Best B450 motherboard

On the hunt for the best B450 motherboard? We compare 5 best candidates on the market.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

The B450 chipset is a few years old now, but it is still a very viable chipset in the space of budget gaming. The best B450 motherboards can be had for a very reasonable price now thanks to their age, but they still have the capabilities to support CPUs up to the 5000 series.

These motherboards have been based on the AMD B450 chipset, and have been specifically designed for AMD’s Ryzen range of CPUs only. Though these motherboard designs are specific to AMD’s Ryzen CPUs, there’s still a lot of choice on the market, and not all of it is good! 

That’s why, here at WepC, we have been busy selecting the best B450 motherboards on the market. Below, you’ll find a helpful guide on important factors to keep in mind before making a purchase, as well as in-depth reviews of each motherboard we have selected. 

Whether your Ryzen CPU is part of the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation, you’ll find the motherboard for you here. Let’s jump straight in!

Best B450 motherboard: Our top picks

Best B450 motherboard: reviews

ASUS TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II Motherboard

CPU Socket

AM4

Compatible Processor

AMD 1st Gerenration Ryzen

Chipset Type

AMD B450

How We Review

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Pros

• Budget-friendly B450 motherboard
• Immersive audio boost so you can enjoy the immersive sound quality
• Features a large heat sink and comprehensive cooling system to effectively dissipate heat

Cons

• Some have found that the cooling fan can negatively affect the performance of the heat sink

First, up on our list, we have selected the ASUS TUF B450-PLUS II Motherboard, which is a budget-friendly B450 motherboard that doesn’t compromise on performance or durability.

Made with heavy-plated heat sinks and military-grade materials, the ASUS TUF B450-PLUS II Motherboard is a TUF series gaming motherboard that has become known for its sturdy design and gaming agility.

Ensuring a rock-solid performance, the TUF Gaming B450-PLUS II offers an upgraded power delivery than older TUF series motherboard designs, as well as a variety of cooling options that will be able to fuel your AMD Ryzen CPU. It has a large heatsink with a larger service that will effectively dissipate heat, while its high-quality thermal pads will help to keep heat away from the inductor.

Plus, thanks to MSI Audio Boost, this motherboard will be able to deliver incredible sound quality through premium audio components, which will allow for a more immersive gameplay experience than ever before. In addition to that, this motherboard has also been built with enhanced capacity across all areas, so you’ll be able to enjoy increased efficiency, faster speeds, and a higher overclock ability for your CPU.

Compatibility-wise, this motherboard has a Micro-ATX form factor which means that it can fit micro-ATX PC cases and upwards and comes with dual PCI-E x16 slots that offer AMD’s CrossFireX support, one PCI-E slot, and one M.2 slot that are compatible with M.2 SATA and PCI-E NVMe SSDs.

In addition to that, this motherboard also supports DDR4 RAM (up to 64GB) while in dual-channel mode, as well as a USB Type-C port, USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, and an Asus SafeSlot which will protect the hardware from damage when running heavy workload graphics cards.

If you’re looking for a B450 gaming motherboard that won’t break the bank or compromise on performance, then this one should definitely be on your radar. It’s well-suited to gamers that need a comprehensive motherboard with the performance-enhancing feature and even comes with X-boost software that will optimize storage performance.

MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX

Form Factor

ATX

Socket

AM4

Chipset

B450

How We Review

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Pros

• Features an effective thermal design with an extra-large heat sink to make sure that the system does not overheat
• Comes complete with Core Boost Technology that will be able to enhance the overall performance of your CPU
• Large power capacity with the ability to support CPUs with multiple cores

Cons

• It doesn’t come with any mounting screws and has little information in the manual on set-up instructions

Ideal for heavy-gamers that need a motherboard with effective cooling solutions, the B450 TOMAHAWK Max Motherboard is next up on our favorites list.

There’s a lot to love about this motherboard. Compatible with AMD 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation AMD Ryzen CPUs, this B450 motherboard comes with an AMD AM4 socket and features a robust design of durable alloy chokes and sturdy capacitors that will provide consistent power for your Ryzen CPU.

It comes with an optimized thermal solution consisting of an entirely fanless VRM, as well as an extended PCH heatsink, that will work with its multiple hybrid fan headers to ensure that the system does not overheat, no matter how intense the workload may be.

Plus, thanks to ASUS AI Noise Canceling Mic Technology, you’ll be able to communicate loud and clear to your gaming friends without any interruption. Audio quality is also improved thanks to amplifiers and dedicated capacitors that are isolated from the rest of the motherboard hardware.

Getting technical, this motherboard comes with two PCI-E x16 slots for graphics cards, as well as three PCIe x1 slots and even a Wi-Fi adapter. It has a Turbo M.2 slot/port, 4 DIMM slots, and will be able to support DDR4 RAM up to a 64 GB capacity. It’s very well built and comes with multiple game-enhancing features, making it a great investment for anyone looking for a motherboard that can handle rigorous gaming.

Asus ROG Strix B450-F Gaming

Form Factor

ATX

Socket

AM4

Chipset

B450

How We Review

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Pros

• Offers an unparalleled audio experience thanks to its 8 channel HD audio
• Very simple and easy to install with a comprehensive user manual
• Optimized to support overclocking thanks to the Fan Xpert 4
• I/O shield comes pre-mounted for quicker set-up straight out of the box

Cons

• Higher price point

Widely considered to be on the very best B450 motherboards currently on the market, it should come as no surprise that the Asus ROG Strix B450 Gaming Motherboard has made it to our list!

The Strix B450 will cater to a wide range of people and needs. Complete with an AMD AM4 socket, it’s compatible with all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation CPUs, and features multiple gaming connectivity ports including USB 3.1 ports, Dual M.2 ports, and Generation 2 Type-A connectors.

Built with integrated industry-standard 5-way optimization, this motherboard features an automated system-wide tuning that will be able to offer cooling capabilities like never before, as well as the capacity to handle CPU overclocking without missing a beat.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, this motherboard also features SupremeFX audio and Sonic Studio III which will work together to offer an immersive sound experience and stunning unbuffered graphics.

All in all, this motherboard is a great ‘all-round’ choice for anyone that wants a well-built motherboard that will be able to handle heavy workloads without a hitch. It’s also got the seal of approval of gamers and PC-enthusiasts around the world, stamping it as one of the very best motherboards, let alone B450, in the industry right now.

ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND MicroATX Motherboard

Chipset

B450

Slots

3x PCI-Express 3. 0 x16 Slots (one runs at x8, one runs at x4), 3x PCI Express 2. 0 x16 Slots (run at x4), 1x PCI Express 2. 0 x1 Slot

Multi-graphics

Supports AMD Quad Crossfire and Crossfire Technology. OS – Microsoft Windows 10 64-bit

Audio

Realtek ALC892 7. 1-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC with content protection

LAN

Realtek RTL8111H PCIE x1 Gigabit Ethernet Controller

How We Review

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Pros

• Multiple gaming connectivity ports
• AMD AM4 socket
• Features AMD StoreMI Technology

Cons

• Some have found it is prone to power surging

Boasting an XXL aluminum alloy heatsink, the ASRock B450M STEEL LEGEND MicroATX Motherboard will be able to handle even the most demanding of workloads.

Just like the name hints, the ASRock Steel Legend Motherboard is tough, sturdy, and built to go the distance. It features multiple gaming connectivity ports, including a Type A and Type C USB 3.1 Gen2 ports that will allow for up to 10 Gbps data transfer rates, as well as lightning-fast M.2 slots.

Made by ASRock with durability in mind, this motherboard comes with copper inner layers that will help to ensure that the temperature stays low while in operation, all the while helping to preserve energy for when you need it most, such as for overclocking.

Plus, thanks to a 60A power choke, this motherboard will be able to saturate currents with up to 3 times better efficiency than older generation motherboards, allowing you to enjoy an all-round improved Vcore voltage. It also features AMD StoreMI Technology, which will improve the storage capacity of the motherboard, and help it to process data more efficiently.

The Steel Legend Motherboard also comes with a PCI-E STEEL SLOT coated with a solid cover that will be able to effectively prevent any signal interference with graphics cards, so you can enjoy an uninterrupted performance. The innovative design also ensures that all heavy graphics cards will be fitted into the PCI-E slot safely and without any damage. It’s a great choice for mainstream gamers, or anyone wanting to regularly use their PC for heavy workloads.

GIGABYTE B450 AORUS Elite

Form Factor

ATX

Socket

AM4

Chipset

B450

How We Review

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Pros

• Comes with 6 USB 3.1 ports, as well as 8 USB 2.0 ports that will provide you with multiple connectivity choices
• Micro-ATX form factor to provide flexibility during the build process
• Features durability hardware components such as sulfur transistors, so you know it’s built to last

Cons

• The cooling system is not as comprehensive as other motherboards we have included

Last but certainly not least, we have selected the Gigabyte B450 AROUS Elite V2 Motherboard, which is a smaller motherboard ideal for moderate gamers that don’t require a large power reserve.

This B450 motherboard is compatible with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation Ryzen CPUs, and supports DDR4 RAM while operating in the dual-channel mode for unbuffered, fast gaming. Offering plenty of connectivity options, this motherboard has HDMI and DVI-D ports, as well as 6 USB 3.1 ports and 8 USB 2.0 ports, which is pretty impressive considering its Micro-ATX form factor.

It uses an 8+2 phases Digital Twin Power Design with low RDS MOSFETS that will be able to support multiple-core CPUs, all the while improving overall performance and ensuring total hardware scalability.

Plus, ideal for gamers, this motherboard features a high-quality onboard audio design that will be able to ensure excellent sound resolution and expansion, allowing for an immersive gaming experience that will draw you deeper than ever before. Another feature that stands out to us is how easy it is to install, as it comes ready to go with the I/O shield already installed.

Bottom line, we think that the Gigabyte B450 AROUS Elite V2 Motherboard is most suited to beginner to intermediate gamers that don’t plan on using their motherboard or processor for any heavy gaming. This is because, despite its smart fan cooling system, many users do find that it is prone to overheating if pushed too hard. Nevertheless, it’s a great motherboard that has a micro-ATX form factor, so it offers plenty of flexibility as to where you connect it into your PC rig.

How We Choose

Here at WePC, we don’t shy away from confusing technical jargon or pass up on the challenge to learn the ins and out of all of the hardware we select and recommend to you. Our team has many years of experience in the tech world, and we make sure to apply all of this knowledge to choose the best components and hardware for you.

That’s why, when it comes down to selecting our favorite B450 motherboards, we’ve made sure to consider the quality of the overall design, the performance, and, of course, the value. We do all of this to make sure that you are not only buying the very best on the market but that you’re getting the best value for your money, too.

Things to Consider

So, now that you know all there is to know about B450 motherboards, now you’re going to need to start thinking about which one you’d like to purchase. To help you make sure that you make the right choice for you, check out these factors to keep in mind below:

AMD StoreMI Technology

Generally speaking, all B450 motherboards should offer this technology within their hardware, though we still think it’s important to discuss so that you know why it’s such an important part of the B450 make-up.

AMD StoreMI Technology is a part of the B450 chipset and enables the motherboard to offer enhancements across features such as loading times, overall system responsiveness, and data management. StoreMI technology is able to do this by combining SSD and a hard drive into one, in order to provide both upgraded storage capacity and enhanced speed.

Budget:

Whatever your budget may be, the good thing about B450 motherboards is that they tend to be on the more affordable side. This is all thanks to their B450 chipset, which was specifically created by AMD to fall into the mid-range category.

Though they may fall short of some of the higher-end motherboards out there, all B450 motherboards are considered to pack a powerful performance, which explains why they’re such a hit with avid PC builders and gaming enthusiasts, alike. If you’ve been shopping around, you might have noticed varying price points for the same motherboard, which isn’t uncommon as many hardware component prices tend to fluctuate. This is why we direct you to Amazon, as their prices tend to be closer to the original price than other sellers.

Overclocking

Next up? Overclocking. To break it down, overclocking is when you manually override settings in order to cause the CPU to begin running at higher speeds than what its base clock is set to run at on default. Overclocking is done to help speed the processor up, though this can sometimes come at the cost of overheating and damage to the hardware, which can lead to a lower lifespan than initially intended by the manufacturer.

If you plan on overclocking, it’s important to ensure that the motherboard you choose will be able to deal with these kinds of heavier workloads. By that we mean, though your motherboard won’t be able to directly affect the FPS, it will be able to help your CPU perform better, which is why it’s important to choose a motherboard with a large power capability.

Form Factor

When building a PC, it’s important to consider the form factor. This term refers to the size and design of the motherboard.

B450 motherboards come in different form factors and typically indicate compatibility with specific Ryzen CPUs. In general, larger motherboards can support more components and provide more power, while the form factor is a key factor to consider when choosing a motherboard, as it indicates compatibility with your processor.

Why are motherboards so important?

Motherboards are the main circuit board in a PC and serve as the backbone of the computer. They connect all the different components of the PC together, including the CPU, RAM, storage, and peripheral devices. The motherboard is important for several reasons:

• It acts as the foundation or base of a computer, all other components connect to it, and it allows communication and data transfer between them.
• It ensures compatibility of all the different components in the computer by providing the necessary interfaces and ports.
• It controls and manages the power distribution to all the components.
• It determines the overall functionality and expandability of the system, as it determines the types and number of expansion slots, memory support, storage options, power delivery, and connectivity options available.
• It also provides additional features such as BIOS/UEFI, overclocking options, fan control, and other system management features.

Final Word

So, there you have it! We hope you have enjoyed reading our guide on the best B450 motherboards currently available on the market, just as much as we enjoyed writing it. As you will have learned above, there’s simply no denying that AMD has made powerful-mid range PC gaming possible with its B450 chipset, not to mention making mainstream gaming more affordable than ever before.  

Whichever motherboard has caught your interest, keep in mind that we have extensively researched the most high-quality motherboards, so that you can purchase one with the peace of mind that you’re getting the very best value for money. 

Plus, despite their ‘entry-level’ reputation, AMD B450 chipset motherboards are able to deliver a performance that rivals some of the high-end motherboards, especially thanks to noteworthy features like Precision Boost Overdrive StoreMI technology we mentioned earlier. One thing’s for sure, the B450 chipset will make sure that you’ll not only get a fantastic gaming experience but help to improve the overall performance of your PC’s CPU. 

Did you enjoy our guide on the best B450 motherboards? We would love to hear any thoughts or input you have, so feel free to share your knowledge with us over on the community.