As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi
- Best budget: ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi
- Best premium: MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi
- Best for compact builds: ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi
- B650 motherboards use the AMD AM5 socket and pair with supported Ryzen desktop processors; Z890 boards use Intel LGA1851 for compatible Core Ultra desktop processors.
- B650 is the value-focused choice for an AM5 build, while Z890 suits buyers building around Intel’s LGA1851 platform.
- Check the exact board’s memory support, M.2 slots, networking and case size before choosing between models.
- A motherboard upgrade changes platform compatibility, so confirm CPU support and cooler fit before buying.
The B650 motherboard vs Z890 motherboard Black Friday 2026 decision comes down first to your processor: B650 boards use AMD’s AM5 socket, while Z890 boards use Intel’s LGA1851 socket. Neither chipset is a universal upgrade over the other. Each belongs to a different CPU platform, so start with the processor you own or plan to buy, then compare the board’s expansion, memory and networking.
We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across eight boards, from full-size ATX models to a compact micro-ATX option. My pick for most people building an AM5 system is the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi, while the MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi is a feature-rich Intel choice. Black Friday is a useful time to compare complete build costs, but a motherboard is only a good fit when its socket, dimensions and features match the rest of your PC.
How We Picked
- Platform compatibility: we separated AMD AM5 B650 boards from Intel LGA1851 Z890 boards and considered the CPU family each supports.
- Expansion: we compared listed M.2 storage slots, memory support and motherboard form factor to identify boards for different build sizes.
- Connectivity: we considered onboard wireless and wired networking, since these affect everyday use and reduce the need for add-in cards.
- Value and practical fit: we prioritized useful features for gaming and general-purpose builds rather than treating the highest chipset number as an automatic win.
- Owner feedback and product documentation: researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback, with attention to setup, usability and common buyer considerations.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | CPU platform | M.2 slots | Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi | Balanced AM5 builds | AMD AM5 | 3 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi | Mainstream AM5 gaming | AMD AM5 | 3 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2 | AM5 storage expansion | AMD AM5 | 3 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi | Compact AM5 builds | AMD AM5 | 3 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi | Feature-rich Intel builds | Intel LGA1851 | 5 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi | Intel gaming with Wi-Fi 7 | Intel LGA1851 | 4 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Gigabyte Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 | Intel builds with NVMe drives | Intel LGA1851 | 4 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi | Feature-focused Intel builds | Intel LGA1851 | 4 | Wi-Fi 7 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is the best all-around B650 motherboard for AM5 builders who want broad expansion and dependable connectivity. The ATX board has 3 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for: Balanced AM5 gaming and general-purpose builds
- Socket
- AM5
- Form factor
- ATX
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Three M.2 slots for storage expansion
- 2.5Gb Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E
- ATX layout provides room for add-in cards
- Does not support Intel LGA1851 processors
- Large ATX format is not suited to compact cases
Is the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for an AM5 build with room to grow. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi's 3 M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet cover key storage and connectivity needs.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is the best B650 motherboard for builders who want a familiar ATX layout and useful onboard connections. The board provides 3 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6.
Best for: Mainstream AM5 gaming builds
- Socket
- AM5
- Form factor
- ATX
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6
- Three M.2 slots for multiple drives
- 2.5Gb Ethernet and onboard Wi-Fi
- ATX size fits many standard gaming cases
- Does not support Intel processors
- Wi-Fi 6 is not the newest wireless standard
Is the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is worth considering for an AM5 gaming PC that needs three M.2 slots and onboard wireless. Confirm that your case supports ATX and check the CPU support list before assembly.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2
The Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2 is the best B650 motherboard for AM5 builders prioritizing storage and a flexible memory configuration. The ATX model includes 3 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for: AM5 systems with multiple storage drives
- Socket
- AM5
- Form factor
- ATX
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Three M.2 slots for drive expansion
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet
- ATX format leaves space for expansion cards
- Requires an AM5-compatible processor
- Check the V2 model name carefully when comparing listings
Is the Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2 is a good Black Friday 2026 pick for an AM5 build with several NVMe drives. The Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2's 3 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E give the ATX board practical storage and wireless flexibility.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi
The ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi is the best compact B650 motherboard for builders who need an AM5 platform in a smaller case. The micro-ATX board has 3 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E.
Best for: Compact AM5 builds
- Socket
- AM5
- Form factor
- micro-ATX
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Smaller micro-ATX footprint
- Three M.2 slots for storage
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Fewer expansion positions than many ATX boards
- Case and cooler clearance still need checking
Is the ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi is a compelling choice for a compact AM5 system that still needs 3 M.2 slots. Check your case’s micro-ATX support and available expansion space before choosing this smaller board.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi
The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi is the best all-around Z890 motherboard for Intel LGA1851 builders who want extensive storage and networking. The ATX board has 5 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for: Feature-rich Intel LGA1851 desktops
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Form factor
- ATX
- M.2 slots
- 5
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 7
- Five M.2 slots for extensive storage
- Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gb Ethernet
- ATX layout supports a broad range of components
- Requires a compatible LGA1851 processor
- Not a drop-in upgrade for an AM5 system
Is the MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi is a strong buy for an Intel LGA1851 build that needs extensive storage and fast networking. Five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gb Ethernet make it the most connectivity-focused pick here.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi is the best Z890 motherboard for builders seeking an Intel gaming platform with current wireless connectivity. The ATX board offers 4 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for: Intel gaming builds with Wi-Fi 7
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Form factor
- ATX
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 7
- Four M.2 slots for storage expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet
- ATX dimensions suit many desktop cases
- Does not support AM5 processors
- Requires an LGA1851-compatible cooler and CPU
Is the ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi is worth considering for an Intel LGA1851 gaming PC with four storage drives and Wi-Fi 7. Verify the processor socket and cooler compatibility before adding it to a build.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Gigabyte Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7
The Gigabyte Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 is the best Z890 motherboard for Intel builders who want Wi-Fi 7 and room for multiple NVMe drives. The ATX model provides 4 M.2 slots.
Best for: LGA1851 builds with multiple NVMe drives
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Form factor
- ATX
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 7
- Four M.2 slots
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Standard ATX form factor
- Requires a compatible Intel processor
- Does not fit every compact PC case
Is the Gigabyte Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Gigabyte Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 is a useful Black Friday 2026 choice for an LGA1851 desktop with multiple NVMe drives. The board combines 4 M.2 slots with Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#8
ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi
The ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi is the best Z890 motherboard for Intel builders who want a distinctive ATX board with modern wireless support. The model includes 4 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7.
Best for: Feature-focused Intel LGA1851 builds
- Socket
- LGA1851
- Form factor
- ATX
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 7
- Four M.2 slots for internal storage
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet
- ATX layout for full-size builds
- Not compatible with AMD AM5 CPUs
- Confirm case clearance for the full-size board
Is the ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi is a good fit for an Intel LGA1851 desktop needing four M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7. Match it with a compatible processor and an ATX case to use its full-size layout.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
What is the difference between a B650 and Z890 motherboard?
B650 supports AMD AM5 processors; Z890 supports Intel LGA1851 processors. The sockets are different, so choose based on your CPU.
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has 3 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E. The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi has 5 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7. Features vary by model, so compare storage, networking, memory support and board size.
Which motherboard should you choose for a gaming PC?
Match the motherboard to your processor: AM5 CPUs require B650, and compatible LGA1851 CPUs require Z890. The chipset alone does not determine gaming performance.
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is an ATX board with 3 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi is ATX with 4 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7. Confirm case fit, CPU support and BIOS requirements before buying.
Are B650 motherboards still a good choice in 2026?
B650 remains a practical choice for compatible AM5 builds. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi offers 3 M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
For a smaller build, the ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi provides a micro-ATX option with 3 M.2 slots. Check case fit, expansion needs, CPU support, memory compatibility and BIOS requirements for the exact model.
Is Z890 worth choosing over B650 for a new build?
Choose Z890 for a compatible Intel LGA1851 processor and B650 for a compatible AMD AM5 processor. The socket makes this a platform choice, not a direct upgrade comparison.
The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi has 5 M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gb Ethernet. The Gigabyte Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 and ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi each have 4 M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7. Match the board with compatible CPU, cooler and memory.
What should you check before buying a motherboard on Black Friday?
For Black Friday 2026, verify the socket, case size and exact model first: B650 is AM5, and Z890 is LGA1851.
Count your planned M.2 drives, then check memory support, expansion slots, networking, rear connections and BIOS requirements. Confirm slot speeds and shared-lane details in the product documentation. Compare the full model name and revision to ensure the board fits your system.
Buying Guide
Match the socket to your processor
B650 uses AMD AM5; Z890 uses Intel LGA1851. Confirm your exact CPU model on the manufacturer’s support page.
Choose ATX or micro-ATX
Most boards listed are ATX; the ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi is micro-ATX. Check case fit and space for your graphics card, cooler and expansion cards.
Count storage and memory needs
Compare M.2 slots and supported memory on the exact board. The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi has 5 M.2 slots; the B650 picks listed have 3.
Compare networking and connections
Check Wi-Fi generation, Ethernet speed and rear ports against your setup. Features differ between models within the same chipset family.
Review the complete build and listing
Verify CPU support, BIOS notes, cooler compatibility and model revision. A board is a good fit only when it works with your parts and provides the connections you need.
FAQ
Can a B650 motherboard use an Intel processor?
No. B650 motherboards use AMD’s AM5 socket and support compatible AMD processors, not Intel LGA1851 chips. For an Intel build, choose a compatible motherboard such as the MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi and confirm CPU support with the manufacturer.
Can a Z890 motherboard use an AMD Ryzen processor?
No. Z890 motherboards use Intel’s LGA1851 socket and are not compatible with AMD AM5 processors. An AMD Ryzen desktop build needs a compatible AM5 board, such as the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi.
Is B650 or Z890 better for gaming?
Neither chipset is automatically better for gaming; CPU compatibility and the rest of the build matter. B650 supports compatible AM5 processors, while Z890 supports compatible LGA1851 processors. Compare the individual board’s features and choose the platform for your processor.
Which B650 motherboard has the most storage slots?
The listed B650 picks each provide 3 M.2 slots: MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi, ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi, Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX V2 and ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi. Check each model’s documentation for slot speeds and sharing.
Which Z890 motherboard has the most M.2 slots?
The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi has the most M.2 slots among the Z890 picks in this guide, with 5. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z890-Plus WiFi, Gigabyte Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 and ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi each list 4.
Is micro-ATX compatible with an ATX case?
Most ATX cases support micro-ATX motherboards, but verify the case’s published motherboard compatibility before buying. The ASRock B650M Pro RS WiFi is micro-ATX, while the other boards in this guide use the ATX form factor.