5 BEST Budget Motherboards 2025

Every PC’s motherboard functions similarly to its nervous system. Almost every component in your computer either plugs into your motherboard or into another device that does the same. The size of the PC case you’ll need to use is also determined by the motherboard’s form factor, which is usually E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, or Mini-ITX. The socket and chipset also dictate which processors you can install in your new system, which is at least as significant.

Gaming motherboards for AMD Ryzen 9000, 7000, (socket AM5), and 5000 (socket AM4) CPUs are the first of our selections below. For more detailed tested recommendations and selections, visit our dedicated pages for the best X570 motherboards and the best B550 motherboards if you’re looking for an older AMD AM4 board. Because businesses aren’t launching new boards for what is a legacy (albeit lingering) platform, it’s getting harder to find stock of those boards, and we won’t be updating those pages.

Below our AMD recommendations are our tested choices for Intel motherboards (X870, X670, and B650 chipsets, along with the older B550 chipset on the AM4 platform). The best gaming motherboards for Intel’s 14th Gen, 13th Gen (Raptor Lake, Raptor Lake Refresh), and 12th Gen (Alder Lake) CPUs are found after the AMD options. The top motherboards for Z790, B760M, Z690, B660, and H610 motherboards are suggested by us. Therefore, one of our choices below ought to meet your needs if you’re searching for a board for a recent-generation CPU.

QUICK LIST

Last update on 2025-03-31 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

5 BEST Budget Motherboards 2025

1.ASRock X870E Taichi

Last update on 2025-03-31 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

In recent years, ASRock’s Taichi motherboards have proven to be excellent choices for individuals seeking near-flagship features, such as fast ports, reliable power delivery, a high-end look, and a lower price point than the competition. Additionally, the most recent version, the ASRock X870E Taichi, has updated networking to 5GbE and Wi-Fi 7, more potent VRMs, USB 4.0 (40 Gbps) Type-C ports once more (now a platform standard), and more. Additionally, its launch price is lower than that of the X670E Taichi from the previous generation. For those wishing to construct a system around an AMD Ryzen 9000 CPU, this makes it simple to suggest.

With the jump up to X870/X870E, you get native support for Zen 5-based C{Us, USB 4.0, Wi-Fi 7, and PCIe 5.0 for both NVMe storage and graphics. The latest Taichi gets an updated look, extra DIY features, and more. Its performance in our testing was one of the fastest we’ve tested on the platform so far, if only by meager margins.

Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI competitors, ASRock again is the best option for X870E of the boards we’ve tested so far. Just note that its large E-ATX form factor means it won’t fit in many ATX cases.We have been impressed by the top values of the upper mid-range segment in previous iterations of ASRock’s Taichi motherboards (from both AMD and Intel camps). Fast ports, reliable power delivery, a high-end look appropriate for a high-end motherboard, and a reasonable price are some of the flagship-like features that these boards typically offer. The ASRock X870E Taichi has been updated with a new design, more potent VRMs, USB 4.0 (40 Gbps) Type-C ports (which are now standard on the platform), 5GbE and Wi-Fi 7 networking, and more. The finest aspect? Compared to the previous generation X670E Taichi, which was released almost two years ago, it was less expensive at launch.

On the hardware front, the ASRock X870E Taichi has everything you’d expect from the platform. In addition to the dual USB 4.0 (40 Gbps) Type-C ports, you get 10 Type-A ports of varying speeds on the rear IO, two full-length PCIe 5.0 slots, a flagship-class audio solution with DAC, dual 2.5 and 5 GbE ports and Wi-Fi 7, four M.2 sockets (two with EZ-release latches), six SATA ports, active VRM cooling, and more.

The X870E Taichi performed well in our updated testing suite and with the Ryzen 9 9900X processor. From our first batch of testing, the Taichi and Gigabyte’s Aorus Master traded podium spots in the productivity tests and also showed off their grit in gaming. The Taichi’s default settings let any installed CPU reach its potential.

The X870E Taichi gets aesthetic upgrades as well, just like all other X870/X870E-based boards. The board still uses an extra-large heatpipe-connected heatsink on the VRMs and PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 socket on a black, server-grade, 8-layer PCB with 2 ounces of copper. The renowned cog/gears aesthetic, also known as the “Philosophy of Infinite Potential,” is still evident in the design, with the cogs shining through an RGB-illuminated area on the left VRM heatsink that is controlled by Polychrome Sync. Most surfaces have brushed aluminum finishes and the odd addition of gold dots. Even though it’s not as attractive as the competition, I could live without it.

2.Gigabyte B650E Aorus Master

Last update on 2025-03-31 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The B650E Aorus Master from Gigabyte is a high-end, well-rounded motherboard that costs a lot less than X670E alternatives. It blurs the distinction between the full-featured X670 chipset and the Newegg model, which has all the features of the B650E with the exception of a few fast USB ports. It features nine USB ports on the back IO, four PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, and the same powerful VRMs as the far more costly X670E Aorus Master. In our benchmark testing, it also did as expected.

The B650E Aorus Master has the looks to be the focal point of your build, and a price point more palatable than many X670-based options. It’s one of the best options available for B650E, and should be on your list if you’re looking to build a Ryzen 7000 system and you don’t need the extra bandwidth of X670.

The flagship board in Gigabyte’s B650 lineup is the B650E Aorus Master. Although it costs about $150 less than the X670E Aorus Master that we previously reviewed, it is still fully functional and has multiple PCIe 5.0 M ports. 13 USB ports (including 20 Gbps Type-C), two sockets, a last-generation flagship-class audio system, an overbuilt power delivery system, and a more upscale appearance than the price suggests. A B650-based motherboard will save you a significant amount of money when compared to X670E models, even though it lacks 40 Gbps ports, a feature that few B650 boards have.

Gigabyte went all in on the B650 chipset, offering a total of 13 motherboards (compared to five X670) of varying sizes and prices. You’ll find all the familiar Aorus lines (Master, Elite, Ultra, and Pro) and a B650 Aero G for the Creators. There are also a couple of non-Aorus boards, namely the Gaming X and DS3H SKUs. With the sheer number in the product stack, there’s something for everyone, including MicroATX and Mini-ITX SKUs.

High-level features like an 8-layer PCB, 105A SPS MOSFETs, fully reinforced slots, M.2 and PCIe EZ-latch, and more are shared by the B650 Aorus Master and its X670E sibling. Actually, the same capable power delivery (16-phase 105A SPS MOSFETs) is also used by the B650 Master. Few boards have more than the 13 USB ports on the rear IO, which include a 20 Gbps Type-C port. If this isn’t enough, you might want to reassess your peripherals. Despite using a last-generation codec (Realtek ALC1220-VB), the audio section is a flagship model, and the board has a built-in DAC. It has all the bases covered because its productivity and gaming performance on the B650 Aorus Master matched that of its peers and X670E boards.

3.MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX Wifi

Last update on 2025-03-31 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The MSI B850 Tomahawk MAX Wifi is the most recent board on our tour of affordable AMD review boards. It is intended for gamers. It appears to be a reliable, long-lasting, and do-it-yourself foundation for PC builds. Fast networking (wired and Wi-Fi), lots of USB ports, including three Type-C ports, extra PCIe power, some do-it-yourself features, competent power delivery, and a neutral design that complements most build themes are all included for the price.

In terms of hardware, you get 5GbE and integrated Wi-Fi 7, both of which are quick choices for this price range. The Tomahawk has three Type-C ports on the back IO, each of which operates at 3.2 Gen2 (10 Gbps) speeds (20 Gbps Type-C on the front, via a header), even though USB 4 (40 Gbps) is not available. Ample storage options are also included, such as four SATA ports and four M.2 sockets (one PCIe 4.0 x4). The budget-class board’s onboard Realtek ALC4080 audio chip is a welcome surprise. You have a well-rounded board in terms of specifications when you combine that with its durable appearance and do-it-yourself features.

On the performance front, we used the latest non-beta BIOS available, which updates to AGESA 1.2.0.3a, the latest and greatest from AMD. With this BIOS and factory settings (outside of enabling EXPO on the memory), the Tomahawk MAX performed well throughout our testing suite, often leading the pack. It did well in gaming and most productivity apps, but delivered middle-of-the-pack results across the Procyon/MS Office tests. All the results are close, and you wouldn’t notice a difference without a frame counter or timer on-screen.

The Tomahawk MAX Wifi is housed on a black, eight-layer, server-grade PCB that has plate-style heatsinks to cool the M.2 sockets and chipset and large heatsinks covering the VRM. Bright yellow-green accents with the MAG symbol and the Tomahawk/Arsenal Gaming branding on the remaining heatsinks break up the all-black design. There aren’t any headers built in, so RGB enthusiasts will need to add their own. All things considered, it’s a stylish low-cost motherboard that should match most build themes.

In the upper left corner, we see the two 8-pin EPS connectors (one required) that power the processor. Surrounding them are the Frozr Design VRM heatsinks, which sport a matte-black finish and some branding. There’s plenty of surface area and mass to keep the capable power delivery below running within spec, even with a flagship-class (higher-wattage) processor.

We come across the four DRAM slots with locking mechanisms on both sides after we pass the socket area. With DDR5-8400+ listed speeds, MSI supports up to 256GB of RAM, which is more than fast for the platform. Our DDR5-8000 kit was able to boot, but the DDR5-7200 kit was the only one that was stable (out of the box).

The first three (of seven) 4-pin fan headers are located above the RAM slots. CPU_Fan1, PUMP_Sys1, and SYS_Fan1 in this instance. Both PWM and DC-controlled devices are supported by each header. The system fans have a 1A/12W output, the CPU fan has a 2A/24W output, and the pump has the highest output capacity at 3A/36W. The User Scenario applet and MSI Center software are used to manage fan control.

4.Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Xtreme

Last update on 2025-03-31 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The X670E Aorus Pro X from Gigabyte has almost everything that most people would want from the X670E platform. In contrast to the darker appearance of most motherboards, it has a striking white/silver design, two PCIe 5.0 M.2 sockets, integrated Wi-Fi 7, and an impressive 12 USB ports on the rear IO.

The main drawback of this board is its outdated audio codec. However, the majority of users should find its sound output sufficient. Additionally, if you want a better sound, you can choose one of the Best PC Speakers with a built-in DAC.If you’re worried about performance, don’t be. The X670E Aorus Pro X ran average or above average in our gaming and benchmark suite, and handled our flagship-class AMD Ryzen 7950X processor without any issue.

The light-gray 8-layer PCB is the first feature that gives the X670E Aorus Pro X its distinctive appearance. Strong metal heatsinks with white accents are added on top, giving it a distinctly different look from the majority of black motherboards we are accustomed to. The Aorus falcon on the chipset heatsink and the Aorus branding, backlit by RGB LEDs (the only RGBs in this location), are located on the left VRM heatsink. It’s a stylish mid-range motherboard, especially for people who are sick of the same old motherboard design.

Starting in the top left corner, we get a better look at the large heatpipe-connected VRM heatsinks and the Aorus branding. The RGB lighting shining through the heatsink is colorful but not overly bright. Control over the integrated RGBs and any attached to the onboard headers is controlled through Gigabyte’s Control Center (GCC) and its RGB section. Above the heatsinks are two 8-pin EPS connectors (one required) to power the CPU.

The four reinforced DRAM slots with top and bottom locking mechanisms are the next thing we encounter when we move to the right, past the LGA 1718 socket. There is plenty of space to reach them, so don’t worry. As always, your experience may differ because not all CPUs (more especially, the CPUs’ integrated memory controllers) are capable of handling the massive DDR5-8000 that Gigabyte lists. AMD’s sweet spot is still between DDR5-6000 and 6400. In addition to not functioning on this board, neither of our faster memory kits—DDR5-7200 and DDR5-8000—made the Memory QVL list.

Just above the DRAM slots are the first three (out of eight) 4-pin fan headers. Both PWM and DC-controlled devices are supported by each header. Each header’s output is specified as 2A/24W, which ought to be sufficient for the majority of configurations. These headers are managed by the BIOS, also known as the Gigabyte Control Center. You can use canned settings or manually control them with both approaches.

The first two (out of four) RGB headers appear in the right-hand corner. We have a 4-pin RGB and a 3-pin ARGB here, with two additional 3-pin ARGB headers along the bottom edge. The GCC app, which has multiple lighting modes and allows you to change the speed and intensity, is also used to control these headers.

Moving down the right edge, we spy small power and reset buttons, the 24-pin ATX board power connector, three more 4-pin fan/pump headers, and the front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gbps) connector. Between these and the right DRAM slot are the four Debug LEDs (CPU, Boot, VGA, DRAM) that light up during the POST process. If the system hangs during this time, the LED representing the area where the error occurred remains lit, giving you a general idea of what’s going on if you can’t get into Windows or the BIOS.

5.ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite

Last update on 2025-03-31 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

In our earlier review, we discovered that the Z790 Taichi was packed full of high-end features. Additionally, the Carrara version stands out from the competition thanks to its genuinely distinctive marbled appearance. Although that board’s current price of is competitive with flagship-class models, it is still not inexpensive. Imagine being able to have it both ways. The Z790 (and B650E) Taichi “Lite” is useful in this situation. The price drops by , but the impressive hardware list is still there despite the loss of the premium appearance.

The matte-black, eight-layer E-ATX PCB with the large black heatsinks doesn’t look bad when compared to the Z790 Taichi Lite. With its RGB implementation and 3D design, it simply lacks the upscale vibes of the original. In contrast to the non-lite version’s complete coverage, the PCB is more exposed, allowing for strips of heatsinks for the M.2 sockets in place of heatsinks and shrouds. The RGB lighting has also changed, and it is now only visible beneath the M.2 heatsink on the bottom. It will readily illuminate the interior of your chassis and is still bright with saturated colors.

Starting in the upper-left corner, we see two 8-pin EPS connectors (one required) to power the processor. We also get a better look at the new design on the VRM heatsinks here. Along with all the dark gray cogs, we see the Taichi branding at the bottom, sa well as deep mitered cutouts to promote airflow and increase surface area. The cog design bleeds into the black socket area, which looks cool with all the other black on the board.

Just past the socket area above the top VRM heatsink are the first two (of eight) 4-pin fan headers. Each supports PWM- and DC-controlled devices and is managed through the BIOS or via ASRock’s A-Tuning software. There’s plenty of power to go around, too, with output ranging from 1A/12W to 3A/36E, depending on the header (check the manual). Overall, there are plenty of headers, even if you want to run custom watercooling.

Four unreinforced DRAM slots with locking mechanisms on both sides are located just past the socket area. With speeds listed at DDR5-7200, the four slots can accommodate up to 192 GB of DDR5 RAM, which is a minor improvement over the original Taichi’s DDR5-7000 capacity. The system tested stable when overclocked using the Teamgroup DDR5-7200 kit, the fastest in our stable, and we had no problems testing up to that point either.

We encounter the first two RGB headers in the right-hand corner. Two of the three 4-pin ARGB headers are involved in this instance. There are additional 3-pin and third 4-pin headers along the bottom edge. The BIOS or the Polychrome RGB software is used to control these devices and the built-in RGBs.

We continue down the right edge to the motherboard’s 24-pin ATX power connector and a 6-pin PCIe adapter that is positioned horizontally to enable USB PD 3.0 up to 20V@3A (60W). This plug has a lower power output of 9V@3A (27W) for fast charging, but it supports the same protocol when not in use. The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gbps) Type-C port for the front panel is located beneath that.