Tom's Hardware reviewed the ASRock X870E Challenger Wifi White, a $230 AM5 motherboard that the outlet says is one of the best-equipped options under $230. The board features a 23-phase voltage regulator module with 110A SPS MOSFETs, a flagship-class Realtek ALC4082 audio codec, and a wide array of fast USB ports, including two USB4 Type-C connections. The reviewer also notes that competing boards in this price range often omit USB4 or settle for slower 2.5 GbE, while the Challenger includes 5 GbE and Wi-Fi 7.
Storage and expansion are similarly generous, with four M.2 sockets (one PCIe 5.0), two SATA ports, and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot. The all-white design extends to the PCB, heatsinks, and even screws, making it a strong choice for white-themed builds, though there is no integrated RGB lighting. Tom's Hardware praises the tool-less primary M.2 heatsink and the oversized VRM heatsinks, but notes the board lacks some of the EZ-latch conveniences found on pricier models.
In performance testing, the Challenger delivered average-to-below-average results, which the reviewer attributes to memory compatibility issues: the usual Kingston test kit was not officially supported and failed to work after enabling XMP/DOCP, forcing a switch to a secondary DDR5-6000 kit. The source expects better performance with RAM from the board's QVL list. Drawbacks include a BIOS that still needs a refresh, no AI features, and Wi-Fi 7 limited to 160 MHz rather than the faster 320 MHz implementations seen on some rivals.
Overall, Tom's Hardware concludes that the X870E Challenger Wifi White is a great deal for an X870E board, especially given its robust power delivery, flagship audio, and fast connectivity. The caveats are memory compatibility and BIOS maturity, so buyers should check the QVL list before purchasing. As this is a single review, there is no conflicting source to compare, but the verdict is clear: at $230, this board offers unusual value for the AM5 platform.