X870E Motherboard vs B650 Motherboard Black Friday 2026 Deals

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

The X870E motherboard vs B650 motherboard Black Friday 2026 choice comes down to expansion and connectivity: X870E brings newer platform features, while B650 covers the needs of many AM5 gaming PCs. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven boards to make the differences easier to shop.

An X870E board is a better match for builders who want USB4, Wi-Fi 7, and more forward-looking I/O. A B650 board is a sensible fit for a gaming system built around an AM5 processor, one graphics card, and a straightforward storage setup. My pick for most people is the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi for its broad feature set; the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is a smart alternative when value matters more than the newest connectivity.

How We Picked

• Platform features: we compared chipset-level connectivity and the board-specific implementation of USB4, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and PCIe support.
• Expansion: we reviewed M.2 storage counts, graphics-card slots, and room for future drives and add-in cards.
• Power delivery: we considered published VRM configurations and cooling features for gaming and productivity processors.
• Build compatibility: we checked AM5 socket support, board size, memory support, and practical fit for common PC builds.
• Owner feedback and value: we researched reviews and owner feedback to identify useful features, trade-offs, and audience fit.

Comparison Table

Product	Best for	M.2 slots	USB4	Networking
ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi	Enthusiast gaming PCs with multiple SSDs	5	2 ports, up to 40Gbps	Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb Ethernet
ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero	Premium gaming and creator systems	5	2 ports, up to 40Gbps	Wi-Fi 7, 5Gb Ethernet
MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi	Mainstream X870E gaming builds	4	2 ports, up to 40Gbps	Wi-Fi 7, 5Gb Ethernet
GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7	Wi-Fi 7 gaming and productivity builds	4	2 ports, up to 40Gbps	Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb Ethernet
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi	Value-conscious AM5 gaming PCs	3	Not included	Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet
ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi	Mainstream gaming with flexible storage	3	Not included	Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb Ethernet
GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX V2	Balanced ATX builds on the AM5 platform	3	Not included	Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet

Best Picks Reviewed

#1 · Top pick

ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi

The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi is the best all-around X870E motherboard for feature-focused gaming builds. The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi's five M.2 slots give builders substantial room for fast storage.

Best for: Enthusiast gaming PCs with multiple SSDs

Socket

AM5

M.2 slots

5

USB4

2 ports, up to 40Gbps

Networking

Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb Ethernet

Pros

• Five M.2 slots support a large storage setup.
• Two USB4 ports offer high-speed external connectivity.
• Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet cover wired and wireless networking.

Cons

• The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi's extensive feature set is more than a basic gaming build requires.
• Large heatsinks and expansion hardware call for a case-fit check.

Is the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi is worth considering for an enthusiast AM5 build that needs five M.2 slots, USB4, and Wi-Fi 7. The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi's broad connectivity makes it a strong foundation for gaming and storage-heavy systems.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#2

ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero

The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero is the best premium X870E motherboard for high-end AM5 builds. Two USB4 ports support transfer speeds up to 40Gbps for compatible devices.

Best for: Premium gaming and creator systems

Socket

AM5

USB4

2 ports, up to 40Gbps

Networking

Wi-Fi 7, 5Gb Ethernet

M.2 slots

5

Pros

• Premium networking includes Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gb Ethernet.
• Five M.2 slots suit extensive internal storage.
• USB4 supports fast external drives and accessories.

Cons

• The premium feature set is unnecessary for entry-level builds.
• Large board features require careful component and case planning.

Is the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero is worth a look for builders who need premium networking, five M.2 slots, and two USB4 ports. Choose it for a high-end system where its extra connectivity will see regular use.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#3

MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi

The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi is the best balanced X870E motherboard for gamers who want current-generation connectivity without a flagship design. The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi's two USB4 ports support up to 40Gbps.

Best for: Mainstream X870E gaming builds

Socket

AM5

USB4

2 ports, up to 40Gbps

M.2 slots

4

Networking

Wi-Fi 7, 5Gb Ethernet

Pros

• USB4 and Wi-Fi 7 deliver up-to-date connectivity.
• Four M.2 slots give room to expand storage.
• 5Gb Ethernet supports a fast wired network.

Cons

• B650 boards suit builds that do not need X870E connectivity.
• Four M.2 slots are fewer than some premium alternatives.

Is the MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi is a good fit for gamers seeking X870E features, four M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi 7. The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi's USB4 and 5Gb Ethernet also benefit systems built around fast external and wired connections.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#4

GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7

The GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7 is the best X870E motherboard for builders prioritizing modern wireless networking and storage expansion. Four M.2 slots support multiple internal drives.

Best for: Wi-Fi 7 gaming and productivity builds

Socket

AM5

M.2 slots

4

USB4

2 ports, up to 40Gbps

Networking

Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb Ethernet

Pros

• Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 bring current connectivity features.
• Four M.2 slots suit multi-drive builds.
• 2.5Gb Ethernet offers a fast wired option.

Cons

• A B650 board is a better match for simpler builds.
• Confirm that the board's layout suits the selected case and cooler.

Is the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7 is worth considering for AM5 builders who want Wi-Fi 7, USB4, and four M.2 slots. The GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7 combines these features with 2.5Gb Ethernet for flexible home networking.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#5

MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi

The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is the best value-focused B650 motherboard for mainstream AM5 gaming builds. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi's three M.2 slots provide room for a primary drive and two additional SSDs.

Best for: Value-conscious AM5 gaming PCs

Socket

AM5

M.2 slots

3

Networking

Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet

Memory

4 DDR5 DIMM slots

Pros

• Three M.2 slots support a useful multi-drive setup.
• Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet cover common networking needs.
• Four memory slots allow a range of DDR5 configurations.

Cons

• The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi lacks the USB4 connectivity found on the featured X870E boards.
• Wi-Fi 7 is not included.

Is the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is worth buying for a gaming PC that needs three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet without X870E-specific features. Check the CPU support list and BIOS version before installation.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#6

ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi

The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi is the best B650 motherboard for a durable-feeling, straightforward AM5 gaming build. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi's three M.2 slots make room for a primary drive and two additional SSDs.

Best for: Mainstream gaming with flexible storage

Socket

AM5

M.2 slots

3

Networking

Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb Ethernet

Memory

4 DDR5 DIMM slots

Pros

• Three M.2 slots provide useful storage expansion.
• 2.5Gb Ethernet supports a fast wired connection.
• Four DDR5 slots accommodate common memory upgrades.

Cons

• The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi's Wi-Fi generation is older than Wi-Fi 7.
• The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi does not provide the USB4 ports featured on X870E boards.

Is the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi is a solid option for an AM5 gaming PC with three M.2 drives and wired or wireless networking. Pick it when B650 features meet your needs and USB4 is not a priority.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

#7

GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX V2

The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX V2 is the best B650 motherboard for builders seeking a balanced ATX gaming foundation. Three M.2 slots allow a practical multi-drive setup.

Best for: Balanced ATX builds on the AM5 platform

Socket

AM5

M.2 slots

3

Networking

Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet

Memory

4 DDR5 DIMM slots

Pros

• Three M.2 slots support additional internal storage.
• Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet offer flexible networking.
• ATX layout provides room for common expansion cards.

Cons

• The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX V2 lacks USB4 and Wi-Fi 7.
• X870E is the better chipset choice for newer I/O features.

Is the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX V2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?

The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX V2 is worth considering for an AM5 gaming build that needs three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet. The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX V2 is a practical alternative when X870E extras are not essential.

Check Price on Amazon

See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon

What is the difference between X870E and B650 motherboards?

X870E motherboards bring newer platform connectivity, while B650 motherboards focus on core AM5 features for mainstream builds. The four X870E picks here include two USB4 ports rated up to 40Gbps.

The chipset name alone does not determine every feature: board makers choose the exact number of M.2 slots, network options, and rear ports. The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi, for example, has five M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has three M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E.

Choose X870E for USB4, Wi-Fi 7, and a build plan that uses those features. Choose B650 for an AM5 gaming system where standard expansion and networking cover the workload.

Is an X870E motherboard worth choosing over B650 for gaming?

A B650 motherboard is enough for many AM5 gaming PCs, while X870E is worth choosing when its extra connectivity matters to the build. Both chipset families support AM5 processors, and neither chipset alone guarantees a higher gaming frame rate.

The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi offers three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet for a well-equipped gaming setup. The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi adds USB4, Wi-Fi 7, and 5Gb Ethernet for devices and networks that use those standards.

Prioritize the graphics card, processor, and memory plan before paying for features that will sit unused. Skip it if your current devices do not need X870E connectivity.

Which X870E motherboard is the best overall pick?

The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi is the best overall X870E pick here, with five M.2 slots and two USB4 ports. The board suits builders who want room for internal storage and fast external accessories.

The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi is a sensible alternative for a more restrained feature plan, with four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7, and 5Gb Ethernet. The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero is the premium choice for a system that benefits from Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gb wired networking.

Compare board dimensions, cooler clearance, GPU fit, and front-panel connectors before ordering. A useful motherboard is one that matches the complete parts list, not just the chipset label.

Which B650 motherboard is best for a value-focused build?

The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is the best value-focused B650 choice in this guide, with three M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E. Its feature mix suits a gaming PC that needs practical storage and networking without USB4.

The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi is another good fit for a straightforward ATX system, with three M.2 slots and 2.5Gb Ethernet. The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS ELITE AX V2 also includes three M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 6E.

Check current Black Friday 2026 listings against the exact model and revision. Compare the features you will use, warranty terms, and return policy rather than choosing by chipset name alone.

What should you check before buying an AM5 motherboard?

A motherboard purchase should match the CPU, case, memory, graphics card, and storage plan. All seven boards in this guide use the AM5 socket and DDR5 memory, but firmware support depends on the specific processor and BIOS version.

Check the board's CPU support list, especially when pairing it with a recently released processor. Confirm the number and generation of M.2 slots, the size of the motherboard, and the layout of the graphics-card slot. Review whether the case front-panel USB ports connect to the board headers.

For wireless networking, check whether the router supports the board's Wi-Fi generation. For USB4, confirm that your external drives or accessories benefit from the connection. A feature is valuable when the rest of the build can use it.

Buying Guide

Choose the chipset for your planned connections

X870E is the better match when USB4 and Wi-Fi 7 matter to your setup. B650 is a strong choice when standard USB, Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 6, and wired Ethernet cover your needs.

Count your M.2 drives before choosing

Write down how many NVMe drives the build needs now and how many it will add later. The featured boards offer three, four, or five M.2 slots, so match the count to your storage plan.

Confirm processor and BIOS compatibility

Check the motherboard maker's CPU support list and BIOS information for your exact AM5 processor. A compatible socket does not remove the need to verify firmware support.

Match the board to your case and parts

Confirm the board's ATX dimensions, graphics-card clearance, CPU cooler fit, memory type, and required power connectors. Review the header layout if your case has front-panel USB-C.

Compare Black Friday listings by exact model

Use the full product name and model revision when comparing Black Friday 2026 listings. Check included wireless hardware, rear I/O, warranty details, and the seller's return policy.

FAQ

Is X870E better than B650 for gaming?

X870E offers newer connectivity, while B650 supports strong AM5 gaming builds with fewer premium I/O features. The chipset does not by itself determine gaming performance, so choose based on USB4, networking, storage, and your overall parts plan.

Does B650 support Ryzen 9000 processors?

Many B650 motherboards support Ryzen 9000 processors with a compatible BIOS, but support depends on the exact board and firmware. Check the manufacturer's CPU support list and update instructions before installing or buying the processor.

Do X870E motherboards include USB4?

The X870E boards featured in this guide include two USB4 ports rated up to 40Gbps. Verify the rear I/O specification for the exact model, and confirm that your external devices support USB4 to use its higher-speed connection.

Is Wi-Fi 7 worth it on an X870E motherboard?

Wi-Fi 7 is useful when the network router and connected devices support Wi-Fi 7 and the PC benefits from a wireless connection. Wi-Fi 6E or Ethernet remains a practical option for systems that do not need the newer wireless standard.

How many M.2 slots should a gaming motherboard have?

Three M.2 slots give many gaming builds room for a main drive and two additional SSDs. Choose a board with four or five slots when the system needs more internal storage, and check which slots share bandwidth or disable other connections.

Should I buy an X870E motherboard on Black Friday 2026?

Buy an X870E motherboard on Black Friday 2026 when USB4, Wi-Fi 7, or its additional expansion features match your build. A B650 motherboard is a better fit when those extras are not part of your requirements.