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10 Best Budget Motherboard 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen 9000 8000 and 7000 Series SATA3 M.2 DDR5 7200+(OC) 256GB SATA3 6.0 Gb/s ATX Motherboard BIOS Flashback

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,159
Expansion Slots
Connectivity
Audio

Most important from
347 reviews

Expansion Slots
Equipped with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for GPUs, a feature typically reserved for more premium B650E boards, enhancing future-proofing and performance options.
Connectivity
High-quality integrated WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN provide fast and reliable connectivity out of the box.
Audio
Audio quality is solid, featuring a Realtek ALC4082 codec with 7.1 channel support and Nahimic enhancements for immersive sound.
BIOS/UEFI
User-friendly BIOS with an Easy mode simplifies setup for beginners, though the interface resembles a traditional BIOS and can feel overwhelming at first.

The ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E is a solid choice for budget-conscious users looking to build or upgrade a PC with the latest AMD Ryzen processors, specifically the 7000, 8000, and 9000 series. It uses the AM5 socket and B650 chipset, supporting the newest DDR5 RAM at speeds up to 7200 MHz (when overclocked), which is great for future-proofing your system. The motherboard comes in a standard ATX form factor, offering plenty of expansion slots including one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for powerful graphics cards and additional PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 slots for other components.

Storage-wise, it provides versatile options with four SATA3 ports and three M.2 slots, including a fast PCIe Gen5 slot for speedy SSDs. Connectivity is a strong point, featuring WiFi 6E, Bluetooth, multiple USB ports including USB-C, and a 2.5G LAN port, ensuring fast and flexible network connections. For audio, it uses a Realtek ALC4082 codec with 7.1 channel support and Nahimic audio enhancements, delivering good sound quality for gaming or media. The BIOS includes user-friendly features like Flashback and an auto driver installer, which can help with easy setup and updates.

A potential drawback is that it may not be compatible with all pre-built systems, so users upgrading existing PCs should check socket and chipset compatibility carefully. While it offers excellent specs for its price, enthusiasts wanting extreme overclocking or the highest-end features might prefer more premium boards. This motherboard provides a great balance of performance, features, and connectivity for most budget builds focusing on modern AMD processors.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,159
Expansion Slots
Connectivity
Audio

Most important from
347 reviews

Expansion Slots
Equipped with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for GPUs, a feature typically reserved for more premium B650E boards, enhancing future-proofing and performance options.
Connectivity
High-quality integrated WiFi 6E and 2.5G LAN provide fast and reliable connectivity out of the box.
Audio
Audio quality is solid, featuring a Realtek ALC4082 codec with 7.1 channel support and Nahimic enhancements for immersive sound.
BIOS/UEFI
User-friendly BIOS with an Easy mode simplifies setup for beginners, though the interface resembles a traditional BIOS and can feel overwhelming at first.
#2

MSI X670E GAMING PLUS WIFI Gaming Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Processors, AM5, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5Gbps LAN, HDMI/DP,ATX)

Rating
10.0
BIOS/UEFI
Connectivity
Storage Options

Most important from
269 reviews

BIOS/UEFI
BIOS is very user-friendly, featuring easy flashing and one-click overclocking options, with seamless switching between basic and advanced modes.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6E connectivity is strong and reliable after driver installation, offering minimal speed loss even through walls at a good distance.
Storage Options
Despite being a budget-friendly option, the motherboard offers plenty of M.2 slots and USB ports with straightforward performance at advertised speeds.

The MSI X670E GAMING PLUS WIFI is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly motherboard that supports the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. It features the AM5 socket and the high-end X670E chipset, which means it’s built for future-proofing and high performance. You get DDR5 memory support, reaching speeds up to 7800 MHz, and a huge maximum RAM capacity of 256 GB, which is excellent for gaming and demanding tasks.

Expansion options are good, with PCIe 5.0 support for the latest graphics cards and fast M.2 slots for storage, ensuring quick loading times and smooth game experiences. Connectivity is also a strong point, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a speedy 2.5Gbps LAN port, making it easy to connect to networks and peripherals without fuss. The board has a well-thought-out cooling design, with extended heatsinks and M.2 Shield Frozr to keep your system running cool during intense sessions.

While it offers many high-end features, this motherboard is in the budget category but leans toward the higher side of budget pricing due to its advanced specs. It might be more than what casual users need, and the ATX form factor means it requires a mid-to-large case. Also, although MSI’s BIOS/UEFI is user-friendly, beginners may need some time to get familiar with all settings. This motherboard represents a future-ready option that balances cost and performance well, especially for gamers and PC builders aiming for a powerful yet affordable AMD setup.

Rating
10.0
BIOS/UEFI
Connectivity
Storage Options

Most important from
269 reviews

BIOS/UEFI
BIOS is very user-friendly, featuring easy flashing and one-click overclocking options, with seamless switching between basic and advanced modes.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6E connectivity is strong and reliable after driver installation, offering minimal speed loss even through walls at a good distance.
Storage Options
Despite being a budget-friendly option, the motherboard offers plenty of M.2 slots and USB ports with straightforward performance at advertised speeds.
#3

Biostar N68S3B Socket AM3 MCP68S DDR3 A&V&L MATX Motherboard

Rating
10.0
Socket Type
Expansion Slots
BIOS/UEFI

Most important from
1 reviews

Socket Type
Supports a variety of affordable AM3 processors, providing flexibility in CPU choices.
Expansion Slots
Offers good expansion options with PCI and PCIe X16 slots.
BIOS/UEFI
Easy to install with a user-friendly BIOS.

The Biostar N68S3B is a budget-friendly motherboard ideal for those seeking an affordable option for building or upgrading a personal computer. It supports AMD Phenom II, Athlon II, and Sempron processors with its Socket AM3, making it versatile for older CPU models. The motherboard comes with an nVidia MCP68S chipset, which is reliable for basic computing needs.

With 2 DDR3 RAM slots supporting up to 8GB of memory, it can handle general multitasking and everyday applications, though it may be limiting for more demanding tasks. The inclusion of a PCI-Express x16 slot and a standard PCI slot offers some expansion possibilities for adding graphics cards or other peripherals, although more modern motherboards may offer additional slots. Storage needs are addressed with 2 SATA2 ports that support RAID configurations, useful for data redundancy or improved performance.

For audio, it features a VIA VT1708B 6-Channel HD Audio CODEC, which provides decent sound quality for everyday use. Connectivity options include 8 USB 2.0 ports, a VGA port, and an RJ45 LAN port, ensuring basic connectivity needs are met but lacking modern high-speed USB 3.0 or HDMI ports. The motherboard's BIOS/UEFI is user-friendly enough for basic setups and adjustments. While it's not designed for high-end gaming or intense computing tasks, the Biostar N68S3B is a solid choice for budget-conscious users needing a dependable, entry-level motherboard for general purposes.

Rating
10.0
Socket Type
Expansion Slots
BIOS/UEFI

Most important from
1 reviews

Socket Type
Supports a variety of affordable AM3 processors, providing flexibility in CPU choices.
Expansion Slots
Offers good expansion options with PCI and PCIe X16 slots.
BIOS/UEFI
Easy to install with a user-friendly BIOS.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Motherboard

Choosing the right motherboard is crucial as it serves as the backbone of your computer, connecting all the components and allowing them to communicate with each other. When selecting a motherboard, you need to consider several key specifications to ensure compatibility with your other components and to meet your performance needs. Here are the key specs you should focus on and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Form FactorThe form factor of a motherboard refers to its size and shape, which determines the type of case it will fit into. The most common form factors are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. ATX motherboards are the largest and offer the most features and expansion slots, making them ideal for high-performance builds. Micro-ATX boards are smaller and have fewer expansion slots but are still suitable for most users. Mini-ITX boards are the smallest and are great for compact builds but may have limited features. Choose a form factor based on the size of your case and the number of features you need.
Socket TypeThe socket type of a motherboard determines which CPUs are compatible with it. Common socket types include LGA, AM4, and TR4. LGA sockets are used by Intel processors, while AM4 and TR4 sockets are used by AMD processors. It's important to choose a motherboard with a socket type that matches your CPU. If you're planning to upgrade your CPU in the future, consider a socket type that supports a wide range of processors.
ChipsetThe chipset on a motherboard controls communication between the CPU, RAM, and other components. Different chipsets offer varying levels of performance and features. High-end chipsets provide better performance, more USB ports, and advanced features like overclocking support. Mid-range chipsets offer a good balance of performance and features, while budget chipsets are more basic but still functional. Choose a chipset based on your performance needs and the features you require.
RAM CompatibilityMotherboards support different types and amounts of RAM. The most common type is DDR4, but newer boards may support DDR5. The number of RAM slots and the maximum amount of RAM supported can vary. If you need a lot of memory for tasks like video editing or gaming, look for a motherboard with more RAM slots and higher maximum RAM capacity. Ensure the RAM speed supported by the motherboard matches the speed of the RAM you plan to use.
Expansion SlotsExpansion slots on a motherboard allow you to add additional components like graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards. The most common type of expansion slot is PCIe. High-end motherboards have more PCIe slots, which is important if you plan to use multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards. If you only need a single graphics card and a few other components, a motherboard with fewer slots will suffice.
Storage OptionsMotherboards offer various storage options, including SATA ports for traditional hard drives and SSDs, and M.2 slots for faster NVMe SSDs. If you need a lot of storage or want the fastest possible storage speeds, look for a motherboard with multiple SATA ports and M.2 slots. Consider your current and future storage needs when choosing a motherboard.
ConnectivityConnectivity options on a motherboard include USB ports, Ethernet ports, and Wi-Fi. The number and type of USB ports can vary, with newer boards offering USB 3.1 or USB-C ports for faster data transfer. Ethernet ports provide wired internet connectivity, while some motherboards also include built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity. Choose a motherboard with the connectivity options that match your needs, whether it's multiple USB ports for peripherals or built-in Wi-Fi for convenience.
AudioMotherboards come with built-in audio solutions, but the quality can vary. Higher-end motherboards often have better audio components and support for surround sound, which is important for gaming and media consumption. If audio quality is important to you, look for a motherboard with high-quality audio components or consider adding a dedicated sound card.
BIOS/UEFIThe BIOS or UEFI is the firmware that initializes hardware during the boot process and provides an interface for configuring system settings. UEFI is the modern version of BIOS and offers a more user-friendly interface and additional features. A good BIOS/UEFI can make it easier to overclock your CPU and RAM, update firmware, and troubleshoot issues. Look for a motherboard with a well-reviewed BIOS/UEFI for a better user experience.

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