Of course, the best motherboards aren’t entirely in the motherboard – in fact, a computer is a whole system that includes a number of other components. In the case of a motherboard, the integrated memory controller, USB ports, and integrated network connectivity are quite important. There are also a few other components that make up a good gaming motherboard, such as the sound card, processor, and cooler. In this guide, we’ll discuss what the best B450 motherboards are, and why you should consider them in the upcoming years.
The Ryzen™ 7 2400G is AMD’s latest APU (accelerated processing unit) which is an improved version of the Ryzen™ 5 2400G. The Ryzen™ 7 2400G has 4 cores with 8 threads, 3.10 GHz boost clock speed, and 4 MB of L3 cache. The Ryzen™ 7 2400G has 8 GB of dual-channel DDR4-2666 memory support which allows you to run up to 64 GB of RAM. The Ryzen™ 7 2400G has three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. The Ryzen™ 7 2400G has four SATA 6 GB/s, and four USB 3.1 Gen 2.
The B450 chipset is a new and improved chipset from AMD set to debut in the year 2020. The new chipset will replace the current B350 chipset used by all of AMD’s current Ryzen and Threadripper products. With the new B450 chipset, AMD is promising to deliver higher performance and improved clock speeds as well as lower power consumption than the B350 chipset. The new chipset will replace the current B350 chipset used by all of AMD’s current Ryzen and Threadripper products. With the new B450 chipset, AMD is promising to deliver higher performance and improved clock speeds as well as lower power consumption than the B350 chipset. AMD is expected to release the new B450 chipset in 2020, with the first
Because all of the elements of a computer system must connect to it, the motherboard is one of the most important components. The three versions of Ryzen CPUs are currently compatible with three motherboard chipsets. The B450 chipset is presently utilized in budget builds, the x470 chipset is used in mid-range gaming, and the x570 is used by high-end enthusiasts. When compared to the x470 chipset, the B450 chipset has similar overclocking capability, but it has less USB 3.0 connections, SATA3 slots, and extension lanes. While most motherboards are compatible with Zen2 CPUs, certain versions may need a BIOS update.
Other chipsets support Zen2 processors as well, although they aren’t worth the money these days. Ryzen series CPUs are popular among enthusiasts due to their cheap price and overclocking capability. You can’t overclock non-K CPUs as you can with Intel, but you can with AMD since their multiplier is factory unlocked, allowing you to push them to new limits. The amount of storage and connection interfaces, as well as the VRM and MOSFET cooling systems, are the major differences between the A320, B350, and B450. Their prices are almost same, and certain B450 gaming motherboards are even less expensive than other chipsets, therefore it’s a smart idea to go with them.
In 2021, there are eight best B450 Motherboards for Zen 2.
1. MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC (MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC) (MSI B450 (MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC)
The most advanced hardware in the B450 chipset, capable of supporting the Ryzen 7 3700x CPU, is at the top of our list of Best B450 Motherboards. The overclocking capability of this motherboard is comparable to that of any premium x470 chipset board, although it lacks certain USB and SATA connections. RGB lighting, Wi-Fi, and a high-speed USB Type-C connector are just a few of the luxury features on this motherboard. This is why we put this motherboard at the top of our list. This motherboard is pricey, particularly for budget CPUs, but it is well worth the money because of its features. This motherboard has a simple design, yet it looks fantastic with RGB lights.
The MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC features four DIMM slots, allowing you to add up to 128GB of memory at 3200MHz. Because the majority of B450 motherboards only support 64GB dual-channel memory, 128GB memory support is uncommon. It also includes five PCI expansion slots for expansion cards, two of which are full-length PCIe x16 and three of which are PCIe x1. There are six audio connectors on the rear I/O panel, as well as USB Type-A and Type-C ports for communication. The controllers on this motherboard are a little pricey, which has an impact on the total price of the board.
This motherboard is a little expensive, since you can simply buy an entry-level x570 chipset motherboard for the same price. Although a price reduction would be welcome, you may still purchase it due to its premium features. This motherboard’s memory overclocks are unsatisfactory, however the CPU can be overclocked to a reasonable level. The M.2 and PCI expansion slot wiring is complicated, however this was addressed in the successor.
With all of its features, it’s one of the finest motherboards for Zen2 CPUs, but it can’t compete with high-end chipsets. This motherboard’s VRM is 12 phase, and it’s set up in an 8+4 configuration, which is similar to that of entry-level x570 chipset motherboards. This is the finest B450 motherboard for you if you don’t intend to upgrade to Zen3 and don’t require PCIe Gen4.
Specifications
Motherboard | MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC |
DIMMs for memory | 4x |
VRM | 12 Phase |
Slots for PCIe | 5x |
Slots for SATA drives | 6x |
M.2 | 2x |
Pros
- In 8+4 mode, 14 phase VRM.
- Powerful overclocking capabilities.
- Onboard RGB lighting is included.
- For mid-range setups, five expansion slots are plenty.
Cons
- Wiring for PCI and M.2 slots is a mess.
- Premium value for money.
- The memory OC potential is underwhelming.
2. MSI Tomahawk B450
On the introduction of Zen+ CPUs, MSI released numerous B450 chipset motherboards, the majority of them are updated versions of previous chipsets. That is also true of the Tomahawk B450 MSI, which is an updated version of the B350 with modest specification and feature changes. The RGB lights incorporated onboard, USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, and a stronger VRM cooling system with expanded heatsinks are the most noteworthy characteristics of this motherboard. This board has the same set of functionality as its predecessor, but it has a distinct look than the B350 Tomahawk, with a black color base and a grey touch.
The general specs of this motherboard differ from those of the previous board, yet it has everything a mid-range build need. This board’s memory support is underwhelming when compared to the Gaming Pro Carbon, since it only supports 64GB of memory, which may be divided into four modules. The MSI B450 Tomahawk features two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports on the back panel, as well as many additional USB ports, including Type-A and Type-C. This board features two straight angled SATA ports with an M.2 slot, as well as four right-angled SATA ports near the 24-pin connection.
There are just a few flaws with this motherboard, one of which being the lack of a secondary M.2 slot, which is even found in some cheap versions. Furthermore, the RGB connectors on this motherboard cannot be controlled individually, necessitating the usage of third-party software. This motherboard’s overclocking capability is sufficient for Zen+ CPUs, however it only performs averagely with Zen 2 processors.
If you have a Ryzen 3000 series mid-range CPU, the MSI B450 Tomahawk is the correct option, however for Ryzen 2nd generation, this motherboard beats the competition. The primary feature that distinguishes this motherboard from its competitors is the VRM cooling system, which allows you to overclock the CPU. I would only recommend this motherboard if you have a budget of $100 or less; otherwise, if you have more money, we have alternative options.
Specifications
Motherboard | MSI B450 Tomahawk |
DIMMs for memory | 4x |
VRM | 4+2 Phase |
Slots for PCIe | 5x |
Slots for SATA drives | 6x |
M.2 | 1x |
Pros
- Invest in good voltage regulators.
- It’s enough to have six fan headers.
- USB 3.1 ports having a transfer rate of 5GBPS.
- The pricing is reasonable.
Cons
- Zen2 CPUs have average OC potential.
- There is no supplementary M.2 slot.
- Third-party software may be used to control RGB headers.
3. B450M DS3H Gigabyte Gigabyte B450M DS3H Gigabyte B450M
Gigabyte did their best in terms of features and price value with this motherboard, which is a budget-friendly option for entry-level setups. Because it’s a micro-ATX motherboard with fewer ports and slots, you’ll have to haggle. This motherboard includes a pair of Realtek audio and networking controllers, which are inexpensive and provide everything. Gigabyte removed several premium features from this motherboard, including RGB lighting, although it does include an RGB header for LED Strip. This motherboard has a simple appearance, with a black base and a grey circuit printed on it.
Because m-ATX motherboards are smaller, they have fewer expansion slots, however this one includes two PCIe x16 slots and one PCIe x1 slot for expansion cards. The Gigabyte B450M DS3H has four USB 3.1 5GBPS ports as well as many USB ports, including Type-A, but no Type-C port. An ethernet port and three audio ports with studio quality audio coding are also included on the back panel. It also includes an HDMI 2.0 and DVI connector on the rear, but no Display port or VGA, which may be frustrating for APU users.
Because this motherboard lacks the BIOS Flashback function, you’ll need to borrow a 2nd generation CPU and update its BIOS in order to install a 3rd generation processor. This motherboard has just two fan headers, including the CPU fan, which is insufficient for any contemporary design. Overall, I believe this motherboard is lacking in certain modern functions that are required these days.
More overclocking potential power isn’t required for entry-level setups, and the hardware we evaluate for them is typically what we need. To put it another way, we don’t pay for things that we don’t need with cheap gear. That is also true with the Gigabyte B450M DS3H, which has everything a budget gaming setup need but lacks overclocking and premium features.
Specifications
Motherboard | Gigabyte B450M DS3H |
DIMMs for memory | 4x |
VRM | 5+2 Phase |
Slots for PCIe | 3x |
Slots for SATA drives | 4x |
M.2 | 1x |
Pros
- Ryzen 2nd and 3rd generation processors are compatible.
- Zen+ CPUs have an average OC potential.
- The Ultra M.2 is much quicker than a regular HDD. .
Cons
- There are just two fan headers, one of which is for the CPU.
- The BIOS flashback function is not available.
- It’s missing several key contemporary features.
- It would be much better if it included Type-C.
4. B450M-HDV ASRock ASRock B450M-HDV ASRock B450M-HD (High-Definition Video)
We now have another choice for budget builds, particularly for Ryzen Zen+ APUs, in addition to our entry-level goods. This motherboard is identical to the one previously described, however it has a few more functions and controllers. For audio and networking solutions, the ASRock B450M-HDV features twin onboard Realtek controllers. This board is primarily designed for APU builds, although it may be classified as feature-rich in the entry-level category. This motherboard comes in two distinct versions, although they are almost identical save for minor cosmetic differences on the top side. The black base of the ASRock B450M-HDV contrasts with the white heatsinks.
This motherboard has the same characteristics as any other motherboard in the budget series, including two PCI expansion slots. Because this board is aimed primarily at budget customers, Gigabyte may disable Crossfire functionality. There are six SATA 6 slots, two of which are in a straight line and four of which are in the right corner, and you may use all of them with any large graphics card. On the back panel, there are four USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A connectors, two USB 2.0 ports, and several video output connections.
This motherboard is designed for APU users, however it lacks DisplayPort, which may upset Ryzen APU customers seeking for a B450 board. This motherboard would be much better if it had a USB Type-C connector. This motherboard’s RAM expansion is restricted, and its overclocking power isn’t great, so spend a little extra and buy something more durable. Some users complain that saving XMP profiles is difficult.
Because both the ASRock B450M-HDV and the other listed motherboard have nearly similar characteristics and a nearly same price, they are almost equivalent. Because of the superior chipset and more ports and slots, I would recommend this motherboard over the B350 chipset. This motherboard’s power supply to various components is sufficient for ordinary usage, thanks to its 4+3 Phase VRM, which is supplied by a single 4-Pin power connection. Finally, I’d say it’s the finest B450 motherboard for low-cost setups.
Specifications
Motherboard | ASRock B450M-HDV |
DIMMs for memory | 2x |
VRM | 4+2 Phase |
Slots for PCIe | 2x |
Slots for SATA drives | 4x |
M.2 | 1x |
Pros
- The pricing is reasonable.
- It has a lot of advantages.
- Appropriate for mid-range setups.
Cons
- There is no USB Type-C port.
- There is no display port.
- OC potential is low.
- It’s difficult to store XMP profiles.
5. Gigabyte Aorus Pro Wi-Fi B450
We’re not breaking the bank and have something unique from the Gigabyte Aorus line for you. The Gigabyte Aorus series is aimed primarily at high-end consumers, particularly aficionados seeking something unique, as is the case with this board. If you have a high-end CPU from Zen2 and are searching for a B450 motherboard, the Aorus Pro wi-fi may be the best option. We’ll talk about the specs of this motherboard later, so let’s start with the looks. This motherboard’s top is clean, with a black base and the Auros logo printed in grey, as well as some metallic heatsinks.
Specifically, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Pro wi-fi outperforms all others since it features three full-length PCIe x16 slots, one of which includes PCI Steel Armor. It contains six SATA 6 slots for storage, two of which are near the 24-pin power connection and four of which are right-angled on the bottom right. It also includes two M.2 slots with great-looking heatsinks, where you can put NVMe and wi-fi modules, in addition to the SATA slots. The controllers on this motherboard are very costly, and it also includes built-in wi-fi, which has an impact on the board’s net price.
I noticed nothing wrong with this motherboard since it is reasonably priced and has quality features. If this motherboard had greater overclocking ability, it would be a bonus, but for the price, it’s OK. Because of the PCI bandwidth on B450 motherboards, you may be missing out on certain features like SLI support if you combine it with high-end CPUs.
The three PCI and two M.2 slots on this motherboard, which can accommodate three AMD graphics cards, were the things that wowed me the most. Only a few B450 chipset motherboards have three PCIe x16 slots, thus this is an uncommon choice. The 8+3 Phase Power Design VRM on the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Pro wi-fi is the same as on entry-level x570 chipset boards. However, it is still unable to overclock 3000 series CPUs to their full capacity.
Specifications
Motherboard | Wi-Fi Gigabyte B450 Aorus Pro |
DIMMs for memory | 4x |
VRM | 6+5 Phase |
Slots for PCIe | 4x |
Slots for SATA drives | 6x |
M.2 | 2x |
Pros
- Power Design with 8+3 Phases.
- For the GPU, there are three PCIe x16 slots.
- The pricing is reasonable.
- Ryzen 3000 CPUs have average OC potential.
Cons
- Due to hardware limitations, OC power is limited.
- SLI (multiple Nvidia GPUs) is not supported.
Aorus Elite Gigabyte B450 (No. 6)
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite is a sister to the above-mentioned motherboard, although it lacks some of the capabilities found in the Auros Pro. The additional PCIe x16 slot and an M.2 slot with the heatsink on the top side are included. While this model comes in three distinct sizes: ATX, m-ATX, and ITX, the pricing varies depending on the size and features. The overclocking capability of this motherboard isn’t very high, but it’s enough for Ryzen 3000 series CPUs. This motherboard features the same color scheme as the one described above, as well as RGB lighting from Gigabyte.
For expansion cards and graphics cards, there are two PCIe x16 slots and two PCIe x1 slots, as well as compatibility for multiple AMD graphics cards. This motherboard features two PCI slots, one of which is equipped with a heatsink. There are many USB 3.1 ports on the rear of this motherboard, including Type-A and Type-C, as well as Ethernet ports and audio caps. The DIMMs enable a dual channel and accommodate 64GB of memory, which may be divided into four modules. If you intend to utilize an APU with this motherboard, it also has HDMI and DVI visual output connections.
The third PCI slot, the heatsink on the secondary M.2, and Wi-Fi are all missing from this motherboard, as are the third PCI slots and the heatsink on the secondary M.2. The remainder of this motherboard is fine and decent, however the overclocking capability of Zen2 CPUs on this motherboard is limited. If you’re searching for a cheaper alternative to the Auros Pro, I’d suggest this.
This motherboard’s VRM cooling is adequate, and you may use it to slightly overclock high-end CPUs’ core clocks. Crossfire functionality on a mid-range motherboard is certainly a plus, but it would be much better if these motherboards also supported SLI. Overall, this motherboard will provide great value for money if you are searching for a motherboard for Ryzen 7 2000/3000 series CPUs.
Specifications
Motherboard | Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite |
DIMMs for memory | 4x |
VRM | 6+5 Phase |
Slots for PCIe | 4x |
Slots for SATA drives | 6x |
M.2 | 2x |
Pros
- It provides excellent value for the money.
- The cooling of the VRM is superb.
- Crossfire Assist.
- RGB light onboard
The ASUS ROG STRIX B450-I is a gaming motherboard by ASUS. 7. ASUS ROG STRIX B450-I
The second last B450 motherboard we received comes from the ASUS Rog Strix line, although it’s designed specifically for ITX enclosures and small projects. When compared to other ATX size motherboards, this one lacks certain functionality, such as fewer SATA, USB, and PCI expansion slots. This motherboard is a descendant of the B450-F, which was unquestionably one of ASUS’s finest premium motherboards in the Rog series. The Strix B450-I comes with a SupremeFX S1220A audio codec and an Intel Gigabit networking controller, and it’s a little pricey for a mid-range motherboard. This motherboard features a black base with an exquisite grey touch and RGB lights built in, giving it a fantastic overall appearance.
ITX motherboards are not as strong as ATX and m-ATX motherboards, but they nevertheless provide all of the essentials for your setup while limiting future growth. ASUS incorporated best-in-class Wi-Fi and other controllers where this motherboard needs PCIe x1 slots. The 32GB of memory with a 3200MHz clock speed is ideal for modest projects that can be divided into two modules. It also includes an M.2 slot with the heatsink, and the SATA slots have been decreased from six to four, but this is still plenty for any small design. To summarize, this motherboard offers all of the necessary characteristics for its pricing, however it does not perform like an ATX board.
According to some customers, there may be some USB 3.1 compatibility issues with this motherboard. The controllers on this motherboard, particularly Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, aren’t excellent and might be lot better. Even in idle mode, the power consumption of this motherboard is excessive due to overclocking. The RGB lights on this motherboard aren’t directly controlled, so you’ll have to use third-party software to get them to work.
Because of the tiny hardware and high-end functionality, Small Form Factor setups are a little more costly than conventional systems. Although the ASUS ROG STRIX B450-I is not as costly as some of its rivals, it provides great value for money. This motherboard’s VRM cooling isn’t excellent, but you can still push Zen+ CPUs to their maximum. This motherboard is only recommended if you are serious about SSF setups.
Specifications
Motherboard | ASUS ROG STRIX B450-I |
DIMMs for memory | 2x |
VRM | 6 Phase |
Slots for PCIe | 1x |
Slots for SATA drives | 4x |
M.2 | 1x |
Pros
- For small projects, this is a fantastic bargain.
- Wi-Fi and RGB lighting are built-in.
- Audio and networking controllers of the highest quality.
Cons
- USB 3.1 has a compatibility problem.
- The controllers could be a whole lot better.
- In idle mode, there is a lot of power usage.
- The RGB lights cannot be controlled directly.
8. MSI Gaming Plus AC B450I
There, we find another B450 chipset ITX motherboard, which performs similarly to the previous one but has a few benefits over it. MSI packs a lot of features onto this motherboard while keeping the pricing under control. The 8-phase Power Design VRM on the B450I Gaming Plus AC from MSI is set in 6+2 mode and powered by a single 8-pin power connection. You may be familiar with the costs of tiny gear, but MSI designed this one for modest entry-level setups that don’t cost more than a hundred and twenty dollars. The black color on the PCB and some red diagonal on the heatsinks give this motherboard a fantastic look.
This board includes four SATA 3 connections, all of which are at a right angle, as well as a high-speed M.2 connector for SSDs with lightning-fast speeds. In the ITX version, the PCI slots are reduced from four to one, allowing you to add any powerful graphics card. On the back I/O panel, there are numerous USB 3.1 ports, including Type-A and Type-C, as well as ethernet, audio, and Wi-Fi antenna slots. This ITX motherboard also has RGB lighting and Wi-Fi, much as other ITX motherboards. This motherboard has a lot of functionality for any tiny form factor design.
The MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC features 802.11 AC Wi-Fi, however there are cheaper motherboards with far better controllers. This motherboard lacks several functions included in ATX motherboards, but that’s alright since it’s not the fault of the manufacturer. Furthermore, for contemporary setups, one M.2 slot is insufficient; we need at least two, if not more.
MSI has created a cost-effective alternative for SSF setups that are constructed with high-quality components and have great overclocking capability. You may simply overrate any Ryzen 2000 series CPU on this motherboard to gain additional performance. As you may be aware, most AMD customers consider these CPUs because of their overclocking capability, therefore motherboards that do not allow overclocking are not recommended.
Specifications
Motherboard | MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC |
DIMMs for memory | 2x |
VRM | 6+2 mode, 8 phase |
Slots for PCIe | 1x |
Slots for SATA drives | 4x |
M.2 | 1x |
Pros
- For SSF constructions, the pricing is reasonable.
- Overclocking capability is excellent.
- The build quality is outstanding.
Cons
- Wi-Fi is 802.11 AC, which might be better.
- For contemporary setups, one M.2 slot is insufficient.
Conclusion
The B450 chipset is a good option for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a motherboard but yet want performance comparable to high-end motherboards. However, you will have to forego a few features that premium x470 chipset motherboards provide. The finest B450 motherboard is the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Pro Wi-Fi, which is reasonably priced while offering a comprehensive feature set. This motherboard has a rival from MSI, but it’s a more expensive choice with more overclocking capability, and it’s the MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC, which is ranked #1 on our list.
The cheap alternatives are the Gigabyte B450M DS3H and ASRock B450M-HDV from Gigabyte and ASRock, respectively. These motherboards are designed for entry-level designs, particularly APUs, and provide all essential functionality and visual output connectors. While they are entry-level components, ASUS ROG STRIX B450-I and MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC are two choices for ITX designs. We’ve also included some additional choices for your Ryzen setup that you may look into.
The first wave of Intel’s mainstream processors, known as the Coffee Lake-S, were released last year. These chips are the successors to the Kaby Lake-S, and will form the basis of the company’s next-generation mainstream CPUs, codenamed ‘Cascade Lake’. There are currently no plans to release the second-generation Coffee Lake-S processors; however, rumours suggest that Intel will release at least two chips based on AMD’s upcoming 7nm Zen 2 architecture. The first will be an 8-core variant, possibly with SMT (Simultaneous multi-threading), which is rumoured to be called the ‘Ryzen 5’ (codename ‘Raven Ridge’). The second chip will be an 8 core,. Read more about best motherboard for ryzen 5 2600 and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which B450 motherboard is the best?
The best motherboard for your needs is the one that suits your budget and your personal preferences.
Will B450 support new Ryzen?
Yes, the B450 chipset supports all new Ryzen processors.
Are B450 motherboards compatible with Ryzen?
Yes, all B450 motherboards are compatible with Ryzen.
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