In the realm of PC building, striking a balance between affordability and performance can be a challenge. However, with the advent of AMD’s AM4 socket, enthusiasts and budget-conscious builders alike can rejoice, as it unlocks a plethora of options for high-quality, cost-effective motherboards. Embarking on a journey to find the best budget AM4 motherboard can be a thrilling endeavor. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a budding novice, the AM4 platform offers an array of choices that cater to diverse needs and budgets. As we delve into the depths of this captivating motherboard segment, let us unveil the crème de la crème of budget AM4 options, guiding you towards the perfect foundation for your next computing masterpiece.
Before embarking on our exploration of the budget AM4 motherboard landscape, it’s essential to establish a clear definition of what constitutes “budget.” In this context, we have meticulously selected motherboards that offer exceptional value for money, typically ranging between $50 and $150. While these motherboards may not boast the cutting-edge features of their high-end counterparts, they provide a solid foundation for a wide range of computing tasks. Whether you’re assembling a modest workstation, a gaming rig, or simply a reliable daily driver, our curated list of budget AM4 motherboards has something to offer. Transitioning from the realm of definitions, let us now delve into the captivating world of budget AM4 motherboards, showcasing their strengths, key features, and the reasons why they stand out in the marketplace.
Among the contenders in the budget AM4 motherboard arena, one that consistently garners praise and admiration is the ASRock B450M Pro4. This motherboard strikes an impressive balance between affordability and functionality, providing a comprehensive feature set at a highly competitive price point. Boasting support for both Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors, the ASRock B450M Pro4 offers excellent upgradeability, ensuring you can keep pace with the latest technological advancements without breaking the bank. Furthermore, its robust VRM design and ample connectivity options, including multiple USB ports and SATA connectors, make it a versatile choice for various builds. As we shift our attention to other notable budget AM4 motherboards, one cannot overlook the ASUS Prime B450M-A, which has garnered a reputation for its stability and reliability.
Choosing the Best Budget AM4 Motherboard
Choosing the right budget AM4 motherboard can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Chipset: The chipset is the heart of the motherboard, and it plays an important role in determining the motherboard’s features and performance. For a budget AM4 motherboard, the A320 chipset is a great choice. It offers basic features like support for up to 32GB of RAM and PCIe 3.0 slots, and it’s typically available for around $50. If you need more features, the B450 chipset is a good option. It offers support for up to 64GB of RAM, PCIe 4.0 slots, and overclocking, and it’s typically available for around $70.
Socket: The socket is the connector on the motherboard that the CPU plugs into. For AM4 motherboards, you’ll need a motherboard with an AM4 socket. All AM4 motherboards have an AM4 socket, so you don’t need to worry about compatibility issues.
Form factor: The form factor refers to the size and shape of the motherboard. ATX is the most common form factor, and it’s a good choice for most people. It’s large enough to accommodate all of the components you need, but it’s not too large that it’s difficult to install. If you’re building a small PC, you may want to consider a micro-ATX or mini-ITX motherboard. These motherboards are smaller than ATX motherboards, but they still offer all of the features you need.
| Chipset | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| A320 | Support for up to 32GB of RAM PCIe 3.0 slots |
$50 |
| B450 | Support for up to 64GB of RAM PCIe 4.0 slots Overclocking |
$70 |
Understanding AM4 Socket Compatibility
Socket Type and Chipset Compatibility
The AM4 socket is a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket designed for AMD processors. It features 1331 pins and is compatible with a wide range of AMD processors, including the Ryzen 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000, and 7000 series. The specific chipset on the motherboard, however, determines which specific processors are compatible.
Chipset Features and Connectivity
The chipset plays a crucial role in determining the motherboard’s capabilities. Motherboards with different chipsets offer varying levels of support for features such as PCIe lanes, SATA ports, USB headers, and overclocking. For budget-oriented builds, the A320 and B450 chipsets are popular options as they provide essential features at an affordable price.
| Chipset | PCIe Lanes | SATA Ports | USB Headers | Overclocking Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A320 | 22 | 4 | 8 | No |
| B450 | 32 | 6 | 10 | Yes |
Form Factor Considerations: ATX vs. mATX vs. ITX
ATX
ATX motherboards are the largest and most feature-rich of the three form factors.
They are typically used in full-tower and mid-tower cases and offer a wide range of expansion options, including multiple PCIe slots, SATA ports, and USB ports. ATX boards also tend to have more robust power delivery systems than mATX or ITX boards, making them better suited for high-performance CPUs and graphics cards.
mATX
mATX motherboards are smaller than ATX boards, but they offer many of the same features. They are typically used in mid-tower and compact cases and offer a good balance of size, features, and price. mATX boards typically have fewer expansion options than ATX boards, but they still offer enough room for most users to install a graphics card, a few storage drives, and a couple of PCIe cards.
ITX
ITX motherboards are the smallest and most compact of the three form factors. They are typically used in small form-factor (SFF) cases and offer a limited number of expansion options. ITX boards are not ideal for high-performance builds, but they are perfect for HTPC builds and other space-constrained applications.
| Form Factor | Size | Expansion Options | Price |
| ———– | — | ———– | ———– |
| ATX | 12″ x 9.6″ | 7+ PCIe slots, 6+ SATA ports | Most expensive |
| mATX | 9.6″ x 9.6″ | 4+ PCIe slots, 4+ SATA ports | Mid-range price |
| ITX | 6.7″ x 6.7″ | 1-2 PCIe slots, 2-4 SATA ports | Least expensive |
Chipset Overview: B450 vs. X470 vs. B550
When choosing an AM4 motherboard, the chipset plays a crucial role. The three primary chipsets for budget-friendly AM4 motherboards are the B450, X470, and B550.
B450
The B450 is a value-oriented chipset that offers solid performance and essential features. It supports overclocking for Ryzen CPUs, allowing users to push their CPUs to higher speeds for improved performance. Additionally, the B450 provides support for NVMe SSDs, USB 3.1 Gen 2, and dual-channel memory.
X470
The X470 is a slightly more premium chipset than the B450, offering enhanced features and better overclocking capabilities. It supports up to 32GB of RAM per channel, allowing for a total of 64GB of memory. Additionally, the X470 provides additional connectivity options, including USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports.
B550
The B550 is the latest budget-friendly chipset for AM4 processors. It combines the best features of the B450 and X470 chipsets, offering excellent performance and overclocking capabilities. The B550 supports PCIe 4.0, allowing for faster storage devices and graphics cards. It also provides enhanced audio features and improved power delivery.
Feature Comparison
The following table compares the key features of the B450, X470, and B550 chipsets:
| Feature | B450 | X470 | B550 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overclocking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Memory Support | Up to 32GB per channel | Up to 32GB per channel | Up to 32GB per channel |
| PCIe 4.0 | No | No | Yes |
| USB 3.1 Gen 2 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Features | ALC1220 | ALC1220 | ALC1200 |
BIOS and Overclocking Support
The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is a critical component of any motherboard. It’s responsible for initializing the computer’s hardware and loading the operating system. A good BIOS will provide a user-friendly interface and plenty of options for overclocking and tweaking the system’s performance.
Overclocking Features
Overclocking is the process of running hardware at a higher speed than its default settings. This can improve performance, but it can also be risky if not done properly. The best budget AM4 motherboards offer a range of overclocking features, including:
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Adjustable CPU multipliers
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Variable voltage control
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Fan control options
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Memory overclocking support
BIOS Interface
The BIOS interface is the user interface for interacting with the BIOS settings. A good BIOS interface will be easy to navigate and understand. It should also provide detailed information about the system’s hardware and performance.
Updating the BIOS
The BIOS can be updated to add new features and fix bugs. It’s important to keep the BIOS up to date, especially if you’re overclocking the system.
| Motherboard | BIOS Interface | Overclocking Support | BIOS Update Utility |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSI B450M PRO-M2 MAX | Click BIOS 5 | Yes | M-Flash |
| ASRock B450M Steel Legend | ASRock UEFI | Yes | Instant Flash |
| ASUS Prime B450M-A II | ASUS UEFI BIOS | Yes | EZ Flash 3 |
Aesthetics and RGB Lighting Options
Customization and Visual Appeal
The ASRock B550M Pro4 offers a modern and stylish design, featuring a brushed aluminum and black color scheme. It also boasts customizable RGB lighting with a variety of modes and effects, allowing you to enhance the aesthetics of your build.
RGB Header and Addressable LED Support
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus comes equipped with a dedicated RGB header, giving you the freedom to connect RGB LED strips or other compatible devices. Moreover, it supports addressable LEDs, allowing for more complex and sophisticated lighting effects.
Pre-Installed RGB Lighting
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI features pre-installed RGB lighting on the I/O cover, adding a subtle touch of illumination to your system. This lighting can be adjusted or synchronized with other RGB components using MSI’s Mystic Light software.
RGB Mystic Light Sync
The MSI B550M Gaming Edge WIFI supports MSI’s Mystic Light Sync technology, enabling you to synchronize the RGB lighting of your motherboard, graphics card, and other compatible MSI components for a coordinated and immersive visual experience.
Polychrome RGB Support
The ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 features support for ASRock’s Polychrome RGB technology. This technology allows you to control and customize the RGB lighting of your motherboard, as well as compatible devices connected to its RGB headers.
PWM Fan Headers and RGB Fusion 2.0
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite features multiple PWM fan headers and support for RGB Fusion 2.0 technology. RGB Fusion 2.0 allows you to manage and synchronize the RGB lighting of your motherboard, graphics card, and other compatible components.
AURA Sync Support
The ASUS Prime B550M-A supports ASUS’s AURA Sync technology, empowering you to synchronize the RGB lighting of your motherboard with other AURA Sync-compatible components, creating a cohesive and visually stunning system.
Controllable Onboard LEDs
While the ASRock B550M Steel Legend does not have dedicated RGB headers, it features onboard LEDs that can be controlled through the ASRock Polychrome RGB software. This allows you to adjust the color and brightness of the LEDs for a touch of subtle customization.
MSI ProSeries AMD B550M Pro-VDH WiFi
The MSI ProSeries AMD B550M Pro-VDH WiFi is a great budget AM4 motherboard for those who want to build a reliable and affordable system. It supports the latest AMD Ryzen processors, and it has a good selection of features, including support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which is a nice bonus.
ASRock B450M Pro4
The ASRock B450M Pro4 is another great budget AM4 motherboard for those who want to build a reliable and affordable system. It supports the latest AMD Ryzen processors, and it has a good selection of features, including support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. It also has a good selection of expansion slots, including PCIe 3.0 x16 and PCIe 2.0 x1 slots.
Gigabyte B450M DS3H
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H is a great budget AM4 motherboard for those who want to build a basic and affordable system. It supports the latest AMD Ryzen processors, and it has a basic selection of features, including support for DDR4 memory and SATA 3.0 ports. It also has a few expansion slots, including PCIe 3.0 x16 and PCIe 2.0 x1 slots.
Recommended Models for Different Budgets
Budget: $50-$75
The MSI ProSeries AMD B550M Pro-VDH WiFi is the best budget AM4 motherboard under $75. It has a good selection of features, including support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Budget: $75-$100
The ASRock B450M Pro4 is the best budget AM4 motherboard under $100. It has a good selection of features, including support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. It also has a good selection of expansion slots, including PCIe 3.0 x16 and PCIe 2.0 x1 slots.
Budget: $100-$150
The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite is the best budget AM4 motherboard under $150. It has a great selection of features, including support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. It also has a good selection of expansion slots, including PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Budget: $150-$200
The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi is the best budget AM4 motherboard under $200. It has a great selection of features, including support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. It also has a good selection of expansion slots, including PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Budget: $200-$250
The Asus ROG Strix X570-E Gaming is the best budget AM4 motherboard under $250. It has a great selection of features, including support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. It also has a good selection of expansion slots, including PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Budget: $250+
The Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Hero (Wi-Fi) is the best AM4 motherboard for those who want the best performance and features. It has a great selection of features, including support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. It also has a good selection of expansion slots, including PCIe 4.0 x16 and PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
| Model | Price Range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MSI ProSeries AMD B550M Pro-VDH WiFi | $50-$75 | Support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity |
| ASRock B450M Pro4 | $75-$100 | Support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, good selection of expansion slots |
| Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite | $100-$150 | Support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, good selection of expansion slots |
| MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi | $150-$200 | Support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, good selection of expansion slots, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity |
| Asus ROG Strix X570-E Gaming | $200-$250 | Support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, good selection of expansion slots, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity |
| Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Hero (Wi-Fi) | $250+ | Support for DDR4 memory, NVMe SSDs, USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, good selection of expansion slots, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity |
Best Budget AM4 Motherboard: A Guide to Excellent Choices
The world of PC building offers a wide array of motherboards, each catering to specific needs and budgets. If you’re looking for the best budget AM4 motherboard, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will take you through the key factors to consider and present you with top recommendations that won’t break the bank.
Before diving into specific models, let’s explore the essential features to look for:
- **Socket Compatibility:** AM4 motherboards are designed to support AMD’s Ryzen processors. Ensure you choose a motherboard compatible with your CPU.
- **Form Factor:** This refers to the size and layout of the motherboard. Most budget options come in ATX or mATX form factors. ATX offers more expansion slots but requires a larger case, while mATX is compact and suitable for smaller builds.
- **RAM Support:** Consider the type and capacity of RAM you need. Budget motherboards typically support DDR4 RAM, with speeds ranging from 2400MHz to 3600MHz.
- **Expansion Slots:** If you plan to add additional components like graphics cards or sound cards, ensure the motherboard has sufficient PCIe slots.
- **Storage Options:** Most budget motherboards offer multiple SATA ports for connecting storage drives and one or two M.2 slots for faster NVMe SSDs.
- **Networking:** Look for motherboards with onboard Gigabit Ethernet for stable internet connectivity.
- **Audio and Video Outputs:** Ensure the motherboard has the necessary ports for your monitor, speakers, and other devices.
- **BIOS and Software:** Consider the motherboard’s BIOS interface and any additional software or features it offers.
Top Recommendations for Best Budget AM4 Motherboards
Based on the aforementioned criteria, here are our top budget AM4 motherboard recommendations:
- **MSI B450-A Pro Max**
- **ASRock B450M Steel Legend**
- **ASUS Prime B550M-A (WI-FI)**
- **Gigabyte B550M DS3H**
- **MSI A520M-A Pro**
People Also Ask
What is the cheapest AM4 motherboard?
The MSI A520M-A Pro is one of the most affordable AM4 motherboards on the market, offering decent features at a budget-friendly price.
What is the best AM4 motherboard for gaming?
While budget motherboards may not offer the same level of performance as high-end models, the ASUS Prime B550M-A (WI-FI) is a solid choice for entry-level gaming.
Can I overclock with a budget AM4 motherboard?
Overclocking capabilities vary depending on the specific motherboard. Some budget models may allow for limited overclocking, but it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications before attempting.
