Buying Guide
The Best B650 Motherboards
Six B650 and B650E boards compared on power stages, M.2 slots, Wi-Fi and wired LAN for Ryzen 7000 and 9000 builds.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
B650 boards launched with Ryzen 7000 and run Ryzen 9000 after a BIOS update. B650E adds PCIe 5.0 lanes for the graphics slot.
We compared six B650 and B650E boards. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications and retailer listings; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Most Complete B650
GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX
A 14+2+1 layout, a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for: Most B650 builds.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi
The B650 Tomahawk is the steady middle of the B650 range: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gbps Ethernet and display outputs on an ATX board.
Best for: Buyers who want lightning m.2 support.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Best B650E
ASUS TUF Gaming B650E-PLUS WiFi
The B650E chipset with 80A stages and BIOS Flashback.
Best for: Builders who want PCIe 5.0 lanes.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming B650E-PLUS WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi
The B650 Steel Legend adds BIOS Flashback to a 14+2+1 layout with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for: Buyers who want 14+2+1 power stage layout.
Our take Check price for ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Best White B650
ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi
A white finish with three M.2 slots and USB 20Gbps.
Best for: Light-themed builds.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget B650
MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi
A 12+2+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN at a low price.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Our take Check price for MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Most Complete B6501 of 6
GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B650 AORUS Elite AX pairs a 14+2+1 power layout with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and tool-free EZ-Latch card removal.
Best for
- Most B650 builds.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It is the most complete B650 board for its price here. Like the B650 Steel Legend, it has 14+2+1 power stages, while the Strix B650-A uses 12+2 power stages. You also get Q-Flash BIOS updating.
It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. It was priced above the Strix B650-A and below the B650 Steel Legend at the time of writing. There is no published M.2 slot count figure, whereas the TUF B650E-PLUS offers 3.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B650
Pros
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
- EZ-Latch for tool-free graphics card removal
- Q-Flash BIOS updating
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the TUF B650E-PLUS at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice2 of 6
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B650 Tomahawk is the steady middle of the B650 range: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gbps Ethernet and display outputs on an ATX board.
Best for
- Buyers who want lightning m.2 support.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It has no PCIe 5.0 graphics slot, which matters little for today's cards. You also get Lightning M.2 support, Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for Ryzen chips with graphics. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the B650 Steel Legend the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed M.2 slot count, look to the TUF B650E-PLUS instead: it offers 3, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B650
Pros
- Lightning M.2 support
- Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for Ryzen chips with graphics
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the TUF B650E-PLUS at the time of writing
Best B650E3 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming B650E-PLUS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TUF B650E-PLUS uses the B650E chipset, which adds PCIe 5.0 lanes, alongside 80A power stages and BIOS Flashback.
Best for
- Builders who want PCIe 5.0 lanes.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi is a problem.
Why we like it
It is a sturdy pick for a 12- or 16-core Ryzen on a budget. Like the B650 Gaming Plus, it has 12+2+1 power stages, while the B650 AORUS Elite AX uses 14+2+1 power stages. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.
Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the B650 Gaming Plus was closest.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 3
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 12+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B650E
Pros
- 80A DrMOS power stages
- BIOS Flashback
- PCIe 5.0 support from the B650E chipset
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
Solid Alternative4 of 6
ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B650 Steel Legend adds BIOS Flashback to a 14+2+1 layout with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Buyers who want 14+2+1 power stage layout.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi is a problem.
Why we like it
Flashback lets you update the BIOS for a newer Ryzen without a working CPU. It shares 14+2+1 power stages with the B650 AORUS Elite AX; the B650 Gaming Plus goes with 12+2+1 power stages. It also offers memory support up to DDR5-7200 (OC) and a white and silver finish.
It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Its price falls between the B650 AORUS Elite AX and the B650 Tomahawk, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed M.2 slot count should compare it with the TUF B650E-PLUS, which offers 3.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B650
Pros
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- BIOS Flashback
- Memory support up to DDR5-7200 (OC)
- White and silver finish
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the TUF B650E-PLUS at the time of writing
Best White B6505 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix B650-A offers three M.2 slots, a USB 20Gbps Type-C port and a white finish.
Best for
- Light-themed builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It suits light-themed builds that do not need Wi-Fi 7. No other pick in this guide offers 12+2 power stages; compare the B650 Steel Legend, which has 14+2+1 power stages. You also get Aura Sync lighting.
It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. It was priced above the B650 Gaming Plus and below the B650 AORUS Elite AX at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 3
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 12+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B650
Pros
- Rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port
- White and silver finish
- Aura Sync lighting
- 12+2 power stages, the only one here
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the TUF B650E-PLUS at the time of writing
Best Budget B6506 of 6
MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B650 Gaming Plus WiFi is a plain, low-cost ATX board with a 12+2+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It covers a six- or eight-core Ryzen without extras. It shares 12+2+1 power stages with the TUF B650E-PLUS; the Strix B650-A goes with 12+2 power stages. It also offers Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs and one of the lowest prices here for an ATX AM5 board.
It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Its price falls between the TUF B650E-PLUS and the Strix B650-A, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed M.2 slot count should compare it with the TUF B650E-PLUS, which offers 3.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 12+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: B650
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs
- One of the lowest prices here for an ATX AM5 board
- A 12+2+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN at a low price
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the TUF B650E-PLUS at the time of writing
How We Chose These B650 Motherboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Power delivery
- We noted power stage layouts where the maker lists them.
- Platform
- We checked socket, chipset and form factor from each listing.
- Connectivity
- We compared Wi-Fi, wired LAN speed and USB4.
- Storage
- We counted listed M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support.
What to Look for in a B650 Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the chipset to your plans
On AM5, B850 covers most gaming builds with PCIe 5.0 for at least one slot. X870E adds more PCIe 5.0 lanes and USB4 for heavy expansion.
Features, not frame rates, separate the chipsets.
Check BIOS support and Flashback
A board may need a BIOS update before it runs a newer CPU. BIOS Flashback lets you update without a working CPU installed.
Count M.2 slots
Most games now install to NVMe drives. Count how many M.2 slots you need now and later, and check which ones share lanes with other ports.
Power delivery for high-end CPUs
Boards with more and stronger power stages run hot 16-core chips more comfortably. For eight-core gaming CPUs, most current boards are enough.
Networking matters for daily use
Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps Ethernet help only if your router supports them, but built-in Wi-Fi saves a PCIe card.
Check the rear and front I/O
Count USB ports you use every day and confirm a front USB-C header if your case has a USB-C port.
How to Choose a B650 Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most B650 builds | B650 AORUS Elite AX | A 14+2+1 layout, a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN |
| Builders who want PCIe 5.0 lanes | TUF B650E-PLUS | The B650E chipset with 80A stages and BIOS Flashback |
| Light-themed builds | Strix B650-A | A white finish with three M.2 slots and USB 20Gbps |
| Tight budgets | B650 Gaming Plus | A 12+2+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN at a low price |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B650 AORUS Elite AX | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+2+1 |
| B650 Tomahawk | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
| TUF B650E-PLUS | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 12+2+1 |
| B650 Steel Legend | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+2+1 |
| Strix B650-A | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 12+2 |
| B650 Gaming Plus | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 12+2+1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | TUF B650E-PLUS, B650 Gaming Plus, Strix B650-A, B650 AORUS Elite AX |
| About $150 to $250 | B650 Steel Legend, B650 Tomahawk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need PCIe 5.0?
Current graphics cards barely benefit. PCIe 5.0 matters more for the fastest SSDs.
Should I fill all four memory slots?
Two sticks usually run faster and more reliably on DDR5. Buy a two-stick kit with the capacity you need.
Will a new board work with my CPU out of the box?
Usually, but check the board's CPU support list. If your chip needs a newer BIOS, BIOS Flashback updates it from a USB drive.
What size motherboard should I buy?
ATX fits most mid-towers and has the most slots. Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX suit smaller cases with fewer expansion needs.
Is built-in Wi-Fi worth it?
Yes if you cannot run a cable. Otherwise wired Ethernet is more consistent.
Do I need X870E for gaming?
No. A B850 board runs the same CPUs at the same speed; X870E adds more PCIe 5.0 lanes, USB4 and expansion.
Bottom Line
The B650 AORUS Elite AX is the most complete B650 board here. Pick the TUF B650E-PLUS for PCIe 5.0 lanes and Flashback, or the Gaming Plus to save.