ASROCK B850 CHALLENGER WIFI (01) PDF Document

The package for the ASROCK B850 CHALLENGER WIFI motherboard contains the following items:

• ASRock B850 Challenger WiFi Motherboard (ATX Form Factor)

• 2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables (Optional)

• 2 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antennas (Optional)

Platform Specifications:

• Form Factor: ATX

• PCB: 8 Layer

CPU Specifications:

• Supports AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen™ 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series Processors.

• The availability of expansion slots may vary by CPU.

Chipset:

• AMD B850

The ASROCK B850 CHALLENGER WIFI has the following memory specifications:

• Technology: Dual Channel DDR5 Memory Technology

• Slots: 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots

• Supported Memory: Supports DDR5 ECC/non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to 8000+(OC)

• Max Capacity: 256GB

• Profile Support: Supports Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) and EXTended Profiles for Overclocking (EXPO) memory modules

The ASROCK B850 CHALLENGER WIFI motherboard provides the following expansion slots:

CPU-based slots:

• 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1), supports x16 mode*

• 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE4), supports x4 mode*

Chipset-based slots:

• 2 x PCIe 4.0 x1 Slots (PCIE2 and PCIE3)*

• 1 x M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module

*Slot Speed Notes:

• PCIE1 will run at Gen5x16 with 9000 and 7000 series processors, Gen4x8 with 8000 (Phoenix 1) series processors and Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 2) series processors.

• PCIE4 will run at Gen4x4 with 9000 and 7000 series processors, Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 1) series processors and Gen4x2 with 8000 (Phoenix 2) series processors.

• The board supports NVMe SSD as boot disks.

Graphics:

• Integrated AMD RDNA™ graphics (Actual support may vary by CPU)

• 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS/FRL 8G Compatible, supports HDR, HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 4K 120Hz

Audio:

• 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec)

• Nahimic Audio

LAN:

• 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s

• Dragon RTL8125BG

• Supports Dragon 2.5G LAN Software with features like Smart Auto Adjust Bandwidth Control, Visual User Friendly UI, Visual Network Usage Statistics, Optimized Default Setting for Game, Browser, and Streaming Modes, and User Customized Priority Control.

The wireless specifications are as follows:

• Module: 802.11be 2×2 Wi-Fi 7 Module

• Supported Standards: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be

• Frequency Bands: Supports 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz*

• Channel Bandwidth: Supports 160MHz channel bandwidth with 6GHz* frequency band

• Antenna: 1 antenna to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity technology

• Bluetooth: Supports Bluetooth 5.4

• Other Features: Supports MU-MIMO

*Note: The Wi-Fi 7 module is supported by Microsoft® Windows® 11 only. The availability of the 6GHz band depends on the regulation status of each country and will be activated through Windows® Update and software updates.

Storage:

CPU-based:

• 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*

Chipset-based:

• 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*

• 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors

*Storage Notes:

• Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks.

• M2_1 is the first priority for M.2 installation.

• M2_1 will run at Gen5x4 with 9000 and 7000 series processors and Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 1 and Phoenix 2) series processors.

RAID:

• Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices.

• Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 for M.2 NVMe storage devices*. (*Requires additional M.2 NVMe expansion cards to support RAID 10)

The ASROCK B850 CHALLENGER WIFI has the following internal connectors:

• 1 x SPI TPM Header

• 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header

• 1 x RGB LED Header

• 3 x Addressable LED Headers

• 2 x CPU Fan Connectors (4-pin)

• 3 x Chassis Fan Connectors (4-pin)

• 1 x AIO Pump Fan Connector (4-pin)

• 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector

• 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors

• 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector

• 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports)

• 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)

• 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen1 Header

There are two LEDs on the LAN port: an Activity/Link LED and a Speed LED. Their status indicates the following:

For a 7.1-channel audio setup on the ASROCK B850 CHALLENGER WIFI, the audio ports have the following functions:

Follow these steps to install the WiFi antennas:

Step 1. Prepare the WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antennas that come with the package.

Step 2. Connect the two WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antennas to the antenna connectors on the rear I/O panel. Turn the antenna clockwise until it is securely connected.

Step 3. Adjust the direction of the antenna for a stronger signal.

Before you install motherboard components or change any settings, please take note of the following precautions:

• Unplug the power cord before installing or removing components to prevent physical injuries and damage.

• To avoid static electricity damage, never place your motherboard directly on a carpet. Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object before handling components.

• Hold components by their edges and avoid touching the ICs.

• When uninstalling components, place them on a grounded anti-static pad or in their original bag.

• When securing the motherboard to the chassis with screws, do not over-tighten them, as this may damage the motherboard.

Follow these steps to install the CPU on your ASROCK B850 CHALLENGER WIFI:

1. Before you begin, unplug all power cables.

2. Ensure the CPU is oriented correctly before opening the socket cover.

3. Unhook the socket lever by pushing it down and away from the socket.

4. Lift the lever to open the retention frame.

5. Carefully remove the PnP cap from the socket.

6. Align the triangle mark on the CPU with the corner of the socket. Carefully place the CPU into the socket as flat as possible. Do not drop it.

7. Lower the retention frame over the CPU.

8. Press the lever down and lock it back into place under the retention tab. The black cover plate will pop off automatically.

Note: Make sure the CPU is aligned with the socket before locking it. Please save the cover, as it must be replaced if you remove the processor to return the motherboard for service.

For optimal performance with Dual Channel Memory Technology, follow these configuration recommendations for the ASROCK B850 CHALLENGER WIFI:

Important Guidelines:

1. For dual channel configuration, always install identical DDR5 DIMM pairs (same brand, speed, size, and chip-type).

2. Dual Channel Memory Technology cannot be activated with only one or three memory modules installed.

3. Do not install DDR, DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4 memory modules into a DDR5 slot.

4. A DIMM module fits in only one correct orientation. Forcing it in the wrong orientation will cause permanent damage.

Step 1. Open the clips at both ends of the DIMM slot by pushing them outwards.

Step 2. Align the memory module with the slot. The notch on the DIMM must match the break in the slot.

Step 3. Firmly press the memory module straight down into the slot until the clips at both ends snap back into place, securing the module.

Connect the power switch, reset switch, power LED, and HDD LED from your chassis to the System Panel Header (PANEL1) on the ASROCK B850 CHALLENGER WIFI. Match the wire labels to the pins as shown below. Note the positive (+) and negative (-) pins.

Pin Layout (PANEL1):

• Pins for Power Switch (POWER SW): Connect to PWRBTN# and GND.

• Pins for Reset Switch (RESET SW): Connect to RESET# and GND.

• Pins for Power LED (PLED): Connect to PLED+ and PLED-.

• Pins for Hard Drive Activity LED (HDLED): Connect to HDLED+ and HDLED-.

Function of Each Connector:

• PWRBTN (Power Button): Connects to the power button on your case. Allows you to turn the system on and off.

• RESET (Reset Button): Connects to the reset button on your case. Allows you to restart the computer if it freezes.

• PLED (System Power LED): Connects to the power status indicator. The LED is on when the system is operating, blinks in S1/S3 sleep state, and is off in S4/S5 state.

• HDLED (Hard Drive Activity LED): Connects to the hard drive activity LED. The LED is on when the hard drive is reading or writing data.

Before installing an expansion card, ensure the power supply is switched off and the power cord is unplugged.

PCIe Slot Information:

• PCIE1 (PCIe 5.0 x16 slot): Used for PCIe x16 lane width graphics cards.

• PCIE2 (PCIe 4.0 x1 slot): Used for PCIe x1 lane width cards.

• PCIE3 (PCIe 4.0 x1 slot): Used for PCIe x1 lane width cards.

• PCIE4 (PCIe 4.0 x16 slot): Used for PCIe x4 lane width graphics cards.

Installation Steps:

1. Remove the necessary expansion slot cover(s) from the back of the computer case.

2. Open the latch on the PCIe slot.

3. Align the card’s connector with the slot and press it down firmly until it is fully seated.

4. Close the latch to secure the card.

5. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the case with a screw.

24-pin ATX Power Connector (ATXPWR1):

This motherboard provides a 24-pin ATX power connector. To use a 20-pin ATX power supply, plug it in along Pin 1 and Pin 13.

8-pin ATX 12V Power Connectors (ATX12V1 and ATX12V2):

This motherboard provides two 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors. To use a 4-pin ATX power supply, please plug it along Pin 1 and Pin 5 of ATX12V1.

• Connecting an ATX 12V 8-pin cable to ATX12V2 is optional.

• Warning: Please make sure that the power cable connected is for the CPU and not the graphics card. Do not plug the PCIe power cable into this connector.

The CLRCMOS1 jumper allows you to clear the data in CMOS, which includes system setup information like passwords, date, and time. To clear and reset the system parameters to their default values, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Use a jumper cap to short the two pins on CLRCMOS1 for 3 seconds.

3. Remove the jumper cap.

4. Plug in the power cord and turn on the computer.

Note: If you need to clear the CMOS after updating the BIOS, you must boot up the system first, and then shut it down before performing the clear-CMOS action.

RGB LED Header (4-pin RGB_LED1):

This header is used to connect standard 5050 RGB LED strips (12V/G/R/B) with a maximum power rating of 3A (12V) and length within 2 meters.

• Caution: Never install the RGB LED cable in the wrong orientation; otherwise, the cable may be damaged.

Addressable LED Headers (3-pin ADDR_LED1, ADDR_LED2, ADDR_LED3):

These headers are used to connect WS2812B addressable RGB LED strips (5V/Data/GND) with a maximum power rating of 3A (5V) and length within 2 meters.

• Caution: Never install the Addressable LED cable in the wrong orientation; otherwise, the cable may be damaged.

General Precautions for both header types:

• Before installing or removing your LED cable, power off your system and unplug the power cord from the power supply.

• Please note that the LED strips do not come with the motherboard package.

The BIOS Flashback feature allows you to update the BIOS without powering on the system, even without a CPU installed. Follow these steps:

1. Download the latest BIOS file from ASRock’s website.

2. Copy the BIOS file to a USB flash drive. The file system of your USB flash drive must be FAT32.

3. Extract the BIOS file from the downloaded zip file.

4. Rename the extracted file to “creative.rom” and save it to the root directory of the USB flash drive.

5. Plug the 24-pin power connector into the motherboard. Turn on the power supply’s AC switch. There is no need to power on the system itself.

6. Plug your USB drive into the designated USB BIOS Flashback port on the rear I/O panel.

7. Press the BIOS Flashback button for about three seconds. The LED will start to blink.

8. Wait until the LED stops blinking, which indicates that the BIOS flashing has been completed.

Troubleshooting:

• If the LED light turns solid green, the BIOS Flashback is not operating properly. Ensure the USB drive is in the correct port.

• If the LED does not light up at all, disconnect power, remove the CMOS battery for several minutes, reconnect everything, and try again.

The Post Status Checker (PSC) on the ASROCK B850 CHALLENGER WIFI helps diagnose issues during power-on. The LEDs indicate if a component is not detected or has failed and will remain lit until the issue is fixed.

Note: It is normal for the DRAM status LED to blink during memory training. This indicates the system is working properly.

Follow these steps to install a type 2280 M.2 SSD in the M2_1 socket:

Step 1. Prepare your M.2 SSD.

Step 2. Identify the corresponding nut location for your M.2 SSD’s length.

Step 3. Push the button on the M.2 heatsink in direction (A), then lift up the heatsink (B) and move it in direction (C) to remove it. Remember to remove the protective films from the bottom of the heatsink.

Step 4. Align and gently insert the M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 20-degree angle. The M.2 SSD only fits in one orientation.

Step 5. Ensure that the notch at the end of the M.2 SSD aligns with the nut. Secure the M.2 SSD by turning the nut lock clockwise to its locked position.

Step 6. Hook the tab of the M.2 heatsink back onto the standoff.

Step 7. Press the M.2 heatsink down into place. Be sure not to press down on the button on the M.2 heatsink.

Step 8. The installation is complete.

Follow these steps to install a type 2280 M.2 SSD in the M2_2 socket:

Step 1. Prepare your M.2 SSD.

Step 2. Identify the corresponding nut location for your M.2 SSD’s length.

Step 3. Before installing the M.2 SSD, loosen the screws to remove the M.2 heatsink. Remember to remove the protective films from the bottom side of the heatsink.

Step 4. Align and gently insert the M.2 SSD into the M.2 slot at a 20-degree angle. The M.2 SSD only fits in one orientation.

Step 5. Ensure that the notch at the end of the M.2 SSD aligns with the nut. Secure the M.2 SSD by turning the nut lock clockwise to its locked position.

Step 6. Before securing the heatsink, make sure to align the notch on the M.2 SSD to the standoff on the motherboard to prevent damage. The M.2 SSD’s PCB should be in its proper place, not between the heatsink and the standoff.

Step 7. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver to secure the M.2 SSD and M.2 heatsink into place in the order shown in the manual. Tighten the screw opposite the M.2 connector first, then tighten the one next to the M.2 connector. Do not overtighten the screws.