5 Best B450 Motherboard for AMD Ryzen CPU [2020]

The B450 is the latest chipset from what we believe to be one of AMD’s best chipsets. It has a lot more features than many other mainstream motherboards, and is well-suited for CPUs that use DDR4 memory. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite boards below, but if you’re looking for something specific out there in the wilds of Amazon, this list should help get you started on your search:

It’s 2020 and the Ryzen 3000 series has just been released. What motherboard should you buy now? We’re here to help with our comprehensive list of best B450 motherboards for AMD Ryzen processors.

The “best b450 motherboard for ryzen 5 3600” is a motherboard that allows users to play games and computer software. The motherboard also has an M.2 slot and supports dual channel memory, meaning it can support up to DDR4-3200MHz.

AMD Ryzen Processors

AMD’s CPUs for desktop PCs based on the Zen architecture are known as Ryzen. Epyc is the name given to the Zen server CPUs.

The first generation began in 2017 with a string of noteworthy victories that erased the previous years’ bulldozer blasphemy. Above all, having more cores than the competitors gave the desktop PC industry a fresh lease of life. The AMD Ryzen processors use the AM4 socket, which supports DDR4 memory. Pin compatibility exists with all prior CPUs.

AMD released the second generation in the spring of 2018. The Ryzen 2000 increased clock speed owing to 12nm production and internal advancements, closing the gap with Intel even more.

The third generation was released in July of this year. For the first time, the Ryzen 3000 outperformed Intel at the same clock speed. With the addition of sophisticated 7 nm fabrication cores, certain models could no longer be avoided. In addition to the 12 cores for the AM4 socket, 16 cores have been added, bringing the mid-range platform up to par with the high-end market.

The Ryzen 4000, the first model to be released in laptop PCs, will debut in 2020. The code name for the APU is Renoir.

The AMD Ryzen Series is discussed in this video.

AMD’s Ryzen CPUs are a low-cost alternative to Intel CPUs in many circumstances, and they’re particularly popular among gamers. The price/performance ratio is favorable, and the platform’s kinks have been substantially smoothed out. It’s critical to choose the proper motherboard when building an AMD computer. The chipset is its most important component, and AMD presently supplies six distinct chipsets to mainboard makers.

Chipsets are categorized into three groups. According to AMD, “A” chipsets are for beginners, whereas “B” chipsets are for the middle class. The X series is designed for the most discerning consumers. The chips are now available in three generations. The “300s,” i.e. the A320, B350, and X370, are part of the first generation, which began in 2017.

AMD introduced the second generation in 2018, with the models B450 and X470. The third generation, which includes the current top model, the X570, debuted in 2019. It is AMD’s first self-developed Ryzen CPU chipset; the previous ones were made by ASMedia.

The new gold standard is B450.

The bulk of Ryzen consumers should choose for boards with the B450 chipset. As the better of the two mid-range versions, it has all of the essential characteristics for a solid business PC or a reasonably priced gaming PC. The product range is extensive, and there are several boards for space-saving PCs (Mini-ITX, ATX), as well as a fair price. If you don’t need AMD StoreMI, the somewhat less expensive B350 would suffice. However, keep in mind that the older 300 chipsets use more power. As a result, a pricing advantage at the moment of purchase might become a disadvantage over time.

The X570 with PCIe 4.0 stands out among the X chipsets. This enables the creation of ultra-high-performance computers. NVMe SSDs, which can transmit about 5 Gigabytes per second in reality, are now available; the maximum speed is 8 Gigabytes per second. The Radeon RX 5700 comes with an accompanying graphics card (GPU), allowing you to design a system entirely based on PCIe 4.0. However, appropriate boards are only 165 dollars (as of April 2020), and the rest of the components are likewise costly. For contrast, X470 boards start at 115 dollars, while X370 boards start at 65 dollars.

Test Outcomes

MSI B450 Gaming PRO Carbon AC is ranked first.

The MSI B450 Gaming PRO Carbon AC motherboard is a gaming motherboard from MSI.

• With a decent CPU power supply, you can get excellent performance.
• BIOS Flashback+ is a feature that allows you to go back in time
• There are a lot of headers for fan and water cooling.
• WLAN-AC and Bluetooth 5.0 are also available.

• Power usage has increased.

In detail

MSI currently offers twelve motherboards using AMD’s B450 midrange chipset. Of course, a gaming pro-carbon model from the performance gaming series is also included. We examined the B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC in depth and pitted it against other AM4 mainboards.

The B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC has four DDR4 DIMM memory banks, one PCIe 3.0 x16, one PCIe 2.0 x16 (mechanical), and three PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. There are also six SATA 6GBit/s ports and two M.2 ports. A great degree of versatility is provided by four times USB 3.1 Gen1, six times USB 2.0, and two times USB 3.1 Gen2. Of course, there’s a nice integrated sound chip and one Gigabit LAN port.

The Z370 Gaming Pro Carbon (AC), which we also evaluated, has a strong visual resemblance. It’s just the absence of the I/O panel cover that makes a difference. The chipset and VRM coolers have a graphite appearance to them. The circuit board, like the connections, is kept in the dark. Two expansion connectors and DIMM slots are apparent on the Steel Armor.

MSI has also joined on the B450 mainboard bandwagon, with twelve distinct variants to choose from. The now-tested B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC is the flagship model, and it comes with a great set of features. The 4+2 phase architecture is effective enough to boost the clock rate of a first or second generation Ryzen 7 CPU.

Video Analysis of the MSI B450 Gaming PRO Carbon AC Motherboard

To minimize thermal issues, MSI made the VRM cooler of the VCore MOSFETs bigger. In addition, the 8-pin EPS12V power connection now contains an extra 4-pin connector. Despite the lack of onboard conveniences like a power and reset button, the EZ debug functionality for simple debugging has not been overlooked. Furthermore, the I/O panel’s BIOS Flashback Plus button enables BIOS upgrades without the use of the CPU or RAM.

A dedicated graphics card with the Steel Armor functionality may be installed in a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. The B450 chipset, on the other hand, controls the three PCIe-2.0-x1 slots as well as the mechanical PCIe-2.0-x16 connection. Four DDR4 DIMM memory banks were also examined, allowing for a total memory capacity of up to 64 GB. MSI guarantees a 3,466 MHz effective RAM clock rate.

The storage capacity comprises two M.2-M key interfaces in addition to six SATA 6GBit/s SATA 6GBit/s SATA 6GBit/s SATA 6GBit/s SATA 6GBit/s SATA 6GBit/ One uses PCIe 3.0 x4 via the CPU and comes with a cooler, while the other uses PCIe 2.0 x4 through the B450 chipset. Two USB 3.1 Gen2 (native, 2x external), four USB 3.1 Gen1 (2x external, 2x internal), and six USB 2.0 ports are available (2x external, 4x internal). MSI has also considered a DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 graphics output for APU users.

The user may select between a wired network connection through a Gigabit LAN port and a wireless network connection via the Intel Wireless AC-9260 adapter (WLAN data throughput up to 1.73 GBit gross) with Bluetooth compatibility in version 5.0. MSI picked the Realtek ALC1220 for sound, which, together with additional audio capacitors, provides the Audio Boost 4 function. However, RGB fans are accommodated for as well, since the board has several headers for extension in addition to a few onboard LEDs.

Verdict

The MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC is quite gritty and falls inside a reasonable pricing range, beginning at 127 dollars. WLAN and Bluetooth are built-in, and the equipment will readily satisfy the majority of consumers. MSI has a pretty intriguing mainstream board for the Ryzen CPUs in its line with the B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC, which provides a well-balanced configuration and, of course, permits overclocking.

Second, there’s the Gigabyte B450 AORUS M.

The motherboard Gigabyte B450 AORUS M

• Overall, the performance and stability are excellent.
• I/O panel that has been pre-assembled
• Two M.2 coolers were included in the package.
• Equipment of a higher standard

In detail

Gigabyte, too, has jumped on the B450 bandwagon, offering a total of four distinct boards that should appeal to the average user. There are also the B450M DS3H and B450 AORUS M variants, as well as the B450 AORUS Pro and B450 AORUS Pro WIFI. Gigabyte sent us the B450 AORUS Pro for testing, and we’re taking it to the track.

In terms of size, the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Pro is a full-grown ATX mainboard that lacks the customary “Gaming” label. The equipment is of a high standard. Four DDR4 DIMM slots, adequate expansion slots and storage connections, as well as a suitable number of USB ports were all taken into consideration by Gigabyte. The PCB is dark black, as are the majority of the connections. At the top of the expansion slots, the AORUS logo can be seen.

The Gigabyte B450 AORUS Pro is one of four new motherboards from the company that employ AMD’s new B450 chipset and provide upscale features for general users. Overclocking is usually possible due to the power supply’s architecture. In any event, the mainboard had no trouble keeping the Ryzen 7 1700X stable at 4 GHz throughout our overclocking test. For memory extension up to 64 GB, four DDR4 DIMM banks are provided, each of which can also handle UDIMM ECC modules.

Video Analysis of the Gigabyte B450 AORUS M

The owner may utilize PCIe 3.0 x16, two mechanical PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, and one PCIe 2.0 x1 connection all at once for expansion slots. Due to the limited number of FCH lanes, Gigabyte had to split the final three slots. The holes were filled by two M.2-M key interfaces, one of which works at 32 GBit/s through the CPU/APU and the other at 16 GBit/s via the chipset. In the storage section, six SATA 6 GBit/s ports have been installed.

Four USB 3.1 Gen1s, two USB 3.1 Gen2s, one Gigabit LAN (Intel I211-AT), and the typical audio connectors are all available on the I/O panel with pre-mounted panel. The DVI-D and HDMI 2.0 graphics outputs may be utilised if an APU is plugged into the socket. Internal headers may be used to add two more USB 3.1 Gen1 and four USB 2.0 connections. A nice onboard sound solution was implemented using the Realtek ALC1220 and some audio capacitors.

The high power consumption, both at idle and under load, is, on the other hand, a disadvantage. However, if no overclocking is used, a lower VCore may compensate. Some RGB LEDs have been put on and beneath the board, and the whole illumination may be optionally expanded using two RGB headers.

Verdict

Finally, the price determines whether or not the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Pro is worthwhile. If WLAN is a concern, Gigabyte also provides an identical model with a WLAN-ac module. Aside from the high power consumption, the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Pro has shown to be a reliable motherboard.

The Gigabyte B450 AORUS Pro is a well-equipped B450 mainboard that is Ryzen CPU ready. It just has to contend with energy usage.

We are quite pleased with the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Pro from a technological standpoint. The craftsmanship is flawless, and the equipment will be more than enough for most people. Although the high power usage is concerning, we must also consider energy efficiency. You get a nice motherboard for a Ryzen CPU for the price.

MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max is the third option.

The MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max motherboard is a high-end gaming platform.

• Power supply is quite excellent.
• Button to Flash BIOS
• A favorable price-to-performance ratio
• Operation that is stable

• There isn’t a USB-C port accessible.
• There isn’t a second M.2 slot.
• PCIe-x1 slots are at an inconvenient location.

In detail

The MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max is packaged in a straightforward manner. The mainboard is, of course, the contents of this. A driver CD, an I/O panel, a detailed user manual, a rapid installation guide, two SATA cables, a screw for attaching an M.2 SSD, and an MSI branding sticker round out the package. The MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max motherboard, which was preserved in a basic black/red appearance, seems to be well-made at first glance. As a result, all connectors, capacitors, and voltage converters are meticulously handled, leaving no room for complaint.

The huge heat sinks for the voltage converters, as well as the metal-reinforced top PCI Express slot, should be highlighted. Because modern graphics cards, such as Nvidia’s newest RTX Super graphics card generation, have gotten heavier and so place additional stress on the PCI Express slot, we believe this is a well-thought-out solution by MSI. Overall, MSI provides a high-quality produced product with the current motherboard, which has the required basic equipment and extras for its price.

Video Analysis of the MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max Motherboard

Technical Specifications

What sets the MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max apart from its elder sibling, the MSI B450 Gaming Plus? The BIOS memory is the difference between the two. So, in the non-Max version, the BIOS-Rom memory is only 16 MB, however in the Max version, the memory is doubled, to 32 MB. As a result, according to MSI, older motherboards that required a BIOS update had to be trimmed down in order for a Ryzen 3000 series to run on them, and so utilize a scaled down Lite BIOS.

With the new Max version, there was no longer any need to accept sacrifices due to the increased capacity. Each HDMI and DVI port is available on the motherboard. In conclusion, the MSI Gaming Plus Max’s hardware performs well for its pricing. The two USB 3.2 (Gen2) ports, which are not standard at this price range, are particularly commendable.

Testing and installation

The individual component assembly took just a few minutes and went off without a hitch. MSI has provided a highly clear user manual with the most crucial stages, so even novices can complete the installation. After turning on, the mainboard recognized all of the components, and the PC functioned normally. The MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max’s BIOS is incredibly straightforward and well-organized, and it leaves little to be desired.

The B450 Gaming Plus Max also has a big OC menu, as the name indicates. The menu has been intended to be rather comprehensive and well-organized, in our view. Many components, such as the CPU and RAM, may be overclocked by the user in a standard or expert mode. The mainboard’s cooling is fairly effective, with an average idle temperature of 36°C (without OC). This is within the typical range and is perfectly OK. The Gaming Plus Max has strong overclocking capability because to the two huge heat sinks for the voltage converters.

Verdict

In conclusion, the MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max is an excellent midrange motherboard with no flaws. It has MSI’s usual high-quality construction, with the top PCI Express slot for the graphics card standing out. In terms of aesthetics, large technologies like RGB have been avoided in favor of a plain black/red design for the motherboard. Of course, this is a question of personal preference, but it does not detract from the overall appearance of the board. Positively, we noted the powerful heat sinks for the voltage conversion. As a result, depending on the CPU, the B450 Gaming Plus Max has some overclocking potential.

The number of connections is enough, but one or two more may be added. However, for the vast majority of users, the number is adequate. The latest iteration of the MSI Gaming Plus, in our view, is a huge success. The board is adequate for a casual gamer and provides nice equipment for this price range. For a midrange board, the mainboard’s pricing of about 95$ (as of April 2020) is reasonable. You can’t go wrong with the B450 Gaming Plus Max in the price range of roughly $100 if you have a Ryzen 3000 CPU and don’t feel like flashing the old mainboard with a fresh BIOS. Overall, this motherboard is a fantastic value for money and comes highly recommended.

MSI Arsenal B450 Tomahawk (fourth)

The MSI Arsenal B450 Tomahawk is a motherboard designed by MSI.

• Excellent performance
• Features that are extensive
• Excellent value for money
• BIOS that are well-organized

• Two SATA slots are disabled while using M.2-SSD.

Overview

The MSI B450 Tomahawk is the successor of the B350 Tomahawk, and it should be better than its predecessor in terms of performance. Mainboards based on the B450 chipset, in contrast to the more costly X470 chipset, should be a viable solution for those with a limited budget.

Features & Design

The motherboard was designed in a dark color scheme with minimal color accents, so it would fit into virtually any case. Despite the relatively modest price, MSI has included RGB lights on this motherboard.

This may be modified using software on a PC or an app on a tablet or smartphone in 16.8 million colors and 10 different lighting effects.

One effect, for example, uses various colors to represent the current CPU temperature. The RGB lights may also be linked with other compatible items to create a consistent effect thanks to the Mystic Light Sync feature. For a more subtle look, the illumination may be turned off at any moment.

The motherboard’s PCIe slot is strengthened with metal, allowing it to bear the weight of high-end graphics cards. For the B450 Tomahawk, MSI employs 4+2 phase voltage regulation, with four MOSFETs per phase.

Video Analysis of the MSI Arsenal B450 Tomahawk Motherboard

Memory & CPU

The CPU, like the B350 chipset, is incorporated in the AM4 socket, allowing first and second generation Ryzen processors to work with the motherboard. MSI has already released a BIOS update for the new Ryzen 3000 CPUs based on Zen 2.

AMD intends to continue with the AM4 socket until next year, so that fourth-generation Ryzen CPUs will be compatible as well. Of course, this decision is contingent on MSI providing a relevant BIOS update for the B450 mainboards. The B450 Tomahawk has a single 8-pin connection that supplies power to the CPU.

The four DIMM slots can hold up to 64 Gigabytes of DDR4 memory and are officially supported by bars with a maximum speed of 3,466 MHz. Dual Channel RAM is necessary since the Ryzen 1000 and Ryzen 2000 CPUs do not support Quad Channel memory.

Verdict

The MSI B450 Tomahawk is an excellent B450 mainboard that comes at a reasonable price. For over $100, the consumer receives a substantial setup with decent performance. The mainboard performs on par with the more expensive X470 mainboards in terms of performance.

An RGB light that may be adjusted is also included as a bonus. Certain features, such as integrated Bluetooth and WLAN, as well as a second M.2 slot, are still missing. Those who wish to employ a multi-GPU configuration or appreciate these capabilities will have to dig a lot further into their budgets for a B450 or X470 mainboard.

ASRock B450M PRO4 is ranked fifth.

The ASRock B450M PRO4 is a motherboard by ASRock.

• Excellent value for money
• A well-thought-out layout

• Convertibles that are warm
• Simple tones

Metal optics that have been polished and illuminated

ASRock promotes the new product line with the motto “hard as steel, genuinely legendary,” focusing on a design that complements the current portfolio while not totally ignoring the functional spectrum. As a result, the Steel Legend family’s mainboards should shine with exceptional stability and longevity, as the company claims. Furthermore, the ASRock B450 Steel Legend and ASRock B450M Steel Legend may be separated into two zones using RGB LEDs and addressable lighting. The lighting effects were created underneath the back connections’ facings and the B450 chipset.

The ASRock B450M PRO4 is a motherboard by ASRock.

Stability is a technical concern.

On the technical side, ASRock stresses with the Steel-Legend series the AM4 socket’s specifically built power supply for AMD’s Ryzen CPUs, which is meant to deliver increased stability via stronger voltage converters and capacitors. As a distinctive feature of both new additions to the portfolio, ASRock highlights the passive cooling solution of the M.2 slot for fast PCIe SSDs, which is now nearly mandatory in the motherboard middle class. The two USB 3.1 ports (Gen2), which provide transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s, are a genuine standout in this class.

Verdict

On the appropriate product pages for the B450 Steel Legend and the B450M Steel Legend, ASRock has disclosed all technical specifications. This also reveals that the Steel Legend series with the B450 chipset supports DDR4-3,533 memory and that the ATX offshoot’s second M.2 slot is only linked through two PCIe 3.0 lanes. You receive a nice, but not exceptional, motherboard with good performance ratings. The performance you get for the money is fairly decent.

The “gigabyte b450 motherboard” is a motherboard that offers quality components and features. It has all the necessary ports to support AMD Ryzen CPU.

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Tom James