Gigabyte B650 AM5 Motherboard Joins the $125 Crowd

[GFreeman]

Despite the fact that AMD promised that $125 AM5 are coming, there aren't many such motherboards on the market. The newest addition is the Gigabyte B650M K, which is now available at $124.99. Gigabyte's B650M K will be joining the previously available ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 microATX motherboard, which was the first B650-based motherboard available at $125.

Same as the ASRock motherboard, the Gigabyte B650M K is also a micro-ATX motherboard with the same 8+2+1 VRM, but features four DIMM slots with support for up to 128 GB of DDR5-6400+ memory. Unfortunately, it apparently features two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, rather than a PCIe 5.0 x4, and comes with a single PCI-Express 4.0 x16 slot (in addition to the PCIe 3.0 x1). The rest of the specifications include Realtek's Audio, Realtek 2.5 Gb Ethernet, couple of USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Type-A, and USB 2.0/1.1 ports, as well as DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 outputs. Bear in mind that both of these are $139.99 motherboards, discounted down to $124.99, so hopefully, we'll see more of these $124.99 motherboards soon.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site | Source

 

[Dr. Dro]

The compromises made to reach this price point are astounding... this is an $60 motherboard design at best.

 

[Chaitanya]

The compromises made to reach this price point are astounding... this is an $60 motherboard design at best.

Same story on Intel side as well, this generation around too many entry level boards have been shot well above $120 price point.

 

[Space Lynx]

The compromises made to reach this price point are astounding... this is an $60 motherboard design at best.

yeah they should call it the throttling tier, lol

 

[Chry]

Higher price range is great throughout the consumer range, as even in the high price end it makes the prices more 'responsible' in that both the consumer and the manufacturer has the mindset of expectation of features and quality for the extra paid (extra as in the price difference between the cheapest option vs. The price of the high-end item).

 

[AnarchoPrimitiv]

In reality, how much power does AMD really have to force these companies to keep prices low? Gigabyte, Asus, etc aren't going to cut their profit margin, I dont think AMD has enough clout to force them to take consessions, so the only thing AMD could really do is cut their own profit margin....and I don't see that happening.....it's completely out of the realm of possibility, but it'd be an interesting idea of AMD could have a "reference" motherboard manufactured for each chipset tier to inject more competition and to act as an "anchor" with respect to prices...though we all know the other mobo manufacturers would have a fit.

The compromises made to reach this price point are astounding... this is an $60 motherboard design at best.

Just out of curiosity, what are you basing that on? I'm seriously asking

 

[ymdhis]

Meanwhile B550 with same feature set costs $80.

But at least we are getting there.

 

[kapone32]

Wow talk about a board that has been seriously cut down. Really smart putting that 1st M2 directly under the GPU too.

 

[ir_cow]

I really want to review one of these and see how quickly the VRM goes with a 7950X

 

[svenge]

Just out of curiosity, what are you basing that on? I'm seriously asking

The VRMs are partially heatsinked, and from there we can see that they're using discrete MOSFETs instead of proper DrMOS power stages. Also, the I/O options are relatively spartan and the M.2 SSD locations are questionable at best. Another thing is that they don't even see fit to list what sound chip is being used, as even their specs page merely list a "Realtek Audio Codec" (which could in theory be anything from the last 20+ years, but probably the low-end ALC897).

The only good design decision that I can see is that they put the 3 slots' worth of separation between the x16 slot and the sole x1 slot, as that way at least you're not restricted to a 2.0-slot card if you want to also use a PCIe WiFi card at the same time.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Just out of curiosity, what are you basing that on? I'm seriously asking

From a glance:

1. Seems to use a teamed 4-phase VRM, but Gigabyte refuses to disclose the specs on their page, instead citing some marketing speak on how it's a "digital VRM with unparalleled performance" and that "power stage capacity depends on Vcore phase", however this board seems to be a straight downgrade from the DS3H (which for some reason uses overkill - for this segment anyway - 60A stages).
2. Poor VRM area cooling, no heatsink over MOSFETs - instead of overspending on the VRM, build a simpler one and add proper cooling - this is a board intended for a 7600X after all
3. Hopeless audio codec (at the only segment where integrated audio mattered)
4. Pointless 2.5GbE ethernet chip (could lower the cost of the motherboard by adopting regular Gigabit, this is a very-low-budget motherboard after all)
5. No Wi-Fi (which would be preferable over 2.5GbE at this segment), in addition, the Wi-Fi card slot in the PCB is vacated and is not user upgradable, meaning you will lose an USB port or PCIe slot for this
6. Somehow the industry decided that a 2-digit LED display belongs in $350+ motherboards, and there's no basic debug LED either... hope you like troubleshooting on a beeper
7. Only two case fan headers, you will need to buy a controller to install this on almost any case
8. Limited I/O (one front USB connector, 4 SATA ports, upper M.2 will be blocked by GPU if it has a heatsink)

I'm sure if I had it in hand I could tell you more things I outright dislike about it considered its price point, most of the above could be forgiven if it had been an $80 board at most, instead of a discounted $140 one.

I really want to review one of these and see how quickly the VRM goes with a 7950X

Techspot fellows did a roundup, the closest thing to this board (the DS3H) actually managed fine.

AMD B650 Motherboard Roundup: VRM Thermal Testing

For those wanting to jump on the AM5 platform while spending as little as possible, which affordable AMD B650 motherboards are the best? We'll be torture-testing eleven...

www.techspot.com

 

[RegaeRevaeb]

From a glance:

1. Seems to use a teamed 4-phase VRM, but Gigabyte refuses to disclose the specs on their page, instead citing some marketing speak on how it's a "digital VRM with unparalleled performance" and that "power stage capacity depends on Vcore phase", however this board seems to be a straight downgrade from the DS3H (which for some reason uses overkill - for this segment anyway - 60A stages).
2. Poor VRM area cooling, no heatsink over MOSFETs - instead of overspending on the VRM, build a simpler one and add proper cooling - this is a board intended for a 7600X after all
3. Hopeless audio codec (at the only segment where integrated audio mattered)
4. Pointless 2.5GbE ethernet chip (could lower the cost of the motherboard by adopting regular Gigabit, this is a very-low-budget motherboard after all)
5. No Wi-Fi (which would be preferable over 2.5GbE at this segment), in addition, the Wi-Fi card slot in the PCB is vacated and is not user upgradable, meaning you will lose an USB port or PCIe slot for this
6. Somehow the industry decided that a 2-digit LED display belongs in $350+ motherboards, and there's no basic debug LED either... hope you like troubleshooting on a beeper
7. Only two case fan headers, you will need to buy a controller to install this on almost any case
8. Limited I/O (one front USB connector, 4 SATA ports, upper M.2 will be blocked by GPU if it has a heatsink)

I'm sure if I had it in hand I could tell you more things I outright dislike about it considered its price point, most of the above could be forgiven if it had been an $80 board at most, instead of a discounted $140 one.



Techspot fellows did a roundup, the closest thing to this board (the DS3H) actually managed fine.

AMD B650 Motherboard Roundup: VRM Thermal Testing

For those wanting to jump on the AM5 platform while spending as little as possible, which affordable AMD B650 motherboards are the best? We'll be torture-testing eleven...

www.techspot.com

The choice of a x1 slot over a x4 is disgusting in this day and age when it's now the only slot available after making room for overly fat new GPUS.

I'd argue as well a board this cheap -- read not inexpensive -- isn't exactly a great candidate for a honking 40-series/7900'ish rig anyway. And given that, another x1 expansion slot could have been an option. What I'm getting at is boards like this can be used in machines not necessarily for gaming and would benefit from more PCIe slot layout flexibility.

Lots of A520m boards also had better treatment.

 

[Ruru]

Yeah, a total entry-level board what it comes to features. But I guess that sooner or later there will be better boards in that price point, just as what happened with B550.

Though I like the internal USB3.0 connector's placement.

 

[Garrus]

yeah they should call it the throttling tier, lol

There's no throttling. It has good VRMs. 7950X works perfectly. A lot of people above making assumptions and misleading people.

It looks like the same great board as the DS3H but with PCIe 5.0 removed. Wait for reviews.

 

[LabRat 891]

Good to see better pricing on AM5, but as a 'value prospect' for an AM4 owner, 'it's got a long ways to go'.
My Asus TUF X570 Plus (Wi-Fi) was ~$110

It is understandable why AM5 is more expensive but, from the 'consumer prospective' it's largely only a value if you're upgrading from a pre-AM4 or older Intel platform.

How much longer until X770, B750, A720? I'm hoping AMD's figured out how to further cost-optimize their 'chip(let)sets', and we'll see sub-$100 boards w/ PCIe5.0.

 

[trsttte]

Wow, talk about cost cutting, they couldn't even spend a 1$ on the wifi card connector!? Damn...

Lots of A520m boards also had better treatment.

If this was an A620 it would be "fine" (not as this price of course lol), but it's not, it's a joke it's what it is

 

[MagnuTron]

I see it like this:

1) Gigabyte used DS3H to experiment the edges of power usage for this concept.
2) Gigabyte decides to make a clone with the bare minimum needs. Aka the good ol' bait n switch

3) Gigabyte should now decide to not sell this board, and make a version based on exactly this, but without a very different VISUAL design. Because that is really what would seem most transperant.

 

[Metroid]

The compromises made to reach this price point are astounding... this is an $60 motherboard design at best.

Yeah, I wonder who they want to deceive pricing this at 125 usd while is clear a 60 usd board.

 

[LabRat 891]

Wow, talk about cost cutting, they couldn't even spend a 1$ on the wifi card connector!? Damn...


If this was an A620 it would be "fine" (not as this price of course lol), but it's not, it's a joke it's what it is

Now that you mention it, it even looks laid out like an A#20 entry-level board. -reminds me of my Asus A320M-K.

 

[Icon Charlie]

The compromises made to reach this price point are astounding... this is an $60 motherboard design at best.

Absolutely agree. The AMD TAX is still enforced.

 

[sLowEnd]

From a glance:
8. Limited I/O (one front USB connector, 4 SATA ports, upper M.2 will be blocked by GPU if it has a heatsink)

The front USB situation isn't quite that bad. There's a USB 2.0 header along the bottom edge of the motherboard, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 header at the bottom right corner, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C at the bottom right of the RAM slots.

 

[Dr. Dro]

The front USB situation isn't quite that bad. There's a USB 2.0 header along the bottom edge of the motherboard, a USB 3.2 Gen 1 header at the bottom right corner, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C at the bottom right of the RAM slots.

Thing is, the largest majority of cheap cases such as one a motherboard like this would reside within don't have much more than a couple of 2.0 ports at the front.

 

[sLowEnd]

Thing is, the largest majority of cheap cases such as one a motherboard like this would reside within don't have much more than a couple of 2.0 ports at the front.

I disagree. Lots of cases lack USB-C still, but most have USB 3.0 or some mix of 2.0 and 3.0 by now.

Case (pun intended) in point, the 3 cheapest cases Newegg sells atm

DIYPC MA08-BK Black Computer Case - Newegg.com

Buy DIYPC MA08-BK Black USB 3.0 Micro-ATX Mini Tower Gaming Computer Case with Dual Fans with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0

DIYPC DIY-F2-W White SPCC Micro ATX Computer Case - Newegg.com

Buy DIYPC DIY-F2-W White SPCC Micro ATX Mini Tower Computer Case with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0

Thermaltake Versa H17 Black SPCC Micro ATX Gaming Computer Case CA-1J1-00S1NN-00 - Newegg.com

Buy Thermaltake Versa H17 Black SPCC Micro ATX Gaming Computer Case CA-1J1-00S1NN-00 with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0

 

[Dr. Dro]

I disagree. Lots of cases lack USB-C still, but most have USB 3.0 or some mix of 2.0 and 3.0 by now.

Case (pun intended) in point, the 3 cheapest cases Newegg sells atm

DIYPC MA08-BK Black Computer Case - Newegg.com

Buy DIYPC MA08-BK Black USB 3.0 Micro-ATX Mini Tower Gaming Computer Case with Dual Fans with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0

DIYPC DIY-F2-W White SPCC Micro ATX Computer Case - Newegg.com

Buy DIYPC DIY-F2-W White SPCC Micro ATX Mini Tower Computer Case with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0

Thermaltake Versa H17 Black SPCC Micro ATX Gaming Computer Case CA-1J1-00S1NN-00 - Newegg.com

Buy Thermaltake Versa H17 Black SPCC Micro ATX Gaming Computer Case CA-1J1-00S1NN-00 with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0

I see your point but it's an America-centric view, mate. These budget brand name cases are usually a full pricing tier above the Chinese rebrands or Aliexpress cases that are used in emergent markets. Which incidentally tend to be where such low budget motherboards are sold the most.

About a year and a half ago I've purchased the cheapest case I could find on the Brazilian market for an old Core 2 build I'm using as a server, it costs less than a third of that Thermaltake Versa here:

https://www.vinik.com.br/produto/gabinete-corporativo-one-m1-usb-2-0-preto/

It's some Chinese rebrand of course, but 2.0 is all it has, and there are many such cases.

 

[sLowEnd]

I see your point but it's an America-centric view, mate. These budget brand name cases are usually a full pricing tier above the Chinese rebrands or Aliexpress cases that are used in emergent markets. Which incidentally tend to be where such low budget motherboards are sold the most.

About a year and a half ago I've purchased the cheapest case I could find on the Brazilian market for an old Core 2 build I'm using as a server, it costs less than a third of that Thermaltake Versa here:

https://www.vinik.com.br/produto/gabinete-corporativo-one-m1-usb-2-0-preto/

It's some Chinese rebrand of course, but 2.0 is all it has, and there are many such cases.

I referenced Newegg, because the article of this thread references Newegg for the price of the motherboard.

As far as Aliexpress goes, the situation doesn't change as far as I can see. These are the 3 cheapest cases I can see on the site.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003309672154.html

2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003446557458.html

1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004076740377.html

1x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0


The site you linked to seems to block foreign IPs, so I can't view it. However, I'd imagine someone in Brazil who could afford an AM5 system likely wouldn't be scraping the bottom of the barrel for cases. I trust that paying even just a little bit more than the bare minimum will net you a case with better ports.