Building a new PC on a tight budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality or essential features. The motherboard is the backbone of your system, and finding a reliable one under $100 is a key step in creating a capable and cost-effective computer. Whether you’re assembling an office workstation, a home media center, or a starter gaming rig, there are excellent options available for both AMD and Intel platforms.
This roundup focuses on the best value-oriented motherboards for 2025, covering the latest AM5, enduring AM4, and versatile LGA1700 sockets. We have selected boards that offer a solid foundation, modern connectivity like M.2 slots, and robust power delivery to get the most out of your chosen processor without stretching your budget.
Our Recommended Budget Motherboards
- Gigabyte A520M AORUS Elite
- GIGABYTE B560M DS3H V2
- ASRock H370 Performance
- Gigabyte B450M DS3H
- ASUS Prime H510M-A/CSM
- ASUS Prime B460M-A
- MSI B560M PRO-E ProSeries
- GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC R2
- MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming
- ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II
Gigabyte A520M AORUS Elite
For builders seeking a modern and affordable entry into the AMD AM4 ecosystem, the Gigabyte A520M AORUS Elite is a compelling microATX option. It provides support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors and a capable 5+3 phase digital PWM power design, ensuring stable operation for mainstream CPUs. This board is an excellent foundation for a budget office or entertainment system.
Connectivity is well-covered with a Gaming GbE LAN port for reliable networking and an NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot for fast storage. Features like Q-Flash Plus allow for easy BIOS updates without a CPU installed, and RGB Fusion 2.0 offers basic lighting customization for users who want a personalized look.
GIGABYTE B560M DS3H V2
The GIGABYTE B560M DS3H V2 is a standout Intel LGA 1200 motherboard that brings valuable features to a budget-conscious build. It supports both 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors, giving you flexibility in component choice. Its direct 6+2 phase digital VRM solution provides clean and stable power, which is important for consistent performance.
This microATX board includes dual M.2 slots, with one supporting the faster PCIe 4.0 standard when paired with an 11th Gen CPU. This means you can benefit from cutting-edge SSD speeds. With USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and Gigabit LAN, it covers all the essential connectivity needs for a modern desktop.
ASRock H370 Performance
The ASRock H370 Performance is an ATX motherboard designed for 8th Generation Intel Core processors. Its larger form factor provides more expansion slots and connectivity options compared to microATX boards, making it a good fit for users who need extra PCIe slots. The Digi Power design ensures reliable power delivery for CPUs up to 95W.
This board is built with performance in mind, offering features like Quad CrossFireX support for multi-GPU configurations and a range of SATA3 and USB 3.1 ports. It’s a solid choice for someone repurposing an older 8th Gen Intel CPU into a new system that requires more expansion capabilities.
Gigabyte B450M DS3H
As a workhorse of the AM4 platform, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H offers proven compatibility with AMD 1st and 2nd generation Ryzen processors, including those with Radeon Vega Graphics. This makes it an ideal partner for a budget APU build that doesn’t require a separate graphics card. Its legacy and reliability are its strongest assets.
The board includes a practical set of features, including an M.2 slot for NVMe storage and both HDMI and DVI-D display outputs. With four DDR4 DIMM slots, it allows for a generous amount of memory, which is excellent for multitasking and future upgrades.
ASUS Prime H510M-A/CSM
The ASUS Prime H510M-A/CSM is a microATX commercial motherboard ready for 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors. It is built with stability in mind, featuring an enhanced power solution that includes 8 DrMOS power stages, a ProCool connector, and durable capacitors. This makes it suitable for business environments that demand consistent performance.
It provides essential modern connectivity with an M.2 NVMe SSD slot and a 1Gb Ethernet port. The inclusion of DisplayPort, HDMI, and a legacy D-Sub port ensures compatibility with a wide range of monitors. The SPI-TPM header is a bonus for business security requirements.
ASUS Prime B460M-A
Designed to maximize the performance of 10th Gen Intel Core processors, the ASUS Prime B460M-A is a well-rounded microATX motherboard. Its comprehensive cooling setup, including a VRM heatsink and PCH heatsink, helps maintain optimal temperatures during extended use. Fan Xpert 2 utility offers precise control over system cooling.
A key feature is the ASUS OptiMem technology, a proprietary trace layout that improves memory stability. This allows your memory kits to run more efficiently. With dual M.2 slots and support for 4K@60Hz output via HDMI and DisplayPort, it is a strong candidate for a modern productivity or home theater PC.
MSI B560M PRO-E ProSeries
The MSI B560M PRO-E is a no-frills ProSeries motherboard that supports both 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors. Its Core Boost technology, with a premium layout and digital power design, ensures reliable power delivery to the CPU, making it capable of handling more cores effectively. This is a board focused on fundamental performance.
It offers good future-proofing with support for high-speed DDR4 memory up to 4800MHz (overclocked) and a PCIe 4.0 slot when used with an 11th Gen CPU. The inclusion of USB 3.2 and a Gbps LAN port rounds out a feature set that is impressive for its class.
GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC R2
The GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC R2 is one of the most feature-rich AMD AM4 boards you can find at this price point. It supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 Series processors right out of the box and is built with a digital 5+3 phases VRM solution for stable power. The inclusion of built-in WiFi 5 is a significant advantage for compact builds.
This motherboard stands out with its support for PCIe 4.0, which enables the latest high-speed GPUs and NVMe SSDs. With dual M.2 slots, Realtek GbE LAN, and SATA 6Gb/s ports, it offers excellent connectivity and expansion for a microATX board, making it ideal for a powerful budget gaming PC.
MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming
The MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK is an ATX gaming motherboard that punches above its weight class. It supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors and, with a BIOS update, the powerful Ryzen 5000 Series. Its standout feature is the on-board dual LAN, which includes a 2.5G LAN port and a standard Gigabit LAN, offering superior networking flexibility and speed.
Built for enthusiasts, it supports massive amounts of high-speed DDR4 memory and features PCIe 4.0 for both graphics and storage. With a robust power delivery system and enhanced cooling solutions, it provides a premium foundation for a gaming rig that can handle demanding tasks without compromise.
ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II
For users who need the latest wireless connectivity, the ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi II is a compelling microATX option for the AMD AM4 platform. It is designed to support the latest Ryzen processors and comes with integrated WiFi, eliminating the need for a separate adapter and keeping your build clean. This makes it perfect for setups where running an Ethernet cable is not practical.
As part of the B550 chipset family, it provides access to modern features like PCIe 4.0. ASUS is known for its user-friendly BIOS and software ecosystem, which adds value through easy system monitoring and tuning. This board represents a balanced package of performance, connectivity, and brand reliability for a mainstream build.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Motherboard Under $100 in 2025
When I’m looking for the best motherboards under $100, I know I have to be smart about my priorities. At this price point, you’re not getting every single high-end feature, but you can absolutely find a solid foundation for a powerful budget build. The first and most critical decision is the CPU socket, which dictates your entire platform. In 2025, the three main contenders in this budget range are AM5, AM4, and LGA1700.
For a new build, I often lean towards AM5 if I can find a board at this price. It’s AMD’s current platform, meaning you get support for modern CPUs like the Ryzen 5 7600 and, more importantly, a clear upgrade path for future processors. AM4, on the other hand, is a mature platform with a massive selection of affordable, powerful CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600. It’s a fantastic value if you’re not concerned about future CPU upgrades. Intel’s LGA1700 socket is also a strong option, supporting 12th to 14th-gen CPUs, and you can often find great deals on a combo with a Core i3 or i5.
Once I’ve picked my socket, I look at the essential features. VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) quality is a big one. I don’t need a top-tier VRM for overclocking, but I do want one that’s robust enough to cleanly power a mid-range CPU without throttling. I check reviews and teardowns to see what’s under the heatsink. Next is connectivity. How many M.2 slots are there? Does it have a Gen4 NVMe slot? For me, at least one Gen4 M.2 is a must-have for fast boot and load times. I also check for USB ports, making sure there are enough USB 3.2 Gen1 ports for my peripherals.
Form factor is another key consideration. Micro-ATX (mATX) is the most common in this budget bracket. It offers a good balance of expansion slots and a smaller footprint. If I’m building a compact system, I might look for a Mini-ITX board, but they are usually more expensive and have fewer features for the money. Finally, I always consider the brand’s reputation and the board’s audio and networking. A decent Realtek audio codec and a reliable Gigabit Ethernet port are standard, but finding one with Wi-Fi 6 under $100 is a huge bonus that saves me from needing a separate adapter. By focusing on these core aspects—socket, VRM, connectivity, and form factor—I can find a motherboard that delivers excellent performance without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really find a good AM5 motherboard for under $100?
Yes, absolutely. While the AM5 platform launched at higher prices, the market has matured significantly by 2025. We are now seeing a growing number of entry-level and budget-focused Micro-ATX AM5 motherboards that consistently hit the sub-$100 price point, especially during sales. These boards provide a crucial entry into the modern platform, supporting DDR5 memory and AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series CPUs, which makes them a fantastic value for a new build with a clear upgrade path.
Is AM4 still a good platform to buy into for a budget build?
Without a doubt. The AM4 platform is one of the best values in the history of PC building. The sheer volume of available motherboards under $100 is massive, and they pair perfectly with incredibly affordable and powerful previous-generation CPUs like the Ryzen 5 5600. You get access to cheap DDR4 memory and a platform that is proven, stable, and has a vast library of compatible components. For pure, unadulterated value and performance per dollar, an AM4 build is very hard to beat.
What are the main compromises with a sub-$100 motherboard?
When you’re looking at the best motherboards under $100, you are making some trade-offs. The most common compromises are in the aesthetics and premium features. You’ll typically find fewer PCIe slots, fewer M.2 slots, and less elaborate VRM heatsinks. High-speed networking like Wi-Fi 6E or 2.5Gb Ethernet is less common, and the audio codecs are usually more basic. You also won’t find extensive RGB lighting or reinforced PCIe slots. The focus is purely on core functionality and reliable performance for mid-range components.
How important is the VRM on a budget motherboard?
It’s very important, but the goal is different than on a high-end board. I’m not looking for a VRM capable of heavy overclocking. Instead, I need a VRM that is sufficiently robust to handle a CPU like a Ryzen 5 7600 or a Core i5-13400F at its stock settings without overheating and causing performance throttling. A weak VRM can lead to a CPU not performing at its best. I always recommend checking professional and user reviews to see how the power delivery holds up under sustained load with your chosen CPU.
Should I prioritize a motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi?
If you need wireless connectivity, then yes, it’s a feature worth prioritizing. While you can always add a Wi-Fi card via a PCIe slot later, finding a motherboard with Wi-Fi already integrated saves you time, money, and uses fewer expansion slots. In the sub-$100 category, integrated Wi-Fi is becoming more common, but it’s still a premium feature. If you find two otherwise identical boards and one has Wi-Fi for a few dollars more, it’s usually the better buy for the convenience alone.
What is the most common form factor for motherboards under $100?
Micro-ATX (mATX) is overwhelmingly the most common form factor you’ll find in this price range. It strikes the perfect balance for budget builders, offering a solid number of expansion slots (usually one or two PCIe x16 and a couple of PCIe x1) and multiple M.2 connectors, all in a compact size that fits in a wide variety of affordable cases. While full-sized ATX and tiny Mini-ITX boards can sometimes be found under $100, the best selection and value will almost always be in the Micro-ATX segment for builds focusing on AM5, AM4, and LGA1700 sockets.