The $200 price point is not where we usually expect to find budget motherboards, but this appears to be the cost of moving to a DDR5-only platform. At least you can hang on to that DDR5 RAM and your AM5 motherboard for multiple generations, as AMD has committed to supporting the socket until 2025. So as far as ‘future-proof’ goes, B650 is a rather safe investment – especially compared to Intel’s Z790, H770, and B760, which will not survive past the current generation.
In any event, it is important to be selective when buying a budget motherboard. The manufacturers inevitably cut corners to make the boards more affordable, and you want to make sure it’s not the wrong corners. For example, cheap voltage regulator modules (VRMs) are a potential problem in this space, and the same goes for overly conservative DRAM timings that limit performance.
Best Price Vs. Best Value
The aim of this page is to help you find the best affordable B650 motherboard for your needs. Our method is based on comparing all B650 boards from the major manufacturers (MSI, Asus, ASRock, Gigabyte) and referencing them with expert reviews, with a focus on popular and widely available boards.
As we focus on value, we will sidestep most $300+ boards using the more expensive B650E chipset, not least because its additional PCIe 5.0 lanes for the graphics card are not usable for the time being. You can read more about the AM5 chipset specifications and differences at the bottom of this page.
If you are looking for the short version, these are some of the most attractive boards from more cost-oriented versus value perspectives – with as few compromises as possible:
Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Value (ATX) #1: B650 Aorus Elite AX
Gigabyte’s Aorus Elite and Gaming X boards often have much in common and you don’t necessarily lose much by going with the latter. But in this generation, the B650 Aorus Elite AX clearly offers much better value.
For just $10 more (MSRP) over the Gaming X, you get a more powerful VRM, improved DDR5 OC support, and some ‘future-proofing’ in the form of a Gen5 M.2 slot.
Like all other Gigabyte B650 ATX boards, the Aorus Elite also includes onboard WiFi 6E, fast 2.5 Gbps LAN, and SuperSpeed 20 Gbps USB.
Compared to other popular mainstream boards like the B650 Asus TUF or MSI Tomahawk – both of which are more expensive – the Aorus Elite stands out as the most attractive alternative.
Shopping Links: Newegg, Amazon
Best Value (ATX) #2: ASRock B650E PG Riptide
The ASRock B650E PG Riptide WiFi is an exception to the rule that boards with the B650E chipset are needlessly expensive for what they bring to the table. It hits a real sweet spot where an above-average feature set meets a very reasonable price (compared to the closest competitors).
At $239, it offers a set of features and I/O that’s roughly on par with the Asus Strix B650E-F, for around $50 less.
The Riptide comes with a competent VRM, PCIe 5.0 bandwidth for the GPU and one high-end SSD, a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C header, and WiFi 6E connectivity.
Review(s): Pokde.net
Shopping Links: Newegg, Amazon
Cheapest B650: B650M-HDV/M.2
As usual, the cheapest B650 motherboards are those using the smaller micro-ATX (mATX) form factor. The smaller PCB size provides opportunities for cost-cutting in itself, but the manufacturers also tend to use more affordable components in general for mATX boards (something that is notably not the case with the ultra-compact ITX form factor).
It is therefore no surprise that the cheapest B650 board is found in this category. The ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 is in fact the only board that’s currently being sold at AMD’s advertised $125 price point at the time of writing.
Neither should it come as a surprise that it’s a very barebones model with only two DRAM slots and no 20 Gbps USB or WiFi, but it seems to get all the basics right. There’s an 8+2-phase 50A VRM with a heatsink, 2.5 Gbps LAN, and even a Gen5 M.2 slot here, which is quite impressive considering the price point.
Review(s): N/A
Shopping Links: Newegg, Amazon
All B650 Motherboards: An Overview
Now for a more detailed look at what is available in the mainstream and budget B650 space.
Asus B650 Motherboards
Asus continues to be the most popular motherboard manufacturer and usually for good reasons. In the B650 case, however, you may want to look past the cheapest boards in the lineup. The main offenders here are the Prime B650 and B650M, where Asus has notably left out all mention of VRM specifications on its website. The reason for this oversight is perhaps best illustrated by HardwareUnboxed’s VRM thermals testing.
With the exception of the Prime models, though, Asus’ B650 (non-E) lineup looks quite attractive:
| ASUS B650 ATX Motherboards | Strix B650-A | ProArt B650 | TUF B650-Plus | Prime B650-Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
|
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX |
| VRM Config | 12+2 (60A) | 12+2 (60A) | 12+2 (60A) | ? |
| RAM Slots (max) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) |
| RAM Speed (up to) | 6400 MHz | 6400 MHz | 6400 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| SATA Ports | 4 x | 4 x | 4 x | 4 x |
| M.2 SSD Slots | 1 x Gen5 2 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 2 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 2 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 |
| LAN | 2.5Gbps | 1 x 2.5Gbps 2 x 1Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| WiFi | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | N/A | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6 (WiFi model) | N/A |
| USB (Rear) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 1 x Type-C Gen 2 3 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x USB 2.0 | 2 x Type-C Gen 2 3 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 3 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 |
| USB (Front) | 1 x Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C 60W PD 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 1 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 1 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | SupremeFX ALC4080 | Realtek 7.1 | Realtek 7.1 | Realtek 7.1 |
| MSRP | $279 | $270 | $239 | $199 |
TUF B650-Plus WiFi: Solid VRM, Reasonable Price
The Asus TUF-branded motherboards can usually be trusted to deliver good value and the B650-Plus is no exception. Its 12+2-stage 60A VRM with sizeable heatsinks should be sufficient for the whole Ryzen 7000 range.
You can get it with or without an included WiFi 6 module and there is also room for a Gen5 M.2 SSD as well as an additional two Gen4 drives. It also comes with a fast USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port on the rear panel instead of via an internal header.
Shopping Links: Newegg, Amazon
Unless you count multiple variations of the Prime B650M, there are just two micro-ATX B650 boards from Asus as of mid-2023. There is also an ITX model in the form of the Strix B650E-I, which is included below for comparison purposes.
| ASUS B650 mATX Motherboards | TUF B650M-Plus | Prime B650M-A | Strix B650E-I |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
|
| Form Factor | mATX | mATX | ITX |
| VRM Config | 12+2 (60A) | ? | 10+2 (70A) |
| RAM Slots (max) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 2 (64 GB) |
| RAM Speed (up to) | 6400 MHz | 5600 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| SATA Ports | 4 x | 4 x | 2 x |
| M.2 SSD Slots | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 |
| LAN | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| WiFi | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6 (WiFi model) | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6 (WiFi model) | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E |
| USB (Rear) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 2 x Type-A Gen 2 1 x Type-A Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 2 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 1 x Type-C Gen 2 4 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x USB 2.0 |
| USB (Front) | 1 x Type-C Gen 1 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 1 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1 | Realtek 7.1 | Realtek 7.1 |
| MSRP | $229 | $199 | $329 |
TUF B650M-Plus WiFi: Best Mainstream Asus Board?
For better or worse, the Prime and TUF mATX motherboards are essentially just smaller versions of their ATX counterparts. With the already underpowered ATX Prime board, this is not a good thing.
On the other hand, the opposite applies to the TUF B650M-Plus, where Asus has kept a strong VRM with an oversized heatsink, as well as most other features except the additional PCIe expansion slots that won’t physically fit.
The result is an attractive compact B650 alternative that is only held back by the fact that it is nearly as expensive as the larger model.
Review(s): N/A
Shopping Links: Newegg, Amazon
ASRock B650 Motherboards
ASRock has a very strong lineup in the B650 space from a value perspective, perhaps with the exception of the pricey and oddly positioned B650E Taichi. No board is lacking a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, or a decent VRM, which is particularly important if you are considering a 230W Ryzen 9 build.
| ASRock B650 ATX Motherboards | B650E PG Riptide WiFi | B650 LiveMixer | B650 Pro RS | B650 PG Lightning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
|
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX |
| VRM Config | 14+2+1 (60A) | 14+2+1 (60A) | 14+2+1 (60A) | 14+2+1 (60A) |
| RAM Slots (max) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) |
| RAM Speed (up to) | 6600 MHz | 6400 MHz | 6400 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| SATA Ports | 4 x | 2 x | 4 x | 4 x |
| M.2 SSD Slots | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 1 x Gen3(x2) | 1 x Gen5 2 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 1 x Gen3(x2) | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 1 x Gen4(x2) |
| LAN | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| WiFi | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| USB (Rear) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 1 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 1 6 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 1 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x Type-A Gen 1 8 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 1 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 1 6 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 7 x Type-A Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 |
| USB (Front) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 1 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 1 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1 ALC897 | Realtek 7.1 ALC897 | Realtek 7.1 ALC897 | Realtek 7.1 ALC897 |
| MSRP | $239 | $229 | $219 | $199 |
B650 PG Lightning: Affordable Full-Size ATX
We have already covered the B650E Riptide because it offers comparatively great value in the current market, but you can also get below $200 without compromising on the basics. With an MSRP of $199, the ASRock B650 PG Lightning is one of the cheapest full-size ATX boards in early 2023.
It nevertheless shares most features with the more expensive ASRock models, including VRM configuration, Gen5 M.2 support, and high-speed USB. A WiFi module is not included, but this is again no different from the other entry-level options from ASRock.
Review(s): N/A
Shopping Links: Newegg, Amazon
| ASRock B650 mATX Motherboards | B650M PG Riptide (WiFi) | B650M Pro RS | B650M-HDV M.2 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
|
| Form Factor | mATX | mATX | mATX |
| VRM Config | 12+2+1 (50A) | 8+2+1 (50A) | 8+2+1 (50A) |
| RAM Slots (max) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 2 (64 GB) |
| RAM Speed (up to) | 6200 MHz | 6000 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| SATA Ports | 4 x | 4 x | 4 x |
| M.2 SSD Slots | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 1 x Gen4 (x2) | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 |
| LAN | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| WiFi | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E (WiFi model) | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E (WiFi model) | N/A |
| USB (Rear) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 1 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 1 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 1 2 x Type-A Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 |
| USB (Front) | 1 x Type-C Gen 1 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 1 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1 ALC897 | Realtek 7.1 ALC897 | Realtek 7.1 ALC897 |
| MSRP | $169 ($189) | $149 | $125 |
Wi-Fi 6E Included: B650M Pro RS WiFi
We have already mentioned the B650M-HDV, which is one of the cheapest B650 boards available (and a pretty good one at that). Depending on what you are looking for, the B650M Pro RS WiFi may however offer better value.
It shares many components with the HDV model, most notably the VRM solution, but it also adds onboard Wi-Fi 6E, two additional RAM slots, and slightly improved USB connectivity. That’s a decent amount of useful upgrades over the cheapest B650 board considering that the price difference is just $25.
The B650 Pro RS also features an additional M.2 slot, but note that it’s limited to two PCIe 4.0 lanes (Gen4x2). As a result, this slot will severely reduce the performance of high-end M.2 SSDs built for the Gen4 interface. On the other hand, the board’s other Gen5x4 and Gen4x4 M.2 slots are already above average and probably more than sufficient for most use cases.
Shopping Links: Newegg
B650M PG Riptide: Well-Rounded mATX Board
ASRock’s mATX lineup is tiny but quite interesting. Not only does it include the cheapest B650 board on the market, but also a cut-down version of the midrange B650E Riptide.
This smaller mATX version does not use the enhanced B650E chipset and therefore has no PCIe Gen5 GPU slot. Then again, this is a feature that hardly anyone needs now or in the near future.
The WiFi module is optional and you will have to make do with two M.2 slots (though one supports Gen5) and there is no 20 Gbps USB. There are fewer compromises in other areas though, including the VRM, making it one of the best budget B650 options, and highly competitive when compared to e.g. the Asus TUF B650M.
Review(s): goldfries (video)
Shopping Links: Newegg, Amazon
MSI B650 Motherboards
If you are at all familiar with MSI’s motherboard naming schemes, you will find no big surprises in the B650 lineup. The Carbon model is quite pricey in this generation, but the ever-popular Tomahawk is more in line with expectations (at least when considering actual store prices over MSRPs).
| MSI B650 ATX Motherboards | MPG B650 Carbon WiFi | MPG B650 Edge WiFi | MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi | PRO B650-P WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
|
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX |
| VRM Config | 16+2+1 (80A) | 14+2+1 (80A) | 14+2+1 (80A) | 12+2+1 (75A) |
| RAM Slots (max) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) |
| RAM Speed (up to) | 6600 MHz | 6600 MHz | 6600 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| SATA Ports | 6 x | 6 x | 6 x | 6 x |
| M.2 SSD Slots | 1 x Gen5 3 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 2 x Gen4 | 3 x Gen4 | 2 x Gen4 |
| LAN | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| WiFi | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E |
| USB (Rear) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 7 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 2 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x Type-A Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 3 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x Type-A Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 3 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x Type-A Gen 1 |
| USB (Front) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1 ALC4080 | Realtek 7.1 ALC4080 | Realtek 7.1 ALC4080 | Realtek 7.1 ALC897 |
| MSRP | $329 | $289 | $259 | $209 |
MSI Pro B650-P WiFi: Updated Budget Favorite
While the B650 Tomahawk is unlikely to disappoint, you will not lose out on a whole lot by opting for the Pro B650-P, which honors MSI’s tradition of offering solid Pro-branded budget motherboards in the mainstream segment. It also keeps up with the tradition of being strikingly similar to the B650 Gaming Plus model.
It comes with a slightly weaker VRM, but the 75A solution should still suffice for just about any use case. There is also WiFi 6E on both boards, meaning that it’s ready for 6 GHz wireless connections of up to 2400 Mbps.
On the downside, MSI has chosen not to include a Gen5 M.2 slot on its lower-tier B650 boards, and the Pro model only features two Gen4 slots whereas the Tomahawk has three. This is perhaps no major issue in 2023 but could become an annoyance once Gen5 SSDs are ubiquitous.
Review(s): N/A
Shopping Links: Newegg, Amazon
| MSI B650 mATX/ITX Motherboards | MAG B650M Mortar (WiFi) | PRO B650M-A (WiFi) | MAG B650I Edge WiFi |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
|
| Form Factor | mATX | mATX | ITX |
| VRM Config | 12+2+1 (80A) | 4-phase (55A) | 8+2+1 (80A) |
| RAM Slots (max) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 2 (64 GB) |
| RAM Speed (up to) | 6400 MHz | 6400 MHz | 6600 MHz |
| SATA Ports | 6 x | 4 x | 4 x |
| M.2 SSD Slots | 2 x Gen4 | 2 x Gen4 | 2 x Gen4 |
| LAN | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| WiFi | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E (WiFi model) | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E |
| USB (Rear) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 3 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x Type-A Gen 1 | 4 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x Type-A Gen 1 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 3 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 1 |
| USB (Front) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 3 x 3.2 Gen 2 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1 ALC4080 | Realtek 7.1 ALC897 | Realtek 7.1 ALC4080 |
| MSRP | $219 | $189 | $239 |
MSI MPG B650I Edge: Most Affordable ITX Board
Another interesting B650 board from MSI is the MPG B650I Edge – not least because it’s the cheapest B650 ITX board from the entire launch lineup.
ITX motherboards are usually positioned at the premium end of the scale, with a price to match, but MSI took a different route with this model.
Of course, the B650I Edge is not really an entry-level board either. Other than lacking a Gen5 M.2 slot, it is fairly full-featured as far as ITX boards go. It comes with a powerful, Ryzen 9-ready VRM as well as onboard 6 GHz WiFi. Interestingly, it also includes a small fan that covers the chipset and M.2 SSD.
Review(s): DalraeMyo (video)
Shopping Links: Newegg, Amazon
Gigabyte B650 Motherboards
Gigabyte uses the Aorus brand for its gaming-oriented boards, but sometimes the difference is mostly cosmetic. For example, the B650 Aero G is by all appearances identical to the Aorus Pro model, save for a Thunderbolt-like DisplayPort implementation on the Aero G.
| Gigabyte B650 ATX Motherboards | B650 Aero G | B650 Aorus Pro AX | B650 Aorus Elite (AX) | B650 Gaming X |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
|
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX |
| VRM Config | 16+2+1 (90A) | 16+2+1 (90A) | 14+2+1 (70A) | 8+2+1 (60A) |
| RAM Slots (max) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) |
| RAM Speed (up to) | 6666 MHz | 6666 MHz | 6666 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| SATA Ports | 4 x | 4 x | 4 x | 4 x |
| M.2 SSD Slots | 1 x Gen5 2 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 2 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 2 x Gen4 | 3 x Gen4 |
| LAN | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| WiFi | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E |
| USB (Rear) | 1 x Type-C (DP) 4 x Type-A Gen 1 3 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen1 4 x Type-A Gen 1 3 x Type-A Gen 2 2 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 2 5 x Type-A Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 1 x Type-A Gen 2 1 x Type-A Gen 1 3 x USB 2.0 |
| USB (Front) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 2 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 3 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 4 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1 ALC1220-VB | Realtek 7.1 ALC1220-VB | Realtek 7.1 | Realtek 7.1 |
| MSRP | $269 | $259 | $229 | $219 |
We have already covered the Aorus Elite as one of the best options on the market if you are looking for a combination of value and features. The other board that stands out as a budget B650 alternative would be the Gaming X model. The very small MSRP difference at this time makes it hard to recommend, however.
| Gigabyte B650 mATX Motherboards | B650M Aorus Pro AX | B650M Aorus Elite AX | B650M Gaming X (AX) | B650M DS3H |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
|
| Form Factor | mATX | mATX | mATX | mATX |
| VRM Config | 12+2+1 (70A) | 12+2+1 (60A) | 6+2+1 (60A) | 6+2+1 (60A) |
| RAM Slots (max) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) | 4 (128 GB) |
| RAM Speed (up to) | 6666 MHz | 6666 MHz | 6400 MHz | 6400 MHz |
| SATA Ports | 4 x | 4 x | 4 x | 4 x |
| M.2 SSD Slots | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 | 1 x Gen5 1 x Gen4 | 2 x Gen4 | 2 x Gen4 |
| LAN | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| WiFi | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | 2x2 Wi-Fi 6E | N/A |
| USB (Rear) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 2 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 1 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 1 x Type-A Gen 2 4 x USB 2.0 |
| USB (Front) | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 3 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2x2 3 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 4 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 | 1 x Type-C Gen 2 4 x 3.2 Gen 1 4 x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1 | Realtek 7.1 | Realtek 7.1 | Realtek 7.1 |
| MSRP | N/A | $189 | $199 | $149 |
B650M DSH3: Barebones mATX
If you are looking to spend as little as possible on the motherboard, there are several more barebones alternatives in the smaller micro-ATX form factor. This is also where you may run into boards that easily overheat due to sub-par VRM configurations.
One of the better boards in this category and one of the cheapest overall is Gigabyte’s B650M DSH3. This board shares most of its specifications with the Gaming X model, but lacks a WiFi module and costs around $50 less.
That makes it one of the most affordable B650 motherboards on the market, and unlike certain competitors, it can handle even high-TDP CPUs like the Ryzen 7950X.
Review(s): N/A
Shopping Links: Newegg, Amazon
Chipset Specs: B650 Vs B650E Vs X670E Vs. X670E
Since we are focusing on the best budget B650 motherboards here, this article leaves out most B650E motherboards, as they are usually priced around $300 or higher. By the way, the E stands for “Extreme”, which is a rather interesting designation for a mainstream-tier chipset.
But what are you actually missing out on by opting for the less extreme version of the B650? These are the baseline compromises that must be made when choosing an AMD AM5 motherboard chipset:
| AMD AM5 Chipset Specifications | X670E | X670 | B650E | B650 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCIe Lanes (GPU) | 1x16/2x8 (PCIe 5.0) | 1x16/2x8 (PCIe 4.0) | 1x16/2x8 (PCIe 5.0) | 1x16/2x8 (PCIe 4.0) |
| PCIe Lanes (SSD) | 1x4 PCIe 5.0 | 1x4 PCIe 5.0 | 1x4 PCIe 5.0 | 1x4 PCIe 4.0 (5.0 Optional) |
| PCIe Lanes (Total/5.0) | 44/24 | 44/8 | 36/24 | 36/0 |
| RAM Support | Dual-Channel DDR5-5200 | Dual-Channel DDR5-5200 | Dual-Channel DDR5-5200 | Dual-Channel DDR5-5200 |
| SATA Ports | 8 x | 8 x | 4 x | 4 x |
| USB 10 Gbps Ports | 12 x | 12 x | 6 x | 6 x |
| USB 20 Gbps Ports | 2 x | 2 x | 1 x | 1 x |
| WiFi 6E Integrated | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overclocking Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TDP | 14W (7+7) | 14W (7+7) | 7W | 7W |
While some users may have specific requirements for USB or SATA connectivity, the key consideration for most will be the amount and availability of PCI-Express lanes.
PCIe Gen5 support for the graphics card is only present on boards with E-type chipsets. PCIe 5.0 is unlikely to be needed for mainstream graphics cards in the near future. As of 2023, even the flagship RTX 4090 can make do with PCIe 3.0 bandwidth.
On the other hand, having four Gen5 lanes available for an NVMe SSD is more likely to become a ‘nice-to-have’. The first generation of Gen5 NVMe drives will roll out in 2023 and will eventually be as universally adopted as Gen4 drives are today.
As is evident from the above tables, Gen5 NVMe support can be implemented using PCIe lanes from the CPU but is entirely optional for the motherboard manufacturers (just like with Z790). Some of the cheapest B650 motherboards consequently lack this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Ryzen 5000-series CPU with a B650 motherboard?
No, the B650 chipset and AM5 socket do not support Ryzen processors from the 5000 series such as the Ryzen 5 5600X or Ryzen 7 5800X. Only the Ryzen 7000 series, and possible future processor that also use the AM5 socket, can be used with a B650 motherboard.
Is the Ryzen 7 7800X3D compatible with B650?
Yes, you will be able to use any CPU from the Ryzen 7000 series on a budget B650 motherboard. That includes the X3D models: Ryzen 9 7950X3D, 7900X3D, and Ryzen 7 7800X3D. However, as with any processor with a post-launch release date, you will have to ensure that your BIOS is updated with support for the latest CPUs.
Is a B650 motherboard good for gaming?
Yes, a B650 motherboard is an excellent choice for an affordable gaming PC build. The platform's support for the latest Ryzen 7000-series (including X3D) processors as well as fast DDR5 will ensure good frame rates in combination with a fast graphics card.
Is B650M a separate chipset?
No, the letter 'M' usually means that the motherboard comes in the smaller mATX (micro-ATX) form factor.
Why are B650 motherboard so expensive?
Although B650 motherboards are affordable relative to more advanced chipsets, they are indeed pricier than mainstream boards from previous generations such as B550. One reason is mandatory DDR5 support, which requires improvements in, for example, signal integrity compared to DDR4. Another may be the addition of a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 slot.
Are there any AM5 motherboards with DDR4 support?
No. AMD has made DDR5 a mandatory requirement starting with the Ryzen 7000 generation and that includes all motherboards with the AM5 socket.
Which is better: B550 or B650?
B550 motherboards were (and still are) an excellent choice for the Ryzen 5000 generation. However, B650 brings several generational improvements to the table, not least support for the faster Ryzen 7000-series CPUs. The mandatory DDR5 upgrade is somewhat controversial but an improvement nonetheless. Additionally, most B650 motherboards come with an M.2 slot that supports the latest and fastest PCIe Gen5 SSDs.
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