Buying Guide

The Best Budget Intel Motherboards

Six low-cost LGA1700 boards compared on DDR4 or DDR5 support, M.2 slots, Wi-Fi and wired LAN for Core i3 and i5 builds.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read6 products evaluated

Budget Intel builds usually pair a Core i3 or i5 with a B760 board. The main choice is DDR4 to reuse memory, or DDR5 for a new build.

We compared six low-cost LGA1700 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.

  1. Best Budget DDR5

    MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi V1

    DDR5, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN on ATX.

    Best for: New Core i5 builds.

    Our take Check price for MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi V1 (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best Budget DDR4

    ASUS B760M-AYW WiFi D4 II

    DDR4, two M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gbps LAN.

    Best for: Builders reusing DDR4.

    Our take Check price for ASUS B760M-AYW WiFi D4 II (opens in a new tab)

  3. Lowest Price

    MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4

    The lowest price among these boards.

    Best for: The tightest budgets.

    Our take Check price for MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4 (opens in a new tab)

  4. Solid Alternative

    ASRock B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi

    The B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi is a Micro-ATX DDR4 board with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.

    Best for: Buyers who want memory support to ddr4-5333 (oc).

    Our take Check price for ASRock B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi (opens in a new tab)

  5. Worth Considering

    ASRock B760M Pro-A D4

    The B760M Pro-A D4 is the wired version of the Pro-A/D4, with a 7+1+1 layout and two M.2 slots.

    Best for: Buyers who want memory support to ddr4-5333 (oc).

    Our take Check price for ASRock B760M Pro-A D4 (opens in a new tab)

  6. Well-Rounded Choice

    ASRock B760M PG Riptide WiFi

    The B760M PG Riptide offers a 14+1+1 layout on a Micro-ATX DDR5 board with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.

    Best for: Buyers who want 14+1+1 power stage layout.

    Our take Check price for ASRock B760M PG Riptide WiFi (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi V1

Best Budget DDR51 of 6

MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi V1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The B760 Gaming Plus WiFi is a low-cost DDR5 ATX board with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.

Best for

New Core i5 builds.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: only 2 M.2 slots.

Why we like it

Two M.2 slots limit storage. It shares a wi-Fi 6E with the B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi and B760M PG Riptide; the B760M-AYW D4 goes with a wi-Fi 6. It shares a DDR5 memory type with the B760M PG Riptide; the PRO B760M-P DDR4 goes with a DDR4 memory type.

It also comes with Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper B760M Pro-A D4 and the pricier B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi, at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & specs

  • M.2 slots: 2
  • Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
  • Form factor: ATX
  • Socket: LGA1700
  • Memory type: DDR5
  • Chipset: B760

Pros

  • Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E
  • HDMI and DisplayPort outputs
  • 2.5Gbps Ethernet
  • DDR5, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN on ATX

Cons

  • Only 2 M.2 slots
  • Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
  • Costs more than the B760M-AYW D4 at the time of writing
ASUS B760M-AYW WiFi D4 II

Best Budget DDR42 of 6

ASUS B760M-AYW WiFi D4 II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The B760M-AYW WiFi D4 II is a Micro-ATX DDR4 board with two M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gbps LAN at a low price.

Best for

Builders reusing DDR4.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: only 2 M.2 slots.

Why we like it

It is the only pick here with a wi-Fi 6; the B760 Gaming Plus has a wi-Fi 6E instead. It also offers a PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics slot and a front USB 5Gbps port. It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched.

It takes DDR4 memory only, so reuse or buy a DDR4 kit; DDR5 sticks do not fit its slots. As a Micro-ATX board it fits smaller cases but has fewer expansion slots than ATX; check the gap between the GPU and the lower slots. 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 PRO B760M-P DDR4 was closest.

Key dimensions & specs

  • M.2 slots: 2
  • Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6
  • Form factor: Micro-ATX
  • Socket: LGA1700
  • Memory type: DDR4
  • Chipset: B760

Pros

  • PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics slot
  • Front USB 5Gbps port
  • Wi-Fi 6, the only one here
  • DDR4, two M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gbps LAN

Cons

  • Only 2 M.2 slots
  • Takes DDR4 only, not DDR5 kits
MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4

Lowest Price3 of 6

MSI PRO B760M-P DDR4 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The PRO B760M-P DDR4 is the plainest board here, a Micro-ATX DDR4 board with no Wi-Fi.

Best for

The tightest budgets.

Skip if

Pass on it if takes DDR4 only, not DDR5 kit rules it out for your setup.

Why we like it

It is the cheapest way to pair a Core i5 with existing DDR4. It also offers HDMI and DisplayPort outputs and a low price for a board that reuses DDR4. It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched.

It takes DDR4 memory only, so reuse or buy a DDR4 kit; DDR5 sticks do not fit its slots. As a Micro-ATX board it fits smaller cases but has fewer expansion slots than ATX; check the gap between the GPU and the lower slots. When we checked, only the B760M-AYW D4 cost less, and the B760M Pro-A D4 cost more. If you want a confirmed M.2 slot count, look to the B760 Gaming Plus instead: it offers 2, while this one gives no figure.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Form factor: Micro-ATX
  • Socket: LGA1700
  • Memory type: DDR4
  • Chipset: B760

Pros

  • HDMI and DisplayPort outputs
  • Low price for a board that reuses DDR4
  • The lowest price among these boards

Cons

  • Takes DDR4 only, not DDR5 kits
  • No published M.2 slot count
  • No published wired network speed
ASRock B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi

Solid Alternative4 of 6

ASRock B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi is a Micro-ATX DDR4 board with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.

Best for

Buyers who want memory support to ddr4-5333 (oc).

Skip if

Pass on it if wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi rules it out for your setup.

Why we like it

Its 7+1+1 layout suits a Core i5. Like the B760 Gaming Plus and B760M PG Riptide, it has a wi-Fi 6E, while the B760M-AYW D4 uses a wi-Fi 6. Like the B760M Pro-A D4, it has 7+1+1 power stages, while the B760M PG Riptide uses 14+1+1 power stages.

It also comes with memory support to DDR4-5333 (OC) and Dr.MOS power stages. It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. It takes DDR4 memory only, so reuse or buy a DDR4 kit; DDR5 sticks do not fit its slots.

As a Micro-ATX board it fits smaller cases but has fewer expansion slots than ATX; check the gap between the GPU and the lower slots. There is no published M.2 slot count figure, whereas the B760 Gaming Plus offers 2.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
  • Power stages: 7+1+1
  • Form factor: Micro-ATX
  • Socket: LGA1700
  • Memory type: DDR4
  • Chipset: B760

Pros

  • Memory support to DDR4-5333 (OC)
  • Dr.MOS power stages
  • Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet

Cons

  • Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
  • Takes DDR4 only, not DDR5 kits
  • No published M.2 slot count
ASRock B760M Pro-A D4

Worth Considering5 of 6

ASRock B760M Pro-A D4 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The B760M Pro-A D4 is the wired version of the Pro-A/D4, with a 7+1+1 layout and two M.2 slots.

Best for

Buyers who want memory support to ddr4-5333 (oc).

Skip if

Pass on it if only 2 M.2 slot rules it out for your setup.

Why we like it

It suits a Core i5 on a cable connection. Like the B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi, it has 7+1+1 power stages, while the B760M PG Riptide uses 14+1+1 power stages. It also offers memory support to DDR4-5333 (OC) and 2.5Gbps Ethernet.

It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. It takes DDR4 memory only, so reuse or buy a DDR4 kit; DDR5 sticks do not fit its slots. As a Micro-ATX board it fits smaller cases but has fewer expansion slots than ATX; check the gap between the GPU and the lower slots.

Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. M.2 slot count is its weakest area, and the B760 Gaming Plus covers it better at 2.

Key dimensions & specs

  • M.2 slots: 2
  • Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
  • Power stages: 7+1+1
  • Form factor: Micro-ATX
  • Socket: LGA1700
  • Memory type: DDR4
  • Chipset: B760

Pros

  • Memory support to DDR4-5333 (OC)
  • No Wi-Fi, for wired desks
  • 2.5Gbps Ethernet

Cons

  • Only 2 M.2 slots
  • Takes DDR4 only, not DDR5 kits
  • Costs more than the B760M-AYW D4 at the time of writing
ASRock B760M PG Riptide WiFi

Well-Rounded Choice6 of 6

ASRock B760M PG Riptide WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The B760M PG Riptide offers a 14+1+1 layout on a Micro-ATX DDR5 board with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.

Best for

Buyers who want 14+1+1 power stage layout.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.

Why we like it

It suits compact builds with a Core i5 or i7. Like the B760 Gaming Plus and B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi, it has a wi-Fi 6E, while the B760M-AYW D4 uses a wi-Fi 6. No other pick in this guide offers 14+1+1 power stages; compare the B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFi, which has 7+1+1 power stages.

Like the B760 Gaming Plus, it has a DDR5 memory type, while the B760M-AYW D4 uses a DDR4 memory type. It also comes with front and rear USB-C and memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC). It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched.

As a Micro-ATX board it fits smaller cases but has fewer expansion slots than ATX; check the gap between the GPU and the lower slots. There is no published M.2 slot count figure, whereas the B760 Gaming Plus offers 2.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
  • Power stages: 14+1+1
  • Form factor: Micro-ATX
  • Socket: LGA1700
  • Memory type: DDR5
  • Chipset: B760

Pros

  • 14+1+1 power stage layout
  • Front and rear USB-C
  • Memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC)

Cons

  • Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
  • No published M.2 slot count
  • Costs more than the B760M-AYW D4 at the time of writing

How We Chose These Budget Intel 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 Budget Intel Motherboard

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Check DDR4 or DDR5 before you buy

    LGA1700 boards come in DDR4 and DDR5 versions that look alike; the model name usually carries D4 for DDR4. Buy the board that matches the memory you plan to use.

  2. 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.

  3. Z-series for K chips, B-series for the rest

    Z790 and Z890 boards let you overclock an unlocked K processor and usually carry stronger power delivery. B760 boards run the same chips at stock settings for less money.

    A Core i5-13400F or 14400F loses nothing on a B760 board.

  4. Power delivery for Core i7 and i9

    Core i7 and i9 chips draw far more power under all-core load than a Core i5. Boards with more and stronger power stages hold boost clocks with less heat; check the power stage layout before pairing one with a budget board.

  5. Confirm BIOS support for 14th Gen

    Boards made before 14th Gen launched may need a BIOS update to run a 14th Gen chip, and Intel's microcode updates for 13th and 14th Gen stability arrive through BIOS releases. Update to the latest BIOS before daily use.

  6. 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. Thunderbolt ports matter only for Thunderbolt docks and drives.

How to Choose a Budget Intel Motherboard

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
New Core i5 buildsB760 Gaming PlusDDR5, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN on ATX
Builders reusing DDR4B760M-AYW D4DDR4, two M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gbps LAN
The tightest budgetsPRO B760M-P DDR4The lowest price among these boards

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

Figures as each maker states them.

BoardM.2 slotsWired LANWi-FiPower stages
B760 Gaming Plus22.5GbpsWi-Fi 6ENot listed
B760M-AYW D422.5GbpsWi-Fi 6Not listed
PRO B760M-P DDR4Not listedNot listedNot listedNot listed
B760M Pro-A/D4 WiFiNot listed2.5GbpsWi-Fi 6E7+1+1
B760M Pro-A D422.5GbpsNot listed7+1+1
B760M PG RiptideNot listed2.5GbpsWi-Fi 6E14+1+1

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use DDR4 on an LGA1700 board?

Only on a DDR4 version of the board. DDR4 and DDR5 slots are keyed differently, so a board takes one type or the other.

Will a 13th Gen board run a 14th Gen CPU?

Yes on the same LGA1700 socket, after a BIOS update if the board shipped before 14th Gen launched. Check the board's CPU support list.

Will these boards take Core Ultra processors?

Z890 and B860 boards use LGA1851 for Core Ultra 200S. LGA1700 boards (Z790, B760) take 12th to 14th Gen chips only.

Do I need a Z790 board for a Core i7-14700K?

Only to overclock it or to get stronger power delivery. A good B760 board runs a 14700K at stock settings, though the cheapest boards may lower its sustained boost.

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.

What size motherboard should I buy?

ATX fits most mid-towers and has the most slots. Micro-ATX suits smaller cases with fewer expansion needs.

Bottom Line

The B760 Gaming Plus WiFi is the budget DDR5 pick. The B760M-AYW WiFi D4 II suits DDR4 reuse, and the PRO B760M-P DDR4 is the cheapest.