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10 Best Budget Motherboard 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Biostar N68S3B Socket AM3 MCP68S DDR3 A&V&L MATX Motherboard

The Biostar N68S3B is a budget-friendly motherboard ideal for those seeking an affordable option for building or upgrading a personal computer. It supports AMD Phenom II, Athlon II, and Sempron processors with its Socket AM3, making it versatile for older CPU models. The motherboard comes with an nVidia MCP68S chipset, which is reliable for basic computing needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,112
Socket Type
Expansion Slots
BIOS/UEFI

Most important from
1 reviews

Socket Type
Supports a variety of affordable AM3 processors, providing flexibility in CPU choices.
Expansion Slots
Offers good expansion options with PCI and PCIe X16 slots.
BIOS/UEFI
Easy to install with a user-friendly BIOS.
#2
10.0 score

Biostar MCP6PB M2+ DDR2 AM2+ NVIDIA GeForce 6150 / nforce430a MATX AMD Motherboard

The Biostar MCP6PB M2+ is a budget-friendly motherboard designed for users with older AMD processors. It supports the Socket AM2+/AM2, making it compatible with a range of AMD processors, including the Phenom II, Phenom, Athlon 64 X2, 64, FX, and Sempron. This versatility is a significant plus for those looking to upgrade older systems without replacing the CPU. The Hyper Transport Technology up to 2G and recommendation for a 95W CPU usage indicate solid performance within its intended scope.

Rating
10.0
BIOS/UEFI

Most important from
9 reviews

BIOS/UEFI
A small, removable BIOS chip is a plus for easy upgrades or replacements, adding to the board's user-friendly nature.

Top 10 Best Budget Motherboard 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Biostar N68S3B Socket AM3 MCP68S DDR3 A&V&L MATX Motherboard

Socket Type: Socket AM3
Chipset: nVidia MCP68S
RAM Compatibility: DDR3 1333, 1066, 800
Expansion Slots: PCI-Express x16, PCI
Storage Options: 2 SATA2 ports
Connectivity: 8 USB 2.0, VGA, RJ45 LAN
Audio: VIA VT1708B 6-Channel HD Audio
BIOS/UEFI: User-friendly

Chosen by 1112 this week

Biostar 198118 Motherboard Tb250-btc Core I7/i5/i3 Lga1151 B250 Ddr4 Sata Pci Express Usb Atx Retail

Form Factor: ATX
Socket Type: LGA 1151
Chipset: Intel B250
RAM Compatibility: DDR4, up to 32 GB, 2400 MHz
Expansion Slots: Multiple PCI Express slots
Storage Options: SATA ports
Connectivity: 4 USB 2.0 ports
Audio: Standard
BIOS/UEFI: User-friendly

ASRock B650 Steel Legend WiFi 6E AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen 9000 8000 and 7000 Series SATA3 M.2 DDR5 7200+(OC) 256GB SATA3 6.0 Gb/s ATX Motherboard BIOS Flashback

Form Factor: ATX
Socket Type: Socket AM5
Chipset: AMD B650
RAM Compatibility: DDR5 up to 7200 MHz
Expansion Slots: 1 PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 3.0/4.0
Storage Options: 4 SATA3, 3 M.2 slots PCIe Gen5
Connectivity: WiFi 6E, Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.5G LAN
Audio: Realtek ALC4082, 7.1 channel, Nahimic
BIOS/UEFI: Flashback, auto driver installer
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Buying Guide for the Best Budget Motherboard

Choosing the right motherboard is crucial as it serves as the backbone of your computer, connecting all the components and allowing them to communicate with each other. When selecting a motherboard, you need to consider several key specifications to ensure compatibility with your other components and to meet your performance needs. Here are the key specs you should focus on and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.
Form FactorThe form factor of a motherboard refers to its size and shape, which determines the type of case it will fit into. The most common form factors are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. ATX motherboards are the largest and offer the most features and expansion slots, making them ideal for high-performance builds. Micro-ATX boards are smaller and have fewer expansion slots but are still suitable for most users. Mini-ITX boards are the smallest and are great for compact builds but may have limited features. Choose a form factor based on the size of your case and the number of features you need.
Socket TypeThe socket type of a motherboard determines which CPUs are compatible with it. Common socket types include LGA, AM4, and TR4. LGA sockets are used by Intel processors, while AM4 and TR4 sockets are used by AMD processors. It's important to choose a motherboard with a socket type that matches your CPU. If you're planning to upgrade your CPU in the future, consider a socket type that supports a wide range of processors.
ChipsetThe chipset on a motherboard controls communication between the CPU, RAM, and other components. Different chipsets offer varying levels of performance and features. High-end chipsets provide better performance, more USB ports, and advanced features like overclocking support. Mid-range chipsets offer a good balance of performance and features, while budget chipsets are more basic but still functional. Choose a chipset based on your performance needs and the features you require.
RAM CompatibilityMotherboards support different types and amounts of RAM. The most common type is DDR4, but newer boards may support DDR5. The number of RAM slots and the maximum amount of RAM supported can vary. If you need a lot of memory for tasks like video editing or gaming, look for a motherboard with more RAM slots and higher maximum RAM capacity. Ensure the RAM speed supported by the motherboard matches the speed of the RAM you plan to use.
Expansion SlotsExpansion slots on a motherboard allow you to add additional components like graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards. The most common type of expansion slot is PCIe. High-end motherboards have more PCIe slots, which is important if you plan to use multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards. If you only need a single graphics card and a few other components, a motherboard with fewer slots will suffice.
Storage OptionsMotherboards offer various storage options, including SATA ports for traditional hard drives and SSDs, and M.2 slots for faster NVMe SSDs. If you need a lot of storage or want the fastest possible storage speeds, look for a motherboard with multiple SATA ports and M.2 slots. Consider your current and future storage needs when choosing a motherboard.
ConnectivityConnectivity options on a motherboard include USB ports, Ethernet ports, and Wi-Fi. The number and type of USB ports can vary, with newer boards offering USB 3.1 or USB-C ports for faster data transfer. Ethernet ports provide wired internet connectivity, while some motherboards also include built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity. Choose a motherboard with the connectivity options that match your needs, whether it's multiple USB ports for peripherals or built-in Wi-Fi for convenience.
AudioMotherboards come with built-in audio solutions, but the quality can vary. Higher-end motherboards often have better audio components and support for surround sound, which is important for gaming and media consumption. If audio quality is important to you, look for a motherboard with high-quality audio components or consider adding a dedicated sound card.
BIOS/UEFIThe BIOS or UEFI is the firmware that initializes hardware during the boot process and provides an interface for configuring system settings. UEFI is the modern version of BIOS and offers a more user-friendly interface and additional features. A good BIOS/UEFI can make it easier to overclock your CPU and RAM, update firmware, and troubleshoot issues. Look for a motherboard with a well-reviewed BIOS/UEFI for a better user experience.

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