Ryzen 5 2600 is one of the most popular processors for budget gaming builds out there. It’s an absolute beast when overclocked & paired with an equally good motherboard.
I have compiled a list of the 7 best motherboards for Ryzen 5 2600 in 2021 below. These motherboards can be used for building a powerful gaming PC on a budget.
Table of Contents
At a Glance
TOP TIER
MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon MAX Wi-Fi
- Excellent VRM
- Solid Build Quality
- Top Notch Design
- 88% Positive Rating
MID TIER
MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II
- Decent Quality VRMs
- Good Build Quality
- USB Bios Flashback
- 94% Positive Rating
BUDGET{Most Popular}
ASRock B450 Steel Legend
- Tons of RGB
- Good Build Quality
- Best Value for Money
- 92% Positive Rating
Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600
1. MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon MAX Wi-Fi
- Socket: AM4
- max CPU: Ryzen 9
- Form Factor: ATX
- Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
- Up to 128 GB, Supports DDR4 4133+(OC)
- PCIe: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 3 PCIe 2.0 x1
- Display: HDMI
- Audio: Realtek® ALC1220 Codec
- Storage: 6 x SATA3, 2 x M.2 slot
- LAN: 1(Intel® I211AT)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent VRM | Minor BIOS Issues |
| Good Build Quality | |
| Top-notch Design | |
B450 Gaming Pro AC is objectively the best B450 motherboard out there, with high-end VRMs offering great overclocking potential and a sleek, industrial look with an all-black color scheme that has hints of grey throughout.
It comes in the ATX form factor and can run up to 128GB of memory at up to 4133Mhz. RGB lights surround the chipset and the top-back of the motherboard to provide extra flair to your gaming PC.
Equipped with four dual-channel RAM slots, six audio jacks at the rear, support for six USB 3.2 ports, six USB 2.0 ports, the Gaming Pro AC is a highly versatile motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 that will never leave you wanting more.
For storage, you get six SATA ports and two full-size M.2 slots for further expansion. AMD’s CrossFire is also supported on the two PCIe x16 slots.
Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 functionality come included with this board, so you don’t have to fish out extra cash for any adapters. You get Intel Dual Band Wireless AC and Dual Mode Bluetooth, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously.
Another killer feature that enforces this board’s purchase is the ability to flash the BIOS with a USB without the need for a CPU.
MSI has kitted this motherboard with five PWM fan connectors, two 12V RGB headers, and one 5V ARGB header.
If you wish to water-cool your PC, this board has got you covered even on that front with a dedicated water pump connector present onboard. (pun intended)But, if water cooling isn’t your cup of tea, you can use that connector to connect an additional PWM fan as well.
Recent Buyer Feedback
More than 88% of the feedback is positive, with only a few problems pointed out by certain users here and there. Many people allude to the number of features and extras this board has for a B450, such as onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth alongside responsive RGB.
Buyers also love the look of this motherboard and applaud its durable build quality.
Our Thoughts
This is the best motherboard for your Ryzen 5 2600 processor! The amount of expandability and versatility of this board, with its ports, headers, and excellent VRM, is unmatched.
The design and build quality are top-notch, and the included RGB is a nice plus. Even if it is an expensive motherboard with rare BIOS setbacks, MSI has produced a fantastic product for gamers that we cannot recommend enough.
2. MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II
- Socket: AM4
- max CPU: Ryzen 9
- Form Factor: ATX
- Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
- Up to 128 GB, Supports DDR4 4133+(OC)
- PCIe: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 3 PCIe 2.0 x1
- Display: HDMI, DVI-D
- Audio: Realtek® ALC892 Codec
- Storage: 6 x SATA3, 1 x M.2 slot
- LAN: 1(Realtek® 8111H)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Decent VRMs | No ARGB Header |
| 94% Positive Rating | |
| Good Build Quality |
The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II is the perfect embodiment of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
With an ATX form factor and a metallic aesthetic, the supports higher frequency RAM, up to 4133Mhz (although you are limited to only 3466Mhz on a Ryzen 5 2600), and a better audio codec onboard in the form of Realtek ALC897 Codec.
We also get an upgraded blacked-out colorway instead of the metallic grey on the VRM and chipset heatsink.
Perhaps, the most significant improvement here is the inclusion of a USB BIOS Flashback feature that can come in handy in many situations.
Internal I/O
This motherboard comes with four dual-channel RAM slots that can support up to 128GB of memory. You also get two full-size PCIe x16 slots running at Gen3 speeds and three additional PCIe x1 slots as well. For storage, there is one full-size M.2 slot, with six SATA ports for further expansion.
Rear I/O
MSI has added three USB 3.2 ports on the back of this board, with one of those being a Type C port, alongside six USB 2.0 ports for further connectivity.
Six audio ports are also included at the rear alongside a Gigabit LAN port and even a PS/2 port.
You get one HDMI and one DVI port for display, but these will be rendered non-functional with a Ryzen 5 2600x processor.
Recent Buyer Feedback
There are next to no complaints about this product, which is evident by its 94% positive rating online. People have had no problems overclocking both their RAM and CPU with this board’s BIOS and appreciate the robust power delivery that MSI has to offer here.
Our Thoughts
From premium VRMs to a pleasing design and support for all the extra hardware you could ever want, this motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 is a must-buy.
The only reason this isn’t our number one choice is that it does not include an ARGB header and has slightly weaker VRMs compared to the Gaming Pro Carbon AC.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for a solid mid-range board for your AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, then it doesn’t get better than this, especially at this price.
3. ASRock B450 Steel Legend
- Socket: AM4
- max CPU: Ryzen 9
- Form Factor: ATX
- Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
- Up to 128GB, Supports DDR4 3466+(OC)
- PCIe: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 4 PCIe 2.0 x1
- Display: HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2
- Audio: Realtek® ALC897 Codec
- Storage: 6 x SATA3, 2 x M.2 slot
- LAN: 1(Realtek® 8111H)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tons of RGB | Crashes under ‘heavy’ overclocking |
| Only budget mobo with ARGB Header | |
| 92% Positive Rating |
You will not find a b450 motherboard that can do more or has more features than ASRock’s B450 Steel Legend at this price, even if you tried.
This motherboard comes included with an ARGB, tons of RGB on the VRM, and around the chipset heatsink that shines bright and is synchronizable with ASRock Polychrome software. Mix that with the black and white camo design of the PCB, and you have one stylish-looking motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 that can spice up any PC build.
Internal I/O
You get four dual-channel RAM slots here that can handle up to 64GB of memory at 3533Mhz using XMP profiles. There are two PCIe x16 slots on board, along with a whopping four PCIe x1 slots.
This board also has six angled SATA ports for easy connectivity and two full-size M.2 slots.
Rear I/O
ASRock has included five USB 3.1 ports on this board with two additional USB 2.0 ports. You also get one Gen2 Type-C port, making a total of six USB 3.1 ports, alongside six gold-plated audio jacks and a gigabit LAN port at the rear.
Lastly, HDMI and DisplayPort 1.2 are also present for graphics, but they will not work with your Ryzen 5 2600 CPU.
Recent Buyer Feedback
This b450 motherboard has a 92% rating online, with many people citing it for its vast set of features at such an affordable price. Buyers seem to love the build quality, and especially the motherboard’s design with its camo aesthetic and vivid RGB.
Our Thoughts
ASRock has managed to create an affordable motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600x that still has all the nice extras that you’d usually find on much more expensive models.
Goodies like the ARGB header, extremely high-quality build, and stunning aesthetics heavily impressed us, especially at this price point.
If you do not plan to overclock your Ryzen 5 2600 or only experiment with a very light OC, this is the board to get; the additional features are just the cherry on top.
4. MSI B450M Mortar MAX
- Socket: AM4
- Form Factor: Micro ATX
- Memory: 4 x DDR4 DIMM Slots
- Up to 128 GB, Supports DDR4 3466+(OC)
- PCIe: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 PCIe 2.0 x1
- Display: HDMI, Displayport 1.2
- Audio: Realtek ALC892 Audio Codec
- Storage: 4 x SATA3, 2 x M.2
- LAN: Realtek RTL8111H-CG
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great VRM | none 😉 |
| Best mATX Mobo | |
| 96% Positive Rating |
One of the best Micro ATX motherboards in the market right now for Ryzen 5, the B450M Mortar from MSI has good gaming performance with great overclocking potential thanks to its seven power phases.
Internal I/O
There are four dual-channel RAM slots on this board that support up to 128GB of RAM running at a maximum of 3466Mhz for AMD Ryzen 2600 and Ryzen 5 2600X.
MSI has added two PCIe x16 slots, with the primary one being armored with steel to prevent EMI.
Furthermore, there are two PCIe x1 slots present here with two full-size M.2 slots for SSDs. Speaking of storage, this motherboard has four SATA slots as well.
Rear I/O
At the back, we were astonished to see a CMOS switch included on a sub-100 dollar motherboard. Moreover, MSI has put the Realtek ALC897 audio codec on board, which results in six gold-plated audio jacks at the rear.
You also get six USB 3.2 ports and two USB 2.0 ports. The Gigabit LAN port is present right next to the Type-C port. And a PS/2 port is also present for old-school accessories alongside an HDMI and DisplayPort.
Recent Buyer Feedback
The B450M Mortar MAX has an astonishing 96% positive rating, with basically every single customer vouching for it. The most amount of praise stems from this board’s robust VRMs that can handle even the most intense overclocks without issues.
Multiple users have detailed how great this is for overclocking, with many calling it the best mATX motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 available.
Our Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best micro ATX motherboard that has all the power you could ever want, then look no further. MSI has made a beast of a product that can push the Ryzen 5 2600x to its absolute limits while still maintaining stable speeds.
If you want to build a compact yet powerful gaming rig, then the MSI B450 Mortar MAX gets our recommendation for the best Micro ATX motherboard out there.
5. ASRock B450M Pro 4
- Socket: AM4
- max CPU: Ryzen 9
- Form Factor: Micro ATX
- Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
- Up to 128GB, Supports DDR4 3466+(OC)
- PCIe: 2 PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 PCIe x1
- Display: HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub
- Audio: Realtek® ALC892 Codec
- Storage: 4 x SATA3, 1 x M.2 slot
- LAN: Realtek RTL8111H
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good features in this price range | Outdated Bios |
| Decent Build Quality | Only 4 SATA Ports |
| 94% Positive Rating |
ASRock B450M Pro 4 features a solid build quality, delivers stable power to all of your components, and even has VRM and chipset heatsinks, all of which are a rare sight at this price point.
The ARGB header makes a return from the B450 Steel Legend, and you get four 4-pin PWM fan headers, all of which can be used for a water pump fan, along with one more CPU fan header. There is even an RGB header present onboard.
Internal I/O
This am4 motherboard comes with four dual-channel RAM slots that can run up to 128GB of memory at a maximum of 3200Mhz.
You get two PCIe x16 slots along with one PCIe x1 slot. The top PCIe x16 slot runs at Gen3 speeds while the one beneath it is limited to only Gen2 speeds, but both are capable of running in AMD’s CrossFire.
There are two M.2 slots present onboard, with one of them being full-size and four SATA ports for future expansion.
Rear I/O
You will find four USB 3.1 Gen1 ports at the back with two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, one of which is Type-C. Realtek Gigabit LAN is also present here, right next to the three audio jacks powered by the ALC892 Audio Codec, which has been fitted with ELNA audio caps.
For graphics, ASRock has included an HDMI port, a DVI port, and, interestingly, a D-Sub port as well.
Lastly, there is a PS/2 port at the rear as well, which can come in handy in certain situations.
Recent Buyer Feedback
Its customers heavily praise the features and functionality offered here for the price, and 94% positive feedback is evident of this.
People are pointing out how this board punches above its weight in many departments by including extras that are only present on more expensive models and how it offers such a phenomenal value proposition.
Our Thoughts
ASRock has crafted a very solid mATX contender here that offers all the features you need and more, along with a price tag that isn’t too steep. We were duly impressed by the sheer amount of functionality you get in such a small package.
Just don’t buy this thinking; you can achieve extreme overclocks with it. But, If you’re on a budget and need a reliable mobo, then look no further.
6. MSI B450I Gaming Plus MAX Wi-Fi
- Socket: AM4
- Form Factor: mini-ITX
- Memory: 2 x DDR4 Slots
- Up to 64GB, Supports DDR4 3466(OC)
- PCIe: 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16
- Display: HDMI
- Audio: Realtek® ALC887 Codec
- Storage: 4 x SATA3, 1 x M.2 slot
- LAN: Realtek® 8111H Gigabit LAN
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good VRMs in this price range | Too crammed |
| 2 RGB headers | Only 1 case fan header |
| 92% Positive Rating |
If you want to overclock your Ryzen 5 on a budget while still maintaining a compact footprint, then MSI B450I Gaming Plus MAX Wi-Fi motherboard is all you need.
The VRM and chipset heatsinks on this am4 motherboard and the inclusion of two RGB headers isn’t something that you will find on other motherboards of this class.
Internal I/O
There are two dual-channel RAM slots on this motherboard that support up to 3466Mhz of RAM, which allow you to put up to 64GB of memory in them. MSI has included one metal-reinforced PCIe x16 slot and one full-size M.2 slot.
For redundant storage, four SATA ports are also present onboard.
Rear I/O
You’ll get four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports on the back in addition to the two USB 2.0 ports. The Realtek ALC897 audio codec powers the three audio jacks to provide a vivid sonic experience.
Furthermore, you get one HDMI port and one DisplayPort for graphics here, both of which will be disabled for your AMD Ryzen 5 2600X.
Recent Buyer Feedback
With a 92% positive rating, customers are commending it for how much it packs in such a small package. People seem to have no problem overclocking with the board; in fact, they state that the included VRMs are best-in-class for a budget motherboard and can handle more than just a Ryzen 5 processor.
Our Thoughts
If you can live with its almost claustrophobically tight layout and have an aftermarket cooler ready to go, then this b450 mortarboard will serve you wonders. For the price, you simply cannot get a better ITX option than this one that performs as well and packs these many valuable features.
7. Gigabyte X470 AORUS Gaming 7
- Socket: AM4
- Form Factor: ATX
- Memory: 4 x DDR4 Slots
- Up to 64GB, Supports DDR4 4133(OC)
- PCIe: 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8)
- Display: HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2
- Audio: Realtek® ALC1220-VB codec
- Storage: 6 x SATA3, 2 x M.2 slot
- LAN: Intel® GbE LAN chip
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best Overclocker with 10+2 phase VRM | Clunky BIOS |
| A lot of RGB | Buggy Gigabyte Fusion App |
| Premium Design and Build Quality | No CMOS button |
| 86% Positive Rating |
The X470 AORUS Gaming 7 is, simply put, a monster. It features a 10+2 phase VRM that will handle even the most insane overclocks possible, so much so that your CPU might fry before those VRMs start to break a sweat.
Cooling those VRMs is an absurdly beefy heatsink, one of the best you’ll find on any X470. It utilizes a fin-stack design with an actual heat pipe that comes in contact with the VRMs.
In addition, you get a total of eight 4-pin PWM fan headers, two ARGB headers, and three RGB headers included here. There is a clear CMOS switch onboard, an OC button, the ESS SABRE DAC, a digital display that can show error codes, and support for dual-BIOS as well.
You also get Intel 802.11ac 2×2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 functionality. This is also the only motherboard on our list to feature an integrated I/O shield.
Internal I/O
A maximum of 64GB of memory is supported on its four dual-channel RAM slots that can handle up to 4133Mhz of speeds via XMP overclocking.
You get three PCIe x16 slots, all-metal reinforced to prevent GPU sag, along with two PCIe x1 slots.
You also get two M.2 slots, both of which are protected by a shield, with the top one being full-size as well. For redundant storage, six SATA ports are also included onboard.
Rear I/O
There are a tonne of USB ports on this motherboard. Two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports are coupled with six USB 3.1 Gen1 ports. You also get two additional USB 2.0 ports.
For audio, Gigabyte has included the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which powers the five audio jacks plus a SPDIF connector. A gigabit LAN port is also present at the back, along with two Wi-Fi antenna prongs for boosted signals.
Recent Buyer Feedback
This x470 motherboard has an 86% positive rating online, with a large number of buyers applauding the sheer amount of I/O this board has. People have been able to overclock their processors without any issues and mention that the VRMs are, in fact, overkill for a mere AMD Ryzen 2600 CPU.
Also, the premium feel and the build quality of this mobo stood out, and customers were very impressed by just how premium this board is.
Our Thoughts
If you want the best of the best and want to utilize every ounce of that AMD Ryzen 5 2600X CPU, this motherboard is what you should get.
Clunky software aside, Gigabyte has curated an incredible product that looks great, performs great, and is built like a tank. Everything screams quality and reminds you of the fact that you bought a flagship motherboard.
For the no-compromise package it offers, we feel its premium price tag is absolutely warranted.
Best Motherboard by Form Factor
Best ATX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600
MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon MAX Wi-Fi is the most feature-rich motherboard in the ATX form-factor category. The overclocking potential of this motherboard is one of the best for the Ryzen 5 2600 CPU.
Best Micro ATX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600
MSI B450M Mortar MAX is the most comprehensive motherboard in the Micro ATX form-factor category. In the Micro ATX category, the overclocking potential of this mobo is great. The only downside is that it has only 3 audio ports.
Best Mini ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600
In the Mini ITX category, ASUS ROG Strix B450-I Gaming is the best value motherboard with great potential for overclocking.
| Name | Price | Form Factor | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSI B450 Tomahawk | Check Price | ATX |  |
| MSI B450M Mortar | Check Price | Micro ATX | |
| MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC | Check Price | Mini ATX | |
| ASRock B450M Pro 4 | Check Price | Micro ATX | |
| MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC | Check Price | ATX | |
| MSI X470 Gaming Plus | Check Price | ATX |  |
| ASUS ROG Strix X470-F | Check Price | ATX |  |
| ASUS Prime X570-P | Check Price | ATX |  |
How to Choose the Best Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600?
Compatibility
The motherboard you choose should have a compatible processor socket with your processor. The best motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 should have an AM4 socket in order to be compatible with Ryzen 5 2600x processor.
Form Factor
The form factor of a motherboard determines if a motherboard fits a particular case. You need to choose a motherboard according to the form factor of your current case.
Type and amount of memory
Different Motherboards support different memory types and have different memory limits. Choose a motherboard that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ryzen 5 2600 compatible with the b450 motherboard?
Yes, Ryzen 5 2600 is compatible with B450 motherboards. We have listed the 7 best B450 chipset motherboards for Ryzen 5 2600 in the article above, so do check it out.
Will Ryzen 5 2600 work on b350?
Yes, Ryzen 5 2600 works with B350 motherboards. Is it recommended? No, as most of the b350 motherboards have crappy VRMs. It’s recommended to buy a b450 motherboard for better overclocking potential. We have listed the best b450 motherboards for Ryzen 5 2600 above, so do check it out.
What RAM should I get for Ryzen 5 2600?
You should get a ddr4 ram running at max 2933mhz and up to 64GB in size. With Ryzen 5 2600, you can always overclock your ram to achieve even higher clock speeds.
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