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10 Best Budget Motherboard 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,220
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
Chosen by1,220
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.
#3

Biostar 198118 Motherboard Tb250-btc Core I7/i5/i3 Lga1151 B250 Ddr4 Sata Pci Express Usb Atx Retail

Rating
9.9
Expansion Slots
BIOS/UEFI

Most important from
199 reviews

Expansion Slots
Works great for mining and general use, even for gaming if you're not overclocking.
BIOS/UEFI
Setting the BIOS to 'Mining' mode is crucial for stability when using more than 3 GPUs.

The Biostar 198118 Motherboard Tb250-btc is an ATX form factor motherboard with an LGA 1151 socket, supporting Intel Core i7, i5, i3, Celeron, and Pentium processors. It utilizes the Intel B250 chipset, which is suitable for budget builds, offering a solid balance between performance and cost. The motherboard supports DDR4 RAM up to 32 GB with a memory clock speed of 2400 MHz, which is sufficient for basic computing tasks and moderate multitasking.

This makes it a good choice for users looking to build a budget-friendly personal computer for everyday use or light gaming. It includes multiple PCI Express slots, which are great for adding expansion cards, such as graphics cards or additional storage controllers. Storage options include SATA ports, ensuring compatibility with traditional hard drives and SSDs. Connectivity is decent with four USB 2.0 ports, though it lacks USB 3.0 ports which are faster and more commonly used in newer peripherals.

Audio capabilities are standard, suitable for typical use but might not satisfy audiophiles seeking high-definition sound. The BIOS/UEFI interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, simplifying system setup and configuration for less tech-savvy users. While it may not have all the high-end features found in more expensive models, its solid performance and compatibility make it a reliable choice for budget-conscious users looking to build or upgrade their PCs without breaking the bank.

Rating
9.9
Expansion Slots
BIOS/UEFI

Most important from
199 reviews

Expansion Slots
Works great for mining and general use, even for gaming if you're not overclocking.
BIOS/UEFI
Setting the BIOS to 'Mining' mode is crucial for stability when using more than 3 GPUs.

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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