Gigabyte has announced the revival of its iconic Orange Force motherboard series with the introduction of the B850M Force, designed for AMD’s AM5 platform. This new m-ATX motherboard boasts support for DDR5 memory up to 9600 MT/s, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and a distinctive orange, white, and black aesthetic, marking a vibrant return for the enthusiast-focused line.
A Striking Comeback: The Orange Force Returns
Gigabyte’s Orange Force series, previously known for its bright orange aesthetics and Intel chip compatibility, makes a significant return with the B850M Force. This time, the series embraces AMD’s AM5 platform, catering to the latest Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series processors. The motherboard’s design features a black PCB accented with eye-catching orange and white patterns that extend to the thermal heatsinks and chipset, ensuring it stands out.
Key Features and Specifications
The B850M Force is packed with features designed for performance and modern connectivity. It supports high-speed DDR5 memory and offers ample storage options.
- Memory Support: Two DIMM slots support DDR5 memory overclocking up to an impressive 9600 MT/s, allowing for high-performance system builds.
- Storage Solutions: The motherboard includes three M.2 storage slots, with two directly connected to the CPU for optimal speed and the third relying on the integrated chipset. All three support PCIe Gen 4 speeds, and the topmost slot offers PCIe Gen 5 support when paired with Ryzen 7000 or 9000 series CPUs. Additionally, four SATA ports are available for traditional 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives.
- Connectivity: The B850M Force comes with a Realtek 2.5GbE LAN chip for fast wired networking. A Wi-Fi 6E variant is also available, providing cutting-edge wireless connectivity with an adapter-based antenna solution.
- Expansion Slots: It features one PCIe Express x16 slot, supporting PCIe 5.0 x16 mode with Ryzen 9000/7000 series processors, and another PCIe Express x16 slot running at x4.
- USB Ports: A comprehensive array of USB ports includes USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and multiple USB 2.0/1.1 ports.
Performance Enhancements and Unique Additions
Gigabyte has integrated several features to enhance user experience and performance.
- X3D Turbo Mode: This one-click solution optimizes performance for both X3D and non-X3D Ryzen 9000 processors.
- Debug LEDs: System debug LEDs are included for easier troubleshooting.
- Updated BIOS UI: The BIOS interface has been updated with improved features for better usability.
- Throwback PS/2 Port: In a nod to its legacy, Gigabyte has included a PS/2 port on the rear I/O, a feature reminiscent of the original SOC Force lineup.
Rear I/O Overview
The rear I/O panel of the B850M Force offers a robust selection of ports:
- HDMI and DisplayPort for video output
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port
- 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 Type-A ports
- 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet jack (2.5G)
- Wi-Fi antenna connector (for Wi-Fi 6E model)
- Standard 3.5mm audio jacks (audio out, line-in, microphone input)
- 1 x PS/2 port
This revival by Gigabyte follows a trend of manufacturers bringing back beloved series, as seen with MSI’s recent reintroduction of its Cyclone series GPUs. The B850M Force combines nostalgic aesthetics with modern performance, offering a compelling option for AMD AM5 system builders.
