all this little world, the card has a 24 pins connector and a 8 pins + 4 pins connector on the side of the power supply stages.
The PCB:
The PCB design of this NZXT N7 B650E model is still most certainly outsourced by ASRock. We will research for the release of the article which model it refers to. Now, as we have always said, this is a very good choice considering the good reputation of ASRock.
The motherboard is based on a 16 + 2 +1 power supply (vcore/vddcr_soc/vdd). The CPU part consists of 16 phases with a RAA229620 controller with actually 8 phases placed in parallel.
The 16 mosfets are all ISL99390B of 90A! These are the same mosfets used by ASRock on some of its models. The power stage is therefore strong enough to accommodate higher-end processors such as the Ryzen 9 7950X for example.
[nextpage title=”The BIOS:”]
As we said before, NZXT has partnered with ASRock since the Z490 model. The brand has a pretty good reputation for its motherboards, which is a great thing for NZXT and we are happy to see this partnership continue over time.
The BIOS will be modeled after the ASRock models and should provide everything needed to get the most out of your processor and memory kit. Personally, I’ve become quite a fan of their BIOS as we’ve been working with NZXT cards for a while now.
First step: flash the BIOS
But first of all, and this is the reflex that you must also have, we flashed the BIOS with the latest version received from NZXT and which is the 1.12. To do this, go to the BIOS, go to the “Tool” tab and you choose “Instant Flash”.
It’s quite well done since you don’t even need to specify where the BIOS is located on your USB key, the BIOS scans the key to find it. It is very efficient since in less than 3 seconds, the BIOS is identified on our USB key. The BIOS informs you that the card will reboot before starting the BIOS flash.
Now that we have the latest version of the BIOS, let’s see what it offers us. Good point for this N7 B650E which has no problem to work with our DDR5 GSKill EXPO kit at 6000 MT/s.
A very well organized BIOS!
The BIOS of our NZXT N7 B650E is sober but very efficient in terms of organization. The different sections are perfectly and easily identifiable.
The ” overclocking ” section interests us the most. It contains everything that concerns the overclocking of the CPU, memory and the different voltages.
This is also where you can save or load your profiles. It is also in this section, via ” External Voltage Settings ” that you can access the Load-Line calibration.
You will also find all the options concerning the DDR5 memory and its use on this AMD platform. If all this seems a bit foreign to you, we advise you to read carefully the page concerning the overclocking of the memory to have a good understanding of what mclk, fclk and uclk are.
The EXPO profile of your memory kit:
We can’t say it enough, but the parameters of your memory kit are not set automatically after installing it. If it is the case for your processor, it is not the case for your memory kit and a passage by the BIOS will be compulsory! In the ” overclocking – DRAM Profile Configuration ” section, choose ” DRAM Performance Mode ” and activate the EXPO profile.
Once selected, you will need to save the changes and reboot your motherboard so that the profile is loaded. A return in this section allows us to see that it is well activated. There seem to be modes that allow you to automatically overclock your memory kit, we will come back to this when we overclock the DDR5.
Without activating the profile, your performance will be impacted in all areas and you will end up with a kit that does not exceed 4800 MHz in CL40. It would be a real shame to limit performance by forgetting to activate the DRAM profile.
Ultra complete BIOS for this N7 B650E :
The other tabs of the BIOS will allow you to have access to the management parameters of the processors, the chipset, your SSD and the next one will be at your disposal to flash your BIOS as we just realized above. You will also have access to the monitoring part as well as the setting of the different fans connected to your motherboard.
Finally, the last options will be used to define your boot sequence as well as to save and reboot your motherboard.
Now that we have done a very quick tour of the different sections of the BIOS of this NZXT N7 B650E, it is time to detail our configuration which will serve as a basis for this test.
[nextpage title=”The test configuration:”]
Here are the different components that equip our test platform. For the publication of these tests, I used the latest BIOS received although new versions will certainly be available in the days to come. Asus is very reactive on the update of its BIOS.
We will also propose you in the coming weeks several overclocking guides for your processor but also for your memory kit with this APEX model.
- Motherboard : NZXT N7 B650E (BIOS 1.12)
- Processor : Ryzen 5 7600 (review)
- Memory : 32 GB GSKill Trident Z5 NEO 6000 MT/s CL30 EXPO (review)
- Graphics Card: MSI GT 710
- Cooling system : Optimus Foundation + 480 mm EK radiator
- SSD : Western Digital SN850 NVMe SSD M.2
- Power supply : be quiet! Dark Power PRO 12 1500w
- Operating system: Windows 11 64 bits
- Display: ROG PG27UQ
A little tour by CPU-Z to make sure that everything is perfectly in order before starting our tests. We notice that with this version 2.03.0, our Ryzen 5 7600 is perfectly recognized as well as the DDR5 memory.
Now that our configuration is ready, let’s see if the BIOS is correct for the frequencies of our Ryzen 5 7600.
[nextpage title=”The actual frequencies:”]
As with every new processor test, our first idea is to check if the announced frequencies are actually reached. To do this, we will use the Cinebench R23 benchmark. Two cases will be used: a single core bench and a second one in multi core. The idea is to be able to judge the frequency reached and thus, to compare with what was announced by AMD in its slides.
Remember that the Boost frequency in bench is different depending on the processor. Be careful, as AMD points out, when we talk about maximum Boost frequency, it is the maximum frequency achievable by one of the processor’s cores running a single-core workload(mono-thread). The maximum boost varies according to several factors: the load, the cooling system and therefore the temperature of your processor. This is a concept to keep in mind.
If the frequencies are not respected, it could mean a problematic BIOS, because basically the frequencies of your processor must be reached. It could also be due to your cooling system if it is not efficient enough. The processor reaching too high temperatures will be limited and therefore reduce its frequencies. It is also possible that certain options may restrict the processor, as we saw in our test of the Intel Core i9-13900K on the NZXT N7 Z790, which is why it is important to check.
First step, we leave everything in AUTO in the BIOS except the EXPO profile that we load to have a frequency of 6000 MT/s in 30-38-38-96 for our memory kit. We do not make any other changes in the BIOS.
Test with the Ryzen 5 7600 :
Let’s inspect the frequencies of our AMD Ryzen 5 7600 processor and its 6 cores. In single core, we can see that core #1 reaches a frequency of 5150 MHz which is slightly higher than the 5.1 GHz announced by AMD. We won’t complain about it.
When the 6 cores are used, the frequency no longer varies according to the CCD, since the Ryzen 5 7600 has only one CCD. The 6 cores stabilize at 4950/5000 MHz on a multithreadedtask.
Good news, our processor seems to be perfectly operational to start our various benchmarks. Let’s not forget that we are equipped with a 480mm custom cooling loop.
[nextpage title=”DDR5 overclocking:”]
Once again, we will start with DDR5 overclocking before dealing with our Ryzen 5 7600. Why? Simply because we have noticed some options in the BIOS that have piqued our interest. The idea is to be able to use the best profile in combination with the processor overclocking.
Well, let’s start with a theoretical reminder, since there are changes with the arrival of the ZEN 4 architecture as far as memory is concerned. While for the Ryzen 5000, the standard was to keep a 1:1:1 ratio between mclk:uclk:fclk, this will change with the Ryzen 7000. Indeed, they adopt the DDR5 memory. This one sees its frequency increasing, which implies changes in these ratios. AMD now recommends for AM5 motherboards in DDR5 a 1:1 ratio for the mclk:uclk and to finally leave the fclk in AUTO which will automatically set it to 2000 MHz. Theoretically, this is how it will behave:
- DDR5-4800 will give with the new ratios 2400:2400:2000 MHz (mclk:uclk:fclk)
- DDR5-5200 will give with the new ratios 2600:2600:2000 MHz (mclk:uclk:fclk)
- DDR5-6000 will give with the new ratios 3000:3000:2000 MHz (mclk:uclk:fclk)
Well, it may sound a bit complicated like this, but we’ll explain it all to you. First of all, don’t panic, if you activate your XMP or EXPO profile in the BIOS, everything will be set up automatically. The explanations we give you here are for those who want to overclock their memory kit.
fclk, mclk, uclk, a little reminder :
The fclk is the frequency of theInfiny Fabric which can be, since the previous generation, controlled independently via the BIOS settings. By default, this value is set to AUTO mode and the motherboard will manage its frequency to ensure the stability of the system. Its maximum frequency is around 2100/2200 MHz but it also depends on the quality of your processor, but that’s the lottery that will decide. The mclk also sometimes called “memclk” is the frequency of your memory kit and the uclk is the frequency of the memory controller.
You should also know that if you exceed the frequency of 6000 MT/s with your memory kit, automatically the frequency of the memory controller (uclk) will switch to a ratio of 1:2, always with a view to ensuring system stability. AMD indicates that the best performing frequency and ratios are 3000:3000:2000 (mclk:uclk:fclk).
BIOS profiles:
As we reported to you, an option concerning DDR5 caught our attention in the BIOS. After loading the 6000-EXPO memory profile, the option below named “DRAM Performance Mode” allows us to choose between three different modes. By default, the “AMD AGESA Default” mode is activated, but the BIOS also offers the ” Competitive ” and ” Aggressive ” modes.
Having already encountered this type of options, we know that these modes will modify the memory profile by tightening the subtimings in order to boost performance. Let’s see what this will do under AIDA64 and Geekbench 3.
As you can see the different modes have a significant effect. We also decided to go through manual overclocking by increasing the voltage from 1.35 to 1.40 volt and by pushing the frequency to 6400 MT/s, the FCLK to 2100 while keeping a 1:1 ratio.
The overclocking potential is very nice and we could certainly go even higher by tightening some timings and subtimings. The idea here was first to judge the modes present in the BIOS and which will be very interesting for beginners in memory overclocking! An excellent point for this BIOS.
[nextpage title=”CPU overclocking:”]
Well, I have to admit that I had in mind that the multiplier of the non-X Ryzen was blocked but of course this is not the case at all. So let’s see what we can expect from our Ryzen 5 7600 and why not go for the score of its big brother, the Ryzen 5 7600X.
To overclock our processor, we must either do it directly via the BIOS or via the AMD Ryzen Master software. It is the latter solution that we chose for these first tests.
Protocol:
Before starting, it is necessary to have one or more reference scores with your processors at stock frequencies, i.e., without having made any modification except having activated the XMP/EXPO profile. It is also very important to have a sheet of paper at hand that will allow you to note down all the tests that you will perform as well as the results or failures. Personally, I have hundreds of sheets of my tests on which I sometimes return to know how the processor behaved on such motherboard or in such test conditions. My own little bible.
For H24 overclocking, it will of course be necessary to take more time to fine-tune the voltage in order to provide it with the minimum necessary but also to adjust each core independently if you want to take advantage of the maximum performance.
Load-Line Calibration:
The idea of modifying the Load Line Calibration is that the voltage chosen should be as close as possible to the voltage in load. NZXT only offers three levels of “calibration”. We opted for Level 1 in order to have as little vdroop as possible. Basically, I want the voltage chosen to be as close as possible to the load voltage. The readings are taken with a multimeter on the PCB of the motherboard. It is very important to know the real voltage brought to the different components but especially to your processor.
Ryzen 5 7600 Operation:
Once again, it is via the OS that we will begin our overclocking tests using AMD Ryzen Master. It’s a tool that can be used very easily and is therefore very intuitive provided that you have a good understanding of the structure of your processor and here of our Ryzen 5 7600. It’s quite easy since the 6 cores are integrated in a single CCD. Overclocking is a bit more subtle when the processor has two CCDs as we explained with the Ryzen 9 7950X.
We pushed the 6 cores to 5500 MHz and raised the voltage to 1.26 volts. The idea being to exceed the base score of a Ryzen 5 7600X which gets a score under Cinebench R23 of 15662 in multi. We also put you the capture of the stock score and of course at 5500 MHz with our best memory profile obtained on the previous page.
Good news as our score improves significantly and as we expected, we manage to exceed the stock performance of the Ryzen 7600X under Cinebench R23. Finally, nothing to reproach to this motherboard regarding overclocking and as we said, given the power supply stage you should not encounter any problem with the Ryzen 9 7950X.
[nextpage title=”The last word:”]
NZXT continues to offer high-performance models with a perfectly identifiable design. What looks more like an NZXT motherboard than another NZXT motherboard? We had no complaints with the N7 Z790 version and this AMD N7 B650E version really convinced us! Of course, it’s not the top of the range chipset, the X670E, that NZXT decided to use, but finally this B650E chipset does the job perfectly with once again a perfectly stable BIOS! We have been testing NZXT motherboards for several years now and we can say that they have improved a lot since the first Z490 model and we can recommend these two models, the N7 Z790 and the N7 B650E, with our eyes closed!
This motherboard will be perfect for those who want to build an AMD configuration based on NZXT components and on top of that, they will also have the possibility to take advantage of CPU and memory overclocking. As we keep saying, it’s great to see the partnership between NZXT and ASRock continue over time.
NZXT offers this N7 B650E motherboard, either in white or black version, for $319.99 or 379.99 euros, which is still 150 euros more than the B550 version. Most other brands have also increased their prices on this new chipset with the arrival of a new socket and DDR5 support. Despite this price, it is perfectly positioned against the competition of motherboards built on this same chipset. Our N7 B650E benefits from an atypical design that will please the fans of the brand and NZXT seems to be well on its way to becoming a brand to count on.
NZXT N7 B650E
We liked:
- A motherboard 100% in the spirit of NZXT
- The atypical design with a destination for modders
- The subcontracting done by ASRock for the PCB and the BIOS
- A very readable BIOS with many options
- The quality of the power supply stage
- The addition of the physical clear cmos button !
- The very good overclocking potential for the memory and the processor
- The fact that NZXT continues to produce AMD motherboards
We would have liked :
- A bundle with a disk or a key with the drivers/software at this price
NZXT has taken a step forward with these last two motherboards by offering quality components, in the spirit of the brand and accompanied by a perfectly stable and very well organized BIOS. We are not going to hide it from you, we had a crush on this N7 B650E and we still intend to highlight it in the coming weeks. We intend to build a configuration from A to Z with NZXT by offering you the assembly but also the setting of the various components of this configuration. Thanks to NZXT for making this sample available and see you soon for the rest.