Compare AMD and Intel motherboard prices by socket, chipset, and form factor. Track price drops with full price history charts on Amazon UK.
Compare AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1700+ desktop boards. Filter by chipset, socket, and form factor — sorted by lowest price by default.
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Motherboard Buying Guide
Your motherboard connects everything together. It determines which CPUs, RAM, and storage you can use, and provides expansion slots, USB ports, and networking.
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Chipset & Socket
Match the chipset to your CPU socket. For AMD AM5 (Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series), the current chipset generation is B850 and X870/X870E, launched in 2024 alongside Ryzen 9000. The older B650/B650E and X670/X670E boards (2022) are still fully compatible with all Ryzen 7000 and 9000 CPUs and often represent better value now that prices have dropped. For Intel, B760/Z790 pairs with 12th–14th gen Core (LGA 1700), and B860/Z890 pairs with 15th gen Core Ultra 200 (Arrow Lake, LGA 1851). Higher-tier chipsets offer more PCIe lanes, USB ports, and overclocking support.
ATX is the standard size with the most expansion slots. Micro-ATX saves space while keeping most features. Mini-ITX is for compact builds but limits expansion. Make sure your case supports the form factor you choose.
Connectivity & Features
Wi-Fi 7 is now standard on all AMD 800 series (B850/X870/X870E) boards and is available on many 600 series boards as well. If wireless connectivity matters, check whether the module is soldered on or uses an M.2 E-key slot — the latter lets you upgrade later. Also check the number of M.2 slots for NVMe storage, USB4 or USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports for fast external storage, USB-C headers for front panel ports, and whether the board has enough fan headers for your cooling setup.
VRM Quality & Power Delivery
The voltage regulator module (VRM) on a motherboard controls how much power your CPU receives. Boards with higher-quality VRMs and more power phases deliver cleaner, more stable power, which matters most for high-core-count or overclocked CPUs. Budget boards sometimes cut corners here, causing throttling under sustained load. If you are running a power-hungry chip, look for reviews that test VRM thermals — a board with a decent heatsink on the VRMs will handle demanding workloads much better.
BIOS Updates & CPU Compatibility
When a new CPU launches on an existing socket, older motherboards often need a BIOS update to recognise it. Some boards have a USB BIOS flashback feature that lets you update the BIOS without a CPU installed — invaluable if you are buying a brand-new processor with a board that has been sitting on a shelf. Always check the manufacturer support page for the latest BIOS version and verify your target CPU is listed in the compatible processors table before purchasing.
AMD 600 Series vs 800 Series Chipsets (2026)
AMD has two AM5 chipset generations in the market simultaneously. The 600 series (B650, B650E, X670, X670E) launched in 2022 and now sells at reduced prices, making it the budget-conscious choice for Ryzen 9000 builds — these boards are fully compatible with all AM5 CPUs including the latest Ryzen 9000 (Zen 5) parts. The 800 series (B850, X870, X870E) launched in late 2024 alongside Ryzen 9000 and adds standard USB4 40Gbps support, mandatory Wi-Fi 7, and improved M.2 slot assignments with PCIe 5.0 routing. B850 is the mainstream mid-range choice for new builds in 2026; X870E is the flagship for heavy overclockers and users who need maximum connectivity. If budget is tight, a quality B650 board delivers the same CPU performance at a lower entry price — the 800 series benefits matter most when you need USB4 or Wi-Fi 7 out of the box.
Most modern motherboards include capable onboard audio and at least 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, which is sufficient for the vast majority of users. Dedicated sound cards are rarely needed unless you are doing professional audio production. Similarly, built-in Wi-Fi modules on mid-range and higher boards perform well enough that a separate PCIe Wi-Fi card is unnecessary. Spending more on a board with better onboard features can actually save money compared to buying add-on cards later.
Expansion & Future Upgrades
Think about what you might add to your system down the line. If you plan to install a capture card, a sound card, or additional NVMe storage, make sure the board has enough PCIe slots and M.2 connectors. Some budget boards share bandwidth between M.2 slots and SATA ports, which can disable certain connectors when an NVMe drive is installed. Reading the motherboard manual or specification sheet before buying reveals these shared-lane configurations and prevents unpleasant surprises during a future upgrade.
Build Quality & Warranty
A motherboard is one of the hardest components to replace once a system is built, so reliability matters. Boards from well-known manufacturers typically offer better warranty support and more frequent BIOS updates. Look for reinforced PCIe slots if you plan to use a heavy graphics card, and check for sufficient heatsinks on M.2 slots and the chipset. A three-year warranty is standard, but some premium boards extend this to five years. Investing a little more in a reputable board can save significant hassle if something fails.
Budget Allocation Tips
It is tempting to save money on the motherboard and spend more on the CPU or GPU, but going too cheap can limit your build. A motherboard that lacks USB BIOS flashback, has a weak VRM, or only has one M.2 slot can cause frustration later. Aim to spend roughly 15–20% of your total build budget on the motherboard. This usually lands you in the mid-range, where you get solid power delivery, adequate connectivity, and a reliable feature set without paying for unnecessary premium extras.
Checking Price History
Motherboard prices often spike when a new CPU platform launches and then stabilise as supply catches up. Tracking price history helps you spot genuine sales versus inflated "new platform" pricing. Mid-range boards frequently see their best prices 6–12 months after a platform launch, when the next generation is on the horizon and retailers discount inventory. If you are building on an established platform, waiting for a sale event like Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day can save £20–50 on a solid mid-range board without compromising your build.
For most new builds in 2026, AMD AM5 is the stronger long-term platform. Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series CPUs share the same socket, and AMD has committed to AM5 support through at least 2027 — meaning a future CPU upgrade will not require a new motherboard. Entry-level B650 boards are competitively priced. Intel LGA 1851 (Arrow Lake, 15th Gen Core) delivers excellent single-core performance and pairs with B860 and Z890 chipset boards, but Intel has historically changed sockets every generation, which can limit upgrade options. If you already own a Ryzen 5000 processor, note that it uses AM4 — not AM5 — so verify the socket before buying.
What motherboard chipset should I choose?▾
For AMD AM5, B650 offers the best value for most users, while X670E adds extra PCIe 5.0 lanes for enthusiasts. For Intel LGA 1700 (12th–14th gen), B760 is the mainstream choice and Z790 supports overclocking. For Intel LGA 1851 (Arrow Lake), B860 is the mainstream option and Z890 supports overclocking. The chipset determines features like USB port count, M.2 slots, and overclocking support.
What is the difference between ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX?▾
ATX is the standard full-size board with the most expansion slots. Micro-ATX is smaller and fits compact cases while keeping most features. Mini-ITX is the smallest, ideal for small form factor builds but usually limited to one GPU slot and two RAM slots.
Do I need Wi-Fi on my motherboard?▾
Only if you cannot run an Ethernet cable to your PC. Built-in Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 adds convenience but costs slightly more. You can always add Wi-Fi later with a PCIe card if your board has a spare slot.
When do motherboard prices drop?▾
Motherboard prices typically fall when a new chipset generation launches — retailers discount existing boards to clear inventory, and new models themselves often drop within a few months of release as supply builds up. AMD B650 boards, for example, fell noticeably after the X870 series arrived. Amazon Prime Day (July) and Black Friday (November) are the other reliable sale windows. Because motherboard prices move more slowly than CPUs or GPUs, checking the price history chart on each product page is the most reliable way to judge whether a current price is a genuine deal or still above the historical low.
Is it worth buying a previous-generation chipset motherboard?▾
Often yes, if you are staying on the same socket. An AMD B650 or X670 board works with every AM5 CPU — including current Ryzen 9000 series — and typically costs 20–30% less than a newer X870 board after a generation turnover. The practical differences between chipset generations are usually limited to USB4 port count, PCIe lane allocation, and onboard feature sets rather than raw CPU performance. Intel LGA 1700 boards (B760, Z790) similarly remain fully functional with all 12th–14th Gen processors and are worth considering if you already own a compatible CPU. Use the price history chart to confirm the discount is genuine, and check that the board has BIOS support for your target CPU before buying.
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