Buying Guide
The Best Motherboards Under $200
From the PRO B850-P to the PRO Z790-A II: five motherboards ranked on M.2 slot count and wired network speed, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $200, boards cover mainstream CPUs with Wi-Fi and enough M.2 slots for most builds. Every pick cost $200 or less, ordered by M.2 slots.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: M.2 slots, wired LAN and wi-Fi come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing power stages is flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Most M.2 Slots
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
The most M.2 slot count here (5).
Best for: Buyers who put M.2 slot count first.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi (opens in a new tab)
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
MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi
A PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
Best for: Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
Our take Check price for MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 80A SPS power stages.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
MSI PRO B850-P WiFi
Undercutting the B850 Pro RS on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting PCIe 5.0 graphics slot for the least money.
Our take Check price for MSI PRO B850-P WiFi (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The most M.2 slot count here (5). | Buyers who put M.2 slot count first. | Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| 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) |
| A PCIe 5.0 graphics slot. | Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 graphics slot. | Check price for MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 80A SPS power stages. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the B850 Pro RS on price when we checked. | Getting PCIe 5.0 graphics slot for the least money. | Check price for MSI PRO B850-P WiFi (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Most M.2 Slots1 of 5
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout.
Best for
- Buyers who put M.2 slot count first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the PRO B850-P was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the most complete Z790 board for its price here. On M.2 slot count it leads this guide at 5, ahead of the B850 Pro RS (4). It matches the B850 Pro RS and the PRO Z790-A II on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
Like the Z890 Tomahawk and PRO B850-P, it has a wi-Fi 7, while the B850 Pro RS uses a wi-Fi 6E. Like the PRO Z790-A II, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the Z890 Tomahawk uses an LGA1851 socket. It also comes with Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7 and a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
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 was priced above the B850 Pro RS and below the Z890 Tomahawk at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 5
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages: 16+1+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory type: DDR5
- Chipset: Z790
Pros
- 5 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+1+1 power stage layout
- Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7
Cons
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
Also Consider2 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 Z890 Tomahawk and the PRO Z790-A II on M.2 slot count (4). It matches the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the PRO Z790-A II on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
Like the PRO Z790-A II, it has a wi-Fi 6E, while the Z890 Tomahawk uses a wi-Fi 7. Like the PRO B850-P, it has an AM5 socket, while the PRO Z790-A II uses an LGA1700 socket. You also get 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. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. When we checked, only the PRO B850-P cost less, and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX 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 Alternative3 of 5
MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Z890 Tomahawk is the Intel pick, with four M.2 slots, 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 for Core Ultra 200S chips.
Best for
- Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the PRO B850-P was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It runs only LGA1851 processors, not older 12th to 14th Gen chips. On M.2 slot count it ties with the B850 Pro RS and the PRO Z790-A II at 4. On wired network speed it ties with the PRO B850-P at 5Gbps.
It shares a wi-Fi 7 with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and PRO B850-P; the PRO Z790-A II goes with a wi-Fi 6E. An LGA1851 socket is unique to it among these picks, while the B850 Pro RS uses an AM5 socket. It also offers a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot and M.2 heatsinks on every slot.
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 5, between the cheaper Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the pricier PRO Z790-A II, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1851
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 5Gbps wired Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- PCIe 5.0 graphics slot
Cons
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PRO Z790-A WiFi II offers four Gen4 M.2 slots and 80A power stages.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi is a problem.
Why we like it
Wi-Fi 6E is its only step back. It has four Gen4 M.2 slots with Shield Frozr, Wi-Fi 6E with BT 5.3 and a 20Gbps rear USB-C port. It matches the B850 Pro RS and the Z890 Tomahawk on M.2 slot count (4).
It matches the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the B850 Pro RS on wired network speed (2.5Gbps). Like the B850 Pro RS, it has a wi-Fi 6E, while the PRO B850-P uses a wi-Fi 7. Like the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, it has an LGA1700 socket, while the B850 Pro RS uses an AM5 socket.
You also get memory support to DDR5-7800 (OC). At our last price check it topped the group, with the Z890 Tomahawk the nearest cheaper option. Wired network speed is its weakest area, and the Z890 Tomahawk covers it better at 5Gbps.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: LGA1700
- Memory type: DDR5
- Chipset: Z790
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 80A SPS power stages
- Memory support to DDR5-7800 (OC)
- The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 80A SPS power stages
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Wired network speed trails the Z890 Tomahawk (5Gbps)
- Costs more than the PRO B850-P at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 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
- Getting PCIe 5.0 graphics slot for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if M.2 slot count matters most to you; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 5.
Why we like it
Three M.2 slots are enough for most gaming builds. Its 3 M.2 slot count is the fewest in this group; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX leads at 5. It matches the Z890 Tomahawk on wired network speed (5Gbps).
Like the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and Z890 Tomahawk, it has a wi-Fi 7, while the B850 Pro RS uses a wi-Fi 6E. Like the B850 Pro RS, it has an AM5 socket, while the Z890 Tomahawk uses an LGA1851 socket. You also get 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. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the B850 Pro RS the next step up.
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 trails the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5)
How We Chose These Motherboards Under $200
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Power delivery
- We noted power stage layouts where the maker lists them.
- Storage
- We counted listed M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support.
- Connectivity
- We compared Wi-Fi, wired LAN speed and USB4.
- Platform
- We checked socket, chipset and form factor from each listing.
What to Look for in a Motherboard Under $200
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much wired network speed you need
Among these picks, wired network speed runs from 2.5Gbps on the PRO Z790-A II to 5Gbps on the Z890 Tomahawk. Match this to what you will actually do with it, then let price decide between the picks that qualify.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Motherboard Under $200
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put M.2 slot count first | Z790 Tomahawk MAX | The most M.2 slot count here (5) |
| Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot | B850 Pro RS | A PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot |
| Buyers who want PCIe 5.0 graphics slot | Z890 Tomahawk | A PCIe 5.0 graphics slot |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | PRO Z790-A II | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 80A SPS power stages |
| Getting PCIe 5.0 graphics slot for the least money | PRO B850-P | Undercutting the B850 Pro RS on price when we checked |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z790 Tomahawk MAX | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+1+1 |
| B850 Pro RS | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+2+1 |
| Z890 Tomahawk | 4 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
| PRO Z790-A II | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
| PRO B850-P | 3 | 5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed |
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 | PRO B850-P, B850 Pro RS |
| About $150 to $250 | Z790 Tomahawk MAX, Z890 Tomahawk, PRO Z790-A II |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these motherboards compare on M.2 slot count?
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX leads at 5, ahead of the B850 Pro RS at 4; the PRO B850-P sits at the other end with 3.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The PRO B850-P cost the least when we checked, and the PRO Z790-A II sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
Is built-in Wi-Fi worth it?
Yes if you cannot run a cable. Otherwise wired Ethernet is more consistent.
Do I need PCIe 5.0?
Current graphics cards barely benefit. PCIe 5.0 matters more for the fastest SSDs.
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
Our first pick is the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, chosen for the most M.2 slot count here (5). Look at the B850 Pro RS for a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, the Z890 Tomahawk for a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot and the PRO Z790-A II for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with 80A SPS power stages if those matter more to you.
A budget board is fine for a 65W CPU; high-end chips need stronger VRMs.