AM5 Motherboards: 4 Optimal Choices for Performance and Cost
No need to spend over $300 on an AM5 motherboard. Discover four models—B650, B850, and X870—that offer full PCIe 5.0, USB4, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, saving you money on CPU and GPU.
Building a PC using AMD's AM5 platform often comes with a high cost for motherboards, with many models priced over $300. However, users don't necessarily need to spend a fortune to get high-end features like PCIe 5.0, USB4, or Wi-Fi 7. There are many more affordable motherboard options that still meet performance needs for both gaming and work.
This article will analyze and introduce four noteworthy AM5 motherboards in the sub-$300 price range, helping users optimize their budget and allocate investment costs to other important components such as the CPU or GPU.
ASRock B650M Pro RS Wi-Fi: A sensible starting choice.
The ASRock B650M Pro RS Wi-Fi is one of the affordable AM5 motherboards that still offers many valuable features. Priced at around $150, it's suitable for users who want to build an efficient AM5 system without spending too much.
Equipment and performance
This Micro-ATX motherboard offers one primary M.2 slot supporting PCIe 5.0, along with two secondary M.2 slots, bringing the total to three high-speed storage slots. Although the primary PCIe x16 slot only supports PCIe 4.0 bandwidth, this doesn't significantly impact the performance of current and near-future graphics cards. The motherboard's VRM (voltage regulator module) is powerful enough to stably operate any AM5 CPU without thermal issues.
In terms of connectivity, the product is equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, and multiple 10Gbps USB ports. One point to note is that the integrated audio solution is basic, and users may need to update the BIOS for compatibility with the new Ryzen 9000 series processors.
GIGABYTE B850 Gaming X Wi-Fi6E: Balanced for gamers
Priced at around $210, the GIGABYTE B850 Gaming X Wi-Fi6E is an attractive option for those seeking a new chipset motherboard capable of stably running all AM5 CPUs, even when overclocked. This product stands out with its large cooling system for the VRM area.
Key features
This motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 speeds for both the primary PCIe x16 slot and the primary M.2 slot. The other two M.2 slots operate at PCIe 4.0. All three M.2 slots are covered by a large heatsink, helping to maintain stable performance for SSDs. The rear I/O panel provides a total of eight USB ports, including two 10Gbps ports. For networking, the motherboard features a 2.5Gbps LAN port and Wi-Fi 6E. A convenient feature is the EZ latch for the PCIe slot, making it easier to install and remove graphics cards.
For users with a tighter budget, the Micro-ATX version of this motherboard is an alternative, costing about $30 less and only reducing the number of M.2 slots to two.
GIGABYTE X870 Gaming Wi-Fi: Access to a high-end chipset at a great price.
The GIGABYTE X870 Gaming Wi-Fi offers the chance to experience the high-end X870 chipset at a price of around $200. Despite its simple design, this motherboard still provides essential features such as USB4 ports, Wi-Fi 6, and 2.5Gbps Ethernet.
Performance and connectivity
The product supports PCIe 5.0 for the graphics card slot and the main M.2 slot. There are a total of three M.2 slots, with two supporting PCIe 4.0 speeds. It's worth noting that the third M.2 slot only operates in PCIe 4.0x2 mode. The VRM is capable of handling any AM5 CPU at default settings, but may not be the optimal choice for intensive overclocking. The motherboard also features a BIOS flashback button and a decent audio solution for its price range.
MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk Wi-Fi: Comprehensive features for advanced users.
Priced at approximately $300, the MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk Wi-Fi is a powerful option, meeting the needs of most users, from entry-level to advanced. A standout feature of this motherboard is its superior connectivity.
Superior connectivity and supporting features
The motherboard is equipped with two USB4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and 5Gbps Ethernet, along with multiple 10Gbps and 5Gbps USB ports. For storage, it has up to four M.2 slots, all with their own heatsinks. The primary and second M.2 slots support PCIe 5.0 bandwidth. However, if either of the two USB4 ports is used, the bandwidth of the second M.2 slot will be reduced to PCIe 5.0x2. The primary PCIe x16 slot also supports PCIe 5.0 and has a convenient eject button. Additionally, the motherboard features a POST code display for error diagnosis, a rare feature in this segment.
When is the right time to invest in a high-end AM5 motherboard?
While motherboards under $300 are more than sufficient, there are instances where users need to consider more expensive options. The main reason is the need for specialized features, particularly 10Gbps LAN connectivity.
10Gbps Ethernet connectivity is very useful for users who own network attached storage (NAS) systems or home servers and need ultra-fast data transfer speeds. Currently, this feature is typically only available on AM5 motherboards priced above $300, such as the GIGABYTE B850 AI TOP or ASUS ProArt X870E-CREATOR.
Conclusion: Cost optimization for maximum performance.
Choosing a quality AM5 motherboard doesn't necessarily mean spending a fortune. The B650, B850, and X870 motherboards have demonstrated that users can still get core features like powerful VRM, PCIe 5.0, USB4, and Wi-Fi 7 on a reasonable budget. Saving on the motherboard allows for more investment in the CPU or GPU, components that have a more direct and noticeable impact on overall system performance. For most users, an AM5 motherboard under $300 is a smart and cost-effective choice.
