Buying Guide
The Best B850 Motherboards
Seven B850 boards compared on M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7, wired LAN, power stages and warranty for Ryzen 9000 builds.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
13 min read7 products evaluated
B850 is AMD's mid-range chipset for Ryzen 9000, with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot as standard. Boards differ most on networking, M.2 count and power delivery.
We compared seven B850 boards. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications and retailer listings; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best All-Round B850
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFiFour M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for: Most B850 builds.
Check price for MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Features
ASUS ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFiA 16+2+2 layout, four M.2 slots and 19 USB ports.
Best for: Builders who want X870-class features.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
MSI B850 Gaming Plus WiFi5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 at an entry B850 price.
Best for: Budget Ryzen 9000 builds.
Check price for MSI B850 Gaming Plus WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
ASUS TUF Gaming B850-E WiFiThe TUF B850-E offers three M.2 slots, rear USB 20Gbps and 10Gbps Type-C ports and BIOS Flashback.
Best for: Buyers who want rear usb 20gbps and 10gbps type-c ports.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming B850-E WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICEThe B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE is a white B850 board with Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gbps LAN and three M.2 slots.
Best for: Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Check price for GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Longest Warranty
GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI6EA five-year warranty.
Best for: Builders who keep boards for years.
Check price for GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI6E on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
ASRock B850 Pro-AThe B850 Pro-A drops Wi-Fi to keep its price low, but keeps a 14+2+1 layout, 2.5Gbps LAN and BIOS Flashback.
Best for: Buyers who want 14+2+1 power stage layout.
Check price for ASRock B850 Pro-A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best All-Round B8501 of 7
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
The B850 Tomahawk MAX covers what most Ryzen builds need: four M.2 slots, 5Gbps Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for
- Most B850 builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the B850 Pro-A cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It matches the Strix B850-F on M.2 slot count (4). It matches the B850 Gaming Plus on wired network speed (5Gbps). You also get a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with Steel Armor and a rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port.
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 TUF B850-E and below the Strix B850-F at the time of writing.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wired LAN
- 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with Steel Armor
Cons
- Costs more than the B850 Pro-A at the time of writing
Most Features2 of 7
ASUS ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi
The Strix B850-F offers a 16+2+2 layout, four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and 19 USB ports.
Best for
- Builders who want X870-class features.
Skip if
- Its wired network speed is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It brings X870-class features to B850. On M.2 slot count it ties with the B850 Tomahawk MAX at 4. You get 16+2+2 power stages here, which sets it apart from the B850 Pro-A and its 14+2+1 power stages.
It also offers a rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port. 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 the highest-priced of the 7 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the B850 Tomahawk MAX and the rest.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages
- 16+2+2
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- B850
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+2+2 power stage layout
- 19 USB ports in total
Cons
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the B850 Pro-A at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its wired network speed; if that figure matters, the B850 Tomahawk MAX offers 5Gbps.
Best Value3 of 7
MSI B850 Gaming Plus WiFi
The B850 Gaming Plus WiFi brings 5Gbps Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7 to an entry-level B850 price, with a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.
Best for
- Budget Ryzen 9000 builds.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the B850 Pro-A, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Three M.2 slots cover most gaming builds. It matches the TUF B850-E, the B850 Eagle ICE and the B850 Eagle on M.2 slot count (3). It matches the B850 Tomahawk MAX on wired network speed (5Gbps).
It also comes with memory support to DDR5-8200 (OC). 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 B850 Eagle ICE and below the TUF B850-E at the time of writing.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wired LAN
- 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- B850
Pros
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
- Memory support to DDR5-8200 (OC)
Cons
- Costs more than the B850 Pro-A at the time of writing
Solid Alternative4 of 7
ASUS TUF Gaming B850-E WiFi
The TUF B850-E offers three M.2 slots, rear USB 20Gbps and 10Gbps Type-C ports and BIOS Flashback.
Best for
- Buyers who want rear usb 20gbps and 10gbps type-c ports.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is a problem.
Why we like it
Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is its main compromise. On M.2 slot count it ties with the B850 Gaming Plus, the B850 Eagle ICE and the B850 Eagle at 3. On wired network speed it ties with the B850 Eagle ICE and the B850 Pro-A at 2.5Gbps.
It shares a wi-Fi 6E with the B850 Eagle; the B850 Eagle ICE goes with a wi-Fi 7. 8+2+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the B850 Eagle ICE uses 8+2+2 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. Its price falls between the B850 Gaming Plus and the B850 Tomahawk MAX, based on our last check.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages
- 8+2+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- B850
Pros
- Rear USB 20Gbps and 10Gbps Type-C ports
- BIOS Flashback
- Three M.2 slots
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the B850 Eagle
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the B850 Pro-A at the time of writing
Worth Considering5 of 7
GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE
The B850 Eagle WIFI7 ICE is a white B850 board with Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gbps LAN and three M.2 slots.
Best for
- Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the B850 Pro-A was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its 8+2+2 layout suits six- to eight-core chips. It matches the B850 Gaming Plus, the TUF B850-E and the B850 Eagle on M.2 slot count (3). It matches the TUF B850-E and the B850 Pro-A on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
Like the B850 Eagle, it has 8+2+2 power stages, while the TUF B850-E uses 8+2+1 power stages. You also get EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal. 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 B850 Eagle and below the B850 Gaming Plus at the time of writing.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages
- 8+2+2
- Form factor
- ATX
- Warranty
- 3-year
- Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- B850
Pros
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- White ICE finish
- EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the B850 Eagle
Cons
- Costs more than the B850 Pro-A at the time of writing
Longest Warranty6 of 7
GIGABYTE B850 Eagle WIFI6E
The B850 Eagle WIFI6E stands out for Gigabyte's five-year warranty.
Best for
- Builders who keep boards for years.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It pays for that with 1Gbps Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7. On M.2 slot count it ties with the B850 Gaming Plus, the TUF B850-E and the B850 Eagle ICE at 3. On wired network speed it trails the group at 1Gbps, while the B850 Tomahawk MAX offers 5Gbps.
It shares a wi-Fi 6E with the TUF B850-E; the B850 Eagle ICE goes with a wi-Fi 7. It shares 8+2+2 power stages with the B850 Eagle ICE; the TUF B850-E goes with 8+2+1 power stages. You also get EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal and a PCIe 5.0 slot.
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 B850 Pro-A and the B850 Eagle ICE, based on our last check.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wired LAN
- 1Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages
- 8+2+2
- Form factor
- ATX
- Warranty
- 5-year
- Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- B850
Pros
- 5-year warranty
- EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal
- PCIe 5.0 slot
- A five-year warranty
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- M.2 slot count trails the B850 Tomahawk MAX (4)
- Wired network speed trails the B850 Tomahawk MAX (5Gbps)
The catch
If M.2 slot count is your priority, the B850 Tomahawk MAX (4) is the stronger choice.
Well-Rounded Choice7 of 7
ASRock B850 Pro-A
The B850 Pro-A drops Wi-Fi to keep its price low, but keeps a 14+2+1 layout, 2.5Gbps LAN and BIOS Flashback.
Best for
- Buyers who want 14+2+1 power stage layout.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its M.2 slot count before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It suits desks with a network cable. It matches the TUF B850-E and the B850 Eagle ICE on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). It is the only pick here with 14+2+1 power stages; the Strix B850-F has 16+2+2 power stages instead.
It also comes with memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC) and no Wi-Fi, which keeps the price down for wired setups. 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the B850 Eagle was closest.
Key specs
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Power stages
- 14+2+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- B850
Pros
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- BIOS Flashback
- Memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC)
- No Wi-Fi, which keeps the price down for wired setups
Cons
- No published M.2 slot count
The catch
If you want a confirmed M.2 slot count, look to the B850 Tomahawk MAX instead: it offers 4, while this one gives no figure.
How We Chose These B850 Motherboards
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side seven boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 8 fields compared are stated for every pick, while M.2 slot count and wired network speed have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 7, from the B850 Tomahawk MAX to the B850 Pro-A, state form factor and socket and share AM5 socket.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The B850 Pro-A gives no M.2 slot count; the Strix B850-F gives no wired network speed.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the B850 Pro-A ($100 to $150) to the Strix B850-F ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a B850 Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
M.2 slot count across these picks
Across these 6 picks M.2 slot count spans 3 (the B850 Eagle) to 4 (the B850 Tomahawk MAX). If M.2 slot count is your first filter, the B850 Tomahawk MAX sets the ceiling at 4. The B850 Pro-A gives no M.2 slot count figure, so 6 of 7 picks are compared here.
Wired network speed
Here wired network speed runs from 1Gbps on the B850 Eagle to 5Gbps on the B850 Tomahawk MAX, a 400% spread. The B850 Gaming Plus comes second at 5Gbps, in the same price tier as the B850 Tomahawk MAX. The Strix B850-F gives no wired network speed figure, so 6 of 7 picks are compared here.
Power stages
The Strix B850-F lists 16+2+2; the TUF B850-E lists 8+2+1; the B850 Eagle ICE and the B850 Eagle list 8+2+2; the B850 Pro-A lists 14+2+1. Sort out power stages before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 2, 1, 1 and 1.
Warranty
The B850 Eagle ICE lists 3-year; the B850 Eagle lists 5-year. Sort out warranty before price: it splits 2 stated picks into groups of 1 and 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The B850 Eagle ICE: EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal. The B850 Eagle: a PCIe 5.0 slot. The B850 Pro-A: memory support to DDR5-8000 (OC).
How to Choose a B850 Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most B850 builds | B850 Tomahawk MAX | Four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 |
| Builders who want X870-class features | Strix B850-F | A 16+2+2 layout, four M.2 slots and 19 USB ports |
| Budget Ryzen 9000 builds | B850 Gaming Plus | 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 at an entry B850 price |
| Builders who keep boards for years | B850 Eagle | A five-year warranty |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The B850 Tomahawk MAX leads on M.2 slot count at 4, ahead of the Strix B850-F at 4. "Not listed" marks M.2 slot count where the B850 Pro-A leaves the figure out.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B850 Tomahawk MAX | 4 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| Strix B850-F | 4 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+2+2 |
| B850 Gaming Plus | 3 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| TUF B850-E | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 8+2+1 |
| B850 Eagle ICE | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 8+2+2 |
| B850 Eagle | 3 | 1Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 8+2+2 |
| B850 Pro-A | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Not listed | 14+2+1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the B850 Pro-A, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Strix B850-F at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | B850 Pro-A |
| About $150 to $250 | B850 Eagle, B850 Eagle ICE, B850 Gaming Plus, TUF B850-E, B850 Tomahawk MAX, Strix B850-F |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the B850 Tomahawk MAX the Best All-Round B850?
It carries the badge for four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7. The B850 Pro-A, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at most B850 builds.
Do the B850 Tomahawk MAX and the TUF B850-E differ on wi-Fi?
The B850 Tomahawk MAX, the Strix B850-F, the B850 Gaming Plus and the B850 Eagle ICE use Wi-Fi 7; the TUF B850-E and the B850 Eagle use Wi-Fi 6E. The maker of the B850 Pro-A doesn't state wi-Fi, so 6 of 7 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the B850 Tomahawk MAX and the Strix B850-F apart?
The B850 Tomahawk MAX: a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with Steel Armor. The Strix B850-F: 19 USB ports in total. The B850 Gaming Plus: a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.
Who should choose the Strix B850-F?
The Strix B850-F carries our Most Features label for a 16+2+2 layout, four M.2 slots and 19 USB ports. It ranks second of 7 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits builders who want X870-class features.
Should I pick the B850 Tomahawk MAX or the B850 Eagle?
The B850 Tomahawk MAX suits most B850 builds; the B850 Eagle suits builders who keep boards for years.
Bottom Line
The B850 Tomahawk MAX is the default pick. The Strix B850-F adds USB ports and power stages, while the B850 Gaming Plus keeps 5Gbps LAN for less.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Motherboards for Gaming PCs
- Related guideThe Best X870E Motherboards
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- Lower budgetThe Best Motherboards Under $120
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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