I'm making the switch from Intel to AMD and need a compatible motherboard for my Ryzen 5 9600X. I'm considering either a B650 or B850 motherboard. The B850 boards are priced between $150 and $190, while the B650 options range from about $110 to $140. Does anyone have advice on which one to choose, or any other suggestions? I'm located in the U.S.
6 Answers
I recently built my PC with an Asus B650E Max Gaming WiFi motherboard and it's been great! I updated the BIOS before the initial boot, which was super helpful. This board supports PCIe 5.0, so it's a good step up, especially if you're not planning on heavy overclocking.
Both MSI and Gigabyte have solid options in the B850 and B650 range. If you care about features like WiFi or M.2 slots, make sure to pick a motherboard that fits your preferences. Performance-wise, motherboards don't typically make a huge difference, so focus on what features you really want!
You could choose either motherboard, but if you go with the B650, make sure the BIOS is updated before using your 9600X. If you're uncertain about updating, it might be safer to have it installed professionally. The B850 models typically work well right out of the box and have some modern enhancements to boot!
You should definitely check out the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI or the MSI PRO B850-P WIFI; they're both great options! Just steer clear of the MSI B850 models that end with 'Wifi6E'—those wouldn't be ideal for your build.
Why should I avoid the 6E versions? What if I'm interested in WiFi 6E?
I found the ASRock B650M PRO RS WIFI for a good price—like $110. Just making sure it's a decent choice!
If you’re switching to AM5, I recommend going for the B850 since they’re still being produced. B650 production has stopped, so you might be better off with a current model. There are lots of reviews online to help you decide on the features that matter most to you. Good luck finding the right one!
I totally get how picking a motherboard can be a challenge. I went with the MSI B850 Tomahawk for my 9600X, and it's been working flawlessly. Good luck with your choice!
A lot of B650 boards support BIOS flashback without a CPU, which is a nice feature!