10 Best Budget Motherboard 2025 in the United States

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.

The Biostar MCP6PB M2+ is a budget-friendly motherboard designed for users with older AMD processors. It supports the Socket AM2+/AM2, making it compatible with a range of AMD processors, including the Phenom II, Phenom, Athlon 64 X2, 64, FX, and Sempron. This versatility is a significant plus for those looking to upgrade older systems without replacing the CPU. The Hyper Transport Technology up to 2G and recommendation for a 95W CPU usage indicate solid performance within its intended scope.

However, its maximum RAM capacity of only 4 GB using DDR2 technology and a memory clock speed of 800 MHz may limit its performance in more demanding applications and multitasking scenarios. The AMD 785E chipset provides a reliable foundation, and the integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 / nforce430a graphics will suffice for basic display needs but will struggle with modern gaming or high-definition video output. The motherboard’s Micro ATX form factor ensures it will fit into smaller cases, making it suitable for compact builds.

The expansion slots and storage options are limited, which might restrict further upgrades. Connectivity options are basic, and audio features are standard but not exceptional. The BIOS/UEFI is user-friendly enough for basic system configurations, although it may lack advanced features for more experienced users. In summary, the Biostar MCP6PB M2+ is a sensible choice for budget-conscious individuals aiming to extend the life of older systems without demanding high performance. It's best suited for simple, everyday computing tasks rather than gaming or intensive workloads.