With AMD’s latest generation of B550 motherboards costing significantly higher than their B450 counterparts, many budget PC builders are considering if it’s a wise choice, especially for the value that the AMD platform offers in the first place. But being on a budget should not restrict you from going with the B550, especially considering its out-of-box support for Zen 3 processors and PCIe 4.0 support. For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best cheap B550 motherboards under $150 that will compliment your budget PC build.
What to look for in a budget B550 motherboard?
Before you go through the list, though, there are a few crucial factors to look into while choosing a budget B550 motherboard. These mainly involve the processor power supply options, PCIe 4.0 support, and connectivity, so read on to know more about them.
VRMs Power Stages: Perhaps one of the most important factors to decide on before buying a motherboard, the quantity, and quality of the voltage regulator modules (VRMs), and power stages on your motherboard are crucial for ensuring a stable and long-lasting processor. Together, these components help regulate the power supplied to your CPU, and we generally recommend looking for motherboards that provide the most number of VRMs when comparing options. However, the quality of such components also matters.
PCIe 4.0 Support: One of the touted features of the new chipset, PCIe 4.0 connectivity, allows for features like faster NVMe SSD speeds and support for PCIe 4.0 graphic cards. Since the manufacturer has the option to configure the PCIe 4.0 lanes, motherboards can vary in their support for PCIe 4.0 for PCIe and M.2 slots, so we recommend checking support for these slots if you plan on using devices that can make use of them.
Connectivity: Another feature of the new B550 motherboards is support for 2.5G LAN, standard USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, and even WiFi 6 support for some motherboards. If you believe that fast connectivity is a requirement, then make sure to check the motherboard for such options, since some manufacturers will ignore this at this price range.
Best Budget B550 ATX Motherboards
Now that you know what to look for before buying a budget B550 motherboard, we can choose what is best for your use. To make your job easier, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best B550 motherboards below.
1. MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus
- 10+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Realtek 1 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4400 MHz DDR4 RAM
MSI’s Gaming Plus series is well known for the number of features it brings at a low price, making it one of the best value motherboards out there. The B550 Gaming Plus, though priced higher at launch, has seen a price cut making it into our list of budget motherboards.
The 10+2 power phase structure should handle 3rd Gen Ryzen processors with ease, and the large, extended heatsinks should keep temperatures low enough for decent overclocking results.
The 4 DIMM slots can handle a maximum of 128 GB of RAM speeds up to 4400MHz overclocked. One of the two graphic card slots supports PCIe 4.0, and the same applies to the two M.2 slots, with an included heatsink for the faster slot.
An integrated I/O shield adds to the premium design, and you get Realtek Gigabit LAN, 2 Gen2, and 2 Gen1 USB 3.2 ports included on the back for high-speed data transfers.
Internal headers have one for an AIO cooler, 6 for chassis fans, and 3 for RGB lighting, which is pretty much all you should require for any build.
The MSI B550 Gaming Plus checks out to be an excellent choice for budget PC builders with a proper power delivery system for the processor and many system headers, and we recommend this motherboard if it fits in your budget.
2. MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries
- 10+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Realtek 1 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4400 MHz DDR4 RAM
The MSI B550-A Pro is one of the best motherboards for professionals looking to save on a high performing motherboard while not breaking the bank. It’s pricing also makes it a viable option for gamers looking to save on the motherboard while allocating the budget to components like the processor or graphics card.
With a 10+2 phase power design and an impressive solution to cool the VRMs, even powerful processors from the Ryzen 7 or 9 series can sustain at higher boost clocks, allowing you to unlock the maximum performance for your money, though overclocking might not be such a viable option if you plan on using them for more extended periods at a time.
As for PCIe, the motherboard supports two x16 slots, one at a 4.0 speed and the other at 3.0. You could even pair up two AMD cards in the CrossFire configuration if you need the extra power. As for SSDs, you have two options for NVMe ones, one at PCIe 4.0 speeds and the other at 3.0, similar to the graphic card slots. You also get a heatsink for the PCIe 4.0 slot to keep you SSD temperatures low.
The standard 4x DIMM slots will support a maximum of 128 GB of DDR4 ram up to 4400 MHz on the XMP profile and 3200 MHz on regular. Connectivity includes Gigabit LAN and an impressive array of 4 Gen1 and 2 Gen2 USB 3.2 ports for fast data transfers. You also get six fan connectors, a single AIO pump connector, and three RGB connectors for use with accessories in your case.
Overall, with such a low price, the B550-A Pro is the best choice for those looking for a budget motherboard for more intensive workloads, and the muted accents certainly make it a viable option for professionals.
3. ASRock B550 PRO4
- 8+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Realtek 1 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4733 MHz DDR4 RAM
ASRock’s Pro4 motherboards have long been the standard choice for affordable motherboards. The B550 Pro4, although a bit pricier, is justified for the added features it brings over the previous B450 generation.
An 8+2 power phase system provides power to the processor with a single heatsink for cooling. This setup might not be perfect for more powerful processors like the Ryzen 7 or 9 series but should do well running most processors at stock speeds, considering most buyers won’t focus on overclocking.
The 4 DDR4 DIMM slots support a maximum of 128 GB and a maximum achievable speed of 4733 MHz. PCIe x16 slots include a single Gen 4 and Gen 3, while one of the two M.2 slots supports PCIe 4.0 and comes with a heatsink included.
A Realtek Gigabit LAN, 2 Gen 1 and 4 Gen 2 USB 3.2 comes included for fast network and data connectivity on the rear panel. The motherboard also contains four pump/fan connectors and 4 RGB headers for use with case accessories.
The ASRock B550 Pro 4 is the best option for those in the market for a reliable and cheap motherboard that provides the necessary features for a budget build, but if you are looking at more powerful processors, its best to opt for other options on the list.
4. ASUS Prime B550-PLUS
- 8+1 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Realtek 1Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4600 MHz DDR4 RAM
ASUS’s entry-level motherboard is best suited for building a PC for gaming or creative workloads, and for the price, it manages to provide a significant upgrade over last generation B450 motherboards.
Two large heatsinks cool the 8+2 phase power delivery system, which allows for better temperatures and system stability. Processors like the Ryzen 5 or 7 series will go best with this board, though the performance gains through overlocking would be minimal, and its best to run the processor at stock.
One of the two PCIe x16 slots supports Gen 4 compatibility and should run the newer graphic cards at PCIe 4.0. The two M.2 slots follow the same configuration with the PCIe 4.0 slot having an included heatsink to keep the SSD cool. The 4 DIMM slots support a maximum speed of DDR4-4600 and have a capacity of up to 128GB.
Ports on the back include 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 Gen 2, and a single Realtek Gigabit LAN for speedy network and data transfers. Internal headers have three chassis fans, one pump, and 3 RGB headers for use with your case accessories to cool and light up your build.
Overall, the Prime B550-Plus makes sense for a budget gaming or productivity build and provides the features to justify its price over older generations. To get more performance, though, we would recommend the other motherboards on this list, some of which even come at a lower price.
Best Budget B550 Micro ATX Motherboards
1. ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi
- 8+1 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Intel WiFi 6 and Realtek 1Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4600 MHz DDR4 RAM
As one of Asus’s cheapest options for the B550 chipset, the Asus Prime B550M-A WiFi is the perfect example of a motherboard for a PC that can handle everyday tasks, at most, a bit of light gaming.
With an 8+1 Digi+ VRM setup, which we believe is adequate for use with processors that run in their standard non-overclocked form. Asus also included an energy processing unit for increased efficiency. The included VRM heatsinks and cooling pads should ensure cooler temperatures and longer component life. The four DIMM slots support up to 128 GB of DDR4 RAM with max speeds of 4600MHz overclocked.
A single PCIe 4.0 slot allows you to achieve the maximum potential out of future graphic cards supporting the spec. One of the two M.2 slots supports PCIe 4.0, which will enable you to use it with Gen 4 SSDs for insanely high speeds. On the connectivity side of things, the motherboard comes with optional WiFi 6 and 1 Gigabit Ethernet, which we would consider the standard these days. Also included in the back are two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for fast transfer speeds.
We highly recommend the Prime B550-A WiFi for those looking out to build a budget rig for general use, and processors like the Ryzen 3 3100 and 3300x would perform well on this motherboard.
2. ASRock B550M Steel Legend
- 8+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Dragon 2.5 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4733 MHz DDR4 RAM
The ASRock Steel Legend series of motherboards are well known for providing premium features at a lower price to the competition. With the B550 series, ASRock has continued to impress by pricing the motherboard at $139.99, making it an excellent choice for its features.
The 8+2 phase DrMOS power design includes premium quality components, cooled with the help of aluminum alloy heatsinks, which can give you some leeway in terms of overclocking, but is best suited for more regular use.
Heading over to the RAM, we see 4 DIMM slots supporting a maximum of 128 gigs and a maximum overclock speed of 4733 MHz. We have two PCIe x16 slots on the graphics side with one configured to run at PCIe 4.0 speeds while the other at PCIe 3.0. The M.2 slot setup mirrors the x16 slot configuration and includes a large heatsink for the PCIe 4.0 slot.
Connectivity on the back includes Dragon 2.5G Ethernet, 2 USB 3.2 Gen2, and 4 Gen1 connectors, enabling fast file transfers and internet speeds. Internally there are 4 RGB connectors and 6 Fan/AIO connectors, making it a go-to choice for builds with extensive lighting and water-cooling solutions.
Providing these features at a reasonable price makes this a viable option for most people. While not great for overclocking, it does give several connectors for lighting, cooling, and extra storage and is an excellent buy if you need these features.
3. MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries
- 8+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Intel WiFi 6 and Realtek 1 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4400 MHz DDR4 RAM
Part of MSI’s motherboards aimed at creative professionals, the B550M Pro-VDH comes it at one of the lowest prices on this list, making it a viable buy for those looking at a cheap and reliable PC build.
With the 8+2 power stage setup, the staple for most budget B550 motherboards, and a basic heatsink, we would highly recommend not pushing processors in this motherboard to their limits since you could run into stability and overheating issues.
You get a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, which is enough for most people, considering the small number of people that employ AMD’s CrossFire setup. Also included are two M.2 slots, one PCIe 4.0, and the other 3.0. MSI also gives you a heatsink for the PCIe 4.0 slot.
As for connectivity, you get Intel WiFi 6 and Realtek 1Gb LAN for network and just 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for transferring data included in the back. You also get four headers for connecting chassis fans and a pump and 4 RGB headers for lighting.
The MSI B550M Pro-VDH WiFi is the best choice if you are looking to build a budget PC for light gaming or work, but will not handle more intensive workloads. The WiFi 6 and heatsinks options also make it appealing for the price, and you can’t ask much more.
4. ASRock B550M PRO4
- 8+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Realtek 1 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4733 MHz DDR4 RAM
A more compact member of ASRock’s Pro 4 family, the B550M manages to come in at a lower price while retaining most of the ATX motherboard’s features, making it a better option to consider for a budget build.
The 8+2 power phase design is suitable for most Ryzen processors, although the single VRM heatsink might prevent you from gaining the maximum performance from your processor, and chips from the Ryzen 5 or 3 lineup should give you the best results.
The 4 DIMM slots should support a maximum of 32 GB of DDR4 RAM each, with a maximum overclockable speed of 4733MHz. Two PCIe x16 and M.2 slots are present, out of which one of each supports the latest PCIe 4.0 spec. An SSD heatsink comes included with the motherboard for use with the top PCIe slot.
The back panel comes equipped with 2 Gen2 and 4 Gen1 USB 3.2 ports along with Realtek Gigabit LAN for fast connectivity. Connectors include 4 RGB and 4 Fan headers for lighting and cooling your PC case.
In the end, the ASRock B550M Pro 4 provides features identical to the larger form factor while costing significantly lesser, letting you save some bucks on the motherboard, and is one of the best options out there for most budget PC builders.
5. GIGABYTE B550M DS3H
- 5+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Gigabyte 1 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4400 MHz DDR4 RAM
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H is a barebones motherboard and is one of the cheapest B550 motherboards you can get on the market and is the best choice for those who plan on using their PC for light to moderate tasks.
The 5+2 phase VRM is one of the weakest on this list, and with the small heatsink for cooling, we believe its best used with the Ryzen 3 series of processors running at stock speeds, in line with the budget theme of the motherboard. The motherboard comes with an x16 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 and two M.2 slots, out of which one supports Gen4 PCIe speeds.
The 4 DIMM slots support up to a 128 GB of RAM with speeds till DDR4-4400. I/O includes a Gigabyte Gbe LAN port and 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports for high-speed data and internet connections, while internal connectors include two system fans and 4 RGB headers, which support Gigabyte’s RGB fusion.
Although coming in at such a low price, the Gigabyte B550M DS3H stays true to providing an upgrade over the previous generation, though the only significant upgrade is PCIe 4.0. But, it still does the work and is an option if you don’t want to spend too much on a new PC.
Final Thoughts
The B550 motherboards above are your best option if you would like to find a cheap option for your budget PC build. They have a lot of the key features of more premium B550 and X570 motherboards without cutting too many corners. If you would like to learn more about B550 motherboards, you can check out AMD’s website. Moreover, you can also check out this overview of B550 motherboards by Anandtech.
