Best B450 Motherboards for Ryzen 5 2600: From Budget to High-end Option

The release of the Ryzen 5000 series processors is indeed hype for PC builders and gamers alike.

Powered by the newest AMD architecture (Zen 3), AMD now managed to take the crown from the long domination of Intel as the best provider of gaming desktop processors.

Lucky for us Intel and AMD have plenty of CPUs to offer, especially for mid-end desktop rigs.

One of the best processors around today for mid-range builds is the Ryzen 5 2600, offering a higher core count and decent gaming performance at an incredible price. A cost-effective solution for gamers and PC builders.

The Ryzen 5 2600 is currently sitting for around 199$. A detailed review from Hardware Unboxed shows that the Ryzen 5 2600 is only 7% slower than the X version but 13% cheaper, which makes it quite a better choice compared to it when it comes to the price-to-performance ratio.

The disappointing aspect – is the downgrade of the stock cooler, from the Wraith Spire Cooler that is present with the X version to the Wraith stealth.

So, if you wish to overclock your Ryzen 5 2600, a good third-party cooler is a must. Here is the article for the best aftermarket cooler for the Ryzen 5 2600 if you want to check it out.

To get the most out of your Ryzen 5 2600, you might want to pair it with a good motherboard with plenty of connectivity to offer and decent quality VRMs for overclocking.

We’ve listed the best B450 motherboards that you can pair with the Ryzen 5 2600, whether for a budget option or for intensive overclocking.

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Best B450 Motherboards to pair with the Ryzen 5 2600

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Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 – ASUS Prime B450M-A II

Brand	ASUS
CPU Socket	Socket AM4
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Compatible Processors	AMD 1st Gerenration Ryzen
Chipset Type	AMD B450
Memory Speed	2400 MHz
Platform	Windows 10
Memory Storage Capacity	128 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size	128 GB
Memory Slots Available	4

Sitting for only 79$, the ASUS Prime B450M-A II is the best budget motherboard we’ve found available on the market. This mATX motherboard packs a 6-power phase (4+2) VRM solution with a heatsink, providing a decent power delivery to slightly overclock the Ryzen 5 2600.

When it comes to connectivity, it supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with a max frequency of 4400MHz, a single PCIe x16, 1x M.2 (SATA & PCIe 3.0 x 4 mode), 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports, and 6x USB ports on the rear I/O.

Note: The M.2 slot shares bandwidth with the SATA6G_5/6 ports, so the SATA6G_5/6 ports cannot be used when an M.2 device is installed.

Also, this motherboard features a BIOS flashback, so you can update the BIOS even without a CPU or DRAM installed, and will be ready to support the new Ryzen 5000 series processors, preferably the mid-range Ryzen 5 5600X CPU. However, we’ve listed the best motherboards for the Ryzen 5 5600X if you want to check them out.

If you are looking for a budget B450 motherboard to pair with the Ryzen 5 2600, the ASUS Prime B450M-A II is quite hard to beat for its price point with the features and connectivity it offers.

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Best Value Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 – MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II

Brand	MSI
CPU Socket	Socket AM4
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Compatible Processors	AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen, AMD 2nd Gerenration Ryzen, AMD Athlon
Chipset Type	AMD B450
Memory Speed	2133 MHz
Platform	Windows 7, Windows 10
Series	B450TOMAMAX
Memory Storage Capacity	64 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size	64 GB

One of the most recommended motherboards from PC enthusiasts is the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II. A very capable motherboard that doesn’t break the bank. Having an “II” in its model name, this B450 Tomahawk Max II is the 3rd and newest version of the original B450 Tomahawk that was released in 2018 alongside Zen+ architecture.

Overclocking the Ryzen 5 2600 on this motherboard is more than capable. This board does come with a solid VRM solution, a 6-phase (4+2) power delivery around the Richtek RT8894A PWM controller.

Tested by many enthusiasts, the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II can even handle a highly OC Ryzen 7 2700X, so overclocking the Ryzen 5 2600 on this motherboard would be a piece of cake. And that’s the reason why this board ranks as one of the best B450 motherboards when it comes to VRM quality and overclocking capabilities.

Compared to the previous versions of this motherboard, the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II offers a slightly better feature set – a much better audio codec and an improved memory topology to be able to support a much higher RAM frequency for up to 4133MHz.

When it comes to connectivity, it is almost identical to the previous version, having 2x PCIe Gen 3 x16 slots (Support for CrossFireX), 1x M.2 slot, 6 SATA 6GB/s ports (5,6 will be disabled once M.2 is used), and 6 USB ports on the rear panel including a single USB Type-C.

The aggressive design plus the features this motherboard has are the reasons why it is our top recommendation for the best value B450 motherboards for the Ryzen 5 2600.

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Best Feature Rich Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 – MSI B450 Gaming PRO Carbon MAX WiFi

Brand	MSI
Connectivity Technology	Wired
Special Feature	Lightweight
Wireless Communication Technology	Wi-Fi
Color	Black

If you are looking for a motherboard that offers premium features and impressive VRM. You cannot go wrong with the MSI B450 Gaming PRO Carbon MAX WiFi.

It is one of the highest-end B450 motherboards available on the market right now. Thanks to the enhanced circuit design (8+2 Power phase) and improved VRM heatsink, this motherboard is suitable for PC enthusiasts who will perform extensive overclocking.

You can also take advantage of the premium features available on this motherboard, such as a better audio codec, built-in WIFI & Bluetooth, dual M.2 slots, an M.2 Heatsink, and a dedicated gaming design with fantastic RGB lighting.

Sitting for only 159$ (can be lower sometimes), this motherboard is a better choice, for the features and performance it offers. Overall, the MSI B450 Gaming PRO Carbon MAX WiFi is the highest-end motherboard that we recommend to pair with the Ryzen 5 2600 processor.

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Best Mini ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2500 – ASRock Fatal1ty B450I Gaming Plus AC

Brand	ASRock
CPU Socket	Socket AM4
RAM Memory Technology	DDR4
Chipset Type	AMD B450
Platform	Windows 10
Memory Storage Capacity	32 GB
RAM Memory Maximum Size	32 GB
Graphics Card Interface	PCI-E
Memory Slots Available	2
Wireless Type	802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g

Of course, we always have an option for users who want to build a compact PC. Our best recommendation for the mini ITX motherboard goes to the ASRock Fatal1ty B450I Gaming Plus AC.

Though we all know that most small motherboards often lack the other important features that are present with ATX boards, the ASRock Fatal1ty B450I Gaming Plus AC takes the opposite approach. It offers some of the features that the other ATX motherboard has, such as excellent overclocking, a USB Type-C, and Bios Flashback.

The ASRock Fatal1ty B450I Gaming Plus AC is one of the cheapest mini ITX motherboards right now. Sitting for only 129$ (the price can be high or low sometimes), you will get integrated Bluetooth and a WIFI powered by the Intel 802.11ac WiFi Module, 2x DIMM slots that can support up to 64GB 3466Mhz of DDR4 memory, 4x SATA ports, an Ultra M.2 slot, and a 6x USB ports on the rear that include a USB Type-C.

For compact PC builders, this mini ITX motherboard is a pretty solid option for the price and feature set it offers.

What to Expect from The Motherboards Above

Good VRM

You can expect all of the motherboards above to feature decent-quality VRMs that will allow you to overclock and get the most out of your Ryzen 5 2600. And even if you don’t plan to overclock your processor, knowing that your Ryzen 5 2600 receives a good power delivery is always good.

Plenty of Connectivity Options

Whether you are building a budget or mid-range gaming rig, all of the motherboards above will provide plenty of connectivity options for your peripherals and storage devices.

Good Value for Money

All of the motherboards listed above comes with decent features considering their price range. Whether you are after something affordable but still capable enough to tinker around with or something more high-end, we have it covered here.

No Compatibility Issues

The Ryzen 5 2600 is compatible with any B450, X370, B350, and A320 motherboards. Our list of the best B450 boards for Ryzen 5 2600 is guaranteed to not have any compatibility issues.

Furthermore, you can also pair these motherboards with other AMD CPUs from the Ryzen series such as the Ryzen 7 2700X or Ryzen 5 3600. So if ever you decide to upgrade your processor in the future, you won’t need to change your motherboard too.

That’s why getting one of the motherboards above is a great investment for long-term use.

Final Words

You probably already have an idea of which motherboard you’re going to get for your Ryzen 5 2600. But if you are still unsure, we highly recommend getting the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II if you are after a good value option or the ASUS Prime B450M-A II if you are on a budget.

Whichever one you choose, rest assured that all of these motherboards can give the best performance out of your Ryzen 5 2600 CPU.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600?

• The best B450 motherboards for Ryzen 5 2600 are:
  • MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX
  • ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming
  • Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO WIFI
  • ASRock B450M Steel Legend

Why choose a B450 motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600?

• B450 motherboards offer good compatibility and value for money for Ryzen 5 2600 processors. They support overclocking and have decent features.

How do I choose the right B450 motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600?

• Consider factors like price, features, brand reputation, and connectivity options when selecting a B450 motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600.

Can I use a B450 motherboard for gaming with Ryzen 5 2600?

• Yes, B450 motherboards are suitable for gaming with Ryzen 5 2600. Look for one with strong VRM design for better performance.

What should I look for in a B450 motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600?

• Look for a motherboard with good VRM quality, ample RAM and PCIe slots, M.2 slots, and USB ports for a well-rounded Ryzen 5 2600 setup.