AMD B650 Roundup: 35 Motherboards Tested, Complete Buying Guide

Summary

In this comprehensive review, 35 AMD B650 motherboards are rigorously tested, covering specs, thermals, and value for money. The video provides detailed comparisons and recommendations, highlighting top picks like the ASRock B650M HDV M.2 for budget-conscious buyers and the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-Gaming Wi-Fi for high-end performance seekers. The guide helps viewers make informed decisions based on price, features, and thermal performance, steering clear of models with poor VRM thermals.

Takeaways

• 😲 The video presents the results of extensive testing on 35 AMD B650 motherboards, a task that took months to complete.
• 🔊 Sponsored content features Thermal Grizzly's new 12th gen CPU contact frame, which addresses uneven contact issues in the ILM of the LGA 1700 sockets.
• 📈 The video skips detailed individual reviews of each motherboard due to the large number, opting instead for a specs comparison and focus on thermal results.
• 🔥 The VRM thermal data is still relevant despite BIOS updates, as it remains accurate with the latest biases, unlike some benchmark data which may be outdated.
• 💡 The Gigabyte B650MK is advised against due to its use of discrete MOSFETs, poor VRM thermals, limited PCIe slots, and lack of PCIe 5.0 support.
• 🌟 The ASRock B650M HDV M.2 is recommended for those on a tight budget, offering better VRM, more PCIe slots, and a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot compared to the Gigabyte B650MK.
• 📶 The MSI Pro B650M-A Wi-Fi is the most affordable B650 motherboard with Wi-Fi support, boasting a solid VRM and decent expansion options.
• 🚫 Asus Prime series motherboards are generally not recommended due to their use of discrete MOSFETs, resulting in poor VRM thermals.
• 🔋 The ASRock B650 PG Lightning and PG Riptide Wi-Fi are highlighted as good options at $190, featuring robust VRM and a comprehensive set of ports and slots.
• 💻 For high-end options, the Asus ROG Strix B650E-Gaming Wi-Fi and the ASRock B650E Taichi are mentioned, with the former providing two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and the latter offering USB 4 support.
• 🏆 The best overall high-end B650 motherboard, according to the video, is the Asus ROG Strix B650E-Gaming Wi-Fi due to its feature set and price point.

Q & A

How many motherboards were tested in the video?

A total of 35 AMD B650 motherboards were tested in the video.

What is the purpose of the Thermal Grizzly's new 12th gen CPU contact frame?

The Thermal Grizzly's new 12th gen CPU contact frame is designed to replace the integrated loading mechanism (ILM) of the LGA 1700 sockets, providing a more even contact surface with the CPU's IHS and cooler base, which improves cooling performance and reduces operating temperatures.

What is the main reason the benchmark data like boot times and performance were not included in the video?

The benchmark data such as boot times and performance were not included because some of the results are outdated due to new BIOS updates, and the creator did not have the resources to retest all 35 motherboards.

Which motherboard was recommended as the best value option for the most affordable price point?

The ASRock b650m hdv m.2 was recommended as the best value option for those looking for an affordable motherboard on the AM5 platform.

What feature does the MSI Pro b650m-a Wi-Fi offer that makes it stand out at its price point?

The MSI Pro b650m-a Wi-Fi is the most affordable B650 motherboard to include Wi-Fi support, along with 11 USB 3.2 ports, three PCIe slots, and two M.2 slots, making it stand out at its price point.

Why should the Asus Prime series motherboards be avoided according to the video?

The Asus Prime series motherboards should be avoided because they use discrete MOSFETs, resulting in poor VRM thermals, with some models running at over 100 degrees during testing.

What is the main advantage of the ASRock b650 PG Lightning over the Asus Prime boards?

The ASRock b650 PG Lightning offers a superior VRM with 14 60 amp power stages for the V-core, four PCIe expansion slots, a PCIe 5.0 M.2, and a multitude of USB ports, making it a much better option compared to the Asus Prime boards at a similar price point.

What feature does the Gigabyte b650m aurus Pro ax include that is considered a standout at its price point?

The Gigabyte b650m aurus Pro ax includes PCIe 5.0 M.2 support, a robust 12 70 amp power stage VRM, and a generous number of USB 3.2 ports, making it a standout option in its price range.

Why might the MSI MPG b650 Carbon Wi-Fi be considered underwhelming at its current price point?

The MSI MPG b650 Carbon Wi-Fi might be considered underwhelming at its current price point because it lacks PCIe 5.0 support for the primary PCIe slot, and while it has an upgraded VRM with 80 amp power stages and additional features, it does not significantly outperform cheaper options.

What is the unique feature of the ASRock b650e PG Riptide Wi-Fi that makes it the most affordable option with PCIe 5.0 support for both the primary PCIe slot and primary M.2?

The unique feature of the ASRock b650e PG Riptide Wi-Fi is that it offers PCIe 5.0 support for both the primary PCIe slot and the primary M.2 at an affordable price point, making it a great value option.

Why does the Gigabyte b650e aorus Master have a high price point compared to other B650 motherboards?

The Gigabyte b650e aorus Master has a high price point due to its 16 105 amp power stage VRM, which is considered extreme overkill for most users, and its inclusion of four PCIe 5.0 enabled M.2 slots, offering a high-end feature set that justifies the higher cost.