Gigabyte B650 EAGLE AX

Pros

• Excellent value-to-performance ratio, often cited as the cheapest ATX board that doesn't compromise on power delivery.
• Includes integrated WiFi 6E and a good selection of connectivity options for its price class.
• Robust VRM design capable of supporting high-end AM5 CPUs like the 9800X3D.
• Features extra M.2 slots for future storage expansion.
• Unique grey aesthetic that stands out from typical black budget boards.

Cons

• Gigabyte BIOS can be prone to glitches or bugs according to some long-term users.
• The third PCIe slot is limited to 4.0 x2 speeds, which may be a bottleneck for specific expansion cards.
• Occasional quality control reports, including boards arriving with PCB scratches or failing shortly after installation.

Caveats

• Requires a BIOS update to work with newer processors like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
• As a 'no-frills' board, it lacks the premium aesthetic features and high-end overclocking tools found on more expensive models.

Best for

• Budget-conscious AM5 builds.
• Users who need integrated WiFi 6E without paying a premium.
• Builders looking for a reliable ATX board with decent power delivery for gaming.

Avoid if

• You require full-speed secondary PCIe slots for high-bandwidth expansion cards.
• You have a strong preference for other manufacturers' BIOS interfaces.
• You are looking for a high-end board with extensive RGB or premium overclocking features.