When building or upgrading a PC on a budget, selecting the right motherboard is very important. The motherboard serves as the main connection point for all components and has a big impact on the overall performance and capabilities of your build. In this guide, we’ll discuss the best budget motherboards available. A budget motherboard, in this guide, refers to one that is priced at less than $100. Although cost is a crucial factor, it’s not the only one to consider.
Top 10 Budget Motherboards for 2024
Based on your list, here’s a table showcasing the top 10 budget motherboards for 2024:
| # | Motherboard | Socket | Chipset | Features | Price (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASRock B660M Pro RS LGA1700 | LGA1700 | B660 | DDR4, PCIe 4.0, M.2 NVMe, Wi-Fi (optional) | $89.99 | Budget Intel builds with 12th/13th gen CPUs |
| 2 | MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX AM4 | AM4 | B450 | DDR4, PCIe 3.0, M.2 NVMe | $69.99 | Upgrading existing AMD Ryzen builds |
| 3 | Gigabyte B550M K AM4 | AM4 | B550 | DDR4, PCIe 3.0, M.2 NVMe | $79.99 | Budget AMD Ryzen 5000 series builds |
| 4 | MSI B550-A PRO AM4 | AM4 | B550 | DDR4, PCIe 4.0, M.2 NVMe, Wi-Fi | $99.99 | Balanced AMD Ryzen 5000/7000 series builds |
| 5 | ASRock B550M Pro4 AM4 | AM4 | B550 | DDR4, PCIe 3.0, M.2 NVMe, Wi-Fi | $89.99 | Feature-rich budget AMD Ryzen builds |
| 6 | MSI PRO H610M-G DDR4 LGA1700 | LGA1700 | H610 | DDR4, PCIe 3.0 | $89.99 | Basic Intel builds with 12th/13th gen CPUs (limited features) |
| 7 | MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4 LGA1700 | LGA1700 | B760 | DDR4, PCIe 4.0, M.2 NVMe | $99.99 | Budget Intel builds with 13th gen CPUs (better features than H610) |
| 8 | MSI PRO A620M-E AM5 | AM5 | A620 | DDR5, PCIe 5.0, M.2 NVMe | $74.99 | Early adopters building with AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs |
| 9 | Gigabyte H410M H V2 LGA1200 | LGA1200 | H410 | DDR4, PCIe 3.0 | $99.99 | Basic budget Intel builds with 10th/11th gen CPUs (very limited features) |
| 10 | Gigabyte B650M K AM5 | AM5 | B650 | DDR5, PCIe 5.0, M.2 NVMe | $99.99 | Mid-range AMD Ryzen 7000 series builds with some overclocking potential |
Notes:
- Prices are approximate and may vary depending on retailer and promotions.
- “Best for” recommendations are general and may not apply to all use cases. Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a motherboard.
- This list is based on your provided list and is not exhaustive. Other budget motherboards may be available with different features and price points.
Key Takeaways
- Compatibility: Ensure the motherboard matches your CPU and other components.
- Features: Look for essential features like Wi-Fi, sufficient RAM slots, and USB ports.
- Performance: Consider motherboards that support overclocking and have good heat dissipation.
Overview Of The Top 10
1. ASRock B660M Pro RS LGA1700
Unique Features: Affordable entry point for Intel 12th/13th gen builds, boasts PCIe 4.0 support for GPU and M.2 drives, offers optional Wi-Fi connectivity, features Polychrome RGB lighting for customization.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly for LGA1700 platform
- PCIe 4.0 connectivity for faster performance
- Optional Wi-Fi for wireless convenience
- RGB lighting adds a touch of style
Cons:
- Limited overclocking capabilities
- Fewer USB ports compared to some competitors
- No on-board Wi-Fi (optional add-on)
2. MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX AM4
Unique Features: Reliable upgrade path for existing AMD Ryzen builds, supports both 3rd and 4th gen CPUs, delivers stable VR experience with USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, features EZ Debug LEDs for troubleshooting.
Pros:
- Affordable upgrade for AM4 platform
- Supports Ryzen 3000/4000 series CPUs
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for faster data transfer
- EZ Debug LEDs simplify troubleshooting
Cons:
- No PCIe 4.0 support
- Limited features compared to newer chipsets
- Not ideal for high-end builds
3. Gigabyte B550M K AM4
Unique Features: Budget-friendly option for building with Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, offers PCIe 4.0 x16 for graphics card, supports M.2 NVMe drives for fast storage, includes BIOS Flashback button for easy updates.
Pros:
- Affordable B550 motherboard for Ryzen 5000 CPUs
- PCIe 4.0 support for GPU and storage
- M.2 NVMe slot for lightning-fast SSDs
- BIOS Flashback simplifies updates
Cons:
- Limited overclocking potential
- Fewer USB ports than some competitors
- Lacks some premium features
4. MSI B550-A PRO AM4 Motherboard
Unique Features: Strikes a balance between affordability and features, supports both Ryzen 5000 and 7000 series CPUs, boasts PCIe 4.0 x16 for top-tier graphics cards, features Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for blazing-fast wireless speeds, includes pre-installed I/O shield for hassle-free setup.
Pros:
- Well-rounded feature set for the price
- Supports both current and next-gen AMD CPUs
- PCIe 4.0 unlocks the full potential of high-end hardware
- Wi-Fi 6 ensures future-proof wireless connectivity
- Pre-installed I/O shield saves time and effort
Cons:
- Not the cheapest B550 option
- Limited overclocking headroom compared to dedicated overclocking boards
- Lacks some enthusiast-oriented features
5. ASRock B550M Pro4 AM4 Motherboard
Unique Features: Feature-rich option within a budget, boasts robust VRM design for stable overclocking, includes multiple M.2 slots for blazing-fast storage options, features integrated Realtek ALC897 codec for immersive audio, comes equipped with addressable RGB headers for customizable lighting.
Pros:
- Feature-packed motherboard at an attractive price point
- Strong VRM supports CPU overclocking
- Dual M.2 slots for maximum storage speed
- High-quality audio codec for superior sound
- Addressable RGB expands personalization options
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some B550M competitors
- Micro ATX form factor might limit case compatibility
- BIOS interface can be less intuitive for beginners
6. MSI PRO H610M-G DDR4 LGA1700 Motherboard
Unique Features: Basic and affordable option for entry-level Intel 12th/13th gen builds, supports DDR4 memory for cost-effective builds, features VGA and HDMI ports for legacy and modern displays, includes EZ Debug LEDs for troubleshooting.
Pros:
- Extremely budget-friendly for LGA1700 platform
- Supports DDR4 memory for mainstream builds
- VGA and HDMI ports offer display flexibility
- EZ Debug LEDs simplify troubleshooting
Cons:
- Limited features and functionality
- No PCIe 4.0 support
- Not suitable for demanding applications or overclocking
7. MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4 LGA1700 Motherboard
Unique Features: Budget-friendly upgrade for Intel 13th gen CPUs, offers improved feature set compared to H610, supports PCIe 4.0 x16 for next-gen graphics cards, boasts DDR4 memory compatibility for broader range of options.
Pros:
- Affordable upgrade path for LGA1700 platform
- Supports PCIe 4.0 for faster performance
- Improved feature set compared to H610 motherboards
- DDR4 memory compatibility keeps costs down
Cons:
- Not as feature-rich as B660 motherboards
- Limited overclocking potential
- Not ideal for high-end builds
8. MSI PRO A620M-E AM5 Motherboard
Unique Features: Early adopter option for building with AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, boasts DDR5 memory support for future-proof performance, offers PCIe 5.0 for next-gen peripherals, features Realtek 8125G LAN for high-speed networking.
Pros:
- Supports latest AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs
- Future-proofed with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 technology
- High-speed networking with Realtek 8125G LAN
- Affordable entry point for AM5 platform
Cons:
- Limited availability and higher prices compared to established platforms
- AM5 ecosystem is still in its early stages
- Might require careful component selection for compatibility
9. Gigabyte H410M H V2 LGA1200 Motherboard
Unique Features: Bargain option for basic Intel 10th/11th gen builds, supports DDR4 memory for mainstream compatibility, features USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for faster data transfer, includes VGA and HDMI ports for display flexibility.
Pros:
- Extremely budget-friendly for LGA1200 platform
- Supports DDR4 memory for affordable builds
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports improve data transfer speeds
- VGA and HDMI ports offer wider display compatibility
Cons:
- Very limited features and functionality
- No PCIe 4.0 support
- Not suitable for demanding applications or overclocking
10. Gigabyte B650M K AM5 Motherboard
Unique Features: Mid-range option for building with AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, boasts PCIe 5.0 support for next-gen graphics cards and storage, features robust VRM design for moderate overclocking, includes M.2 PCIe 5.0 slot for lightning-fast SSDs.
Pros:
- Supports Ryzen 7000 CPUs with PCIe 5.0 potential
- Moderate overclocking headroom for enthusiasts
- M.2 PCIe 5.0 slot unlocks blazing-fast storage speeds
- Feature-rich option compared to B650M competitors
Cons:
- Higher price point than budget AM5 motherboards
- Limited overclocking capabilities compared to dedicated ATX boards
- Might not be necessary for all Ryzen 7000 builds
Understanding Motherboard Compatibility
Before diving into specific models, it’s essential to understand the importance of compatibility. Your motherboard must be compatible with your CPU. For instance, an AMD Ryzen 5 5600 requires an AM4 socket motherboard. A popular choice among budget-conscious builders is the Asus TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS WIFI Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard. It offers a balance of features and affordability, making it a great starting point for a budget build.
Top Budget Motherboard Picks
- Asus TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS WIFI
- Price: Affordable
- Features: Wi-Fi capability, durable build
- User Experience: Positive reviews for reliability and value
- Gigabyte B450M DS3H
- Price: Very budget-friendly
- Features: Basic but sufficient for most builds
- User Experience: Recommended for entry-level builds
- MSI B450 TOMAHAWK
- Price: Mid-range in budget category
- Features: Good overclocking support, robust build
- User Experience: Favored for gaming builds
Real User Insights
From Reddit discussions, users emphasize the importance of picking a motherboard based on your specific needs. If you’re building a gaming PC, features like overclocking support and additional GPU slots might be crucial. For a general-use PC, you might prioritize more USB ports or built-in Wi-Fi.
Video Reviews
For visual learners, YouTube reviews offer a great way to see these motherboards in action. Check out these videos for more detailed insights:
- Best Budget Motherboards 2023
- Affordable Motherboards for Budget PC Builds
- Budget Motherboard Review: ASUS Prime H510M-A
Additional Resources
For further reading, consider these articles from GadgetMates:
Practical Considerations
When selecting a motherboard, consider the following:
- RAM Support: Ensure it has enough slots and supports the speed of your RAM.
- Expansion Slots: Check for enough PCIe slots for graphics cards and other components.
- Connectivity: Look for sufficient USB ports, Ethernet, and possibly Wi-Fi.
User Experiences and Scenarios
Many users on Reddit shared their experiences with various motherboards. One user highlighted the Asus TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS for its reliability and Wi-Fi capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those who need wireless connectivity. Another user recommended the Gigabyte B450M DS3H for its unbeatable price-to-performance ratio, especially for entry-level builds.
Technological Advancements
Modern motherboards now come with features like PCIe 4.0 support, faster Ethernet ports, and improved audio quality. While these features might be limited in budget models, they are becoming more common and accessible.
FAQs on Budget Motherboards
Q: What should I look for in a budget motherboard? A: Look for compatibility with your CPU, necessary features for your build, and good build quality.
Q: Can I get a good gaming motherboard on a budget? A: Yes, models like the MSI B450 TOMAHAWK offer great gaming performance at a budget-friendly price.
Q: Is Wi-Fi necessary in a motherboard? A: It depends on your setup. If you can’t use a wired connection, look for a motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi.
Q: How important is RAM support in a motherboard? A: Very important. Ensure the motherboard supports the amount and speed of RAM you plan to use.
Q: Can budget motherboards support overclocking? A: Some do. For example, the MSI B450 TOMAHAWK is known for its decent overclocking capabilities.
By considering these factors and insights, you can find a budget motherboard that meets your needs without compromising on quality or performance.
