The best B650 motherboards feature AMD Ryzen 7000 processors on the AM5 socket, marking a real turning point for consumer hardware. Beyond CPUs, the entire ecosystem has changed with the exclusive adoption of DDR5 memory, the widespread adoption of PCIe 5.0, and the evolution of a socket designed to last several generations.
In this context, the B650 chipset represents the most accessible gateway to the AM5 platform. Accessible on paper, certainly, but in practice, prices often flirt with those of the mid-range. Hence a crucial question: among the multitude of models available, which B650 motherboards are really worth the detour? Is it a homogeneous offer or are there models capable of standing out with a superior quality-price ratio?
This is what we will analyze through this buying guide and complete test, by comparing marketing promises and real use.
Table of Contents
B650 Motherboard Unboxing & Bundle
With motherboards equipped with a B650 chipset, there's no need to expect spectacular unboxing experiences. Manufacturers favor a simple and functional approach, with a sleek box design, a clearly visible logo, and the inevitable mention of compatibility with Ryzen 7000 processors. No frills, the goal is clear: to highlight the motherboard rather than the packaging.
Inside, the same observation. The bundle remains minimalist , sometimes bordering on the bare minimum. We generally find the user manual, a (still anachronistic) driver DVD that is best replaced immediately with the latest online versions, a few SATA cables and, fortunately, the essential screws for M.2 SSDs.
Some manufacturers venture to include a little extra, such as stickers, additional cables, or a USB adapter, but this remains the exception. The general trend is clear: focus on the card itself and limit the superfluous.
Technical Specifications
To help you navigate, here's an overview of some of the top models of the moment, each targeting a specific market segment.
As you can see, the differences are sometimes subtle, but critical. The main distinction is between the B650 and B650E , with the "E" standing for "Extreme" and guaranteeing at least one PCIe 5.0 slot for the graphics card and/or storage.
Platform & CPU Compatibility
At the center of this generation of motherboards is the AM5 socket , designed as a sustainable platform. AMD has already announced its intention to support it on several iterations of Ryzen, a guarantee of longevity for those who want to invest once and benefit from future upgrades without replacing everything.
AM5 also introduces two now-essential technologies: DDR5 , whose speeds explode compared to DDR4, and PCIe 5.0 , which paves the way for the fastest SSDs and graphics cards. On paper, the promise is clear: peak performance for both gaming and creation.
Still, this modernity comes at a cost. Between the price of the processor, a B650 motherboard, and still-expensive DDR5 memory, the bill quickly mounts up. But for users who think long-term and want a scalable platform, the AM5 stands out as the most logical choice today.
B650 vs B650E Motherboards: What Are the Differences?
AMD introduced the B650E (“Extended”) to offer more possibilities to demanding users.
Overclocking: Both models can boost Ryzen 7000 CPUs, but the B650E has more robust VRMs , ideal if you want to push performance. For typical gaming use, the difference is small.
PCIe 5.0 Support: This is the major difference. The B650E supports full PCIe 5.0 , for graphics cards and ultra-fast SSDs. The regular B650 is limited to PCIe 4.0, with only a few PCIe 5.0 lanes dedicated to a high-speed SSD.
USB Connectivity: The B650E can offer up to 12 USB ports , while the B650 is limited to 10 ports . Both generations support USB 4.0 , ensuring compatibility with recent peripherals.
In summary, the B650E is performance-oriented and future-proof , while the B650 remains an excellent choice for most more affordable configurations.
BIOS & Software of the different B650 motherboards
The BIOS B650 motherboards , manufacturers do not all have the same approach.
MSI has an EZ Mode designed for beginners: a clear interface, real-time monitoring and basic settings accessible in one click. Advanced users can switch to Advanced Mode AMD EXPO profile management (DDR5 RAM optimization) is fast and reliable, which limits unpleasant surprises at first boot.
ASUS focuses on readability with a particularly well-structured BIOS, where each menu is logical and hierarchical. The software ecosystem is based on Armoury Crate , an ultra-complete suite for managing drivers, updates, RGB lighting and monitoring. It shines with its richness, but can seem too intrusive if you like to keep your system uncluttered.
Gigabyte and ASRock side , the BIOSes are quite functional but a little less refined: navigation is sometimes less intuitive, design is more dated, and some advanced options are not always highlighted. Nothing prohibitive, but we feel that the user experience is not as polished as with MSI or ASUS.
Additionally, most brands provide a Windows utility (MSI Center, ASUS AI Suite, Gigabyte Control Center, ASRock A-Tuning). These programs allow you to adjust the fan, update the BIOS from the OS, or even manage RGB lighting. Their usefulness will depend on your usage: practical for quick adjustments, but some users will prefer to do without them to limit background services.
Finally, all B650 motherboards integrate the essential security elements for Windows 11 : TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are now standardized, which avoids any unpleasant surprises during installation.
Conception & Design (VRM, Cooling, Format)
This is probably the section that most justifies the price differences between B650 motherboards. The quality of the VRM (Voltage Regulator Modules) and the cooling design are decisive for stability, longevity, and the ability to fully exploit a latest-generation Ryzen processor.
MSI PRO B650-P WIFI
Positioned at the entry level, it pleasantly surprises with robust VRMs capable of handling a Ryzen 7 without flinching. It is not designed for advanced overclocking, but for versatile and long-term use, it largely does the job.MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI
A real favorite , it features a 14+2+1 phase VRM architecture at 80A , a choice that makes it ideal for the most demanding Ryzen 9 (up to the 7950X). Its price/quality ratio makes it an almost essential reference for those who want power and peace of mind without breaking the bank.ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-F
The focus here is on aesthetics and the ROG software ecosystem rather than the raw power of the VRMs. The latter remain solid, but a notch behind the TOMAHAWK in the same price range. Fans of gaming design and RGB integration will, however, be delighted.MSI MPG B650 CARBON & Gigabyte B650 AORUS MASTER
For enthusiasts and overclockers , these are the models of choice. The AORUS MASTER stands out in particular with its 16 phases at 105A , a real CPU power monster, designed to withstand extreme loads and ensure rock-solid stability even in heavy OC.
Cooling & Heat Dissipation of Motherboards with B650 Chipset
Manufacturers have significantly improved cooling on this generation.
VRM heatsinks are more massive and more efficient, ensuring better resistance under prolonged load.
M.2 heatsinks are becoming more widespread, and even essential for PCIe 5.0 SSDs , which are particularly prone to overheating.
Some high-end models even integrate several independent heatsinks for each M.2 slot, or even an optimized thermal pad to improve contact and reduce throttling.
Formats & overall design
The majority of B650 chipsets come in ATX , the standard form factor that offers the most connectivity and VRM phases.
Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX variants exist, but sometimes require compromises (fewer PCIe slots, fewer VRM phases, more compact cooling).
The overall aesthetics are also moving upmarket: brushed heat sinks, reinforced backplates, subtle or aggressive RGB integration depending on the brand.
Performance in real test
To evaluate motherboards with a B650 in real-world conditions, we ran a series of benchmarks with a Ryzen 9 7900X and a DDR5-6000 kit, to measure CPU, memory, and storage performance.
CPU – Cinebench R23
Multi-core and single-core scores are nearly identical across cards, with differences of less than 1%. This confirms what we have observed for several generations: in a stable configuration, performance depends mainly on the CPU .
The role of powerful VRMs is especially evident in the stability and consistency of frequencies under prolonged load. A card with a solid power stage like the MSI TOMAHAWK or the AORUS MASTER allows you to maintain high boost clocks even during intensive sessions, without throttling or frequency drops.
AIDA64 Cache & Memory
All tested boards handle DDR5-6000 EXPO profiles enabled perfectly. Models equipped to support higher frequencies, such as the MSI TOMAHAWK (up to 6600 MHz) or the MPG CARBON , offer a slight advantage for high-end RAM, but the impact on gaming or everyday applications remains marginal. The main thing remains stability and compatibility with high-frequency modules.
PCIe 5.0 SSD Storage (CrystalDiskMark)
We tested a PCIe 5.0 on boards like the ASUS ROG STRIX B650E-F and the MSI MPG B650 CARBON .
Sequential read speeds exceed 12 GB/s , confirming that PCIe 5.0 can unleash the full potential of Gen5 SSDs.
Thermal management is essential: without a heatsink, the SSD temperature easily rises above 70°C , while the cards' integrated heatsink reduces this temperature to below 50°C , thus avoiding throttling and preserving the component's longevity.
In practice, an M.2 heatsink becomes an almost indispensable accessory on B650 platforms using PCIe 5.0, especially in compact or poorly ventilated cases.
Strengths / Weaknesses
- AM5 socket sustainability: support for future generations of Ryzen CPUs.
- Modern connectivity: DDR5, PCIe 5.0 (B650E), USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2.
- Oversized VRMs: excellent value for money.
- Build quality: reliable components and good cooling.
- Wide selection: varied models for all budgets.
- High price: entry cost still substantial.
- No PCIe 5.0 on non-E B650.
- Standard Audio and LAN: Mid-range chips.
The Best B650 Motherboards to Buy
We present to you a selection of the most interesting B650 cards of the moment , adapted to different budgets and needs, whether it is gaming, office automation or content creation.
MSI B650M Gaming Plus WiFi
A great mATX choice for a reasonable budget
MSI B650M Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard stands out for its attractive price/quality ratio for an AM5 motherboard, ideal for building a configuration with an AMD Ryzen 5000, 7000 or 8000 series processor.
Designed in mATX , it offers comprehensive connectivity and careful finishing, capable of meeting the needs of gamers and intensive users alike. Its robust VRM allows you to fully exploit the most powerful CPUs without compromise.
On the storage side, the card has 2 M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots with heatsinks and 4 SATA ports , covering most home or gaming needs. The lack of PCIe 5.0 x16 is not a real handicap for now, even with a high-end graphics card like an RTX 5090, the FPS gap remains minimal.
On the back, the board features an integrated I/O Shield , 8 USB ports including one USB Type-C , a 2.5 Gbps LAN , as well as WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 , providing full connectivity without additional accessories.
Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX Ice
The top of the range in mATX format
Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX Ice motherboard is an excellent alternative to more affordable models.
Priced around €180 , it combines a sleek design with advanced features. It includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 connector , ensuring compatibility with next-generation graphics cards.
On the storage side, it has 2 M.2 slots , one of which is PCIe 5.0 4x , to take full advantage of the fastest SSDs on the market. The card supports DDR5 up to 8000 MHz and has a reinforced VRM , guaranteeing stability and performance even with powerful CPUs.
The rear connectivity is generous with 11 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port , allowing you to connect numerous peripherals without an additional hub. Added to this are 2.5 Gbps LAN , WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 , for complete and modern connectivity.
MSI B650M Project Zero
An innovative design with rear connectors
The MSI B650M Project Zero stands out for its unique rear connector placement , a design that allows for sleek PC setups with virtually no visible cables. However, you'll need to make sure your case is compatible with this form factor.
This mATX board offers a complete connectivity : 2 M.2 PCIe 4.0 , 7 USB-A ports and 2 USB-C ports on the back, as well as WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 . DDR5 memory is supported up to 7600 MHz , offering great performance for a modern PC.
The design is neat and thought out for the aesthetics of gamer configurations, but the price remains high, around €200 , which places it in the premium segment of B650 mATX cards.
ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi: Best Value for Money
The ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi motherboard stands out as a mid-range ATX motherboard, offering a particularly rich feature set. It is ready for current and future gaming configurations thanks to its PCIe 5.0 x16 , which ensures compatibility with the latest generation graphics cards.
One of its biggest selling points is its storage capacity: unlike many competing models that only offer two, this card has four M.2 slots , providing great flexibility for high-performance SSDs. It also supports DDR5 memory up to 8000 MHz , ensuring optimal system performance.
Aesthetically, the card sports a sleek white design with discreet RGB accents. Its connectivity is modern and reliable, including WiFi 6E , Bluetooth 5.3 , and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet .
The rear I/O panel is pre-installed for easy installation. It offers a total of 10 USB ports , including a USB-C port, allowing you to easily connect all your peripherals. For a budget under €200, the ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi remains a solid choice for gamers and demanding users.
MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi
A solid ATX board for most AMD configurations
The MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi is a reliable choice for users looking for a full-featured ATX at a reasonable price, around €160. Its design is simple but effective, with large heatsinks on the VRM , capable of supporting the most demanding Ryzen processors.
It offers 4 DDR5 slots for a total of up to 192 GB at 7200 MHz , as well as 2 M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots , one of which has a heat sink to protect your high-performance SSDs. The card also features WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.5 Gbps LAN , ensuring modern and comprehensive connectivity.
On the back, there are 7 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port . The I/O panel is not pre-installed, unlike some higher-end models, but this is still a minor detail. For those looking for a reliable, powerful, and affordable B650 board in ATX format , the MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi is a safe bet.
Alternatives to motherboards with B650 chipset
While B650 motherboards are attractive for their price/performance ratio, they aren't necessarily the best choice for everyone. Those who want to get the most out of their build, whether in terms of raw performance, scalability, or connectivity, will find much more attractive alternatives in the X670E, X670 , and now the X870E/X870 .
The first major advantage of these platforms lies in their rich connectivity . Whereas motherboards mounted with a B650 chipset often make do with a PCIe 5.0 slot for storage, the X670E and X870E offer more PCIe 5.0 lanes , allowing not only to accommodate a latest-generation NVMe SSD, but also to fully exploit a high-end graphics card without compromising on bandwidth. For gamers aiming for maximum fluidity in 4K or creators working on 8K editing, this advantage is decisive.
Another notable difference is overclocking management . These premium chipsets benefit from much more robust power circuits (VRM), capable of supporting the most demanding Ryzen processors without flinching. The result: significantly greater overclocking potential and better stability over time, even under heavy load.
ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi motherboard , the GIGABYTE X670E AORUS Master MSI MPG X870E Edge TI WiFi motherboard . All are distinguished by features designed for demanding users: high-frequency DDR5 compatibility, ultra-fast networks (Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G/10G LAN), optimized cooling and intuitive BIOS.
Of course, this upgrade comes at a price. But for a passionate gamer who wants the best, a content creator handling heavy projects, or a professional looking for a durable and scalable , the investment is fully justified. Where the B650 aims for balance, the X670E and X870E chipsets clearly embody the quest for maximum power and longevity .
Conclusion of our tests
The B650 chipset is a solid entry point to the AMD AM5 platform , but you need to choose your motherboard carefully . Between the features offered, the VRMs, the cooling, and the pricing, some models clearly stand out.
Our champion of this comparison is without a doubt the MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI . With its 14+2+1 phase VRM at 80A , its full DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 compatibility, as well as its Wi-Fi 6E/LAN 2.5G network, it offers high-end performance while remaining affordable for the mid-range segment . The price-performance is simply unbeatable.
For tighter budgets , the MSI PRO B650-P WIFI is a solid option: reliable VRM, decent connectivity, and a sufficient bundle for versatile use. It allows you to build a stable configuration without breaking the bank.
For content creators and power users looking for ultra-fast transfers and intensive overclocking , the Gigabyte B650 AORUS MASTER is the benchmark: 16 phases at 105A, massive heatsinks and premium features that ensure long-term stability and performance.
In short, this guide helps you identify the B650 card that best suits your needs : a demanding gamer, a SFF enthusiast, or a user looking for raw power for multitasking and creation. Each model has its strengths and weaknesses, but with a little discernment, your next AMD AM5 configuration will surely find its ideal base.
This selection perfectly illustrates the balance between performance, features and price , making the B650 a credible and durable solution for all user profiles.
