Upgrade MSI MAG B660M Bazooka or MSI Pro B660M-A with a new version.
Upgrade MSI MAG B660M Bazooka or MSI Pro B660M-A with a new version.
Hello everyone, I plan to upgrade a friend's PC soon. I intend to install an MSI MAG B660M Bazooka with DDR4 RAM, Intel Core i3-12100F, Corsair CX CX550F RGB 550W, and the Kingston Fury Beast RGB 16GB DDR4. I’ll also replace the old components: a Gigabyte 1050Ti with 4GB GPU, an old 120GB SATA SSD, his previous case featuring three 120cm fans, and a 500GB hard drive. My main concern is whether these motherboards are compatible. Initially, I considered the MSI Pro B660M, but I hesitated because of the BIOS support for Intel i3-12100F. I noticed the B660M Bazooka appears to be very similar to the Pro B660M, especially regarding BIOS updates from December. My worry is that if I buy the B660M Pro and it doesn’t support the i3-12100F, I won’t have a suitable CPU upgrade option, forcing me to return the motherboard for a BIOS update. I was hoping to find a model that supports the i3-12100F after a BIOS update from December. Regarding the Bazooka board and the B660M Pro, do they share similar quality? Are there differences in heatsinks or back I/O ports?
Using a 12100F is quite limited, especially when considering VRM strength and motherboard quality. Focus on specifications like USB ports, types, PCI-E slot spacing and count, M.2 slots, SATA connections, etc. Above the 12400 range, you notice CPUs throttling or power caps on cheaper boards. Hardware Unboxed features a B660 review with multiple videos covering budget to high-end options, highlighting VRM performance for processors over 12700 but offering clear guidance on board value and future upgrade limits.
I noticed that video explained why I’m considering the Bazooka motherboard over the B660MA Pro. Initially, I was hesitant due to the BIOS support built-in with the I3 12100F, but now I’m leaning toward the Bazooka model. It seems similar in VRM quality to the B600MA, though it has better BIOS features and some port updates. The price is around 10 euros more than the I3, 155 for the board, 70 for RAM, and 65 for the PSU—all within a 400 euro budget. I also think the B600 Bazooka fits the I3 12100F well, and it’s worth spending a bit more on the motherboard. The I3 12100F is sufficient for my friend’s 1050Ti, and he might upgrade later to something better. For now, I assume casual use like YouTube and browsing is enough.
Intel 14 Raptor Lake Refresh is now available, appearing to be the final models for LGA1700 socket. For a mid-range budget, consider purchasing the Gigabyte Z690 UD DDR4 V2. It features 16+1+2 phases (Vcore 90A). I'm currently running a B660m Mag Mortar D4 with 12+1+1 (Vcore 60A), which also works well with the 13700K; thus, the Z690 UD should comfortably support at least the 13700K or possibly the 14700K and even 13900K.