AMD B650 Motherboard Roundup: 35 Motherboards Tested

At this time is the day once we can lastly current to you the outcomes of our in depth AMD B650 motherboard testing. It has been a large enterprise certainly. In whole, we have examined 35 boards, a activity that spanned a number of months, however it’s lastly full.

With that many motherboards, we can’t present every board individually as we usually would, since that alone would devour an hour of your time. As an alternative, we’ll briefly evaluate specs, spotlight some standout choices, and delve into the VRM thermal outcomes. The boards can be offered in ascending order of value, so from most to least inexpensive. We have already lined a few of the cheaper fashions from every model in a devoted roundup, so we’ll contact on these boards solely briefly right here.

The Huge Spec Desk

Beginning at $120

Probably the most inexpensive of those is the Gigabyte B650M Okay. Whereas this board solely prices $120, we do not suggest it as a result of it makes use of discrete MOSFETs moderately than energy phases, leading to subpar VRM thermals when utilizing high-end processors. It additionally has simply two PCIe slots, lacks PCIe 5.0 help – even for the first M.2 slot – and is scant on USB ports. Regardless of the low value, we propose setting your sights on the Asrock B650M-HDV/M.2 as an alternative.

The Asrock board is simply $5 extra, however presents a considerably higher VRM utilizing eight 50A energy phases for the vcore. It options three PCIe growth slots, a PCIe 5.0 M.2, and three extra USB ports. It solely helps twin DIMM, however for many, this could suffice, as the everyday 32GB RAM buy ought to suffice for a number of years.

The Gigabyte B650M DS3H is a board price contemplating. It boasts a strong VRM and respectable growth choices, though it lacks PCIe 5.0 help. Priced at $150, it is well-stocked and contains 4 DIMM slots for reminiscence growth.

The MSI Professional B650M-A WiFi is probably the most inexpensive B650 board that features WiFi help and options 11 USB 3.2 ports. It offers three PCIe slots and two M.2 slots, although none are PCIe 5.0 suitable. Nevertheless, the eight 55A energy stage vcore VRM performs properly, making this a strong choice at $160.

Then, we have now the Asus Prime collection, which incorporates the Prime B650M-A WiFi, Prime B650-Plus, and Prime B650M-A WiFi II. Sadly, we should suggest avoiding these. Just like the ultra-affordable Gigabyte B650M Okay, the Asus Prime boards all use discrete MOSFETs, leading to poor VRM thermals.

The B650-Plus and B650M-A WiFi each exceed 100°C in our testing. The B650M-A WiFi II is marginally higher however at $190, it is a weak providing.

$190 to $250 Motherboards

A a lot better choice at this value level is both the Asrock B650 PG Lightning or PG Riptide WiFi, each priced at $190. The Lightning is an ATX board packing 14 60A energy phases for the vcore VRM, 4 PCIe growth slots, a PCIe 5.0 M.2, and an extra two PCIe 4.0 M.2’s. It additionally presents a plethora of USB ports with help for 11 USB 3.2 ports and eight USB 2.0 ports.

Alternatively, the Riptide is a Micro ATX board, using a dozen 50A energy phases for the vcore. It manages to slot in 4 PCIe slots, although full utilization is simply doable with a single slot graphics card. It has two M.2 slots, with the first slot being PCIe 5.0 suitable. It additionally options 9 USB 3.2 ports, eight USB 2.0 ports, a 2.5Gbit LAN, and WiFi 6E.

One other viable choice at this value level is the Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX, which features a dozen 60A energy phases for the vcore VRM, albeit with simply two PCIe growth slots. It features a PCIe 5.0-enabled M.2 port, an extra PCIe 4.0 M.2, eleven USB 3.2 ports, eight USB 2.0 ports, and WiFi 6E.

Additionally obtainable on the $190 value level is the MSI Professional B650-P WiFi, geared up with a dozen 75A energy phases. This motherboard is a strong choice, although it lacks PCIe 5.0 help. It does present 4 PCIe 4.0 growth slots, a pair of M.2 slots, and, importantly, it is probably the most inexpensive B650 motherboard to supply six SATA ports.

Priced between $200 and $210, we discover the Gigabyte B650M Gaming X AX, B650M Aorus Professional AX, and MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi, all of that are sturdy selections. Our decide from this group could be the Gigabyte B650M Aorus Professional AX, attributable to its 12 70A energy phases and its distinctive supply of PCIe 5.0 M.2 help. Moreover, it comes with eleven USB 3.2 ports and eight USB 2.0 ports.

Conversely, the B650M Gaming X AX, regardless of being $10 cheaper, is not as aggressive attributable to its lack of PCIe 5.0 help and a considerably weaker VRM. The MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi is respectable but additionally lacks PCIe 5.0 M.2 help and has fewer USB ports general.

The Asrock B650 Professional RS, priced at $215, finds itself in a aggressive bracket. It is an ATX board, however for simply $5 extra, the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX, B650 Gaming X AX, and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi can be found.

Nevertheless, the B650 Gaming X AX is a much less enticing choice because the Aorus Elite AX presents a superior product on the identical value, boasting fourteen 70A energy phases for the vcore VRM, PCIe 5.0 M.2 help, and eleven USB 3.2 ports.

In our view, each the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi and Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX outperform the Asrock B650 Professional RS, providing extra USB 3.2 ports and WiFi 6E help. We are likely to favor the Gigabyte board for its PCIe 5.0 M.2 help, however both choice is very passable as they’re each glorious.

The Asus TUF Gaming B650M-Plus WiFi can be noteworthy. It is a MicroATX board with a dozen 60A energy phases for the vcore VRM. Though respectable on paper, it would not actually surpass the B650M Aorus Professional AX, particularly given it presents considerably fewer USB 3.2 ports.

At $230, we discover the Asrock B650 LiveMixer, which is an attention-grabbing option to say the least. Its uniqueness provides it a sure attraction. Whereas this motherboard could not supply standout options at this value level and higher choices can be found, it is not considerably outperformed. Regardless of its lack of WiFi6 help, it does help as much as a formidable 21 USB ports, although solely 9 of them adhere to the three.2 commonplace.

If the daring design of the LiveMixer is not interesting, the Asrock B650E PG Riptide WiFi, priced solely $10 extra, is a superior choice. It shares the identical fourteen 60A energy phases for the vcore VRM, however the Riptide additionally contains PCIe 5.0 help for each the first PCIe slot and the first M.2 slot. It is probably the most inexpensive B650 board to supply this. WiFi 6E help is included, although the variety of USB 3.2 ports is lowered to simply seven.

At $240, Asrock’s B650E PG Riptide WiFi challenges the Asus TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and MSI MPG B650 Edge WiFi, that are additionally priced at $240. The TUF Gaming board significantly struggles right here, the VRM has been downgraded with two fewer 60A energy phases and there isn’t any PCIe 5.0 help past the first M.2 slot, providing no actual benefit to purchasing the Asus board.

The MSI MPG B650 Edge WiFi does obtain a VRM improve with 80A energy phases and 4 extra USB 3.2 ports. Nevertheless, the first PCIe slot loses PCIe 5.0 help. The Edge WiFi competes carefully with Gigabyte’s B650 Aorus Professional AX, although for $10 extra, it boasts a considerably upgraded vcore VRM with sixteen 90A energy phases which, whereas overkill, might be seen as a bonus. Both of those fashions might be viable, however neither fairly match the worth of Asrock’s B650E PG Riptide WiFi.

$250 to $300 Boards

At present priced at $255, the Asus ProArt B650 Creator is an uncommon entry that does not fare properly on paper. It is an elegant-looking motherboard, standing out in comparison with commonplace choices, however it’s common when it comes to options. The VRM, with a dozen 60A energy phases, is extra typical of a $200 board, so not distinctive for core-heavy work with a 7950X, although it’ll definitely suffice.

There is no PCIe 5.0 help for the PCIe growth slots, however there’s a single PCIe 5.0 enabled M.2, together with two extra PCIe 4.0 M.2’s. With simply eight USB 3.2 ports and the one distinctive characteristic being a second wired Ethernet connection, it isn’t particularly thrilling, and the board even lacks WiFi 6, which is considerably stunning. It does embrace a USB-C DisplayPort, the utility of which could range for various customers.

As compared, Gigabyte’s B650 Aero G seems to be a superior creator-type motherboard. The VRM is considerably upgraded with sixteen 90A energy phases for the vcore. It additionally contains WiFi 6E and extra USB 3.2 ports, making it a greater board general.

Nevertheless, at this value level, we might additionally think about the Asrock B650E Metal Legend WiFi. It boasts the identical VRM configuration because the Aero G, however the board presents PCIe 5.0 help for the first PCIe slot. Past that, the characteristic lists of the 2 boards are very related. The one uncommon facet of the Metal Legend is the truth that it helps simply two SATA gadgets and has solely two PCIe slots.

Priced at $280, we discover the Asus ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi. This Asus board appears to be like a bit misplaced at its value level; it actually must be priced beneath $260 to make sense. With solely a dozen 60A energy phases, a vcore VRM configuration that opponents are providing at round $200, no PCIe 5.0 help for the first PCIe slot, and simply seven USB 3.2 ports in whole, all the things else is fairly commonplace.

Making the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi appear much more baffling is the truth that for a similar $280, one can buy the ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi, which options extra highly effective 80A energy phases, contains PCIe 5.0 help for the first PCIe slot, and packs ten USB 3.2 ports together with two extra USB 2.0 ports. In comparison with the Metal Legend, it additionally offers twice as many PCIe slots with the addition of two x1 slots, helpful for including extra SATA ports, for instance.

This mannequin competes properly with MSI’s flagship B650 board, the MPG B650 Carbon WiFi, at present priced at $290. In comparison with the B650-A Gaming, the Carbon loses PCIe 5.0 help for the first PCIe slot, however presents an extra PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot and two extra 80A energy phases. Total, the boards are related, however the Asus board presents superior PCIe 5.0 help.

For Greater than $300…

If one needs to take a position extra in an Asus B650 board, there’s the Asus ROG Strix B650E-E Gaming WiFi priced at a staggering $350. The important thing benefit over the ‘F Gaming’ mannequin is the inclusion of a second PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and a fourth M.2. It is debatable whether or not that is definitely worth the $70 premium, however for these keen to splurge, it is a superb board.

Alternatively, for $20 extra, the Asrock B650E Taichi might be thought-about with its spectacular twenty-four 105A energy stage vcore VRM. Whereas arguably excessive overkill, there isn’t any probability this board even wants VRM heatsinks. Apart from the distinctive VRM, there’s nothing extraordinary, and for $100 much less, the Metal Legend is virtually the identical product.

Subsequent, we have now the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Grasp, which, priced at a staggering $430, had us double-checking a number of instances. Upon launch, this board appeared extra affordable at round $350.

That mentioned, as we have been about to critique the B650E Aorus Grasp and its excessive asking value, evaluating it with different high-end X670E boards made its value appear considerably affordable, a minimum of for these contemplating spending round $400 on a motherboard.

Firstly, it boasts a sixteen 105A vcore VRM, which is excessive overkill, but when for some purpose one is into overclocking, this can be a superb board. It does embrace a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, however moderately than a second one, like Asus did with the E Gaming, it presents not one, however 4 PCIe 5.0 enabled M.2 slots. Personally, we might have most well-liked a second PCIe x16 5.0 slot because it provides quite a lot of flexibility, however nonetheless, 4 PCIe 5.0 M.2’s are noteworthy.

Now, if one wished an analogous spec VRM from an X670E motherboard, the X670E Aorus Grasp would value $490, although the MSI X670E Carbon WiFi for $440 can be a fantastic choice. So at $350, the B650E Aorus Grasp would possibly make sense, however at $400, similar-priced X670E boards might serve higher.

Lastly, for these after an ITX motherboard, we have now examined the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and Asus ROG Strix B650E-I Gaming WiFi. The MSI mannequin prices $270 and the Asus mannequin $330, so each are fairly expensive. Since buying all our B650 boards, the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Extremely for $260 has turn into obtainable, together with the Asrock B650E PG-ITX WiFi for $290.

The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi packs an eight 80A energy stage vcore VRM, however no PCIe 5.0 help. Therefore, there is a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots. Then, you get 9 USB 3.2 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and 4 SATA ports.

For $60 extra, the Asus ROG Strix B650E-I Gaming WiFi presents PCIe 5.0 help for the PCIe x16 slot and a PCIe 5.0 enabled M.2, together with a secondary PCIe 4.0 M.2. It additionally offers eight USB 3.2 ports, 4 USB 2.0 ports, and two SATA connectors. Whereas it is undoubtedly a better-equipped board, whether or not it is definitely worth the premium is up for debate.

VRM Temperatures

Having taken a take a look at every board individually, it is time to get to testing. For testing all B650 boards, we’re utilizing the Gigabyte Aorus C500 Glass case with the Aorus WaterForce X 360mm AIO.

For recording temperatures, we’re utilizing a digital thermometer with Okay-Kind thermocouples and we’ll be reporting the height rear PCB temperature. Lastly, we’re not reporting Delta T over Ambient; as an alternative, we preserve a room temperature of 21 levels and guarantee a constant ambient temperature. A thermocouple is positioned subsequent to the check system.

For the stress check, we’re utilizing the Ryzen 9 7950X and for the load, Cinebench R23, which was looped for an hour, at which level we’re reporting the utmost PCB temperature, once more recorded utilizing Okay-Kind thermocouples.

Listed here are all of the VRM temperature outcomes, and it will not shock anybody to be taught that the Aorus Grasp and Taichi are the 2 finest performing boards right here, although there are a number of Aorus Professional and Elite fashions with related temps within the low 50s.

We should always stress that after VRM temps dip beneath 70c, it would not actually matter which board runs cooler; for core-heavy productiveness in a heat surroundings, all boards will carry out exceedingly properly. Even temperatures sub 80c are very acceptable and actually, it is solely the boards working at over 90c that we might advise avoiding, particularly in hotter climates.

This information merely confirms that the overwhelming majority of B650 boards run at acceptable temperatures with simply three specific boards that you must keep away from for those who’re planning to run a 170w CPU just like the 7950X. Even then, whatever the CPU you intend on utilizing, these boards must be averted as you should buy equally geared up boards on the identical value, and even much less in some situations, that run at a lot decrease VRM temperatures.

So, in a nutshell, any board working at sub 80c temperatures in our testing must be chosen based mostly on value and options, not how cool they in the end run. You would not, for instance, purchase the MSI Tomahawk over the Asrock PG Lighting as a result of it runs 5c cooler in our testing; in reality, it is perhaps wiser to avoid wasting the $30 and get the Asrock board, particularly for those who do not want WiFi because the PCIe 5.0 M.2 help might be extra helpful to you.

Nevertheless, for those who’re evaluating two boards that occupy an analogous value level and supply the identical options, however one runs 10-15c cooler than the opposite, the VRM thermals would possibly affect you to favour the cooler working board. It is simply one other piece of the puzzle, and relying in your wants, you will need to piece all of it collectively.

High Picks at Every Worth Level

There are such a lot of B650 boards – we examined 35, which is insane and regardless of this effort, we did not bought to check all of them. There are nonetheless a number of we have been unable to get, or they have been launched after we rounded up all of the boards we have been going to cowl. Nevertheless, the excellent news is that a lot of the boards are superb, and you’ll spend as little as $125 and nonetheless get a sturdy board that can operate beneath all situations.

There are a number of standout choices, and the $125 Asrock B650M-HDV/M.2 is one in all them. When you’re contemplating the AM5 platform however want to spend as little as doable whereas guaranteeing a strong improve path sooner or later, the HDV is the board for you.

The Gigabyte B650M DS3H can be glorious, however we consider the HDV surpasses it and at a less expensive value level. The one potential benefit of the DS3H is its additional DIMM slots for reminiscence growth, however for those who do not want that, the Asrock board is a greater choice in our opinion.

When you have been contemplating the DS3H, the MSI Professional B650M-A WiFi is a greater purchase proper now. For simply $10 extra, you get an additional PCIe growth slot, extra USB 3.2 ports, and WiFi 6E.

By way of the perfect MicroATX B650 board, our decide is the Gigabyte B650M Aorus Professional AX, providing PCIe 5.0 M.2 help, an excellent VRM, and loads of USB 3.2 ports, all for $210. Basically, it outperforms the Asus TUF Gaming B650M-Plus WiFi, MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi and Gigabyte’s personal B650M Aorus Elite AX and B650M Gaming X AX.

Now, for those who’re after an inexpensive ATX B650 board, there are a number of choices priced between $190 and $220. None of them supply PCIe 5.0 x16 help, although some do supply PCIe 5.0 M.2 help. These fashions embrace the Asrock B650 PG Lightning, Asrock B650 Professional RS, and Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX. Of those boards, the PG Lightning is the most cost effective, but it presents probably the most PCIe slots, three M.2 slots in whole and a beneficiant array of USB ports. The one factor it lacks relative to the competitors is WiFi, however for those who do not care about WiFi, then it is our suggestion as the perfect worth B650 ATX motherboard.

For WiFi 6E help out of the field, both the MSI Professional B650-P WiFi or Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX will serve you properly.

Now, among the many B650E boards, the perfect worth choice can be the most cost effective – the Asrock B650E PG Riptide WiFi. Nevertheless, it’s considerably restricted on USB 3.2 ports, providing solely seven. So, for those who want extra, a $30 premium can be required to amass Asrock’s B650E Metal Legend WiFi. Do be aware, nevertheless, that this board solely options 2 SATA ports and a couple of PCIe slots. Therefore, the Asus ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi is our prime all-around B650E board at $280. You get 4 PCIe growth slots, three M.2 slots, ten USB 3.2 ports, with an extra eight USB 2.0 ports, and there are additionally 4 SATA ports.

Past that, it is actually between the Asus ROG Strix B650E-E Gaming WiFi, Asrock B650E Taichi, and Gigabyte B650E Aorus Grasp. The Aorus Grasp value would not make a lot sense at the moment. The Taichi is an honest board however is not spectacular at something, although it does supply USB 4 help out of the field, which is perhaps helpful to you.

That leaves Asus’ E Gaming, which we predict is the perfect high-end choice right here. The truth that it presents two PCIe 5.0 enabled x16 slots is an enormous plus. We’re not saying you want that, however if you’d like it, that is the most cost effective technique of buying that configuration. The MSI MPG X670E Carbon WiFi is probably the most inexpensive X670E board to supply two PCIe 5.0 enabled x16 slots and it prices $440. Thus, you are almost a $100 low cost with this Asus B650E mannequin.

The Asus’ E Gaming can be probably the most inexpensive of the three boards and though it has the weakest VRM, it is nonetheless considerably overpowered, peaking at simply 60c with the 7950X. Subsequently, the Asus ROG Strix B650E-E Gaming WiFi is the board we might decide if we have been trying to spend comfortably over $300 on a B650 motherboard.

And with that mentioned, tell us which of those B650 boards you are planning on shopping for, or maybe you’ve got already purchased your board. Both method, tell us within the feedback part. Hopefully, this B650 shopping for information was useful to you. If that’s the case, please share it along with your friends; it’d assist us muster up the power to do that once more with one other technology of motherboards.

Purchasing Shortcuts:

• Asrock B650M-HDV/M.2 on Amazon
• Gigabyte B650M DS3H on Amazon
• MSI Professional B650M-A WiFi on Amazon
• Gigabyte B650M Aorus Professional AX on Gigabyte
• Asrock B650 PG Lightning on Amazon
• MSI Professional B650-P WiFi on Amazon
• Asrock B650E PG Riptide WiFi on Amazon
• Asus ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi on Amazon
• AMD Ryzen 9 7950X on Amazon