When building a gaming PC, selecting the right motherboard is crucial for both performance and future upgradability. While many gamers often focus on the CPU, GPU, and RAM, the motherboard is the backbone of your entire system. For those on a budget, finding a cheap yet high-quality gaming motherboard is key to maximizing your gaming experience without overspending.
Best Budget Gaming Motherboards
This guide covers the best affordable gaming motherboards that deliver excellent performance, features, and compatibility, making them ideal for gamers looking to build a high-performance PC without breaking the bank.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Budget Gaming Motherboard
Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s take a look at the key features to consider when selecting a motherboard for gaming.
- Socket Compatibility
The motherboard’s CPU socket type must match the processor you plan to use. Common sockets for gaming PCs are AM4 (for AMD processors) and LGA 1200 or LGA 1700 (for Intel processors). Always verify your CPU compatibility with the motherboard before making a purchase. - Chipset
The chipset is one of the most important components of the motherboard as it dictates the board’s performance, features, and overclocking potential. For gaming builds, consider the B-series (e.g., B550 for AMD or B460 for Intel) as these provide a good balance of features and price without the premium cost of high-end chipsets like the X570 or Z490. - RAM Support
A gaming motherboard should support fast RAM speeds, at least 16GB of DDR4 RAM being the sweet spot for most modern games. Additionally, check the RAM slots to ensure that the motherboard has enough capacity for future upgrades. - Expansion Slots and Ports
Look for motherboards with multiple PCIe x16 slots for future GPU upgrades and PCIe x1 slots for adding extra cards like sound cards or network cards. You’ll also want USB 3.2 ports for faster data transfer and at least one M.2 slot for fast NVMe SSD storage. - Connectivity
As gaming increasingly depends on stable internet connections, motherboards with Wi-Fi support or Ethernet ports are important. Some budget motherboards offer Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6, which is an advantage for wireless gaming setups. - Form Factor
The size of the motherboard should match your PC case. The most common form factors are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. ATX boards are the standard for gaming, but if you’re building a smaller, more compact PC, Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX options might be better.
Now that we have a clear understanding of what makes a great budget gaming motherboard, let’s take a look at some of the best options currently available.
Top Cheap and Best Gaming Motherboards for 2024
1. MSI B550-A PRO – Best Budget Motherboard for AMD Builds
The MSI B550-A PRO is a fantastic option for gamers who want a solid and affordable motherboard for their AMD Ryzen builds. The B550 chipset offers excellent performance for its price, supporting PCIe 4.0 for next-gen GPU and SSD speeds, making it an ideal choice for gaming.
Key Features:
- Socket AM4 compatible with Ryzen 3000, 5000, and future 7000 series processors.
- PCIe 4.0 support for faster data transfer and future-proofing.
- Dual M.2 slots for high-speed storage.
- 6+2 Phase VRM Design for stable power delivery, ensuring overclocking potential.
- Wi-Fi support (with an additional card), USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and Type-C ports.
Why It’s Great for Gamers: The MSI B550-A PRO strikes a perfect balance between performance and price. It’s a solid motherboard for both casual and competitive gamers, offering great features for gaming, content creation, and general multitasking. With support for Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series CPUs, you can easily build a powerful gaming rig that handles AAA titles with ease.
2. ASUS TUF Gaming B660-PLUS WiFi D4 – Best Budget Motherboard for Intel Builds
For gamers looking to build an Intel-based PC, the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-PLUS WiFi D4 is an excellent budget motherboard that offers a host of premium features at a reasonable price. It supports the latest 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake processors, ensuring high performance in both gaming and multitasking.
Key Features:
- LGA 1700 socket for Intel 12th Gen CPUs.
- Wi-Fi 6 support for fast and stable wireless connections.
- PCIe 4.0 for future-proofing with faster GPUs and storage devices.
- Dual M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs.
- TUF Components for enhanced durability and stability.
Why It’s Great for Gamers: The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-PLUS WiFi D4 provides all the essentials for a powerful gaming build, including fast storage support, Wi-Fi 6, and robust power delivery. The TUF series is known for its durability, which makes this motherboard a great option for gamers who plan to run their system for long periods or engage in heavy gaming sessions.
3. Gigabyte B450M DS3H – Best Affordable Motherboard for Budget Builds
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H is an affordable, entry-level motherboard for AMD Ryzen users. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, it offers good performance and features for casual gamers who don’t need cutting-edge tech.
Key Features:
- Socket AM4 supporting Ryzen 1000, 2000, and 3000 series processors.
- Dual Channel DDR4 support up to 64GB RAM.
- PCIe 3.0 for solid GPU performance.
- M.2 NVMe SSD support for fast storage.
Why It’s Great for Gamers: For gamers on a tight budget, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H provides excellent value for the money. It lacks some of the more premium features found in higher-end boards but still delivers solid performance in gaming tasks. If you’re looking to build a low-cost gaming PC without sacrificing too much on performance, this is one of the best options.
4. ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4 – Best for Intel 13th Gen CPUs
If you’re willing to stretch your budget slightly for a 13th Gen Intel build, the ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4 is a fantastic choice. This motherboard offers future-proofing with DDR5 support and PCIe 5.0 while keeping costs lower than other premium options.
Key Features:
- LGA 1700 socket for Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPUs.
- PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support for next-gen gaming performance.
- Dual M.2 slots with heatsinks for NVMe SSDs.
- Wi-Fi 6 and 10Gb Ethernet for fast and stable online gaming.
Why It’s Great for Gamers: The ASRock Z690 Phantom Gaming 4 offers impressive features for those who want to get the most out of their Intel 13th Gen CPU without overspending. While the price is slightly higher than budget options, the support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 makes it a solid investment for gamers who want a motherboard that can handle next-gen gaming technology.
5. MSI MAG B550M Mortar WiFi – Best Micro-ATX for Budget Gaming PCs
If you’re looking for a smaller form factor without compromising too much on performance, the MSI MAG B550M Mortar WiFi is a top pick. This Micro-ATX motherboard supports AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series CPUs, offering solid gaming performance in a compact design.
Key Features:
- Socket AM4 for Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for fast wireless connectivity.
- PCIe 4.0 support for next-gen graphics and storage.
- Premium power design with a 10+2+1 power phase system for stable overclocking.
Why It’s Great for Gamers: The MSI MAG B550M Mortar WiFi is one of the best compact motherboards for budget-conscious gamers. It offers high-quality components, Wi-Fi 6, and plenty of expansion slots for gaming, all within a smaller footprint suitable for smaller PC cases.
Conclusion
When building a gaming PC on a budget, you don’t need to compromise on performance or features. Whether you’re going for an AMD or Intel setup, the motherboards listed above offer excellent value for money. By focusing on the essentials—socket compatibility, chipset, RAM support, and expansion slots—you can build a gaming PC that delivers exceptional performance without breaking the bank.
While there are many options to choose from, the MSI B550-A PRO, ASUS TUF Gaming B660-PLUS, and Gigabyte B450M DS3H stand out as top contenders for affordable gaming motherboards that don’t skimp on features. By considering your specific gaming needs and future upgrade potential, you can find