Buying Guide

The Best Motherboards for the Ryzen 5 7600

Six low-cost AM5 boards for the 65W Ryzen 5 7600 compared on M.2 slots, networking, size and warranty.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read6 products evaluated

PC components laid out on a workbench ready for a build
Illustrative image

The Ryzen 5 7600 is a 65W six-core chip, the easiest AM5 processor to power. Even entry-level boards handle it.

We compared 6 boards for it. 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 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Lowest Price

    ASRock B650M PG Lightning WiFi

    The lowest price here with Wi-Fi 6E and BIOS Flashback.

    Best for: The tightest budgets.

    Check price for ASRock B650M PG Lightning WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Well-Rounded Choice

    MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi

    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: Buyers who want bluetooth 5.3 alongside wi-fi 6e.

    Check price for MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  3. Best Networking

    MSI PRO B850-P WiFi

    Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps LAN at a budget price.

    Best for: Fast home networks.

    Check price for MSI PRO B850-P WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  4. Solid Alternative

    MSI PRO B650-S WiFi V1

    The PRO B650-S WiFi is a simple ATX board with two Gen4 M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.

    Best for: Buyers who want two pcie 4.0 x16-size slots.

    Check price for MSI PRO B650-S WiFi V1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  5. Longest Warranty

    GIGABYTE B850M Gaming X WIFI6E

    A five-year warranty on Micro-ATX.

    Best for: Long-term compact builds.

    Check price for GIGABYTE B850M Gaming X WIFI6E on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  6. Worth Considering

    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.

    Check price for MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Lowest Price1 of 6

ASRock B650M PG Lightning WiFi

The B650M PG Lightning is the cheapest route onto AM5 here, a Micro-ATX board with Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gbps LAN and BIOS Flashback.

Best for

The tightest budgets.

Skip if

Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is a problem.
ASRock B650M PG Lightning WiFi

Why we like it

Its 6+2+1 layout is best kept to six- and eight-core chips. On wired network speed it ties with the B650 Gaming Plus, the PRO B650-S, the B850M Gaming X and the B650 Tomahawk at 2.5Gbps. 6+2+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the B850M Gaming X uses 10+2+2 power stages.

It also offers memory support up to DDR5-7200 (OC) and the lowest price among the AM5 boards here. 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. 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the PRO B850-P was the next step up.

Key specs

Wired LAN
2.5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6E
Power stages
6+2+1
Form factor
Micro-ATX
Socket
AM5
Chipset
B650

Pros

  • BIOS Flashback
  • Memory support up to DDR5-7200 (OC)
  • The lowest price among the AM5 boards here
  • 6+2+1 power stages, the only one here

Cons

  • Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
  • No published M.2 slot count

The catch

Buyers who need a confirmed M.2 slot count should compare it with the PRO B850-P, which offers 3.

Well-Rounded Choice2 of 6

MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi

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

Buyers who want bluetooth 5.3 alongside wi-fi 6e.

Skip if

Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is a problem.
MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi

Why we like it

It covers a six- or eight-core Ryzen without extras. It matches the B650M PG Lightning, the PRO B650-S, the B850M Gaming X and the B650 Tomahawk on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). No other pick in this guide offers 12+2+1 power stages; compare the B650M PG Lightning, which has 6+2+1 power stages.

It also comes with 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. It was priced above the PRO B850-P and below the PRO B650-S at the time of writing.

Key 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
  • 12+2+1 power stages, the only one here

Cons

  • Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
  • No published M.2 slot count
  • Costs more than the B650M PG Lightning at the time of writing

The catch

There is no published M.2 slot count figure, whereas the PRO B850-P offers 3.

Best Networking3 of 6

MSI PRO B850-P WiFi

The PRO B850-P keeps Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps LAN on a budget B850 board with tool-free M.2 clips.

Best for

Fast home networks.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the B650M PG Lightning cost less when we checked.
MSI PRO B850-P WiFi

Why we like it

Nothing else here matches its 3 M.2 slot count; the PRO B650-S comes closest at 2. On wired network speed it leads this guide at 5Gbps, ahead of the B650M PG Lightning (2.5Gbps). You get a wi-Fi 7 here, which sets it apart from the B650 Gaming Plus and its a wi-Fi 6E.

It also offers a PCIe 5.0 graphics 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. 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 B650M PG Lightning and the B650 Gaming Plus, based on our last check.

Key specs

M.2 slots
3
Wired LAN
5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7
Form factor
ATX
Socket
AM5

Pros

  • 5Gbps wired Ethernet
  • Wi-Fi 7 built in
  • PCIe 5.0 graphics slot
  • Tool-free EZ M.2 clips

Cons

  • Costs more than the B650M PG Lightning at the time of writing

Solid Alternative4 of 6

MSI PRO B650-S WiFi V1

The PRO B650-S WiFi is a simple ATX board with two Gen4 M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.

Best for

Buyers who want two pcie 4.0 x16-size slots.

Skip if

Pass on it if only 2 M.2 slots rules it out for your setup.
MSI PRO B650-S WiFi V1

Why we like it

It is for builders who need nothing beyond the basics. On M.2 slot count it ties with the B850M Gaming X at 2. On wired network speed it ties with the B650M PG Lightning, the B650 Gaming Plus, the B850M Gaming X and the B650 Tomahawk at 2.5Gbps.

You also get two PCIe 4.0 x16-size slots and memory support to DDR5-6000 (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. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper B650 Gaming Plus and the pricier B850M Gaming X, at the time of writing.

Key specs

M.2 slots
2
Wired LAN
2.5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6E
Form factor
ATX
Socket
AM5
Chipset
B650

Pros

  • Two PCIe 4.0 x16-size slots
  • Memory support to DDR5-6000 (OC)
  • Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet

Cons

  • Only 2 M.2 slots
  • Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
  • Costs more than the B650M PG Lightning at the time of writing

Longest Warranty5 of 6

GIGABYTE B850M Gaming X WIFI6E

The B850M Gaming X WIFI6E is a Micro-ATX board with a 10+2+2 layout and a five-year warranty.

Best for

Long-term compact builds.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: only 2 M.2 slots.
GIGABYTE B850M Gaming X WIFI6E

Why we like it

Only two M.2 slots limit later storage upgrades. It matches the PRO B650-S on M.2 slot count (2). It matches the B650M PG Lightning, the B650 Gaming Plus, the PRO B650-S and the B650 Tomahawk on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).

It is the only pick here with 10+2+2 power stages; the B650M PG Lightning has 6+2+1 power stages instead. A B850 chipset is unique to it among these picks, while the B650 Gaming Plus uses a B650 chipset. 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. 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.

Key specs

M.2 slots
2
Wired LAN
2.5Gbps
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 6E
Power stages
10+2+2
Form factor
Micro-ATX
Warranty
5-year
Socket
AM5
Chipset
B850

Pros

  • 5-year warranty
  • EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal
  • PCIe 5.0 slot
  • 10+2+2 power stages, the only one here

Cons

  • Only 2 M.2 slots
  • Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
  • M.2 slot count trails the PRO B850-P (3)

The catch

M.2 slot count is its weakest area, and the PRO B850-P covers it better at 3.

Worth Considering6 of 6

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.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi

Why we like it

It has no PCIe 5.0 graphics slot, which matters little for today's cards. On wired network speed it ties with the B650M PG Lightning, the B650 Gaming Plus, the PRO B650-S and the B850M Gaming X at 2.5Gbps. 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. It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the B850M Gaming X and the rest.

Key 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
  • No published M.2 slot count
  • Wired network speed trails the PRO B850-P (5Gbps)

The catch

The maker doesn't give its M.2 slot count; if that figure matters, the PRO B850-P offers 3.

How We Chose These Ryzen 5 7600 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.

What we compared
We lined up six boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and M.2 slot count and power stages are missing for at least one pick.
What every pick has in common
All 6, from the B650M PG Lightning to the B650 Tomahawk, state wired network speed, wi-Fi and form factor and share AM5 socket.
Where the specs have gaps
The B650M PG Lightning, the B650 Gaming Plus and the B650 Tomahawk give no M.2 slot count; the PRO B850-P, the PRO B650-S and the B650 Tomahawk give no power stages.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the B650M PG Lightning ($100 to $150) to the B650 Tomahawk ($150 to $250).

What to Look for in a Ryzen 5 7600 Motherboard

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

  1. Wired network speed across these picks

    Across these 6 picks wired network speed spans 2.5Gbps (the B650 Tomahawk) to 5Gbps (the PRO B850-P). Start with the PRO B850-P if wired network speed decides it.

  2. How much M.2 slot count you need

    The PRO B850-P tops M.2 slot count at 3 and the B850M Gaming X sits lowest at 2. If M.2 slot count is your first filter, the PRO B850-P sets the ceiling at 3. The B650M PG Lightning, the B650 Gaming Plus and the B650 Tomahawk give no M.2 slot count figure, so 3 of 6 picks are compared here.

  3. Power stages

    The B650M PG Lightning lists 6+2+1; the B650 Gaming Plus lists 12+2+1; the B850M Gaming X lists 10+2+2.

  4. Extras that separate them

    The PRO B650-S: memory support to DDR5-6000 (OC). The B850M Gaming X: a PCIe 5.0 slot. The B650 Tomahawk: Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E.

  5. Budget

    $100 to $150 buys the B650M PG Lightning, the PRO B850-P and the B650 Gaming Plus; $150 to $250 buys the PRO B650-S, the B850M Gaming X and the B650 Tomahawk at our last check.

How to Choose a Ryzen 5 7600 Motherboard

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
The tightest budgetsB650M PG LightningThe lowest price here with Wi-Fi 6E and BIOS Flashback
Fast home networksPRO B850-PWi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps LAN at a budget price
Long-term compact buildsB850M Gaming XA five-year warranty on Micro-ATX

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

The PRO B850-P leads on wired network speed at 5Gbps, ahead of the B650M PG Lightning at 2.5Gbps. "Not listed" marks M.2 slot count where the B650M PG Lightning, the B650 Gaming Plus and the B650 Tomahawk leave the figure out.

BoardM.2 slotsWired LANWi-FiPower stages
B650M PG LightningNot listed2.5GbpsWi-Fi 6E6+2+1
B650 Gaming PlusNot listed2.5GbpsWi-Fi 6E12+2+1
PRO B850-P35GbpsWi-Fi 7Not listed
PRO B650-S22.5GbpsWi-Fi 6ENot listed
B850M Gaming X22.5GbpsWi-Fi 6E10+2+2
B650 TomahawkNot listed2.5GbpsWi-Fi 6ENot listed

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The B650M PG Lightning was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the B650 Tomahawk the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierBoards
About $100 to $150B650M PG Lightning, PRO B850-P, B650 Gaming Plus
About $150 to $250PRO B650-S, B850M Gaming X, B650 Tomahawk

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the B650M PG Lightning compare with the PRO B850-P on wired network speed?

Between the top two, it is 5Gbps on the PRO B850-P against 2.5Gbps on the B650M PG Lightning, a 100% difference.

Which has the most M.2 slot count: the PRO B850-P or the PRO B650-S?

The PRO B850-P tops M.2 slot count at 3; the PRO B650-S follows at 2, 50% apart. No M.2 slot count figure is published for the B650M PG Lightning, the B650 Gaming Plus and the B650 Tomahawk, which leaves 3 of 6 picks ranked here.

Why is the B850M Gaming X our Longest Warranty pick?

It carries the badge for a five-year warranty on Micro-ATX. The B650M PG Lightning, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for long-term compact builds.

Do the B650M PG Lightning and the PRO B850-P differ on wi-Fi?

The B650M PG Lightning, the B650 Gaming Plus, the PRO B650-S, the B850M Gaming X and the B650 Tomahawk use Wi-Fi 6E; the PRO B850-P uses Wi-Fi 7.

What extras do the B650M PG Lightning and the B650 Gaming Plus include?

The B650M PG Lightning: BIOS Flashback. The B650 Gaming Plus: Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E. The PRO B850-P: a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.

Bottom Line

The B650M PG Lightning is the lowest-cost route. The B650 Gaming Plus WiFi adds ATX size, and the B850M Gaming X adds a five-year warranty.

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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