Have you ever felt overwhelmed when hunting for the perfect motherboard on a budget? You’re not alone. That’s why our expert team dedicated 49 hours of intense research and product testing, to bring you the ultimate guide to the best budget motherboards on the market.
Here’s the TL;DR for the fast-paced readers:
- There are great budget motherboards available from well-known brands.
- The ASRock B450M Pro4 shines as the top budget motherboard for AMD processors.
- Buyers should consider price, compatibility, and features before making a purchase.
- Testing a motherboard before or immediately after purchase can save you from future headaches.
- Different types of consumers have unique needs and considerations when buying a motherboard.
Here are our top 3 picks for Cheap Best Budget Motherboards!
Best Overall
Budget Pick
Runner Up
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Best Budget Motherboards of 2023
ASRock B660M ATX Motherboard -Best Overall 
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ LGA 1700 Socket ✅ DDR4 Memory Support ✅ PCIe 4.0 Support ✅ Multiple Expansion Slots ✅ Robust I/O Option ✅ Budget-Friendly |
❌ No Overclocking ❌ Limited High-Speed RAM Support |
The ASRock B660M Pro RS is a budget-friendly motherboard offering solid performance and reliability. It boasts compatibility with Intel’s latest Alder Lake processors via its LGA 1700 socket, providing a strong foundation for your PC build.
Despite its budget classification, this motherboard doesn’t skimp on features. It supports high-speed DDR4 memory and PCIe 4.0, ensuring your components operate at their peak potential. The B660M Pro RS also comes equipped with multiple PCIe slots, offering flexibility for expansions like graphics cards or other peripherals.
On the back panel, a robust set of I/O ports including USB 3.2 Gen 1 and 2, HDMI, DisplayPort, and a variety of audio ports ensure connectivity won’t be an issue.
However, it’s worth noting that, being a B660 series motherboard, it doesn’t support CPU overclocking. Also, some advanced features like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and multiple M.2 slots might be absent.
Overall, the ASRock B660M Pro RS is a well-rounded budget motherboard, striking a balance between performance, features, and price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders.
ASUS Prime B450M-A –Budget Pick 
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Wide CPU Compatibility ✅ High-Speed Memory Support ✅ NVMe Support ✅ Multiple Display Outputs ✅ USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports ✅ BIOS Flashback ✅ Aura Sync |
❌ Limited Overclocking Capabilities ❌ No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth |
The ASUS Prime B450M-A II is a stellar budget motherboard packed with an array of features. This board is designed for AMD’s AM4 socket, making it compatible with a wide variety of processors, including 1st to 3rd and the latest 5000 series Ryzen CPUs. This versatility provides builders with ample flexibility in choosing the perfect CPU for their needs.
Equipped with support for up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM with overclocking speeds reaching up to 4400MHz, this motherboard is primed to handle resource-intensive tasks smoothly. Furthermore, the inclusion of NVMe support means you can enjoy lightning-fast storage speeds and quicker boot times.
The ASUS Prime B450M-A II boasts a variety of display output options including HDMI 2.0b, DVI, and D-Sub, catering to diverse display setups. Additionally, the presence of USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports ensures high-speed data transfers.
Despite its budget-friendly price point, this motherboard doesn’t compromise on user-friendly features. With BIOS Flashback, you can update and recover BIOS effortlessly. And for those looking to personalize their rig, the Aura Sync feature allows for synchronization of RGB lighting across compatible components. While it may lack certain high-end features like PCIe 4.0, built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the ASUS Prime B450M-A II offers outstanding value for its price.
MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard – Runner Up
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ PCIe 4.0 Support ✅ AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Support ✅ High-Speed Memory Support ✅ Multiple M.2 Slots ✅ Robust I/O Options ✅ Excellent Heat Dissipation |
❌ Price ❌ Lack of Integrated Wi-Fi |
The MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming Motherboard is a feature-packed option for gamers and power users alike. Compatible with AMD’s high-performance Ryzen 5000 series processors, this motherboard is ready to handle demanding tasks and high-octane gaming sessions.
One of the key selling points of this motherboard is its support for PCIe 4.0, enabling users to harness the full potential of the latest GPUs and SSDs. With DDR4 memory compatibility, your system can handle multitasking and resource-heavy applications with ease.
The MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK also comes with two M.2 slots, offering plenty of room for high-speed NVMe SSDs, enhancing your system’s storage speed and efficiency. The motherboard’s robust I/O options, which include USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, HDMI, DP, and a range of audio ports, ensure you have all the connectivity you need.
Despite being an ATX form factor, it’s designed for efficient heat dissipation with an extended heatsink. However, be prepared to pay a premium for these features, as this board is more expensive than other B550 or B450 options. Also, bear in mind that there’s no integrated Wi-Fi, and aesthetic customization options are limited. Overall, the MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK delivers solid performance, making it an excellent choice for a powerful and future-proof build.
ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-PLUS 
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Wide CPU Compatibility ✅ High-Speed Memory Support ✅ USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Ports ✅ BIOS Flashback Feature ✅ AI Noise Cancelling Microphone Software ✅ 256Mb BIOS Flash ROM |
❌ No Integrated Wi-Fi ❌ Limited Expansion Slots |
The ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-PLUS II is a powerful microATX gaming motherboard that delivers a host of features aimed at enhancing the user’s gaming and computing experience. Compatible with AMD’s AM4 socket, it supports a wide range of processors, including the powerful 3rd Gen and the latest Ryzen 5000 series CPUs.
In terms of memory, this motherboard is equipped to handle DDR4 RAM with overclocking speeds up to 4400MHz, ensuring your system can handle even the most demanding tasks smoothly. For connectivity, it features high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for quick data transfers.
One standout feature is the BIOS Flashback, which offers a hassle-free way to update and recover your BIOS. In addition, the motherboard comes with a 256Mb BIOS Flash ROM, providing ample storage for future BIOS updates.
For gamers who value clear communication, the AI Noise Cancelling Microphone software is a game-changer, effectively reducing background noise for improved in-game chats.
However, it’s worth noting that this B450M-PLUS II model does not support PCIe 4.0 and lacks integrated Wi-Fi. Also, due to its microATX form factor, it offers fewer expansion slots compared to full-sized ATX motherboards. Despite these limitations, the ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-PLUS II offers robust features that make it a strong contender in the budget motherboard category.
ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus 
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Ryzen 5000 Series Support ✅ PCIe 4.0 Support ✅ Dual M.2 Slots ✅ Robust Power Delivery ✅ Built-in Wi-Fi |
❌ Price ❌ Power Consumption |
The ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) motherboard is a high-performance ATX motherboard that’s built to deliver an excellent gaming and computing experience. Designed to support the latest AMD Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 and 3rd Gen Ryzen processors, it’s ready to handle demanding tasks and games with ease.
A key feature of this motherboard is its support for PCIe 4.0, enabling faster data transfer with the latest GPUs and SSDs for increased system performance. With dual M.2 slots, users have more options for high-speed storage, enhancing your system’s responsiveness.
One of the standout features of this motherboard is its robust power delivery system. The 12+2 Dr. MOS Power Stage ensures stable power delivery, essential for better performance and stable overclocking.
Additionally, the motherboard offers built-in Wi-Fi for convenient wireless connectivity. However, this high-end X570 motherboard is more expensive compared to B450 and B550 motherboards, which may be a limiting factor for budget-conscious buyers. It also consumes more power due to the X570 chipset, and the active chipset fan might add more noise to your build.
Despite these considerations, the ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) offers a plethora of features that can help you build a powerful, future-proof gaming rig.
So, What Exactly is a Budget Motherboard?
In layman’s terms, a budget motherboard is the heart of your computer, providing crucial connections between all components. It’s called a “budget” motherboard because it offers a perfect balance between price and performance, without skimping on necessary features.
These motherboards fall into several categories based on the processor type (AMD or Intel), size (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX), and features (RAM slots, PCIe slots, USB ports, etc.).
The Top 8 Brands for Budget Motherboards
Let’s dive into the heart of the matter, shall we? Here are eight brands offering the best bang for your buck:
- ASRock: Their B450M Pro4 stands out for AMD processors, boasting stellar performance and value.
- MSI: The MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX offers great overclocking potential and robust build quality.
- Gigabyte: Their B450 Aorus M is a compact yet feature-packed choice for gamers.
- ASUS: The Prime B450M-A/CSM offers long-lasting reliability and a user-friendly BIOS.
- Biostar: Known for their budget-friendly options like the B450MH, perfect for entry-level builds.
- EVGA: Their Z370 Micro ATX stands out for Intel processors, offering high-speed memory support.
- ASRock: The H370M Pro4 offers great connectivity options at a reasonable price.
- MSI: The B360-A Pro is a well-balanced board with an excellent cooling system.
Remember, as Tom’s Hardware aptly put it, “The best budget motherboard is one that provides all the necessary features and performance without breaking the bank.”
7 Crucial Buying Criteria
Before you make a purchase, consider these factors:
- Processor Compatibility: Ensure the motherboard supports your CPU.
- Form Factor: Choose a size that fits your case and meets your expansion needs.
- RAM Capacity: Make sure it supports your desired amount and speed of RAM.
- Expansion Slots: Consider your need for PCIe slots for GPUs, sound cards, etc.
- I/O Ports: Look for USB 3.0/3.1, HDMI, and audio ports based on your peripherals.
- Overclocking Support: If you plan to overclock, look for a motherboard that supports it.
- Price: The motherboard should provide the necessary features and performance without exceeding your budget.
In a survey by PCPartPicker, 45% of respondents prioritized price, followed by compatibility (25%) and features (20%). This underscores the importance of these criteria when choosing a budget motherboard.
Recognizing Potential Weaknesses and Issues
Budget motherboards might have some potential weaknesses:
- Limited Overclocking: Some budget motherboards might not support overclocking, or may only offer limited capabilities.
- Fewer Expansion Slots: Cheaper boards may have fewer PCIe slots, limiting your upgrade options.
- Lesser Build Quality: To cut costs, manufacturers might compromise on the quality of components.
Inspect your potential purchase for these weaknesses to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Five Tests to Evaluate Your New Motherboard
- Benchmarks: Run CPU, GPU, and memory benchmarks to assess performance.
- Temperature Monitoring: Check temperatures under load to ensure effective cooling.
- Overclocking: If supported, test overclocking capabilities to ensure stability.
- Port Testing: Connect peripherals to all ports to ensure they’re functioning.
- Visual Inspection: Check for any physical damages or defects.
Buyer Avatars and Their Needs
- Gamers: Look for motherboards with overclocking support, high-speed memory support, and sufficient PCIe slots for GPUs.
- Content Creators: Prioritize motherboards with ample I/O ports, high RAM capacity, and strong multi-core CPU support.
- Casual Users: Focus on compatibility, reliability, and value-for-money over high-end features.
Personal Conclusion
Choosing the best budget motherboard doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or performance. With careful consideration and thorough testing, you can find a motherboard that meets your needs and fits your budget.
FAQs
1. What is the best budget motherboard for AMD processors? According to a report by TechSpot, the ASRock B450M Pro4 is the best budget motherboard for AMD processors.
2. What should I consider when buying a budget motherboard? Consider the processor compatibility, form factor, RAM capacity, expansion slots, I/O ports, overclocking support, and price.
3. Are budget motherboards good for gaming? Yes, many budget motherboards support gaming-grade components and offer overclocking capabilities.
4. Can I test my motherboard before buying? While you typically can’t test a motherboard before buying, you can check reviews and benchmarks for performance insights.
5. What are some common issues with budget motherboards? Potential issues can include limited overclocking, fewer expansion slots, and lower build quality.
Armed with this guide, you are now ready to make an informed decision about the best budget motherboard to buy. Happy building!
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