AMD B650E VS B650 Motherboards – Differences & What to Expect

AMD Ryzen 7000 range CPU units made headlines due to their advanced features, including DDR5 RAM, PCIe5.0 connection, LGA sockets, and many other features. These AM5 motherboards are also known to be extremely pricey and covered due to their high range of price tags.

AMD expanded its B series chipsets to attract budget-conscious consumers, especially the B600 series. In October 2022, AMD launched its two new chipsets of this series – the B650 and B650E. AMD declared these two chipsets as a more pocket-friendly option for those who wanted to enjoy the experience of an AM5 series motherboard without spending a hefty amount.

After launching the AM5 series motherboard, AMD introduced the “E,” or ‘extreme’ series chipset and motherboard. The main feature of these E series chipsets is that these models support CPU and sometimes memory overclocking.

These two motherboards had some advanced features with some base-level features as well. But what are the differences between these B650 & B650E motherboards? Let’s find out!

Difference Between the Motherboard and the Chipset

Before you understand the difference between the two motherboards, let’s understand the chipset and the motherboard. A motherboard is a physical circuit board with components like CPU and GPU, RAM, Input-output hub, etc. On the other hand, the chipsets are the small electronic component that controls the motherboard’s traffic and works as a data controller hub. In other words, the chipset is an integral part of the CPU that determines the number of features your motherboard will have.

What is an AMD B650 Motherboard?

The AMD B650 Motherboard is empowered by the B650 chipset, which is the entry-level chipset for the AMD Ryzen latest CPUs. It is a single chipset motherboard that offers some advanced features alongside the basic ones.

What are the Key Differences Between the B650E and B650 Motherboards?

1. CPU Socket (AM5)

These two motherboards both have SM5 sockets. In fact, AMD decided to introduce the new LGA or Land Grid Array design sockets, similar to modern Intel CPU models. The LGA sockets have a higher spin density, increasing the power flow through the socket. The sockets come with 1718 pins. Hence, it is clear that such sockets can support higher bandwidth.

Both the B650 and B650E come with the new LGA socket. Hence, these two offer higher TDP and PPT (Package Power Tracking) and can work with more data.

2. PCIe (CPU 5.0, 4.0 Lane; Chipset 4.0, 3.0)

PCIe of the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express is a pathway that connects the NVMe SSDs and the GPU. The PCIe 5.0 is the last, with a speed of 4 gigabytes/S per lane.

If you consider the B650E motherboard, it comes with the following PCIe paths-

a. PCIe 5.0- It has a total of 24 PCIe lanes.16 PCIe lanes for the graphics card. You can run one GPU in the x16 mode or two different GPUs in the x8 mode. It also has 4 PCIe 5.0 lanes connecting the Fast NVMe solid-state drive. It also has 4 PCIe 5.0 General purpose lanes that can have varied uses depending on the model.

b. PCIe 4.0 and 3.0– 12 additional PCIe 4.0 lanes can be used to connect with NVMe ports and other ports, depending on the model.

Besides that, this model also supports one Super Speed USB 20 Gbps port and two 10Gbps ports, or a total of 10 Gbps Super Speed USB ports.

Considering the B650 motherboard, these PCIe lanes are similar in number, which are 36. But, it only supports only the PCIe 4.0 lanes. This chipset has two PCIe 4.0 paths for the GPU. You can connect one Gpu in the x16 mode or two different graphics cards in the x8 mode. It also has one x4 PCIe 4.0 and the NVMe port. But, there is a loophole. If needed, a partner manufacturer can replace the NVMe PCIe 4.0 lane with a PCIe 5.0 lane in x4 mode.

If you check out the graphics feature, the B650E performs better as it supports PCIe 5.0 lanes. On top of that, it also uses PCIe 5.0 lanes for the NVMe ports. Hence, it offers faster throughput and response through the SSDs. But, buying the B650 Motherboard from a manufacturer that offers the PCIe lane for three NVMe ports will offer faster communication with the SSDs.

But that does not mean the B650 motherboard is lacking. It will just not have the same cutting-edge graphics as the B650E motherboards.

3. CPU Generation (Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7)

The B650E and B650 both chipsets support the Ryzen 7000 range CPUs. But the B650E can work better with CPUs designed for gaming or other designated tasks. But, the B650 works only with regular CPU models. Hence, going with the B650E motherboard is better if you are looking for higher-generation CPU models.

4. DMI 4.0 Lanes

DMI or Direct Media Interface 4.0 lanes are needed to connect the CPU unit’s Northbridge and Southbridge. The Northbridge, or the memory sector, controls the CPU, PCIe, and RAM, while the Southbridge, or the I/O controller hub, manages the SATA, BIOS, and USB ports. In other words, the DMI 4.0 lanes connect the chipset with the rest of the CPU.

Both B650 and B650E motherboards have 4 DMI 4.0 lanes. Hence, performance-wise, there will not be much difference. On top of that, both of these two motherboards also support HDMI 4.0 bandwidth, and you can connect multiple devices with the CPU to use different input and output devices.

5. Integrated Graphic Card

Both B650E and B650 support integrated graphics cards. Both of these support two graphics cards. Hence, you can use an additional Graphics card besides the integrated one. But with B650E, you get the support of PCIe 5.0 lane for the graphics card, which is not available in the B650 motherboard.

That means the B650E will offer better graphics than the B650 motherboard despite featuring the same integrated graphics card.

6. CPU Overclocking and Memory Overclocking Support (MHz)

CPU overclocking and memory overclocking are essential to get the best out of the computer device against a huge load. The B650E is made with the AMD EXPO or Extreme Profiles for Overclocking Technology, which offers single-click memory and CPU overclocking. The best part about this EXPO technology is that it allows you to customize the sub-timings to precision for a lower latency operation.

The overall VRM phase design is 24+2+1(CPU+SOC-MEM). Hence, it supports both memory and CPU overclocking with a single click.

It also supports the RAM overclocking feature at the rate of 6400 MHz or higher, depending on the model you are using. Due to the advanced AMD EXPO technology, single-click memory overcoming can increase gaming performance by up to 11% at a resolution of 1080p. It also increases with DDR5 memory latency to 63 nanoseconds.

The B650 motherboard, on the other hand, does not come with an official CPU overclocking mechanism. You can still do that through the BIOS section of your device. But, it is not recommended due to the weaker VRM delivery system. Such VRM systems cannot maintain the wattage essential to maintain the higher CPU clock speed. Of course, you can definitely overclock the RAM with these motherboards. With DDR5 memory, you can click the performance 6400MHz or even higher.

7. RAID Support and Modes

RAID, or the Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is the method to store the same data in different places of the SSD to ensure overall protection from data loss from drive failure.

The B650E and B650 motherboards are made with AMD RAIDXpert technology and offer complete RAID protection. The B650E has four RAID modes – 0/1/5/10. It offers the PCIe RAID 0/1/5/10 and SATA 1/1/10. That means these two offer full-fledged data loss protection.

On the other hand m, the B650 only supports three RAID modes- RAID 0/1/10 for both PCIe channel and SATA ports. Hence, even if it offers RAID support, the support quality is not as advanced as the B650E motherboard.

8. Max No. of SATA 6.0 Gb/s (Number)

SATA of Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is the ability of the motherboard to connect with optical and hard drives through serial cables over the two pairs of semiconductors. B650E and B650 support native SATA ports of the 6.0 Gbps/S transfer speed.

9. No. of USB Ports (3.2 {20Gbps/10Gbps/5Gbps},2.0 gen)

The B650E motherboards have 12 USB ports with 1 USB 4.0 port, 6 USB 10Gbps ports, 1 USB 20Gbps port, and 4 SATA 3.0 ports. On the other hand, the B650 has only ten ports, including 1 USB 3.0 port, 1 USB 20Gbps port, 6 USB 10Gbps ports, and SATA 3.0 ports.

10. Memory

The B650 motherboard supports DDR5 RAM with 50% fastest data transfer and a clock speed ranging from 4800 to 6600 MHz. On the other hand, the B650 supports DDR5 RAM with a clock speed of 4800- 5200 MHz.

a. Generation (DDR4, DDR5)

Both B650E and B650 support DDR5 RAM.

b. Channels (Number)

Both B650E and B650 motherboards have a 32GB single channel for two channels. Hence, these two motherboards can support 128GB of memory.

c. Slots (Number)

B650E motherboard variants come with four slots. On the other hand, the B650 has only two slots. If you need more slots, you can use an add-on card.

11. No. of Supported Displays (Number)

B650E and B650 motherboards both support three display screens.

12. No. of DIMMs Per Channel (Number)

DIMM or Dual In-Line Memory Module is 64 bits of computer memory that supports faster data transfer. Both B650E and B650 have 4 DIMMs channels with 2 DIMMs per channel.

13. Thermal Design Power (Watt)

Thermal Design Power, or TDP, is the motherboard’s power consumption with its maximum theoretical load or the power target of the CPU for the best thermal splitting. Both B650E and B650 come with a TDP of 7W.

14. Integrated Wi-fi

B650E and B650 birth support integrated wi-fi. But, due to the PCIe 5.0 channel support, the B650E may offer faster data connectivity.

15. VRM Power Phase

The voltage Regulation Modulator or VRM power phase is the mechanism that allows the motherboard to get a consistent power supply while it is working. Motherboard with higher VRM power phase offers better overclocking results and better lifecycle with consistent performance even during higher load. The B650E supports the power phases of 16+2+2 of Digital VRM solutions. On the other hand, the B650 supports the VRM power phases of 14+1+1.

That means the B650E will work slightly better than the B650 in terms of overclocking mechanism, load management, etc.

AMD B650E and B650 Motherboards: Differences

Which is Best, AMD B650E or B650?

As you can see, the B650E and B650 Motherboards have similar functions, but the B650E has some better features, including PCIe 5.0 lanes, better VRM phases, a single-click overclocking mechanism, etc. On top of that, it will also support Gen 5 GPU and SSDs. On the contrary, the B650 has optional PCIe 5.0 support, LGA sockets, and DDR5 RAM support. But, in the case of USB ports, both are quite similar.

The B650 motherboards come with advanced-level features, which can be great for those who want a good motherboard for a gaming device under a tight budget. It offers a range of decent features without causing a hole in your pocket.

On the other hand, the B650E, a better version of the B650 motherboards, comes with high-end features and hardware especially suitable for gamers. But it doesn’t cost a lot. Those who want to experience the latest hi-tech motherboards on a decent budget range can choose it. Besides that, those who want a better motherboard for a gaming PC can definitely invest in B650E versions.

But, if you want to go for the best, B650E is your ideal option.

Conclusion

B650E and B650 are the new chipsets released by AMD to meet the demands of mid-range buyers; while the B650E motherboard is better and suitable for gamers, the B650 is also a good choice, mostly for the wider user base. You can choose any of these two motherboard variants depending on your preference.