Top Motherboards for Every Budget: Your Ultimate Guide

Building a new PC involves making several critical decisions, one of which is choosing the right motherboard. While picking between AMD and Intel is a major decision, selecting the best motherboard can be even more challenging due to the numerous brands and models available. Each brand typically offers several models for a single chipset, making the decision process complex. To help streamline your choices, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best motherboards available, catering to various needs and budgets.

Best High-End AMD X670E Motherboard

Top Picks: Asrock X670E Taichi & Asus ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming

When looking for a high-end AMD X670E motherboard, options range from $300 to $1000. Two standout models around the $500 mark are the Asrock X670E Taichi and the Asus ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming. Both motherboards offer impressive features like PCIe 5.0 bandwidth across primary and secondary PCIe x16 slots, with the Asus model providing three PCIe 5.0 enabled M.2 slots and the Asrock supporting USB4 and eight SATA ports. These boards are equally matched in performance and features, making them excellent choices for high-end builds.

Best Affordable AMD B650 Motherboard

Top Pick: MSI Pro B650M-A WiFi

For those on a tighter budget, the MSI Pro B650M-A WiFi stands out as an affordable yet feature-rich MicroATX motherboard. Priced under $160, it includes Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gbit LAN, and 11 USB 3.2 ports. While it lacks PCIe 5.0 support, it offers good value with two M.2 slots, three PCIe slots, and a capable VRM setup. This makes it a solid choice for budget-conscious builders.

Best Overall Intel B660 Motherboard

Top Pick: MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk Wi-Fi

If you’re considering an Intel build, the MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk Wi-Fi offers excellent value at around $190. This motherboard features Wi-Fi 6, better USB support compared to some Z690 models, and a higher-quality audio codec. While it doesn’t support CPU overclocking, it’s a great option for those who don’t need that feature, offering a balance of performance and features without breaking the bank.

Best All-Round AMD X570 Motherboard

Top Pick: Gigabyte X570 Aorus Ultra

For those investing around $300, the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Ultra is a top contender. It offers comprehensive features like Wi-Fi 6, three M.2 slots with heatsinks, eight SATA ports, and high-quality audio. This motherboard performs well in VRM thermal testing and is aesthetically pleasing with subtle lighting effects.

Best Intel Z490 Motherboard

Top Pick: MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk

At around $200, the MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk offers robust features and impressive VRM performance, making it a strong choice for Intel builds. It includes 2.5 Gbit LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, and a solid cooling setup, all of which contribute to its reputation as a reliable and high-performing motherboard.

Best All-Round AMD B450 Motherboard

Top Pick: MSI B450 Tomahawk

For those looking to maximize value without sacrificing quality, the MSI B450 Tomahawk is a standout option at around $110. It’s equipped with a high-quality VRM, effective cooling solutions, and essential features, making it the best value all-rounder for AMD Ryzen builds.

Conclusion

Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for building a reliable and efficient PC. Whether you’re looking for high-end performance, budget-friendly options, or all-around value, the motherboards listed above offer something for everyone. Make sure to consider your specific needs and budget when making your selection to ensure you get the best possible performance from your build.