Products at a Glance
How we picked the best B650 motherboard
Selecting the best B650 motherboards involved scrutinizing various models to determine their features, compatibility, and overall user experience. Publicly available benchmarks and user reviews were key resources, offering insights into each motherboard’s performance and reliability.
Additionally, we considered the manufacturer’s reputation and the motherboard’s price-to-performance ratio. Establishing a balance between cost and features is essential, particularly for budget-oriented options like the B650 motherboards.
However, if this guide isn’t quite what you’re looking for, we’ve got plenty more motherboard features you might want to check out. Two to consider are the best motherboard for the Intel Core i7 147000 CPU and the best motherboard for Core i9 14900K guides.
Product Reviews
- Strong VRM design ensures stability under load.
- Comes with PCIe 5.0 M.2 support.
- Supports high RAM frequencies up to 6600 MHz.
- No USB 4 Thunderbolt support.
- Lacks PCIe 5.0 x16 slot.
The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX motherboard is outfitted with impressive specifications that stand out in its category. With the AMD B650 chipset as its foundation, the motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5-6600 RAM, spread across 4 DIMM slots. For connectivity and expansion, it offers 12 rear USB ports and 7 front USB ports, 1 Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN, and AMD Wi-Fi 6E RZ616.
For users keen on performance, this motherboard aims to please. Its twin 14+2+1 Digital VRM Design and 70A Smart Power Stages ensure that the motherboard can handle high-performance tasks and maintain stability during intense computing sessions.
This would particularly benefit users who require a robust and resilient system for tasks like gaming or content creation. It also supports a high RAM frequency of up to 6600 MHz, which is a boon for applications and games that benefit from fast memory speeds.
- Robust 14+2+1.
- Supports high RAM frequencies.
- Flexible storage options with M.2 ports
- No PCIe 5.0 x16 and additional M.2 slots.
- Lacks a USB 4.0 port.
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is a testament to MSI’s continuous commitment to innovation and performance in the realm of motherboards. With an AMD B650 chipset at its core, it supports an impressive 128GB DDR5-6600+ RAM across 4 DIMM slots, ensuring a fluid and high-performance user experience. Connectivity and expansion are well-taken care of with 10 rear and 7 front USB ports, Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gbps LAN, and AMD WiFi 6E..
Dedicated to performance, the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is built to handle extreme and demanding tasks with a 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System, ensuring stability and performance even under heavy loads.
This makes it an excellent choice for users who are into high-performance gaming, extensive multitasking, or content creation. The motherboard also supports RAM frequencies above 6600 MHz, which is a substantial benefit for users seeking to maximize their system’s performance potential.
- Strong 18+2+1 Duet Rail Power System.
- Provides good value for money.
- Efficient cooling.
- Lacks a 10GB Ethernet port.
- No USB 4 port included.
The MSI MPG B650 Carbon WiFi comes power-packed with features, showcasing its capability as a B650 motherboard. Integrated with an AMD B650 chipset, the motherboard supports a maximum of 128GB DDR5-6600+ RAM across four DIMM slots. The connectivity is robust with 10 rear and 7 front USB ports, Realtek RTL8125 2.5Gbps LAN, and AMD WiFi 6E.
MSI MPG B650 Carbon WiFi stands out due to its effective cooling solutions and user-friendly design. The 18+2+1 Duet Rail Power System indicates a strong and stable power supply to the components, making it a great device for users interested in overclocking and achieving peak performance.
Its efficient cooling solutions, like the M.2 Shield Frozr and an extended heatsink, ensure that the components remain cool during extensive usage, thereby preventing thermal throttling and maintaining a high level of performance.
- Solid 14+2+1 phases design.
- Equipped with a robust 8-Layer PCB.
- Supports PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.
- No PCIe 5.0 x16 support.
- Lacks USB 4 port.
- No built-in WiFi.
The ASRock B650 Pro RS offers a practical design with features that facilitate consistent performance and moderate overclocking. Furnished with a 14+2+1 phases SPS power-stage design, the motherboard ensures that the CPU receives smooth and clean power, enhancing the overclocking capabilities. The robust 8-Layer PCB further contributes to energy efficiency and lower temperatures, making the motherboard more reliable during prolonged usage.
The motherboard is equipped to support 4x DIMM DDR5 memory modules, allowing a total capacity of up to 128GB, with frequencies reaching up to 6200+ MHz. In terms of connectivity, the ASRock B650 Pro RS provides 10 rear and 6 front USB ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port for rapid data transfer rates of up to 20 Gbps.
Despite its solid features, there are areas where the ASRock B650 Pro RS falls short. The absence of PCIe 5.0 x16 support and a USB 4 port limits its high-speed connectivity options, and the lack of built-in WiFi may be a downside for users seeking integrated wireless connectivity options.
Best B650 motherboard: Features and considerations
When choosing a B650 motherboard, several features are paramount to ensure you get the best value and performance. Connectivity options are also crucial, encompassing USB ports, PCIe slots, and RAM slots to provide flexibility and expansion possibilities.
Consideration should also be given to the motherboard’s durability and build quality, ensuring that it can reliably support your system’s components. The BIOS and software that accompany the motherboard should be user-friendly, allowing for easy navigation and adjustments as needed.
Is B650 good for gaming?
Yes, it’s fast, and 128GB should be more than enough for most users. B650 motherboards offer solid performance that caters well to the needs of gamers and content creators alike. They provide a limited yet valuable implementation of PCIe Gen 5, with support for a single M.2 slot, ensuring that users can benefit from faster storage solutions.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis has led us to crown the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX as the Editor’s choice. This motherboard stands out due to its twin 14+2+1 Digital VRM Design and 70A Smart Power Stages, offering robust power delivery to meet the demands of powerful processors.
Its ability to support 6600 MHz RAM frequencies and the inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot ensure that it doesn’t fall short in delivering cutting-edge performance. Other contenders, like the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi, MSI MPG B650 Carbon WiFi, and ASRock B650 Pro RS, also offer a range of features that cater to various user needs, from high-end performance to budget-conscious selections.