As an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases you might make if you click any of the links on this page.
Are you looking for the best budget gaming motherboard?
In a market where the prices of most motherboards are rising with each successive generation, the concept of a budget motherboard is rapidly vanishing. However, there are still a lot of value-oriented options out there.
Contrary to popular belief, the cheapest motherboard is not necessarily the best budget motherboard. You have to look at the value proposition and the various features that the board offers for the price.
This is why we have curated a list of the very best budget gaming motherboards on the market, for both Intel and AMD platforms. Let’s dive in.
Before moving on make sure you check the following detailed tutorial on how to choose the best motherboard for you: How To Choose The Right Motherboard For Your Needs: A Comprehensive Guide
Why Should You Trust Us?
At Best Motherboard Zone, we understand that trust is earned, not given. That’s why we strive to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information about the best gaming motherboards. Our lead author, Konstantinos Chiotis, has been in the tech industry for over a decade and has been building PCs since he was 14.
His passion for technology and gaming, combined with his extensive experience, gives him a unique perspective on PC building and hardware. He meticulously analyzes and compares motherboards, GPUs, and processors, ensuring that you get the most reliable and relevant information.
When you read our recommendations, you’re not just getting a random opinion; you’re getting advice from a seasoned expert who lives and breathes PC hardware. Trust us to guide you in your journey to find the best gaming motherboard for your needs.
How We Choose the Best Budget Gaming Motherboard
Selecting a budget gaming motherboard does not just mean choosing the cheapest motherboard on the market and calling it a day. In most cases, shopping for a value-oriented board can be more complicated than normal thanks to all the cost-saving measures used by the manufacturers.
Our primary focus was definitely the value proposition of the boards. We specifically looked not only at the price tag but also at the price-to-performance ratio that was offered by the board in question.
Moreover, we also kept in focus the VRM setup of the motherboard. This is one of the key areas where motherboard manufacturers tend to cut corners, therefore it was crucial for us to evaluate this aspect.
Of course, the feature-set and aesthetics of the boards were also key points to be considered in the decision-making process. Our final verdict was largely based on the value for the money offered by the boards.
Here are the very best budget gaming motherboards on both Intel and AMD platforms.
The Best Intel Budget Gaming Motherboards
Best Z690 Budget Gaming Motherboard MSI Pro Z690-A (Best Seller)
| Best Z590 Budget Gaming Motherboard ASRock Z590M Pro 4
| Best Budget Motherboard MSI MPG B560I Gaming Edge WiFi
|
1. MSI Pro Z690-A – Best Budget Z690 – [BEST SELLER]
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: Z690 | VRM: 8+4 Phase | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR5-6400 | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x WiFi 6E | Storage: 4x M.2, 6x SATA
The MSI Pro Z690-A is your best bet if you want a budget Z690 motherboard for the 12th Gen Intel processors. The Z690 platform is not necessarily synonymous with the word “budget”, but the Z690-A from MSI makes an exception.
Under the VRM heatsinks, we find a very decent 8+4 phase VRM setup that can handle any 12th Gen CPU at stock settings. Bear in mind that this is not the ideal setup for extreme overclocking, but that comes with the price tag.
You also get DDR5 memory support on this version of the board, as well as a very decent networking suite with 2.5 GbE LAN and WiFi 6E. The four M.2 slots are also superb for your storage needs.
A decent budget alternative is the ASUS PRIME Z690-A motherboard, but the MSI Pro Z690-A just beats the PRIME in value for money, hands down.
Aesthetics aren’t the strong point of the MSI Pro Z690-A, but it is not a bad-looking motherboard. It will fit nicely in a stealthy, blackout build. A touch of RGB lighting would have been nice, however.
It is hard to find a better budget gaming motherboard on the Z690 platform. This should be on the top of your list if you want to build a 12th Gen gaming PC without breaking the bank.
RATINGS:
- VRM Design: 9.5/10
- Features: 9.5/10
- Aesthetics: 8.5/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Overall Rating: 9/10
2. ASRock Z590M Pro4 – Best Budget Z590
Form Factor: Micro ATX | Chipset: Z590 | VRM: 12 Phase | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4800+ | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 6x internal | Network: 1x 1 GbE LAN | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA
Pros:
- Strong Power Delivery
- Compact Form Factor
- Two M.2 Slots
- Decent Connectivity
Cons:
- No WiFi
Our next pick is for the Z590 platform, and it aims to solve two problems at once. Not only is the ASRock Z590M Pro4 one of the best budget gaming motherboards, but it is also a micro ATX form factor that is ideal for compact gaming PCs.
The 12-phase VRM design of the Z590M Pro4 is certainly a highlight of the board, and you should be able to pair it with any Intel 11th Gen CPU without issue. You certainly have to be a bit cautious with overclocking, however, as the VRM cooling might not be the best.
Moreover, you get a decent suite of storage options with two M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports. The networking is a bit lackluster, as you only get a single Gigabit Ethernet port, and that too without WiFi. We would’ve liked to see a bit more in this department from ASRock.
A suitable micro ATX alternative to the ASRock Z590M Pro4 can be the ASUS PRIME Z590-M PLUS, but the ASRock option edges the comparison thanks to its lower price point.
You cannot really complain about the overall value offered by the ASRock Z590M Pro4, despite a few shortcomings here and there. It is certainly one to consider for users of the Z590 platform.
RATINGS:
- VRM Design: 8/10
- Features: 7.5/10
- Aesthetics: 8/10
- Value for Money: 9.5/10
- Overall Rating: 8.5/10
3. MSI MPG B560I Gaming Edge WiFi – Best Budget B560
Form Factor: Mini ITX | Chipset: B560 | VRM: 6+2+1 Phase | Memory: 2x DIMM, 64GB, DDR4-5200 | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 5x internal | Network: 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6E | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA
Pros:
- Excellent Networking
- Ideal for SFF Builds
- Very Low Price Point
Cons:
- Limited Expansion
- No Overclocking CPU Support
If you are looking for a mini ITX option for an 11th Gen Intel build, then look no further than the MSI MPG B560I Gaming Edge WiFi. Ridiculous name aside, it is quite a potent little board that is super affordable as well.
The B560 platform does not support overclocking, so the importance of the VRM setup takes a back seat. Still, the 6+2+1 phase power delivery system is more than good enough for all 11th Gen CPUs at stock settings.
MSI has offered 2.5 GbE networking as well as WiFi at this price point, which is a nice addition. Moreover, you get 2 M.2 slots in a mini ITX board for all your NVMe storage needs. The feature set is quite attractive for the price.
Some users may prefer the MSI B560M PRO-VDH WiFi over the B560I option, but the former is a micro ATX motherboard and a rather basic one at that. We prefer the B560I for its mini ITX form factor as well as its features.
We would have liked to see a bit of RGB lighting on the board, however, as the overall looks are rather plain.
All in all, the B560I Gaming Edge WiFi is a really strong contender for the best gaming motherboard on a budget, for the 11th Gen Intel platform.
RATINGS:
- VRM Design: 7.5/10
- Features: 7.5/10
- Aesthetics: 8.5/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Overall Rating: 8/10
The Best AMD Budget Gaming Motherboards
Best X570 Budget Gaming Motherboard MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi
| Best B550 Budget Gaming Motherboard Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro WiFi
| Best B450 Budget Gaming Motherboard ASRock B450M Steel Legend (Best Seller)
|
1. MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi – Best Budget X570
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: X570 | VRM: 12 Phase | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4600 | Video Outputs: HDMI | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x WiFi | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros:
- Superb Power Delivery
- Excellent Networking
- Extraordinary VRM Cooling
- Decent Connectivity
Cons:
- Unremarkable Looks
AMD’s flagship chipset is not really synonymous with “budget”, but you can still find some fantastic value boards on the X570 platform. The MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk WiFi is hands down one of the best motherboards for AMD processors, period.
Not only does the Tomahawk have a robust 12-phase VRM design, but it also has one of the best cooling systems for power delivery. Under extended loads, the Tomahawk delivers industry-leading performance in VRM thermals.
MSI has also equipped the Tomahawk with a very respectable feature set. The networking and storage options are quite standard for the X570 platform, but the number of rear USBs can be a little lacking.
An alternative worth considering can be the B550 version of the Tomahawk, which offers an even better value. However, the X570 version is better-equipped in terms of features for just a small bump in price.
You can also check out our list of the best budget X570 motherboards for more options.
The Tomahawk is quite simple and plain in terms of aesthetics, and that may be a deal-breaker for some potential buyers.
In essence, the X570 Tomahawk WiFi checks all the boxes for the best budget gaming motherboard for AMD Ryzen processors. It is a bit more expensive than the B550 and B450 options, but the premium is absolutely worth it. That’s why is our choice for the best AMD motherboard if you are on a budget.
RATINGS:
- VRM Design: 9.5/10
- Features: 9/10
- Aesthetics: 8/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Overall Rating: 9/10
2. Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro WiFi – Best Budget B550
Form Factor: Mini ITX | Chipset: B550 | VRM: 6+2 Phase | Memory: 2x DIMM, 64GB, DDR4-5300 | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 5x internal | Network: 1x 2.5GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6 | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA
Pros:
- Ideal for SFF Builds
- Decent Networking
- Two M.2 Slots
- Good VRM Setup
Cons:
- Limited Expansion
On the mini ITX front, we have the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro WiFi which is a really competent B550 motherboard in the budget category. Not only is it ideal for compact PC builds, it also has a decent VRM setup and supports CPU overclocking.
Now the 6+2 phase power delivery system is nothing extraordinary, but it is good enough for the basic overclocking of many Ryzen processors. You can also run almost all Ryzen processors on at least stock settings with this VRM setup.
It does have limited expandability as you would expect from a mini ITX board, but the rest of the features are quite decent. The networking and storage options are about what you would expect from a mid-range B550 motherboard.
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I motherboard is another mini ITX option that can be considered, but it is a little bit more expensive than the AORUS option. The value proposition tilts in favor of the latter.
As a bonus, the Gigabyte AORUS B550I also has a really cool design and attractive RGB lighting.
All things considered, the AORUS B550I is one to consider on the budget side if you are building a mini ITX gaming PC with a Ryzen processor.
RATINGS:
- VRM Design: 8.5/10
- Features: 8/10
- Aesthetics: 8/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Overall Rating: 8.5/10
3. ASRock B450M Steel Legend – Best Budget B450 – [BEST SELLER]
Form Factor: Micro-ATX | Chipset: B450 | VRM: 4+2 Phase | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-3533+ | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 5x internal | Network: 1x 1GbE LAN | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA
Pros:
- Unique Design
- Super Low Price
- Supports Overclocking
Cons:
- No WiFi
- Only Gigabit LAN
If you are hunting for deals, the B450 platform is your best bet for finding a really affordable motherboard for your AMD Ryzen CPU. What is cool about this chipset is that it is compatible with 4 generations of Ryzen, and it supports CPU overclocking as well.
The B450M Steel Legend from ASRock is not the ideal contender for overclocking, as its 4+2 phase VRM setup is rather basic. However, you can still pair it with almost all AMD Ryzen CPUs on stock settings.
We also selected the ASRock B450M Steel Legend in our roundup of the best B450 motherboards.
It is a really affordable motherboard, so you do not get a lot of luxuries in terms of features. The networking is rather basic and lacks WiFi, but the storage suite is rather decent.
You do get a nice bit of RGB lighting which makes this board stand out from the crowd. There is also a rather unique camouflage pattern on the PCB itself which looks very nice.
An alternative to the B450M Steel Legend can be the MSI B450M Mortar, but the latter is quite a bit more expensive which does not make a lot of sense in terms of value.
If you are looking for a really basic AMD motherboard for your Ryzen build, then consider the ASRock B450M Steel Legend. It micro ATX form factor is another bonus!
RATINGS:
- VRM Design: 7.5/10
- Features: 7/10
- Aesthetics: 8.5/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Overall Rating: 8/10
Best Budget Gaming Motherboards – Buyer’s Guide
Choosing a motherboard is already a complicated task, but when you throw the word “budget” into the mix, it becomes even more so. Manufacturers tend to cut a lot of corners in budget motherboards, often in areas that are not so obvious.
This is why you need careful planning when buying a value-oriented board. Be sure to keep the following factors in mind when shopping for a budget gaming motherboard.
Value For Money
When it comes to budget motherboards, value is everything. You want to find a board that offers the best price-to-performance ratio, or the best bang for your buck. There are a lot of different factors to consider when determining value, such as size, features, expansion options, and more. However, at the end of the day, it all comes down to how much performance you’re getting for your money.
If you can find a board that strikes a good balance between price and performance, then you’ve found yourself a great value. Budget motherboards are all about finding that sweet spot between price and performance, so don’t hesitate to spend some time researching before you make your purchase. With a little effort, you’re sure to find a board that’s perfect for your needs and budget.
Power Delivery
The motherboard is the foundation everything else is built upon, so it’s critical to choose wisely. One of the key factors in choosing a budget gaming motherboard is power delivery.
The power delivery system provides power to the CPU and other components, and it plays a vital role in overclocking and gaming performance. The VRM (voltage regulator module) is a critical component of power delivery, and it determines how well your CPU will overclock and how stable your system will be.
When choosing a budget motherboard, it is even more critical to look at the power delivery system because this is one of the components where manufacturers tend to save money. Technical reviews from experts and consumers alike can be helpful in this regard.
Networking, USB Ports, Storage
When shopping for a budget motherboard, it is important to consider what features are most important to you. For many users, networking and storage are the top priorities. For others, the priority may lie in less important features such as RGB lighting and aesthetics.
If you plan on using your computer for gaming or other demanding applications, you’ll need a motherboard with good connectivity options. However, if you’re simply looking for a basic computer for everyday tasks, you may be able to get by with a less feature-rich motherboard.
Ultimately, the best value lies in finding a motherboard that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. With careful shopping, it is possible to find a budget-friendly motherboard that delivers great performance and features.
FAQs:
Does the motherboard increase FPS?
A motherboard does not increase FPS directly, but it can be a factor in your CPU’s performance in an indirect manner. If you choose to overclock your CPU, your motherboard’s power delivery setup will be important in that scenario. Therefore, a motherboard can be indirectly involved in increasing FPS.
What is the difference between a regular motherboard and a gaming motherboard?
Gaming motherboards often come with features that cater specifically to gamers, such as support for multiple GPUs, high-speed Ethernet ports, and advanced audio technology. They also tend to have more robust power delivery systems for overclocking.
How important is the chipset on a gaming motherboard?
The chipset determines what features a motherboard supports, including the type and speed of the CPU, RAM compatibility, and more. For gaming, it’s important to choose a motherboard with a chipset that supports the features you need.
How much should I spend on a gaming PC motherboard?
How much you spend on a gaming motherboard depends entirely on your budget and the type of PC you want to build. Typically, your motherboard should not be more expensive than your CPU or GPU, as it is not a part that contributes directly to performance. However, you should also not buy the cheapest motherboard on the market.
Should the motherboard be more expensive than the CPU?
A motherboard should not be more expensive than the CPU. The motherboard acts as a hub for all your components, but it generally does not directly contribute to performance. A general rule of thumb among gamers is that your motherboard should cost around half of what you spend on your CPU. This will get you a very high value for your money.
Can a cheap motherboard decrease performance?
A cheap motherboard can decrease performance under certain conditions. If the motherboard has a very weak VRM setup, then it can decrease your CPU’s overall performance and stability if you pair it with a very high-end CPU. Moreover, cheap motherboards can have limits on overclocking, which is another factor that can decrease performance.
- TOP 3 Best Motherboards For Intel Core i9 12900KF In 2024 - November 5, 2024
- TOP 3 Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs In 2024 - November 4, 2024
- Top 3 Best Coolers For Ryzen 5 7600x In 2024 - October 31, 2024