Choosing a good and affordable motherboard for gaming in 2024 is important. Building a gaming computer can be expensive, but the motherboard doesn’t have to be. You can save money on the motherboard and use that budget for a better GPU and CPU. Even budget motherboards come with features like the latest Intel and AMD sockets and Gen 5 M.2 slots.
The MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk is a great budget motherboard for gaming. It has many features without major drawbacks. While having Gen 5 M.2 sockets would be nice, Gen 4 is still good. It provides three sockets, giving you plenty of space. The motherboard also has a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for your GPU, capable of handling full-sized GPUs without sagging. The LGA 1700 socket is perfect for budget builds, allowing you to start with an entry-level CPU and upgrade later with just a BIOS update.
The Gigabyte A620I AX is another budget motherboard that is easy to work with, making it ideal for those new to PC building. It supports AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors and comes with the Q-Flash Plus feature. This feature lets you update the BIOS with just a USB drive, power support, and the press of a button. The EZ-latch ensures a snug fit for your GPU and makes it easy to eject when upgrading your rig. While limited to PCIe 4.0 GPUs, it still works well with modern GPUs.
For those who want to overclock their Intel processor on a budget, the ASRock B760M PG Riptide is a good choice. It supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors. Overclocking can provide extra power, especially when combined with proper cooling like an AIO cooler. The motherboard also supports PCIe 5.0 GPUs, allowing for future upgrades. The slot has anchor points and a strong latch to hold heavy graphics cards securely.
On the AMD side, the ASUS TUF B650-Plus is a budget motherboard with an unlocked AM5 socket, perfect for overclocking AMD processors. It supports DDR5 and overclocking, providing a performance boost. The motherboard features heatsinks for the VRM and M.2 slots to manage heat generation. It also has RGB and ARGB headers for personalization, allowing you to sync colors using ASUS’s Polychrome Sync software.
Finally, if you want personalization without breaking the bank, the ASRock B760M Steel Legend is a budget-friendly motherboard. It features RGB and ARGB headers for customizable lighting. The LGA 1700 socket, DDR5 support, and PCIe 5.0 graphics card support make it a solid foundation for your gaming build. While limited to Gen 4 M.2 speeds, it provides three slots for big SSDs.
