Zen 5 Ready AMD B650 Buying Guide, Top 5 Best B650 Boards

About this Video

• Video Title: Zen 5 Ready AMD B650 Buying Guide, Top 5 Best B650 Boards
• Channel: Hardware Unboxed
• Speakers: The transcript does not name the speaker.
• Duration: 22:23

Introduction

This video provides a buying guide for AMD B650 motherboards, reviewing various options across different price points and highlighting the best choices for different budgets and needs. The presenter has tested numerous B650 motherboards and offers recommendations based on their performance, features, and value.

Key Takeaways

• Budget Micro-ATX: The ASRock B650M Pro RS is a strong contender at ~$130 USD, offering good VRM performance and features. If the ASRock B650M HDV m.2 (at ~$120 USD) becomes available again, that's considered the best entry-level option. The MSI Pro B650M-A WiFi is also a good option at ~$140 USD. Avoid Asus Prime B650M-A WiFi and Gigabyte B650M Gaming WiFi.
• Budget ATX: For ATX boards around $150 USD, the ASRock B650 PG Lightning or ASRock B650 Live Mixer are superior to the Gigabyte B650 Eagle AX and MSI Pro B650-P WIFI.
• Mid-Range Micro-ATX ($170-$220 USD): The MSI B650M Mortar WiFi (~$180 USD) offers better VRMs than the MSI B650M Gaming Plus WiFi. Comparable options include the Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX and Asus TUF Gaming B650M-Plus WiFi.
• Mid-Range ATX ($170-$200 USD): The ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi (~$180 USD) is the top pick if available, boasting strong VRMs and features. Alternatives include the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX, ASRock B650 PG Riptide WiFi, and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi (lacks PCI 5.0).
• High-End ATX (No Price Cap): The ASRock B650E Taichi Light (~$240 USD) is the top recommendation for its exceptional VRM performance and features, including USB 4. Alternatives include the Gigabyte B650E Aorus Elite AX Ice, ASRock B650 Taichi (original), ASUS ROG Strix B650-E Gaming WiFi, and NZXT N7 B650E.