We may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links

Top 6 Best B450 Motherboards For AMD Ryzen To Buy In 2023 Review

Thanks to the focus on higher performance-per-dollar than Intel counterparts, the AMD Ryzen has been one of this generation’s best-selling CPUs. So, let’s take a look at some of the best-selling motherboard options for the B450 chipset. The AMD B450 chipset focuses on mainstream gamers and content creators who need the extra power to run their applications without bottlenecks.

Compared to the X470 series, the B450 has fewer PCI Express lanes, and there are some subtle differences in overclocking capabilities. But for 99% of the users, these differences don’t matter in real-world usage, and you can save a great deal of money by opting for the B450 chipset-based motherboards. There is no difference in the actual CPU performance itself.

So, let’s take a closer look at the six best B450 motherboards to buy for compatibility with second and third-generation AMD Ryzen processors, starting with the…

Top 6 Best B450 Motherboards For AMD Ryzen To Buy In 2023 Review

Top 6 Best B450 Motherboards For AMD Ryzen In 2023 Reviews

  1. MSI B450 Tomahawk – Best B450 Tomahawk Motherboards for AMD Ryzen
  2. MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC – Best Rated B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen
  3. Asus ROG Strix B450-F Gaming – Best Mid Range B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen
  4. ASRock B450M-HDV – Best Budget B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen
  5. ASRock B450M PRO4 – Best Value B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen for the Money
  6. Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite – Best Premium B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen

1 MSI B450 Tomahawk – Best B450 Tomahawk Motherboards for AMD Ryzen

The B450 Tomahawk is one of the most affordable motherboards on the market. Despite the low price, gamers and overclockers alike will be pleased with the capabilities of this board. The accessories are standard and include two SATA cables, I/O shield, M2 screws, build guide, driver DVD, and user manual. You get great fan headers that work in both PWM and DC modes. The design isn’t overly flashy and looks quite pleasing.

MSI B450 Tomahawk Specs:

  • Form Factor: ATX
  • Memory: 4 x DDR4 (128GB)
  • M.2 / SATA: 1 x M.2, 6x SATA 3.0 ports
  • PCIe slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16; 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16; 3 x PCIe 2.0 x1
  • Audio: Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec
  • LAN: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: No
  • Manufacturer: MSI

Overclockers will be pleased…

Overclockers will be especially pleased to find a large heatsink over the VRMs to keep temperatures under control. The rear I/O lacks a pre-installed shield but offers the most common ports, including a BIOS flashback button. It’s an easy way to reflash the older BIOS version if an update has failed. The only constraint is the PCIe slots.

Even though the board offers two large PCIe slots, the top one is x16 and is directly wired to the CPU, while the bottom one is an x4 connected to the B450 chipset. There is also an internal header for the front panel USB 3.0. From an overclocking point of view, the 4+2 VRM configuration might seem slightly low, but MSI tries to compensate for this by using extra MOSFETs.

That’s not all…

There aren’t many differences between the Tomahawk and other boards featuring the B450 chipset regarding performance. Most memory and CPU benchmarks run fine, and the memory is overclockable from the XMP settings in the BIOS. Games perform well, although there are competing offerings from Gigabyte that have better numbers.

One of the best features on the Tomahawk is the USB BIOS Flashback. Suppose you ever had instances where newer AMD processors aren’t compatible with older boards due to faulty BIOS updates. In that case, the flashback feature solves this issue by directly flashing a BIOS from a USB drive without actually needing to mount a CPU.

Our verdict?

Overall, the MSI B450 Tomahawk is one of the best budget friendly motherboards for the 2nd gen AMD Ryzen platform. It has plenty of useful features, and the USB BIOS flashback is an excellent addition to an already great B450 board.


MSI B450 Tomahawk

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Good VRMs.
  • Hybrid fan headers.
  • BIOS Flashback+.

Cons

  • Only one M.2 slot.
  • Constraints on the PCIe slots.

2 MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC – Best Rated B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen

Apart from the more common ATX board, the B450I is also available as a mini-ITX motherboard. Mini-ITX boards are perfect for building compact PCs saving space but still including enough features for a good gaming and overclocking experience.

However, considering the dimensions, there are some restrictions you should know about. For example, there is only one PCIe x16 slot. Should you need more, you might want to opt for a PCI riser, splitting the x16 bandwidth into 4x and 4x. This shouldn’t be an issue since the B450I doesn’t support and SLI configurations.

MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC specs:

  • Form Factor: Mini-ITX
  • Memory: 2 x DDR4 (64GB)
  • M.2 / SATA: 1 x M.2, 4x SATA 3.0 ports
  • PCIe slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16
  • Audio: Realtek ALC887 Audio Codec
  • LAN: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Yes
  • Manufacturer: MSI

The board has some limitations …

There is also only one M.2 slot directly linked to the CPU for PCIe Gen 3, x4 speeds. Other than that, the B450I Gaming Plus AC is similar to other MSI motherboards that have crossed our path so far. You can install both ECC memory and Non-ECC memory, but the memory itself only runs in the non-ECC mode.

One limitation is that the board doesn’t offer USB Type-C connectivity; instead, you get USB 3.1 Type-A. Apart from the Intel Gigabit Ethernet controller, the board also includes onboard wireless AC and Realtek ALC7 audio codec.

Our verdict?

If you’re looking at the B450I Gaming Plus AC, you will be enticed by the overall value in the package. You won’t get fancy RBG or overclocking options, or even any onboard advanced controllers. However, when it comes to performance, this Mini-ITX is easily on par with some of the more expensive ATX boards available and is one of the best B450 boards for HTPCs and mini PCs.


MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Great for HTPCs and mini PCs.
  • Simple layout.
  • Good basic performance.

Cons

  • Only one M.2 slot.
  • No fancy RGB or overclocking options.

3 Asus ROG Strix B450-F Gaming – Best Mid Range B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen

If money isn’t an issue and you need more flexibility from the B450 platform, the Asus ROG Strix B450-F Gaming is the board for you. The Strix has two M.2 PCIe x4 slots, three PCIe x16 slots, and three PCIe x1 slots, giving you plenty of expansion options. This motherboard is for the gaming crowd, but it doesn’t have any unnecessary RGB overload.

Lighting effects can be found on the VRMs and the chipset heatsink, and that’s it. There are, of course, enough headers if you want to add your lighting strips.

ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming specs:

  • Form Factor: ATX
  • Memory: 4 x DDR4 (128GB)
  • M.2 / SATA: 2 x M.2, 8x SATA 3.0 ports
  • PCIe slots: 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16, 3 x PCIe 2.0 x1
  • Audio: Realtek ALC1220-VB Audio Codec
  • LAN: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: No
  • Manufacturer: Asus
  • Support for 128GB of RAM

The Strix B450-F supports up to 128GB of DDR4-DIMM memory. And the SupremeFX audio gives you an isolated distortion-free sound with the Nichicon audio capacitors, producing a clean, clear output. Even though BIOS is standard for ASUS motherboards, you might find that it lacks features like XMP settings and manual core voltage settings, compared to the more expensive X470 boards.

Both the board and chipset are better suited for automatic overclocking through AMD’s Precision Boost and XFR, as opposed to manual overclocking, and in this regard, the B450-F excels. However, recent updates to BIOS have added some of the missing features. If you demand total control of how your components work, we recommend looking at the X470 boards instead of the B450.

The B450-F makes gaming a delight…

Gaming on the B450-F is a real delight, and it’s compatible with all the latest games at their highest settings. The only limitation is your GPU and CPU setup. There isn’t much difference between the B450-F and X470 chipsets, if only for a few overclocking and extra PCIe lanes.

But are they the Best B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen you can buy?

B450-F gaming is a good choice for building a budget gaming PC with a solid foundation for future upgrades. The price also includes a nice set of accessories and an ample amount of expansion slots. And if you’re keen on customization, you can swap out the stickers on the heatsink for your own.


Asus ROG Strix B450-F Gaming

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Good for gaming.
  • A good number of fan and RGB headers.
  • Good price.
  • Excellent performance.
  • 2 M.2 slots.

Cons

  • BIOS lacks a few overclocking options.

4 ASRock B450M-HDV – Best Budget B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen

If all you need is a no-frills board that performs well without overwhelming you with different options, the ASRock B450M-HDV is your best choice. It’s one of the best Micro-ATX B450 AMD motherboards available. Despite the small form factor, it’s a competent board.

ASRock B450M-HDV Specs:

  • Form Factor: Micro-ATX
  • Memory: 2 x DDR4 (32GB)
  • M.2 / SATA: 1 x M.2, 4x SATA 3.0 ports
  • PCIe slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1
  • Audio: Realtek ALC887 Audio Codec
  • LAN: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: No
  • Manufacturer: ASRock

The B450 chipset includes plenty of features for mainstream computing. ASRock takes it to another level thanks to its implementation of a 7-phase power design that supplies steady voltage if you decide to overclock your Ryzen CPU.

If that’s your aim, we recommend that you pair this motherboard with the Ryzen 5 2600X, rather than with the Ryzen 5 2600, as the X version automatically increases its clocks based on the available temperature and power limits.

But you should know…

Since this board doesn’t have as many overclocking features as the more high-end ASRock boards, going for an “X” CPU is a good option that saves you the inconvenience of fiddling about with voltage settings.

The board comes with most of the standard connectivity features, including the ability to use ECC and non-ECC RAM modules. But keep in mind that the Ryzen processors can’t make use of the ECC memory even if you install them.

Our verdict?

Considering the size of the Micro-ATX, you need to be aware of some limitations. For example, you can only use two memory sticks, so you want to opt for the maximum RAM and speed your budget allows. The board has some issues when configuring XMP profiles for the faster RAM modules, so you should go for the 2933 to 3000 MHz range to avoid any problems.


ASRock B450M-HDV

Our rating:4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)

Pros

  • Affordable.
  • Nice set of features.
  • Suitable for small PCs.

Cons

  • Limited RAM expansion.
  • Issues with setting XMP profiles.

5 ASRock B450M PRO4 – Best Value B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen for the Money

The ASRock B450M PRO4 has been up for grabs for quite some time now, which is a good starting point when buying a motherboard. It has many positive reviews and an army of gamers that praise the B450M PRO4. They love it because the PRO4 is designed as a budget friendly motherboard covering just about everything you need.

ASRock B450M PRO4 Specs:

  • Form Factor: Micro-ATX
  • Memory: 4 x DDR4 (64GB)
  • M.2 / SATA: 2 x M.2, 4x SATA3 3.0 ports
  • PCIe slots: 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1
  • Audio: Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec
  • LAN: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: No
  • Manufacturer: ASRock

Let’s take a look at the essentials. The board’s backside has an excellent selection of ports, as well as a PS/2 if you want to go old-school. The board has four SATA ports and two M.2 ports, so there’s plenty of storage options. The M.2 ports can be used for SSDs that support SATA 3.0 and PCIe Gen3 with theoretical speeds up to 32GB/s.

The board also has three PCIe slots and four DDR4 DIMM slots, allowing up to 64GB of RAM. And you’re presented with a single Gigabit LAN port. So, as you can see, you get an excellent foundation for building a gaming PC with plenty of slots for expansion.

Some of the unique features…

When you look at the unique features, the ASRock PRO4 has plenty to offer. It has USB 3.1 Gen2, supporting speeds up to 10GB/s. It also provides Full Spike Protection, meaning that the motherboard is protected from sudden voltage spikes. The PRO4 is also one of the few motherboards that support up to three displays at once.

And if you’re into tuning, you can use ASRock’s A-tuning utility for overclocking, monitoring, and controlling the fans. An update utility and a dedicated “App shop” lets you further customize the board. Both of which are easy to use.

Our verdict?

The only problem with the B450M PRO4 is the price; even though it was relatively low when it was first launched, it was even lower. But, due to its popularity, the price has increased. Overall it’s a fantastic board with high performance and is loved by everyone who has ever benefited from owning one—a great choice, especially for gamers.


ASRock B450M PRO4

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • Includes all the essentials.
  • Practical layout.
  • Two RGB headers.
  • Full spike protection.
  • Supports three monitors.
  • Good overall value.

Cons

  • There are big fluctuations in the price.

6 Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite – Best Premium B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen

The Gigabyte B440 Auros Elite isn’t the most well known Gigabit board, but it’s a formidable B450 board none the less. For most parts, it isn’t easy to distinguish the Aorus Elite from other Aorus motherboards. The board comes with an integrated I/O shield and dual heatsinks on the VRMs. Not many RGB effects are in place, apart from those on the PCH and near the audio components.

Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite Specs:

  • Form Factor: ATX
  • Memory: 4 x DDR4 (64GB)
  • M.2 / SATA: 2 x M.2, 6x SATA 3.0 ports
  • PCIe slots: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 2.0 x4, 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1
  • Audio: Realtek ALC1220-VB Audio Codec
  • LAN: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: No
  • Manufacturer: Gigabyte

The B450 Aorus Elite supports DDR4 RAM at 3200 MHz and includes a suitable XMP profile. It’s a bit lower than some boards that offer 3400 MHz, but AMD recommends 2933 MHz for Ryzen, so this is more than enough unless you are looking for serious overclocking.

The BIOS is copied from other Gigabyte boards, and you see a similar layout apart from Easy and Advanced modes and an MIT tab allowing for fine-grained controlling of the CPU and memory voltage settings.

Even when it comes to performance…

It’s tough to spot the differences between the Aorus Elite and other Arous-branded boards. CPU intensive tasks and games run well, making this board a good choice for most purposes. There are two M.2 slots, one connecting to the chipset and the other connects to the CPU. If you plan to use your M.2 NVMe SSD’s full capacity, make sure you occupy the first slot.

The VRM configuration pales compared to some high-end motherboards but should be ok as long as you don’t expect extensive overclocking.

Our verdict?

On the plus side, the Aorus Elite offers to debug LEDs that can help diagnose any issue during POST. Taking all features into account, it’s fair to say that the Gigabyte Arous Elite is one of the top B450 boards available and an excellent choice for gaming.


Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite

Our rating:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

Pros

  • Good for gaming.
  • Excellent VRM cooling.

Cons

  • The VRM configuration could be better.

Best B450 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen Buying Guide

MSI Arsenal Gaming AMD Ryzen 1st and 2nd Gen AM4 M.2 USB 3 DDR4 DVI HDMI Crossfire ATX Motherboard (B450 TOMAHAWK)

When it comes to purchasing computer hardware, it can become pretty hectic. That’s why we have created this buyer’s guide. Its sole purpose is to guide you through the jungle of options and aid you in your motherboard buying endeavors. In other words, it will help you find the best B450 motherboard for AMD Ryzen.

So, here are a few pointers that you need to keep in mind…

Support For Various Graphic Cards

The B450 motherboard should support various graphic cards. Preferably AMD 2nd and 3rd generation with Radeon graphics are the best choices for graphics cards. The versatile combo allows for better options when boosting the performance.

Memory Storage Boosting

The memory-boosting storage technologies prevalent in the board are vital since they affect the speed of the processes. Having a superior PCIe improves the memory transfer rate. Buying a board with USB 3.1 or even 3.2 is an excellent choice for increasing the motherboard’s capability.

Multiple Display Ports

The motherboard needs to support multiple display ports. There can be HDMI, DVI-D, and D-Sub. Having various display options allows you to connect your PC to almost all kinds of display devices for added enjoyment.

RGB Headers

Having the ability to customize your PC is part of owning the PC itself. That’s why RGB header light strips are one of the best features on your PC. You can customize the light patterns and colors to suit your preferences and your setup.

Heatsink

Heatsinks are necessary because they keep the components inside the computer cool. They help the accumulated heat inside the computer to escape. Usually, they are made of aluminum alloy.

Smart Fans

Smart fans are a huge plus since they keep the motherboard at the same temperature as the atmosphere. They also keep the motherboard cool from all sides, which is necessary considering how it affects performance.

Looking For More Excellent Options?

MSI Performance Gaming AMD Ryzen 1st and 2nd Gen AM4 M.2 USB 3 DDR4 HDMI Display Port Mini-ITX Motherboard (B450I GAMING Plus AC)

Then check out our Best LGA 1155 Motherboard Reviews, our Best Micro ATX Motherboards Review, and our in-depth reviews of the Best RTX 2070 SUPER Graphics Card you can buy in 2023.

And for more gaming goodness, check out our Best RTX 2080 Ti Graphics Card Review, our Best External Graphics Card Review, our Best GTX 1070 Graphics Cards Review, and our Best GTX 1080 Ti Graphics Card Review.

And, before you go, take a look at our Best RAID Controllers Review, our Best CPU For Gaming Reviews, and our Best Expensive Gaming Keyboards Review.

Which Are The Best B450 Motherboards For AMD Ryzen?

Considering all the pointers above, performance, and availability, the best choice for the B450 motherboard is the…

ASRock B450M PRO4

Not only has it been around for quite some time, but most users praise it. The board includes all the essentials you need, has a practical layout, multiple RGB headers, full spike protection, and to top it all off, it supports three displays. It doesn’t get much better than this!

If you still have your doubts about the B450M PRO4, the…

Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite

…is also a suitable choice, even though the price is a tad higher than the ASRock B450M PRO4.

Whichever you choose, enjoy your new motherboard.

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

Leave a Comment