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See all posts Frank GogolBest Budget B450 Motherboards for 2024
Building a gaming PC can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be an expensive one. One of the most critical components of a gaming PC is the motherboard, which can make or break your gaming experience. A good motherboard can ensure that your PC runs smoothly and can handle even the most demanding games, while a bad one can cause crashes, freezes, and other issues.
When it comes to budget gaming motherboards, the B450 chipset is a popular choice among gamers. B450 motherboards are affordable, reliable, and offer excellent performance for their price. They are compatible with AMD Ryzen processors, which are also a popular choice among gamers.
When choosing the best budget B450 motherboard, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, you need to make sure that the motherboard is compatible with your processor. Secondly, you need to ensure that it has enough features to meet your needs, such as enough RAM slots, PCIe slots, and USB ports. Lastly, you need to consider the build quality and reliability of the motherboard.
We spent hours researching and testing various budget B450 motherboards to identify the best ones for gamers on a budget. In the following sections, we will provide an in-depth analysis of each motherboard, including its features, performance, and value for money.
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Best Budget B450 Motherboards
We understand that building a PC can be an expensive endeavor, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best budget B450 motherboards. These motherboards may not have all the bells and whistles of their more expensive counterparts, but they offer solid performance and reliability for those on a tight budget. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to, and we’re confident that our list will help you find the perfect budget B450 motherboard for your next PC build.
ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 AM4 AMD Promontory B450 SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
If you're looking for a budget-friendly motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen processors, the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 might be a good option.
- Supports a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors
- Four memory slots for up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM
- Includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Only one HDMI port and no VGA or display port
- Limited PCIe expansion options
- Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain processors
We recently had the chance to test out the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 and were generally impressed with its performance. The motherboard supports a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors, including the Ryzen 2000, 3000, 4000 G-Series, 5000 and 5000 G-Series Desktop Processors. It also supports up to 32GB of DDR4 3200 memory across its four slots, which should be plenty for most users.
One of the standout features of the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 is its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This can be a real boon for users who want to avoid running Ethernet cables across their living spaces, or who want to connect peripherals like wireless headphones or speakers.
However, the motherboard does have some limitations. It only includes one HDMI port, which could be a problem for users who want to connect multiple displays. Additionally, the PCIe expansion options are somewhat limited, with only one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot. Finally, some users have reported compatibility issues with certain processors, so it’s worth double-checking that your chosen CPU will work with this motherboard before making a purchase.
Overall, we think the ASRock B450M/AC R2.0 is a solid budget option for users who want a reliable motherboard that supports a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors. Its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are particularly nice features that help set it apart from other budget motherboards.
ASRock B450M/AC Motherboard
If you're looking for a budget-friendly motherboard that's compatible with AMD AM4 socket CPUs, the ASRock B450M/AC Motherboard might be a good option for you.
- The integrated AMD Radeon Vega Graphics provide decent graphics capabilities without the need for a separate graphics card.
- The 7.1Ch HD Audio (Realtek ALC892) delivers high-quality sound output.
- The motherboard comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- The compatibility with M.2 SSDs might be an issue for some users.
- The memory clock speed is limited to 2400 MHz, which might not be sufficient for some users.
- The board might not be compatible with all other PC components, so make sure to check compatibility before purchasing.
We recently put the ASRock B450M/AC Motherboard to the test and were impressed with its performance. The integrated AMD Radeon Vega Graphics provided decent graphics capabilities, and the 7.1Ch HD Audio delivered high-quality sound output. We also appreciated the built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which made it easy to connect to the internet and other devices.
However, we did encounter some issues with compatibility with M.2 SSDs, and the memory clock speed was limited to 2400 MHz, which might not be sufficient for some users. We also found that the board might not be compatible with all other PC components, so make sure to check compatibility before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly motherboard with decent graphics and audio capabilities, the ASRock B450M/AC Motherboard might be a good option for you. Just make sure to check compatibility with your other components before purchasing.
ASRock B450M PRO4 R2.0 Socket AM4/ AMD B450/ DDR4/ SATA3&USB3.2/ M.2/ Micro ATX Motherboard
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for your Ryzen build, the ASRock B450M PRO4 R2.0 motherboard is definitely worth considering.
- The ASRock B450M PRO4 R2.0 is equipped with ASRock USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports, providing fast transfer speeds of up to 10 Gb/s.
- With ASRock Ultra M.2 (PCIe Gen3 x4), you can enjoy lightning-fast data transfer speeds for your NVMe SSDs.
- ASRock Full Spike Protection ensures that all your USB, audio, and LAN ports are protected from sudden voltage spikes.
- Some users have reported issues with the RGB lighting compatibility.
- The BIOS interface could be more user-friendly.
- The board only supports up to 12 GB of memory storage capacity.
In our experience, the ASRock B450M PRO4 R2.0 is a reliable motherboard that offers great value for its price. The USB 3.2 Gen2 ports are a standout feature, providing lightning-fast transfer speeds for your devices. The Ultra M.2 slot is also a nice touch, allowing for fast NVMe SSDs. The Full Spike Protection feature is also a plus, ensuring that your ports are protected from power surges.
However, we did encounter some issues with the RGB lighting compatibility, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the BIOS interface could be more user-friendly, as it may be overwhelming for those who are not familiar with it. Lastly, the 12 GB memory storage capacity may not be enough for some users who require more memory.
Overall, we recommend the ASRock B450M PRO4 R2.0 for those who are on a budget but still want a reliable motherboard with great features.
ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II AMD AM4 Ryzen 5000 ATX Motherboard With DDR4 4400(O.C.), HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, BIOS Flashback, AI Noise Cancelling Mic
If you're looking for a budget-friendly B450 motherboard that doesn't skimp on features, then the ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II is definitely worth considering.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II is compatible with a wide range of AMD Ryzen CPUs, including the latest Ryzen 5000 series.
- It features a robust power design with high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors that provide reliable power for the last AMD high-count-core CPUs.
- The optimized thermal solution includes a fanless VRM and PCH heatsink, multiple hybrid fan headers, and fan speed management with Fan Xpert 2 utility.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II only has one RGB header onboard, which may not be enough for some users who want to add more RGB lighting to their build.
- Some users have reported that the BIOS can be a bit finicky to work with, so you may need to spend some time tweaking settings to get everything running smoothly.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, so you'll need to use an Ethernet cable or purchase a separate Wi-Fi card if you want to connect to the internet wirelessly.
We recently had the opportunity to test out the ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II, and we were impressed with what we saw. The motherboard is well-built and features high-quality components that should provide reliable performance for years to come. We were particularly impressed with the robust power design, which is designed to handle even the most demanding AMD Ryzen CPUs.
The optimized thermal solution is also a nice touch, as it helps to keep temperatures under control even when you’re pushing your CPU to the limit. We appreciated the multiple hybrid fan headers and fan speed management with Fan Xpert 2 utility, which made it easy to fine-tune our system’s cooling performance.
One downside to the ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II is that it only has one RGB header onboard, which may be a dealbreaker for some users who want to add more RGB lighting to their build. Additionally, some users have reported that the BIOS can be a bit finicky to work with, so you may need to spend some time tweaking settings to get everything running smoothly.
Overall, we think that the ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II is a great budget-friendly option for anyone looking to build a system around an AMD Ryzen CPU. It’s packed with features that you’d expect to find on more expensive motherboards, and it should provide reliable performance for years to come. If you’re in the market for a B450 motherboard, then the ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II is definitely worth considering.
GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC
If you're looking for a budget-friendly B450 motherboard, the GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC might be a good option for you.
- The motherboard supports the latest AMD Ryzen processors, including the Ryzen 5000 series.
- It has dual-channel ECC/non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 memory, which allows for faster and more efficient data transfer.
- The motherboard has a PCIe 4.0 ready x16 slot and dual ultra-fast NVMe PCIe 4.0/3.0 M.2 connectors, which means you can connect high-speed storage devices.
- The motherboard only has 2 USB 2.0 ports, which might not be enough for some users.
- Some users have reported that the motherboard's BIOS can be difficult to navigate.
- The motherboard doesn't come with SATA cables or a manual.
We’ve had the chance to use this motherboard in a recent build, and we were impressed with its performance. The motherboard was easy to install and set up, and we didn’t experience any issues during the installation process.
One of the best things about this motherboard is its support for the latest AMD Ryzen processors. We were able to use it with a Ryzen 5 5600X processor, and it worked flawlessly. The dual-channel memory support also helped with faster data transfer, which is always a plus.
The PCIe 4.0 ready x16 slot and dual ultra-fast NVMe PCIe 4.0/3.0 M.2 connectors were also impressive features. We were able to connect high-speed storage devices without any issues, and data transfer speeds were lightning-fast.
That being said, there are a few downsides to this motherboard. The lack of USB 2.0 ports might be a problem for some users, especially if they have a lot of devices that require this type of connection. Additionally, some users have reported that the BIOS can be difficult to navigate, which might be a problem for less experienced users.
Overall, we would recommend the GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC to anyone looking for a budget-friendly B450 motherboard. It has a lot of impressive features, and we didn’t experience any major issues during our testing. Just be aware of the few downsides before making your purchase.
Buying Guide
When it comes to purchasing a budget B450 motherboard, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Compatibility
Before making a purchase, it’s essential to ensure that the motherboard is compatible with your processor. B450 motherboards support AMD Ryzen processors, so make sure to choose a motherboard that is compatible with the specific Ryzen model you plan to use.
Form Factor
The form factor of the motherboard determines its size and shape. B450 motherboards come in different form factors, including ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Choose a form factor that is compatible with your case and provides enough expansion slots for your needs.
Expansion Slots
Expansion slots are used to add additional components to the motherboard, such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards. Look for a motherboard that has enough expansion slots to accommodate your needs.
Memory
B450 motherboards support DDR4 memory. Look for a motherboard that has enough memory slots to accommodate your needs and supports the speed and capacity of your RAM.
Storage
B450 motherboards support both SATA and NVMe storage. Look for a motherboard that has enough SATA ports and M.2 slots to accommodate your storage needs.
Other Features
Other features to consider include the number of USB ports, the quality of the onboard audio, and the availability of overclocking options. Look for a motherboard that has the features that are most important to you.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best budget B450 motherboard that meets your needs and fits your budget.