Gigabye B650M DS3H review: Step up to an AM5 motherboard, affordably

Price When Reviewed

$159.99

Best Prices Today: Gigabyte B650M DS3H

AMD’s AM5 platform is maturing proper on schedule, bringing with that some cheaper pricing. While preliminary increased platform bills saved motherboard prices increased on common for early adopters, the pattern is bettering. 

Here we have now one of the vital inexpensive motherboards but for AM5 — Gigabyte’s B650 DS3H. Coming in at $149, it’s a smaller microATX motherboard, however nonetheless one that allows you to to step into the next-generation AM5. Using the B650 chipset permits for some prices financial savings over the dearer X670. With DDR5 normal and bundled with a set of fundamental options, are there any severe compromises right here? (Keep in thoughts, the AMD A620 chipset would be the true price range possibility — and that may definitely include extra compromises.) 

We’ll go over the options, design, and efficiency. Keeping cautious tabs on its engaging pricing, we’ll see if consumers can nonetheless get that next-generation really feel, however “on the cheap.” Coupled with a bigger than ever choice of Ryzen 7000 CPUs which are usually on sale now, it could be a very good path for these wanting to maintain prices underneath management. Its small measurement, albeit area of interest, makes this an much more attention-grabbing selection for compact PC instances, in addition. Let’s see the main points!

Further studying: See our roundup of the best small gaming motherboards to study competing merchandise.

What are the Gigabyte B650M DS3H’s specs?

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• microATX kind issue (243.84 x 243.84mm)
• Supports AMD AM5 Ryzen 7000 CPUs 
• 6+2+1 Phases Digital VRM
• DDR5 RAM, dual-channel as much as 4 DIMMs (as much as 128Gb)
• 2x onboard M.2 slots (PCIe Gen 4)
• 1x PCIe 16x slot (PCIe Gen 4)
• 1x PCIe X1 slot (PCIe Gen 3)
• HDMI 2.1 and 2x DisplayPort out 
• 8 USB ports on again (Including USB C)
• PS/2 port for legacy peripherals 
• Realtek 2.5GbE LAN 
• RGB header
• 4 SATA 6Gb/s ports 
• 4 PWM fan headers 
• Realtek 7.1 Audio
• MSRP $149

What’s lacking from the B650 chipset?

The B650 chipset is trimmed down from B650E and X670E. To hit these cheaper costs, you’ll have entry to fewer SATA ports, USB ports, and no PCIe Gen 5 — to not point out the constraints inherent to the B650M’s smaller microATX kind issue. You’ll solely get PCIe Gen 4, and never 5 right here. That’s superb for many customers — we will hardly saturate these lanes as is presently.

What is the Gigabyte B650M’s CPU selection?

B650 AM5 provides you entry to any present Ryzen 7000 CPU, from the unique ones such because the Ryzen 5 7600X, to current non-X variants such because the Ryzen 9 7900, to even the quick Ryzen 7 7800X3D. You might need to keep away from a few of the heavy brawler CPUs such because the Ryzen 9 7950X resulting from VRMs and cooling concerns. It doesn’t make sense to pair a premium CPU with this class of this motherboard. It’s a greater match with one thing like a 7600X or non-X, lower-wattage CPU just like the Ryzen 7 7700. The latter will even include the AMD Wraith Cooler, supplying you with good bang to your buck. Keep in thoughts that microATX will often enable for much less radiator area in sure instances, so that you’ll need to get one thing environment friendly for a smaller construct.

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Does the Gigabyte B650M have DDR5 RAM and PCIe Gen 4?

AM5 is DDR5 RAM solely, and costs are usually higher now as extra time has handed since its launch. You will get 4 RAM slots, which is best than the 2 slots that smaller Mini-ITX motherboards supply, and on par with ATX motherboards. 

Being B650, you’re not gaining access to PCIe Gen 5, however you will discover PCIe Gen 4 in each the 16x slot and the 2 onboard NVMe slots. Only B650E or X670E will give you extra PCIe lanes (and PCIe Gen 5 for that matter) — however at $149, we’re not complaining.

You additionally get an extra Gen 3 1x slot — which is one other benefit over Mini-ITX motherboards, and good for customers who want that further add-in card slot.

What storage does the Gigabyte B650M have?

You’re getting two NVMe PCIe Gen 4 slots onboard, which is cheap for this measurement motherboard. Those ought to suffice for many customers, and speeds can be a lot quick, too. For those that want extra, you do have entry to 4 SATA ports for extra drives. Overall, storage choices are good right here for the worth. 

What USB ports does the Gigabyte B650M have?

There are eight rear USB ports, together with 1x USB-C, so the amount is nice for microATX. You do get 4 of them as USB 2.0, with the remaining 3.0. For this worth class, that’s superb — we’ve even seen USB 2.0 on dearer motherboards such because the Asrock B650M PG-ITX. 

Interestingly, you’ll additionally get a relic — a PS/2 port for legacy peripherals. If you’re joyful, you realize precisely what to make use of it for. If you don’t have any concept what it’s for, don’t fear, and transfer on! 

Dual DisplayPort and HDMI 2.1 additionally assist with Ryzen 7000 CPUs, which have built-in iGPUs. It’s uncommon to have so many display-out choices, so Gigabyte definitely intends for simply the appropriate consumer to match this with their wants.  

How is the Gigabyte B650M’s networking?

You get Realtek 2.5GbE Lan, which is normal on motherboards these days. Disappointingly, you received’t get Wi-Fi onboard. This could be a essential deal breaker for many individuals who increasingly more depend on a strong Wi-Fi connection. Sure, you may simply purchase a separate USB and even PCIe dongle, nevertheless it’s an added price. We’d wish to see Wi-Fi right here normal.

How is the Gigabyte B650M’s audio?

Audio is okay right here, with three inputs on the again. For this worth, it’s enough — and those that want higher sound will need to add an exterior system or sound card.

What’s included within the Gigabyte B650M’s field?

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The unboxing expertise is easy — not a lot right here apart from a number of M.2 screws and SATA cables. You do get the I/O protect — which isn’t built-in like on many motherboards this era. No Wi-Fi antenna right here both — as a result of there’s no Wi-Fi onboard.

Other options of word

The fast launch perform of the GPU is sweet to have, together with “Q Flash Plus,” which helps you to replace the BIOS with no CPU. You additionally get a reset button on the again. You additionally get 4 PWM fan ports, which is enough for a small construct. 

Some options which are lacking ought to be famous — akin to the shortage of Wi-Fi, which can impression many customers. The I/O protect can be not built-in — a characteristic that the majority motherboards appear to have this era. We can perceive, nonetheless, because of the cheaper worth.

Gigabyte B650M DS3H format and design

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The Gigabyte B650M DS3H has an apparent design attribute that’s arduous to disregard: measurement! It’s a microATX motherboard, which means you may jam it into smaller enclosures than normal ATX. It additionally can have extra ports and slots in comparison with the even tinier Mini-ITX — a promoting level for a lot of PC builders.

Aesthetically, how does it deal with this smaller measurement? For the $149 worth, the construct high quality is sweet. Most of the necessary surfaces on the motherboard really feel nice and are effectively represented and coated all through. For instance, you’ve gotten the neat monochromatic coloration scheme on each the I/O shroud space and PCIe slot space. Good protection right here makes the motherboard appear extra premium and doesn’t give away its price range standing. The M.2 slots are additionally coated by this “Thermal Guard.” 

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You don’t get an built-in I/O protect, which is comprehensible however barely disappointing. It looks like many AM5 motherboards are together with this, and it’s a pleasant little characteristic for PC builders. Not having one makes the I/O rear space extra uncovered than you’d wish to see aesthetically, till it’s tucked away in a small construct. Hopefully you received’t neglect to place the I/O protect in place earlier than putting in the motherboard! 

There’s no RGB mild present going on this motherboard, however you’ll get RGB headers. This is ok — many motherboards with RGB and fancy OLED shows additionally price considerably extra. 

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Around the again, it’s normal motherboard fare. Overall, the design of the motherboard right here could be very becoming for the worth it is available in at. Sure, we’d wish to see an built-in I/O protect, however we’re glad that the entrance of the motherboard appears to be like pleasing and never bare-bones. It’s additionally constructed comparatively effectively, just like pricier choices.

Gigabyte B650M DS3H BIOS and software program

For those that like tinkering, the Gigabyte BIOS does provide you with some choices for adjusting your system parameters. There’s a very good probability should you’re working an ordinary Ryzen CPU akin to a Ryzen 7 7700 you’ll hardly ever go to the BIOS (because you’re not overclocking). It’s nonetheless a pleasant place to be acquainted with, for setting DDR5 Expo profiles or boot settings. 

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Gigabyte additionally presents its software program suite: Gigabyte Control Center. Like many motherboard manufactures, Gigabyte consolidates numerous utility software program applications into one unit. This makes issues like adjusting fan profiles, altering RGB themes, and even driver updates simpler. While we usually nonetheless suggest some “old school” strategies of driver updates and fan management, it’s good to see some software program enhancements this era. (Previous choices consisted of varied separate software program downloads that every did totally different, usually complicated, issues).

Overall, for $149 you’re getting competent efficiency for the brand new era of AMD Ryzen CPUs. It’s additionally true of the accompanying technological enhancements akin to DDR5. While you’re not getting high efficiency and overclocking — you’re additionally not paying high greenback. It’s a good compromise.

Should you purchase the Gigabyte B650M DS3H?

The Gigabyte B650M DS3H comes with a number of distinctive factors of curiosity. First, its $149 worth makes it one of many better-priced choices we’ve seen to date on the B650 chipset for the newer AM5 Ryzen CPUs. You’d must go decrease into the A620 chipset to see some higher offers, at the price of much less options. It is also a microATX motherboard, a distinct segment market. This can both be a constructive or destructive for some, relying in your PC construct goal. 

It does put up “as expected” efficiency with most Ryzen CPUs, making a greater pairing with the extra inexpensive choices. It has ok VRMs, and assist for DDR5 and PCIe Gen 4. 

It is lacking a number of key objects, nonetheless. Primary of which is Wi-Fi — which could be a essential level for some customers. Adding a third-party answer is feasible, however that additionally negates the associated fee financial savings right here. You do get 2.5Gb Ethernet, so that you’re coated there. The lack of an built-in I/O protect is a minor quibble. But we’d identical to to see it in all boards come — as many have completed so already for AM5. (See our overview of the MSI MAG B650M Mortar WiFi, the place fewer includes are made on this microATX board however for a barely increased worth.)

Overall, it’s a very good possibility for $149 should you can stay with a number of of these compromises, and don’t want extra options. A bigger ATX motherboard might provide you with extra PCIe slots, higher USB ports, and extra SATA ports, however a small worth improve. Otherwise, it’s a properly design motherboard that’s amongst the most cost effective we’ve seen for B650, and retains most options intact.