MSI B450 TOMAHAWK
Assembling the best gaming PC is easy; get the most significant budget and buy the top-priced products. However, producing the best budget gaming PC requires knowledge.
To make the process easy, we recommend you go for the budget king processor Ryzen 5 2600, and to utilize its capability fully, you will need the best motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600.
At A Glance:
Best pick
Best Premium Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600
ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
✓ Latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.1ax)
✓ Wide overclocking range
✓ Good heat sinks for Chipset and M.2
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Staff Pick
Best Overall Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600
MSI B450 TOMAHAWK
✓ Easy to assemble
✓ BIOS Flash Button
✓ Customizable RGB Lightning on-board
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Budget Pick
Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600
ASRock B450 Pro4
✓ Supports RGB Lightning Control
✓ VGA, HDMI, and D-port connections
✓ Can stably overclock Ryzen 5 2600 to 4.2 GHz
View on AmazonGetting the best motherboard under budget is an essential as it ensures reliability, affordability, and efficiency. Ryzen 5 2600 easily exceeds its competition in price to performance ratio and lands in the high-end pc range.
It provides stable 100+ fps and runs cooler than its Intel competition. Getting the right motherboard for it will be the best thing you can do. It’s imperative to invest smartly in motherboards as they are more vulnerable to downtime than the processor.
But, the best and top-rated motherboards vary with features; some offer better durability, while others are made for boosting performance via overclocking features. You must first decide your requirements, as they can be the decisive factor in selecting one out of the eight motherboards we feature here for Ryzen 5 2600. So let’s get right into the list:
Our Recommendations For Ryzen 5 2600 Motherboard
| Award | Modal | Design | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Premium Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Flagship Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Overall Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | MSI B450 TOMAHAWK |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | ASRock B450 Pro4 |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Enthusiast Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO WIFI |
|
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| Best ATX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | MSI B450 GAMING PRO CARBON AC |
|
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| Best Micro-ATX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | ASRock B450M Pro4 |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Mini-ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC |
|
View on amazon |
ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming
Best pick
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Brand: ASUS | Processor: AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen | Chipset: AMD X570 | Memory: 128GB, 4 x DIMM | Memory Speed: 2133 MHz to 4400MHz (O.C) | Dimensions: 12 Inch x 9.6 Inch | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Audio: SupremeFX 8-Channel High Definition Audio
What recent buyers report?
ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming has been reported that the AMD 5000 series is 100% compatible with this motherboard with a simple BIOS update. Although most sellers already sell pre updated BIOS. This motherboard can comfortably handle AMD Ryzen 5 2600 as all the specs can handle a broader range of Ryzen processor overclocking capabilities. For a USB 3.2 Gen2, a module needs to be bought and installed separately.
Why it stands out to us?
You can easily overclock your RAM to the max supported RAM speed for the processor, i.e, 2933 MHz. The M.2 SSD does not affect the bandwidth of PCIe slots.It features the latest Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) technology to ensure high speed with low latency. It also comes with the latest Bluetooth, 5.0.
Who will use it most?
It is for gamers and content creators who are looking to upgrade their processors shortly. Also, mobile gamers who own high-speed routers can go for this motherboard to feature good wireless connectivity. This motherboard gives the highest fps but at the cost of the energy bill.
Bottom Line
Asus ROG Strix X570-E is an overkill for a processor like the Ryzen 5 2600 as it offers capability far above the reach of this processor. However, if you are looking to upgrade in the future and fully utilize this motherboard’s ability, this motherboard is the best future proof you can get with the capacity to run the latest AMD 5000 series.
The Pros
✓ Latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.1ax)
✓ Wide overclocking range
✓ Good heat sinks for Chipset and M.2
The Cons
✗ Missing a "Q" Connector
✗ High Power Consumption
✗ Voltage monitoring display not on board
MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS
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Brand: MSI | Processor: AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen | Chipset: AMD X570 | Memory: 128GB, 4 x DIMM | Memory Speed: 1866 MHz to 4400MHz (O.C) | Dimensions: 12.00 x 9.60 x 2.50 inch | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Audio: Realtek 8-Channel High Definition Audio
What recent buyers report?
This board has a lot of room for storage expansion, both SATA and M.2. Download the newest BIOS from the MSI official website, and you can get your Ryzen processor up and running in no time. The 8 pin connector featured on this board allows enough power to feed your power-hungry components. Sufficient RAM can also be installed on this board.
Why it stands out to us?
MSI MPG X570 Gaming Plus is a board that comes under the lower price range in the X570 chipset. This chipset offers the best performance in gaming and content creation. This motherboard can run the latest Ryzen processors and supports the Ryzen 5 2600 range of operation altogether.
Who will use it most?
The gamers would love to buy it most who are not looking to use a wired connection for internet connectivity and are enthusiast gamers who focus mainly on performance rather than irrelevant options. The 8 Channel HD Audio chipset on-board performs well under tests and gives low noise for its power. It can help you pinpoint the location of your enemy in a competitive environment.
Bottom Line
MSI X570 Gaming Plus motherboard for a Ryzen 5 2600 is again an overkill, as the range of overclocking potential and supported RAMs are beyond utilization of the processor. The support for PCIe 4.0 is a plus as it makes your rig future proof. The AMD Ryzen supporting motherboards do have a history of maintaining compatibility with upcoming chipsets. Sticking with this motherboard for long won’t be a bad idea.
The Pros
✓ Clean BIOS
✓ Best price/performance for X570 chipset
✓ M.2 SSDs with heat-dissipating sinks
The Cons
✗ Lacks wireless connectivity
✗ Offers lower Overclocking potential
✗ GPU removal required for SATA connection
MSI B450 TOMAHAWK
Staff Pick
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Brand: MSI | Processor: AMD 1st/2nd/3rd Gen Ryzen | Chipset: AMD B450 | Memory: DDR4 128GB, 4 x DIMM | Memory Speed: 1866 MHz to 3466 MHz (O.C) | Dimensions: 1.05 x 4.55 x 4.57 inch | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Audio: Realtek 8-Channel High Definition Audio
What recent buyers report?
You might be under the impression that this motherboard needs a BIOS update to run a Ryzen 3000 series AMD processor. This motherboard comes with pre-installed and updated BIOS to ensure compatibility out of the box; this helps people looking to upgrade in the future. The BIOS is also easy to understand and manipulate.
Why it stands out to us?
MSI is known to build durable PC components. Now they have started focusing on the look element, as more and more users are now going for a glass side chassis. It comes with a pre-installed RGB that you can change using the ML software. You can set it with music, CPU temp, flashing, breathing, etc. It comes with Neutral gunmetal sinks to make it look wicked.
Who will use it most?
People looking to build a PC on a budget will be happy with what MSI offers with their MSI B450 Tomahawk motherboard. Gamers and content creators who want their PC to be overclocking, capable and BIOS friendly, and aesthetically pleasing will go for this motherboard.
Bottom Line
Even though this motherboard features all the necessary features, people have reported compatibility issues with the Ryzen 3000 series. Overclocking capability is good as the motherboard comes with substantial heat sinks to transfer all the heat into the air. It’s suitable for people who will be working in a hot environment on base clock speeds. It has relatively low power consumption, therefore reducing running costs. It also doesn’t come with mounting screws.
The Pros
✓ Easy to assemble
✓ BIOS Flash Button
✓ Customizable RGB Lightning on-board
The Cons
✗ Glitchy overclocking
✗ Doesn’t come with mounting screws
✗ Disables 2 SATA ports when 2 M.2’s are in use
ASRock B450 Pro4
Budget Pick
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Brand: ASRock | Processor: AMD 1st/2nd/3rd Gen Ryzen | Chipset: AMD Promontory B450 | Memory: 64GB, 4 x DIMM | Memory Speed: 2133 MHz to 3200 MHz (O.C) | Dimensions: 12.01 x 8.82 x 1.57 inch | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Audio: ELNA 8-Channel High Definition Audio
What recent buyers report?
This board features a D-Port with an HDMI port, which is nice to see as an option. Two USB 3.1 connections in the form of USB Type A and Type C. This is a big plus as manufacturers are pushing towards this new tech. 5 Fan ports make cable management easy.
Why it stands out to us?
ASRock B450 Pro4 allows you room for overclocking and supports power for your cooler pump. It makes it the right choice for overclockers looking to spend some bucks to get better results. It has a 9 phase VRM 6+3 setup, a nice feature to have stable voltage while overclocking your CPU. The on-board heatsinks can keep your motherboard cool.
Who will use it most?
It is most suitable for people who want a standard functional motherboard and has sufficient features to experiment with boosting performance. Subtle colors make it look professional. It is ideal for people who are targeting to play games and create content with good performance. Users who need vast amounts of storage space are not recommended to buy this board.
Bottom Line
ASRock B450 Pro4 can easily give the best mid-range Ryzen 5 2600 motherboard, as it’s neither high end or in the budget category. It does not look too flashy as the other motherboards; it’s pretty professional looking but does feature the ability to support RGB lighting. You can run a crossfire or SLI on this PC. Connectivity on this board gets a setback when it does not feature Bluetooth and WiFi, making it a good choice for people who rely on a wired connection.
The Pros
✓ Supports RGB Lightning Control
✓ VGA, HDMI, and D-port connections
✓ Can stably overclock Ryzen 5 2600 to 4.2 GHz
The Cons
✗ No Bluetooth and WiFi
✗ 3200 MHz Max Memory O.C
✗ Maximum Memory Limited to 64GB
Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO WIFI
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Brand: Gigabyte | Processor: AMD 1st/2nd/3rd Gen Ryzen | Chipset: AMD B450 | Memory: 128GB, 4 x DIMM | Memory Speed: 1866 MHz to 3600 MHz (O.C) | Dimensions: 15.00 x 12.25 x 4.22 Inches | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Audio: Realtek 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
What recent buyers report?
Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO WIFI provides display output for a CPU with a GPU built-in, so you don’t need a dedicated graphics card specifically to boot your computer system. Buyers like the RGB control and aesthetics of this compared to the previous generation motherboards. You cannot push the voltage too high on this motherboard; it goes to a max of +0.204V.
Why it stands out to us?
The feature this motherboard offers in its price range is high end. You can overclock your Ryzen 5 2600 to 4.3 GHz, which is impressive. It consumes less power under idle and loaded conditions. It features 2 USB 3.1 Gen2 and 2 USB 3.1 Gen1, and 5 USB 2.0 to ensure diverse connectivity.
Who will use it most?
It’s for users who are not looking to push their processor and RAM capability to the limits but want to have the option of overclocking so they can have decent clocks. It has 5 fan headers to keep your system running cool while playing games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Overwatch, and PUBG. It is the right choice for content creators.
Bottom Line
This motherboard’s prime feature is connectivity, which is a feature that most content creators use. Latency caused by the Wi-Fi is usually not a concerning issue for them. Content creators target a single GPU and faster encoding speeds, which are provided by the processor. It features dual BIOS features for peace of mind, as this motherboard bio is easily upgradable to support future processors.
The Pros
✓ Store MI Technology
✓ Efficient H/W monitoring
✓ Strong WIFI with wired antenna
The Cons
✗ Memory Speed O.C limited
✗ No SLI or Crossfire Capability
✗ Doesn’t support the latest WiFi-6
MSI B450 GAMING PRO CARBON AC
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Brand: MSI | Processor: AMD 1st/2nd/3rd Gen Ryzen | Chipset: AMD B450 Chipset | Memory: 64GB, 4 x DIMM | Memory Speed: 1866 MHz to 3466MHz (O.C) | Dimensions: 12.00 x 9.60 x 2.00 inches | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Audio: Realtek 8-Channel High Definition Audio
What recent buyers report?
MSI B450 GAMING PRO CARBON AC makes a pleasant code in the consumer market to support M.2 NVME Gen2 and is also backward compatible with Gen 1. It will ensure that you can avail of blazing transfer speeds of newer SSDs and still be able to put your Gen 1 drive into use. It has out of the box support for the Ryzen 5 2600 and supports its built-in GPU.
Why it stands out to us?
It comes with two antennas for WiFi-6 to ensure proper connection to your router. The heatsinks for VRMs extend to become a part of the IO shield at the back. It gives off a sleek yet aggressive look overall good for hardcore gamers. M.2 drives come with a heat sink that MSI calls as M.2 Shields is a plus point.
Who will use it most?
Gamers aiming for a high-end durable gaming PC with good connectivity and aesthetics will prefer this motherboard. The easy to use BIOS lets users overclock their processor and RAMs with charm. If you don’t require too much storage space, then the unusable SATA port 5 and 6, when M.2 is connected, won’t be of any concern.
Bottom Line
This motherboard features all significant components for a high-end gaming PC. It gives decent data transfer rates to ensure that your game loads without any delays. It easily achieves 100+ FPS on all major competitive gaming platforms. We wouldn’t recommend this for users who are concerned about their energy bills.
The Pros
✓ Quality build product
✓ Good performance/price ratio
✓ High potential for overclocking
The Cons
✗ Idle power draw high
✗ The compact design not good for SLI
✗ Limited SATA connection when M.2 connected
ASRock B450M Pro4
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Brand: ASRock | Processor: AMD 1st/2nd/3rd Gen Ryzen | Chipset: AMD Promontory B450 | Memory: 64GB, 4 x DIMM | Memory Speed: 2133 MHz to 3200 MHz (O.C) | Dimensions: 9.61 x 9.61 x 1.57 inch | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: ATX | Audio: Realtek 8-Channel High Definition Audio
What recent buyers report?
Buyers seem to have gotten better than expected performance from this motherboard. They were all happy with the smooth overclocking capability and claimed ASRock B450M Pro4 choose budget PC gamers. Most users tend to complain about the IO shield as it looks substandard.
Why it stands out to us?
The 9 Power Phase design can provide stable voltages to the processor under idle or overclocking conditions. It comes with surge protection in audio and LAN interfaces. The motherboard is a solid built with 36watt LED Header support, the board auto-detects if 3 pins or 4 pins fan is used.
Who will use it most?
Ryzen 5 2600 supports high-speed RAMs up to 2933 MHz, and this motherboard easily allows clocking RAM speeds to match the processor’s max support. It makes it a good option for people who are looking for a budget PC with an excellent overclocking option and a durable motherboard.
Bottom Line
This motherboard takes out the non-essential features to give you a clean and functional motherboard. It is designed to work with Ryzen 2nd Generation processors. It’s not the kind of board you want to buy for looks only; it is relatively plain-looking. You can compensate for the look by installing RGB coolers and strips.
The Pros
✓ Budget Motherboard
✓ Suitable for Ryzen 5 2600 O.C
✓ Supports high wattage water pump
The Cons
✗ It's tricky to install
✗ IO Shield substandard
✗ Limited RAM Capacity support
MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC
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Brand: MSI | Processor: AMD 1st/2nd/3rd Gen Ryzen | Chipset: AMD B450 Chipset | Memory: 64GB, 2 x DIMM | Memory Speed: 1866 MHz to 3466MHz (O.C) | Dimensions: 12.01 x 9.61 x 1.18 inches | Socket: AM4 | Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Audio: Realtek 8-Channel High Definition Audio
What recent buyers report?
MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC can be overclocking the Ryzen 5 2600 to 4.35 GHz on all 6 cores with 1.425 core. It comes with a 4+2 phase VRM, but Ryzen 5 2600, due to its 12nm lithography, cannot fully utilize this motherboard’s potential. It is excellent if you are looking to upgrade in the future to 7nm AMD processors.
Why it stands out to us?
It features an M.2 slot, 4 SATA connectors, 4 USB 3.1 Gen1, a standard for a full-size gaming PC but impressive for a small form factor motherboard. The diagnostic LEDS are a plus to ensure your PC’s health quickly. It gives decent performance when running the hardware under loaded gaming conditions. It is the right choice for 1080p gamers with small monitors.
Who will use it most?
Gamers looking to get a functional high-end PC in a small form should be your go-to motherboard. It is a minimalist design with all the power you need to run all the AAA titles and competitive esports games at 100+ fps. MSI boldly claims that it is capable of 24-hour gaming online or offline.
Bottom Line
As a reviewer, we can declare this one as the best motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 available in the market in 2021. It ensures enough support for new Ryzen processors and provides enough connectivity through WiFi, Bluetooth, and IO interface. It will only bother you during overclocking due to the compact size CMOS resetting jumper not reachable with IO Shield installed.
The Pros
✓ Wifi & Bluetooth on board
✓ BIOS Flashing without CPU
✓ Stable and comprehensive performance
The Cons
✗ M.2 connects on the sensual place
✗ compatibility issues with some CPUs
✗ No surge protection on Audio and LAN
Summary For Ryzen 5 2600 Motherboard
| Award | Modal | Design | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Premium Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Flagship Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Overall Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | MSI B450 TOMAHAWK |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Budget Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | ASRock B450 Pro4 |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Enthusiast Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | Gigabyte B450 AORUS PRO WIFI |
|
View on amazon |
| Best ATX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | MSI B450 GAMING PRO CARBON AC |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Micro-ATX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | ASRock B450M Pro4 |
|
View on amazon |
| Best Mini-ITX Motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 | MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC |
|
View on amazon |
Conclusion
All the above-stated motherboards are meant for different users. For a person looking for an enthusiast PC, we recommend you go for the ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming. It contains all the features you can need to overtime the processor to ensure fast and diverse connectivity.
A person who wants to buy a PC on a budget and still wants to land on the high-end range with an excellent overclocking capable motherboard can go for ASRock B450 Pro4. Then there will be minimalist design lovers who can go for MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC Mini-ITX, which has no match in its category for the features offered.
However, you can pick the best motherboard of your priorities. All of the motherboards mentioned above are most reliable for gaming and multi-tasks. Each of the products can be labeled as the best motherboard for Ryzen 5 2600 CPUs as it has excellent compatibility with the mentioned processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chipset does Ryzen 5 2600 use?
X570, B550, A520, X470, B450, X370, B350, A320, and A300 all support the Ryzen 5 2600 AM4 socket. After upgrading the BIOS, it can easily run the Ryzen 5 2600. The performance of chipsets, however, varies, with X570 leading the benchmarks. ASUS ROG Strix X570-E Gaming takes the lead in performance with its high FPS delivered but at some power cost.
Do I need to update BIOS for Ryzen 5 2600?
Most of the motherboards in 2021 come with upgraded BIOS supporting AMD Ryzen 2000 series processors. However, it Is good to flash the BIOS without the CPU, similar to the MSI B450I Gaming Plus AC motherboard. For future processors, you can upgrade without the fear of bricking your motherboard during a power surge.
How good is a Ryzen 5 2600?
Ryzen 5 2600 is easily the budget king. It delivers one of the best prices to performance in its category. You don’t need an enthusiast-level processor when you can have a good enough gaming experience at high refresh rates with 1080p resolution. However, for a budget processor, a budget motherboard like the ASRock B450M Pro4 matches the processor's capability perfectly.
Does Ryzen 5 2600 need a GPU?
Yes you will need a dedicated graphics card to boot your PC. MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS does not have display ports, which do not affect the capability of Ryzen 5 2600. The motherboard is good enough to boost the processor's performance and slightly lowers the price by not including the display ports.
Perfect Tech Reviewer
I write about PC gaming hardware and tech gadgets for gamers and professionals. My mission is to help you build individualized and unique high-performance PCs for your special needs and budget.
