Building a high-performance PC in 2025 doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price tag—especially for Canadians looking to take advantage of AMD’s powerful AM5 platform. If you’re planning a Ryzen 7000 or 8000 series build and want something future-ready with DDR5, PCIe 5.0, and modern connectivity—without busting your budget—you’re in luck.
B650 motherboards strike the perfect balance between performance, features, and affordability. And the best part? There are several top-tier boards available under $300 that don’t compromise on quality. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or PC enthusiast, this guide breaks down the best B650 options for your Canadian build.
Why Choose B650 for AM5?
If you’re considering AMD’s latest processors, the B650 chipset is a sweet spot. It brings the essential features of the flagship X670 chipset—like DDR5 memory support and PCIe 5.0—without the premium cost. Plus, most B650 boards include future-proofing with BIOS flashback and upgrade-friendly layouts.
For Canadians, where tech pricing and availability can be hit-or-miss, B650 boards offer a strategic advantage: excellent value for performance without the wait or worry.
What to Look for in a B650 Motherboard (Under $300)
Here are the key features that define a great B650 motherboard for budget-conscious builders:
- DDR5 Support: Essential for future-ready speed and stability.
- PCIe 5.0 Compatibility: Ideal for next-gen GPUs and blazing-fast NVMe SSDs.
- Reliable VRMs: Especially important for powering Ryzen 7000/8000 CPUs.
- Wi-Fi 6 or 6E: For fast, stable wireless connections.
- Plenty of M.2 Slots: For flexible storage upgrades.
- User-Friendly Features: Like BIOS flashback and EZ-latch for easier builds.
Let’s dive into the top B650 motherboards that meet these standards and deliver real-world value in the Canadian market.
Top B650 Motherboards for AM5 Builds in Canada
GIGABYTE B650M AORUS Elite AX ICE
If you’re eyeing a compact mATX build without skimping on features, this frosty-looking board checks all the boxes. With DDR5 support, PCIe 5.0, dual M.2 slots, and 2.5GbE LAN, it’s both visually striking and functionally rich. Its robust 5-year warranty is a standout in this price range.
Ideal For: Compact gaming or creator builds with a white-themed setup.
ASRock Pro RS AMD B650 Micro ATX
This board is a quiet powerhouse for builders who want reliability without the extras. It supports DDR5 memory and has the essentials for stable performance, making it a smart choice for first-time builders or cost-conscious upgraders.
Expert Tip: Pair this board with a Ryzen 7600 or 7700 for a balanced, efficient build that’ll handle gaming and productivity with ease.
ASUS TUF Gaming B650M-E WiFi
ASUS’s TUF lineup is known for military-grade durability, and this micro ATX board lives up to that legacy. With built-in Wi-Fi, strong VRMs, and clean layout, it’s an excellent choice for small form factor builds that need toughness and performance.
User Scenario: A college student building a compact gaming rig in a dorm room would appreciate this board’s durability and built-in connectivity.
MSI Pro B650M-P
Don’t let its plain black aesthetic fool you—this board is all business. It comes with support for DDR5 RAM, a solid networking setup (2.5G LAN), and a no-nonsense layout that’s builder-friendly. Perfect for minimalists or work-from-home setups.
Personal Perspective: I’ve used MSI’s Pro series in two builds now, and the BIOS experience alone makes them worth considering—simple, stable, and snappy.
GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX V2
This ATX board offers a serious performance upgrade path, with triple M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and a 5-year warranty. The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 ensures you’re set for GPU and SSD upgrades. It’s one of the best-rounded boards under $300.
Why It Stands Out: Perfect for builders who want full-size expandability without paying for X670-level features.
ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2
This board strips things down to the basics in the best way. Ideal for budget systems or starter builds, it supports Ryzen 7000 CPUs, DDR5, and has enough for everyday gaming and productivity needs.
Expert Advice: If your build prioritizes a solid CPU and GPU, this board lets you save money without losing stability.
ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi
Looking for a rugged, full-size board? This one delivers with 14 power stages, DDR5 support, PCIe 5.0, USB4 readiness, and solid thermal design. Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5G LAN seal the deal.
Best Use Case: Builders who want long-term upgradeability and premium stability for gaming or 3D rendering.
ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi
This ATX board brings premium aesthetics and high-end features like 12+2 power stages, Wi-Fi 6E, and USB 3.2 Gen2x2. If you’re after sleek design and serious performance on a sub-$300 budget, this is your pick.
Real-World Tip: This board is especially ideal for PC modders or anyone planning a white-themed RGB build.
GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX
A rock-solid ATX board that delivers everything you’d expect from Gigabyte’s AORUS line—robust power delivery, PCIe 5.0, and Wi-Fi 6E. The EZ-latch system makes GPU installation a breeze.
Expert Insight: This board is well-suited for gamers who don’t want to upgrade their motherboard again for several years.
GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX ICE
Looking for both performance and standout aesthetics? This snow-white ATX board offers triple M.2 slots, PCIe 5.0, and next-gen wireless connectivity. It’s built for builders who want to showcase their rigs without sacrificing power.
Use Case: A dream board for streamers or content creators who want a showcase PC with visual flair.
Final Thoughts: Your AM5 Build Deserves a Solid Foundation
Whether you’re building a sleek gaming rig, a workstation, or a multipurpose PC, a reliable B650 motherboard ensures your AM5 system is built to last. From compact mATX options to full-featured ATX boards, these selections under $300 prove that you don’t have to compromise performance for price—especially in the Canadian market.
Looking for the perfect pick? Explore the top recommendations below while they’re still available – these won’t stay in stock for long.