Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards Under $150
Five motherboards compared, from the PRO B850-P to the Z790 Pro RS, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
From $120 to $150 boards add Wi-Fi and move up to B850, B650E and Z790 chipsets. Every board cost 119 to 150 when we checked and lists its CPU socket and form factor.
We sorted these picks by M.2 slots, wired LAN and wi-Fi, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips power stages, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi
A PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.
Best for: Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.
Our take Check price for ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi
Memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC).
Best for: Buyers who want memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC).
Our take Check price for ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Wired Network Speed
MSI PRO B850-P WiFi
The fastest wired network speed here (5Gbps).
Best for: Buyers who put wired network speed first.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO B850-P WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS TUF Gaming B650E-PLUS WiFi
80A DrMOS power stages.
Best for: Buyers who want 80A DrMOS power stages.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming B650E-PLUS WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
GIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AX
Q-Flash Plus BIOS updating without a CPU.
Best for: Buyers who want Q-Flash Plus BIOS updating without a CPU.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AX (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. | Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. | Check price for ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| Memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC). | Buyers who want memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC). | Check price for ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest wired network speed here (5Gbps). | Buyers who put wired network speed first. | Check price for MSI PRO B850-P WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| 80A DrMOS power stages. | Buyers who want 80A DrMOS power stages. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming B650E-PLUS WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| Q-Flash Plus BIOS updating without a CPU. | Buyers who want Q-Flash Plus BIOS updating without a CPU. | Check price for GIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AX (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
ASRock B850 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B850 Pro RS keeps four M.2 slots and a 14+2+1 layout on a budget board, with Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for
- Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.
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 leaves more money for the graphics card. It matches the Z790 Pro RS on M.2 slot count (4). It matches the Z790 Pro RS, the TUF B650E-PLUS and the B760 AORUS Elite AX on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
It is the only pick here with 14+2+1 power stages; the B760 AORUS Elite AX has 12+1+1 power stages instead. Like the PRO B850-P and TUF B650E-PLUS, it has an AM5 socket, while the Z790 Pro RS uses an LGA1700 socket. It also offers a PCIe 5.0 M.2 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. When we checked, only the B760 AORUS Elite AX and cheaper picks cost less, and the Z790 Pro RS cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Z790 Pro RS WiFi is one of the cheapest Z790 boards here, yet offers four M.2 slots, a 14+1+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Buyers who want memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC).
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It matches the B850 Pro RS on M.2 slot count (4). It matches the B850 Pro RS, the TUF B650E-PLUS and the B760 AORUS Elite AX on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). It is the only pick here with 14+1+1 power stages; the TUF B650E-PLUS has 12+2+1 power stages instead.
Like the B760 AORUS Elite AX, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the B850 Pro RS uses an AM5 socket. A Z790 chipset is unique to it among these picks, while the B760 AORUS Elite AX uses a B760 chipset. It also offers 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. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 14+1+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory type: DDR5
- Chipset: Z790
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 14+1+1 power stage layout
- Memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC)
- One of the lowest Z790 prices here
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
Fastest Wired Network Speed3 of 5
MSI PRO B850-P WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PRO B850-P keeps Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps LAN on a budget board, with tool-free M.2 clips.
Best for
- Buyers who put wired network speed first.
Skip if
- Pass on it if m.2 slot count of 3, behind the B850 Pro RS (4) rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Three M.2 slots are enough for most gaming builds. It matches the TUF B650E-PLUS and the B760 AORUS Elite AX on M.2 slot count (3). Nothing else here matches its 5Gbps wired network speed; the B850 Pro RS comes closest at 2.5Gbps.
No other pick in this guide offers a wi-Fi 7; compare the TUF B650E-PLUS, which has a wi-Fi 6E. Like the B850 Pro RS and TUF B650E-PLUS, it has an AM5 socket, while the Z790 Pro RS uses an LGA1700 socket. It also offers a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the TUF B650E-PLUS the next step up. What it gives up: M.2 slot count of 3, behind the B850 Pro RS (4); by contrast, the B850 Pro RS offers 4.
Key dimensions & 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
- M.2 slot count of 3, behind the B850 Pro RS (4)
Worth a Look4 of 5
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
- Buyers who want 80A DrMOS power stages.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It is a sturdy pick for a 12- or 16-core Ryzen on a budget. It matches the PRO B850-P and the B760 AORUS Elite AX on M.2 slot count (3). It matches the B850 Pro RS, the Z790 Pro RS and the B760 AORUS Elite AX on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
It is the only pick here with 12+2+1 power stages; the Z790 Pro RS has 14+1+1 power stages instead. Like the B850 Pro RS and PRO B850-P, it has an AM5 socket, while the Z790 Pro RS uses an LGA1700 socket. A B650E chipset is unique to it among these picks, while the B760 AORUS Elite AX uses a B760 chipset. When we checked, only the PRO B850-P cost less, and the B760 AORUS Elite AX cost more.
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
- 12+2+1 power stages, the only one here
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
Solid Runner-Up5 of 5
GIGABYTE B760 AORUS Elite AX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The B760 AORUS Elite AX offers a 12+1+1 layout, three M.2 slots and Q-Flash Plus, which updates the BIOS without a CPU installed.
Best for
- Buyers who want Q-Flash Plus BIOS updating without a CPU.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the strongest B760 board here. On M.2 slot count it ties with the PRO B850-P and the TUF B650E-PLUS at 3. On wired network speed it ties with the B850 Pro RS, the Z790 Pro RS and the TUF B650E-PLUS at 2.5Gbps.
12+1+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Z790 Pro RS uses 14+1+1 power stages. It shares an LGA1700 socket with the Z790 Pro RS; the PRO B850-P goes with an AM5 socket. It is the only pick here with a B760 chipset; the Z790 Pro RS has a Z790 chipset instead.
It also comes with EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal and Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet. Its price falls between the TUF B650E-PLUS and the B850 Pro RS, based on our last check. If M.2 slot count is your priority, the B850 Pro RS (4) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 3
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 12+1+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory type: DDR5
- Chipset: B760
Pros
- Q-Flash Plus BIOS updating without a CPU
- EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- 12+1+1 power stages, the only one here
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- M.2 slot count trails the B850 Pro RS (4)
- Wired network speed trails the PRO B850-P (5Gbps)
How We Chose These Motherboards Under $150
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared five boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 8 fields compared are stated for every pick, while power stages and memory type have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the B850 Pro RS to the B760 AORUS Elite AX, state M.2 slot count, wired network speed and wi-Fi.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PRO B850-P gives no power stages; the B850 Pro RS, the PRO B850-P and the TUF B650E-PLUS give no memory type.
- Price range
- From the PRO B850-P to the Z790 Pro RS, all sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Motherboard Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
M.2 slot count across these picks
The B850 Pro RS tops M.2 slot count at 4 and the B760 AORUS Elite AX sits lowest at 3; 2 picks share the top figure. The B850 Pro RS is the pick for M.2 slot count.
Wired network speed
Across these 5 picks wired network speed spans 2.5Gbps (the B760 AORUS Elite AX) to 5Gbps (the PRO B850-P). If wired network speed is your first filter, the PRO B850-P sets the ceiling at 5Gbps.
Power stages
The B850 Pro RS lists 14+2+1; the Z790 Pro RS lists 14+1+1; the TUF B650E-PLUS lists 12+2+1; the B760 AORUS Elite AX lists 12+1+1.
Socket
The B850 Pro RS, the PRO B850-P and the TUF B650E-PLUS list AM5; the Z790 Pro RS and the B760 AORUS Elite AX list LGA1700.
Features beyond the spec table
The PRO B850-P: tool-free EZ M.2 clips. The TUF B650E-PLUS: BIOS Flashback. The B760 AORUS Elite AX: EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal.
How to Choose a Motherboard Under $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot | B850 Pro RS | A PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot |
| Buyers who want memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC) | Z790 Pro RS | Memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC) |
| Buyers who put wired network speed first | PRO B850-P | The fastest wired network speed here (5Gbps) |
| Buyers who want 80A DrMOS power stages | TUF B650E-PLUS | 80A DrMOS power stages |
| Buyers who want Q-Flash Plus BIOS updating without a CPU | B760 AORUS Elite AX | Q-Flash Plus BIOS updating without a CPU |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The B850 Pro RS leads on M.2 slot count at 4, ahead of the Z790 Pro RS at 4. "Not listed" marks power stages where the PRO B850-P leaves the figure out.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B850 Pro RS | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+2+1 |
| Z790 Pro RS | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+1+1 |
| PRO B850-P | 3 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| TUF B650E-PLUS | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 12+2+1 |
| B760 AORUS Elite AX | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 12+1+1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the fastest wired network speed: the PRO B850-P or the B850 Pro RS?
Between the top two, it is 5Gbps on the PRO B850-P against 2.5Gbps on the B850 Pro RS, a 100% difference.
Is the Z790 Pro RS worth paying more than the PRO B850-P?
On paper it adds M.2 slot count (4 against 3). It does not win everywhere: the PRO B850-P still leads on wired network speed (5Gbps). Both sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, so the gains in M.2 slot count cost little extra by tier.
What makes the PRO B850-P the Fastest Wired Network Speed?
It earns the label for the fastest wired network speed here (5Gbps). The B850 Pro RS is next on wired network speed at 2.5Gbps, so this pick's 5Gbps is 100% further out. It suits anyone who puts wired network speed first.
Do the B850 Pro RS and the PRO B850-P differ on wi-Fi?
The B850 Pro RS, the Z790 Pro RS, the TUF B650E-PLUS and the B760 AORUS Elite AX use Wi-Fi 6E; the PRO B850-P uses Wi-Fi 7.
Beyond the specs, what sets the B850 Pro RS and the Z790 Pro RS apart?
The B850 Pro RS: a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. The Z790 Pro RS: memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC). The PRO B850-P: a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the B850 Pro RS, chosen for a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. Look at the Z790 Pro RS for memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC), the PRO B850-P for the fastest wired network speed here (5Gbps) and the TUF B650E-PLUS for 80A DrMOS power stages if those matter more to you.
Count the M.2 slots and note which share bandwidth with SATA ports before you plan storage.