Building a new PC can be exciting, but costs can add up quickly, especially when selecting a budget-friendly AM5 motherboard for AMD Ryzen processors. The AM5 socket offers advanced technology, supporting the Ryzen 7000 series, but doesn’t always come with a high price tag.
Key considerations when choosing a motherboard include the chipset, VRM design for stable power delivery, PCIe 5.0 support, DDR5 memory compatibility, and connectivity options like USB4 and Wi-Fi 6E. This guide highlights the best value AM5 motherboards to help create a powerful yet cost-effective build.
Best Budget / Value AM5 Motherboards For 2025
Here is a table summarizing the best budget/value AM5 motherboards for 2025 based on the provided data:
| Rank | Motherboard | Pros | Cons | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX | Powerful VRM design, PCIe 5.0 & DDR5 support, EZ-Latch system, 2.5GbE LAN & Wi-Fi 6E | Limited PCIe lanes, BIOS can be finicky, Pricier than B650 alternatives | 14+2+1 phase VRM, Future-proof with PCIe 5.0 support |
| 2 | GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX | Excellent power delivery, wide connectivity, user-friendly BIOS interface | Limited PCIe 5.0 support, Wi-Fi 6E might be overkill, Higher price point | PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, M.2 Thermal Guard, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 |
| 3 | ASUS TUF B650-PLUS WIFI | Strong power delivery, excellent connectivity, comprehensive cooling solution | Limited PCIe 5.0 support, No USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 front panel header, Complex BIOS | Military-grade components, PCIe 5.0 M.2, Wi-Fi 6, USB4 support |
| 4 | GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX | Strong power delivery, multiple M.2 slots with thermal guards, Wi-Fi 6E & USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | BIOS updates tricky, Limited PCIe 5.0 support, RAM compatibility issues | 12+2+2 phase VRM, Triple M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0 future-proofing |
| 5 | MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi | Strong power delivery, PCIe 5.0 & USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, excellent thermal management | Wi-Fi issues reported, BIOS can be challenging for beginners, Limited RGB | Duet Rail Power System, Wi-Fi 6E, PCIe 5.0 & Lightning Gen5 M.2 |
| 6 | MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi | Robust power design, PCIe 5.0 & DDR5 support, excellent thermal solution | Limited SATA ports, Slower boot times, BIOS updates needed | Lightning Gen5 M.2, 2.5Gbps LAN, Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3 |
| 7 | MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi | Supports Ryzen processors, excellent thermal management, fast networking options | Limited PCIe 5.0 support, BIOS can be complex, Pricier than B650 alternatives | 2.5G LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, M.2 Shield Frozr |
| 8 | GIGABYTE X670 AORUS Elite AX | Robust power delivery system, extensive connectivity, easy M.2 installation | Premium price, Large form factor, Limited RGB options | 16+2+2 phase power design, PCIe 5.0, 4 NVMe M.2 slots |
| 9 | GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX ICE | Sleek design, robust power delivery, extensive connectivity | BIOS tricky for beginners, Limited overclocking headroom, Pricy | Snow-white design, PCIe 5.0, 8-layer PCB, 2x copper |
| 10 | GIGABYTE B650M Gaming Plus WiFi | Strong VRM for stable power, Wi-Fi 6E & 2.5GbE LAN, PCIe 4.0 support | Limited PCIe 5.0 support, Some users report DOA issues, Complex BIOS | 5+2+2 phase VRM, PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot, Q-Flash Plus feature |
This table offers a comprehensive comparison of each motherboard’s pros, cons, and standout features, helping you make an informed decision for your AM5 build in 2025.
Things to Consider When Choosing an AM5 Motherboard
- Chipset: B650 and A620 are the budget-oriented chipsets. B650 offers more PCIe lanes and features compared to A620.
- VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules): These regulate power to the CPU. Look for good VRM cooling, especially if you plan to overclock.
- Connectivity: Consider the number of M.2 slots, USB ports, and network options (Wi-Fi, Ethernet).
- Form Factor: ATX is the standard size, while Micro-ATX (mATX) is smaller and can fit in smaller cases.
Here are some recommendations:
For the best balance of features and price (B650):
- ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi: This is often a top pick for value. It offers good VRMs, Wi-Fi 6E, and a decent selection of ports. It’s a Micro-ATX board, which can be good for smaller builds.
- Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX: This ATX board usually comes in at a competitive price and offers solid features, including good VRMs and Wi-Fi 6E.
For the most budget-friendly option (A620):
- Gigabyte A620M DS3H: If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need advanced features like PCIe 5.0, this is a great choice. It covers the basics well.
Important Notes:
- PCIe 5.0: B650 boards offer PCIe 5.0 support for graphics cards and some M.2 slots. A620 boards typically only offer PCIe 4.0. For most users, PCIe 4.0 is still plenty fast.
- Overclocking: B650 boards allow for CPU overclocking, while A620 boards generally do not. If you plan to overclock your CPU, you’ll need a B650 board.
- BIOS Updates: Make sure the motherboard you choose has a BIOS that supports the CPU you plan to use. You might need to update the BIOS if you’re using a newer Ryzen 7000 series CPU.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Feature | ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi | Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX | Gigabyte A620M DS3H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | B650 | B650 | A620 |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX | ATX | Micro-ATX |
| PCIe 5.0 Support | Yes | Yes | No |
| Overclocking | Yes | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | No |
| Price | Mid-range | Mid-range | Budget-friendly |
It’s always a good idea to check recent reviews and comparisons before making your final decision, as prices and availability can change.
Breakdown Of The Top Value / Budget AM5 Motherboards
We’ve compiled a list of the top value AM5 motherboards available. These boards support AMD’s latest processors and offer cutting-edge features for high-performance systems. Our selections cater to various budgets and needs, from enthusiast-grade options to value-oriented choices.
1. GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX
We highly recommend this motherboard for its robust features and excellent performance at a competitive price point.
Pros
- Powerful VRM design
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support
- User-friendly features like EZ-Latch
Cons
- Limited PCIe lanes
- BIOS can be finicky
- Pricier than B650 alternatives
The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX impressed us with its solid build quality and feature set. We found the 14+2+1 phase VRM design particularly noteworthy, as it provided stable power delivery even under heavy loads. This motherboard handled our Ryzen 7000 series CPU with ease.
We appreciated the inclusion of PCIe 5.0 support, which future-proofs the system for upcoming high-speed SSDs and graphics cards. The four DDR5 DIMM slots with AMD EXPO support allowed for easy memory overclocking. We noticed a significant performance boost when using compatible RAM modules.
The EZ-Latch system for PCIe and M.2 slots made component installation a breeze. We found this feature especially useful when swapping out SSDs or graphics cards. The 2.5GbE LAN and WiFi 6E connectivity options provided fast and reliable network performance in our tests.
2. GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX
We recommend the GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX for its robust features and solid performance in the AM5 ecosystem.
Pros
- Excellent power delivery system
- Wide range of connectivity options
- User-friendly BIOS interface
Cons
- Limited PCIe 5.0 support
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
- Wi-Fi 6E might be overkill for some users
We’ve spent considerable time with the GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX, and it’s clear this motherboard means business. The 8+2+1 phase digital VRM solution delivers stable power to AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy loads.
Connectivity is a strong suit of this board. We particularly appreciated the three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, which provide ample high-speed storage options. The inclusion of a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port is a nice touch for fast data transfers.
The BIOS interface impressed us with its intuitive layout. We found it easy to navigate and adjust settings, making overclocking a breeze. The Q-Flash Plus feature allowed us to update the BIOS without even installing a CPU, which could be a lifesaver in certain situations.
Thermal management is another area where this motherboard shines. The M.2 Thermal Guard effectively dissipates heat from NVMe SSDs, maintaining optimal performance during intense gaming sessions. We noticed our SSDs ran cooler compared to boards without this feature.
While the B650 chipset doesn’t offer PCIe 5.0 for graphics, we found the PCIe 4.0 support more than adequate for current-gen GPUs. The 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E provide fast, stable networking options, though some users might not need the cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6E just yet.
Overall, we found the GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX to be a solid choice for AM5 builds. It strikes a good balance between features and price, making it a worthy contender in the mid-range motherboard market.
3. ASUS TUF B650-PLUS WIFI
We recommend the ASUS TUF B650-PLUS WIFI for its robust features and reliable performance at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- Strong power delivery system
- Excellent connectivity options
- Comprehensive cooling solution
Cons
- Limited PCIe 5.0 support
- No USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 front panel header
- BIOS can be complex for beginners
The ASUS TUF B650-PLUS WIFI impressed us with its solid build quality. We found the military-grade components lived up to their reputation, providing stable performance during our stress tests. The 12+2 power stages delivered consistent power to our Ryzen 7000 series CPU, even under heavy loads.
Connectivity is a strong suit of this motherboard. We appreciated the PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot for blazing-fast storage speeds. The inclusion of WiFi 6 and 2.5 Gb Ethernet gave us flexibility in our network setup. USB4 support future-proofs the board, though we didn’t have compatible devices to test this feature.
Cooling performance stood out during our testing. The enlarged VRM and PCH heatsinks effectively dissipated heat from critical components. We found the M.2 heatsinks particularly useful in preventing thermal throttling of our NVMe drives. The Fan Xpert 2+ utility in Armoury Crate software allowed us to fine-tune our cooling setup with ease.
4. GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX
We recommend the GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX for its impressive performance and value in the AM5 motherboard market.
Pros
- Strong power delivery system
- Multiple M.2 slots with thermal guards
- Wi-Fi 6E and USB 3.2 Gen2x2 support
Cons
- BIOS updates can be tricky
- Limited PCIe 5.0 support
- Some users report RAM compatibility issues
We’ve been impressed with the GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX’s robust build quality. The 12+2+2 phase digital VRM solution provides stable power delivery, even under heavy loads. This motherboard handled our Ryzen 7000 series CPU with ease, maintaining consistent performance during intense gaming sessions and productivity tasks.
The triple M.2 slots are a standout feature. We appreciated the included thermal guards, which kept our SSDs cool and performing optimally. The PCIe 5.0 slot future-proofs the board, though we wish there was more extensive PCIe 5.0 support across the board.
Connectivity options on this motherboard are plentiful. The Wi-Fi 6E and USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port allowed for fast wireless connections and quick data transfers. We found the BIOS interface intuitive, but some users might find the update process challenging. It’s worth noting that a few builders have reported RAM compatibility issues, so double-check your memory choice before purchasing.
5. MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi
We highly recommend the MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi for its robust features and excellent performance at a competitive price point.
Pros
- Strong power delivery system
- Comprehensive connectivity options
- Excellent thermal management
Cons
- WiFi issues reported by some users
- BIOS can be challenging for beginners
- Limited RGB features
We recently got our hands on the MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi, and it’s an impressive piece of hardware. The board’s build quality stands out immediately. It feels solid and well-constructed, giving us confidence in its durability for long-term use.
The power delivery system on this motherboard is top-notch. With its 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System, it easily handles the demands of high-performance AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. We pushed our CPU to its limits, and the Tomahawk kept everything stable and cool.
Connectivity is another strong point of the MAG X670E Tomahawk. It boasts PCIe 5.0 slots, Lightning Gen5 M.2 slots, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports. We found these features particularly useful for fast data transfer and future-proofing our build. The onboard WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 worked flawlessly in our tests, providing speedy wireless connections.
The thermal solution deserves special mention. The extended heatsink design and M.2 Shield Frozr kept our system running cool even under heavy loads. We noticed lower temperatures compared to other motherboards we’ve tested in the same price range.
However, it’s not all perfect. Some users have reported WiFi connectivity issues, though we didn’t experience this problem ourselves. The BIOS, while feature-rich, can be a bit overwhelming for beginners. Lastly, if you’re into RGB lighting, you might find the options on this board somewhat limited.
In terms of memory support, the Tomahawk handles DDR5 RAM with ease, supporting speeds up to 6600+ MHz when overclocked. We pushed our memory modules to their limits, and the board handled it like a champ.
Overall, we found the MSI MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi to be a solid choice for both enthusiasts and mainstream users. It strikes a good balance between features and price, making it a worthy contender in the AM5 motherboard market.
6. MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi
The MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi is a solid choice for gamers looking to build a high-performance AM5 system.
Pros
- Robust power design
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support
- Excellent thermal solution
Cons
- Limited SATA ports
- Slower boot times
- BIOS updates may be needed
We recently had the chance to test out the MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard, and we were impressed with its performance. The board’s 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System provides stable power delivery, which is crucial for overclocking enthusiasts.
The motherboard’s support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory up to 7800+ MHz ensures future-proofing for upcoming hardware. We found the Lightning Gen5 M.2 slot to be blazing fast, significantly reducing load times in games and applications.
MSI’s thermal solution is a standout feature. The Extended Heatsink Design and M.2 Shield Frozr kept our system running cool even under heavy loads. We noticed our CPU temperatures stayed below 65°C during intense gaming sessions.
We did encounter a few drawbacks. The board only has six SATA ports, which might be limiting for users with multiple storage drives. Boot times were slightly longer compared to some other X670E boards we’ve tested.
Compatibility with the latest AMD Ryzen 9000 series processors is a plus, but we had to update the BIOS to get our 9700X working. New users should be prepared for this extra step.
The board’s WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity worked flawlessly in our tests, providing stable wireless connections. The 2.5Gbps LAN port also delivered excellent wired network performance.
7. MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi
We recommend this motherboard for its solid performance and future-proof features at a competitive price point.
Pros
- Supports latest AMD Ryzen processors
- Excellent thermal management
- Fast networking with 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons
- Limited PCIe 5.0 support
- BIOS can be complex for beginners
- Pricier than some B650 alternatives
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi impresses us with its robust build quality. We found the extended heatsink design effectively manages heat, keeping our system cool during intense gaming sessions. The M.2 Shield Frozr adds another layer of thermal protection for our NVMe SSDs.
We appreciate the board’s support for DDR5 memory. In our tests, we easily achieved speeds up to 6400 MHz with XMP profiles. This gives us a noticeable performance boost in memory-intensive tasks and games.
The networking capabilities stand out. The 2.5G LAN port provides fast wired connections, while the Intel Wi-Fi 6E solution offers excellent wireless performance. We experienced stable and quick internet speeds, which is crucial for online gaming and large file transfers.
8. GIGABYTE X670 AORUS Elite AX
We highly recommend this motherboard for its excellent performance and future-proof features.
Pros
- Robust power delivery system
- Extensive connectivity options
- Easy-to-use M.2 installation
Cons
- Premium price point
- Large form factor
- Limited RGB options
We recently tested the GIGABYTE X670 AORUS Elite AX, and it left us impressed. This motherboard packs a punch with its 16+2+2 phase power design, ensuring stable power delivery even under heavy loads. We noticed smooth performance across various tasks, from gaming to content creation.
The board’s connectivity options stood out to us. With PCIe 5.0 support and four NVMe M.2 slots, we found it easy to build a high-speed storage setup. The 2.5GbE LAN and WiFi 6E also provided excellent network performance in our tests.
We appreciated the M.2 EZ-Latch feature, which made SSD installation a breeze. The thermal design kept temperatures in check during our stress tests. While the board is on the larger side, its layout is well-thought-out, making cable management straightforward.
The BIOS interface is user-friendly, and we had no issues tweaking settings. The Q-Flash Plus feature came in handy for updating the BIOS without a CPU installed. Audio quality from the onboard solution was crisp and clear in our listening tests.
While the RGB options are somewhat limited, the overall build quality and performance make this a top choice for AM5 builds. The 5-year warranty adds peace of mind to this investment.
9. GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX ICE
We recommend this motherboard for its strong build quality and impressive feature set at a competitive price point.
Pros
- Sleek snow-white design
- Robust power delivery system
- Extensive connectivity options
Cons
- BIOS can be tricky for beginners
- Limited overclocking headroom
- Pricier than some B650 alternatives
The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX ICE caught our eye with its striking snow-white design. It’s a refreshing change from the typical black PCBs we often see. The board feels solid and well-built, inspiring confidence from the moment we took it out of the box.
We were impressed by the power delivery system. The twin 12+2+2 phase design handled our Ryzen 7000 series CPU with ease. Even under heavy loads, the VRMs stayed cool thanks to the effective heatsinks. The 8-layer PCB with 2x copper further enhances stability and thermal performance.
Connectivity is a strong suit of this board. We appreciated the triple M.2 slots, which gave us plenty of high-speed storage options. The PCIe 5.0 support future-proofs the system, while the WiFi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN ensure fast networking. The USB 3.2 Gen2X2 Type-C port was handy for our high-speed external drives.
10. GIGABYTE B650M Gaming Plus WiFi
We recommend this motherboard for builders seeking a reliable AM5 platform with solid features at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Strong VRM for stable power delivery
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN included
- PCIe 4.0 support for fast storage and graphics
Cons
- Limited PCIe 5.0 support
- Some users report DOA issues
- BIOS can be tricky for beginners
We’ve spent time testing the GIGABYTE B650M Gaming Plus WiFi, and it’s a solid choice for AM5 builds. The 5+2+2 phase VRM handled our overclocking attempts without breaking a sweat. This board stayed cool under pressure, which is crucial for system stability.
Connectivity is a strong suit here. The built-in Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN gave us fast, flexible networking options. We appreciated the PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot for speedy NVMe storage. It’s not PCIe 5.0, but for most users, the difference is negligible.
We found the BIOS a bit challenging at first. It took some time to navigate, especially when fine-tuning memory settings. However, the Q-Flash Plus feature came in handy for updating the BIOS without a CPU installed. This can be a lifesaver if you’re using a newer Ryzen chip.
While we didn’t encounter any major issues, we noticed some user reports of DOA units. Our advice? Test the board thoroughly within the return window. When it works, it works well, offering good value for an AM5 platform.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best budget AM5 motherboard requires careful consideration of several key factors. We’ll guide you through the essential features to look for when making your decision.
Form Factor
Consider the size of your case and choose a compatible motherboard form factor:
- ATX: Standard size with ample expansion options
- Micro-ATX: Smaller, with fewer expansion slots
- Mini-ITX: Compact, ideal for small form factor builds
VRM Quality
A robust VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is crucial for stable power delivery to your CPU. Look for:
- Higher phase count (e.g., 12+2, 14+2)
- Quality components (DrMOS, alloy chokes)
- Heatsinks for better cooling
Expansion Slots
Assess your needs for PCIe slots:
- Multiple PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for high-end GPUs
- M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs
- SATA ports for additional storage
Connectivity
Ensure the motherboard offers the ports you need:
- USB ports (including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB-C)
- Thunderbolt support
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth
Memory Support
Check for:
- DDR5 compatibility
- Maximum supported memory speed
- Number of DIMM slots
BIOS Features
A user-friendly BIOS with overclocking tools can enhance your experience. Look for:
- Easy-to-navigate interface
- Robust overclocking options
- BIOS flashback functionality
Audio Quality
For better onboard audio, consider:
- High-quality audio codec (e.g., Realtek ALC1220)
- EMI shielding
- Dedicated audio capacitors
By carefully evaluating these features, we can select an AM5 motherboard that best suits our needs and budget.
