When it comes to building a great PC, a great motherboard is the foundation. Without it, you won’t be able to take full advantage of the powerful components that your machine is built upon. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you, especially when you’re on a tight budget. To help you choose the best motherboard for your setup, let’s dive into which one reigns supreme with a budget of 5K.
First and foremost, it’s important to define what we mean by a “budget” motherboard. Essentially, we’re looking for something that is affordable without sacrificing too much in terms of performance or features. For most people, a budget motherboard will be in the range of $70 to $150. But keep in mind that there are many different factors that can affect the price, such as the brand, build quality, and size.
One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a motherboard is the CPU socket. This is the slot on the board that the processor fits into. If you already have a CPU in mind, then you’ll need to make sure that your motherboard of choice has the right socket for it. If you’re starting from scratch and want our recommendation, we recommend going with the Intel LGA 1151 or AMD AM4 sockets. These are the most common and versatile sockets on the market, and they will allow you to use a wide range of processors at various price points.
Another important consideration when choosing a motherboard is the chipset. The chipset determines what features the motherboard will have, as well as how fast it can transfer data. For budget builds, we recommend going with either the Intel H310 or the AMD A320 chipsets. These are both solid options that provide decent performance without breaking the bank.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best budget motherboards on the market in 2021.
1. ASUS Prime H310M-E R2.0
ASUS is known for creating high-quality motherboards, and the Prime H310M-E R2.0 is no exception. This is an excellent budget motherboard that offers a good balance of features, performance, and price. The board is built on the Intel H310 chipset and supports LGA 1151 processors. It comes with two DIMM slots that support up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, as well as an M.2 slot for high-speed storage. The Realtek ALC887 audio codec provides decent audio, and the Gigabit Ethernet connection is a nice touch for a motherboard in this price range.
The ASUS Prime H310M-E R2.0 also has a clean and modern design that will look great in any build. The BIOS is easy to navigate, and the board comes with plenty of ports and connectors to accommodate all of your peripherals.
2. Gigabyte GA-A320M-S2H
The Gigabyte GA-A320M-S2H is another great budget motherboard that is built on the AMD A320 chipset. This board supports AMD AM4 processors and comes with two DDR4 DIMM slots that support up to 32GB of RAM. The board also features an M.2 slot for high-speed storage, as well as a Realtek ALC887 audio codec and a Gigabit Ethernet connection.
One of the unique features of the Gigabyte GA-A320M-S2H is its Ultra Durable technology, which is designed to provide extra protection and durability for key components on the motherboard. This is a nice added bonus for a budget board, and it helps ensure that your machine will last for years to come.
3. MSI H310M PRO-VDH PLUS
MSI is another top-tier brand when it comes to motherboards, and the H310M PRO-VDH PLUS is a great budget option. This motherboard is built on the Intel H310 chipset and supports LGA 1151 processors. It has two DDR4 DIMM slots that support up to 32GB of RAM, as well as an M.2 slot for high-speed storage.
The MSI H310M PRO-VDH PLUS also has a unique feature called EZ Debug LED, which helps you troubleshoot any potential issues with your machine. This is a great feature that can save you a lot of time and frustration. The board also comes with Realtek ALC887 audio and a Gigabit Ethernet connection.
4. ASRock B450M-HDV
The ASRock B450M-HDV is a budget motherboard that is built on the AMD B450 chipset. This motherboard supports AMD AM4 processors and comes with two DDR4 DIMM slots that support up to 32GB of RAM. The board also features an M.2 slot for high-speed storage, as well as a Realtek ALC887 audio codec and a Gigabit Ethernet connection.
One of the unique features of the ASRock B450M-HDV is its support for AMD StoreMI technology, which allows you to combine a traditional hard drive with an SSD to create a high-speed storage solution. This is a great feature that can significantly improve your system’s performance.
5. Biostar Racing B450GT3
The Biostar Racing B450GT3 is a budget motherboard that is built on the AMD B450 chipset. This motherboard supports AMD AM4 processors and comes with two DDR4 DIMM slots that support up to 32GB of RAM. The board also features two M.2 slots for high-speed storage, as well as a Realtek ALC892 audio codec and a Gigabit Ethernet connection.
One of the unique features of the Biostar Racing B450GT3 is its VIVID LED DJ software, which allows you to customize the RGB lighting on the board. This is a nice added touch for those who want to add a little extra flair to their build.
In conclusion, there are many great budget motherboards on the market that offer solid performance and features without breaking the bank. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. We recommend doing your research and reading plenty of reviews before making a final decision. But with the options listed above, you can’t go wrong.
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