The Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi is a popular and affordable motherboard that offers a range of features for building a budget gaming or workstation PC. Supporting AMD Ryzen processors and featuring dual-channel DDR4 memory, this micro-ATX board combines high performance with impressive connectivity options.
With its onboard Wi-Fi, M.2 support, and various expansion slots, the Best Budget Gaming Motherboard Gigabyte B450M DS3H is ideal for PC enthusiasts looking to build a compact, efficient system without breaking the bank.
Key Features
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi offers several features that cater to users who want a well-rounded motherboard for both gaming and productivity.
Below are some of the standout features:
1. Supports AMD Ryzen and Athlon Processors
The motherboard supports a variety of processors, including the 1st and 2nd generation of AMD Ryzen processors and Athlon processors with Radeon Vega Graphics. This flexibility allows users to choose from a wide range of CPUs for their builds, whether they’re after high-end performance or something more budget-friendly.
2. Dual-Channel DDR4 Memory Support
With support for up to four DIMM slots and a maximum capacity of 64GB DDR4 RAM, this motherboard ensures smooth multitasking, faster data processing, and superior gaming performance. The memory clock speed can reach up to 3600 MHz, making it suitable for intensive applications.
3. Intel Dual Band 802.11AC Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2
One of the main attractions of this motherboard is the built-in Wi-Fi capability, which includes Intel Dual Band 802.11AC wireless connectivity. This means that you don’t need a separate Wi-Fi card, saving both space and money. It also supports Bluetooth 4.2, enabling wireless peripheral connections.
4. Ultra-Fast PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 Slot
The inclusion of an M.2 slot supporting PCIe NVMe and SATA modes provides ultra-fast storage options for SSDs, drastically reducing boot and load times. This is particularly important for gamers and users working with large files.
5. High-Quality Audio and Noise Guard
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi is equipped with high-quality audio capacitors and an audio noise guard design, ensuring superior audio output. This feature is great for gaming and media production, where sound quality is important.
6. RGB Fusion 2.0
For those who want a bit of flair in their builds, the RGB Fusion 2.0 allows users to control the RGB lighting on the motherboard and sync it with other compatible components, offering personalized aesthetics.
7. Realtek Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed
Gigabyte has equipped the motherboard with Realtek Gigabit LAN, which includes the cFosSpeed Internet Accelerator software, improving network performance for gaming and streaming by reducing latency.
8. Smart Fan 5
Managing your system’s cooling is easier with Smart Fan 5, which features 5 temperature sensors and 2 hybrid fan headers. The Fan Stop feature allows users to configure their fans to stop completely when the system reaches a certain low temperature, reducing noise when the system is under light loads.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor Support | AMD Ryzen 1st and 2nd Generation, Athlon |
| Socket | AM4 |
| Memory Type | DDR4 (Dual Channel) |
| Maximum Memory Capacity | 64 GB |
| Memory Speed | Up to 3600 MHz |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Intel Dual Band 802.11AC |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe Gen3 x16, 1 x PCIe Gen3 x1 |
| M.2 Slot | PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 (Supports NVMe and SATA) |
| Audio | Realtek ALC887, High-Quality Audio Capacitors |
| LAN | Realtek Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 3.1, 6 x USB 2.0 |
| Display Output | 1 x HDMI |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
| Dimensions | 10.43 x 10.43 x 2.13 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Supports multiple AMD processors, providing flexibility.
- Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, eliminating the need for additional components.
- M.2 NVMe support for faster storage options.
- Good audio quality with noise protection.
- RGB Fusion 2.0 for customizable lighting.
Cons:
- Limited PCIe expansion slots.
- Lacks USB Type-C port.
- No support for higher-end features like PCIe Gen4.
Conclusion
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H Wifi Review highlights this motherboard as an excellent choice for budget-conscious users looking to build a reliable and compact system. Its support for AMD’s Ryzen and Athlon processors ensures a wide range of performance options, and the inclusion of built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is a major selling point for users who need wireless connectivity without purchasing extra hardware.
One of the standout features of this board is the M.2 slot, which allows for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs, boosting both system boot times and application load times. The high-quality audio setup also caters to gamers and content creators who need good sound quality, while RGB Fusion 2.0 adds an element of customization to the visual design of the system.
However, the motherboard does have its limitations, including a lack of USB Type-C and a somewhat limited number of PCIe slots, which may hinder future upgrade potential. This board also doesn’t support newer technologies like PCIe Gen4, meaning it may not fully utilize the speed of next-gen components.
Overall, for the price point and feature set, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability. It’s perfect for those building a gaming rig, a home media center, or even a work-from-home PC.
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Highly Recommended – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi offers an excellent balance between features and price, making it perfect for budget-conscious builders. Whether you’re creating a gaming rig or a general-purpose system, this motherboard’s flexibility, integrated Wi-Fi, and high-speed storage options ensure it delivers both performance and value.
If you’re looking for a versatile micro-ATX motherboard, don’t hesitate to get the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi and enjoy everything you need for a high-performance system at an affordable price.
Comparison with Similar Products
When considering the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi, it’s essential to compare it with other motherboards in the same class to see how it stacks up in terms of features, performance, and value. Here, we’ll compare it to three similar alternatives: MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max, ASUS Prime B450M-A/CSM, and ASRock B450M Pro4. These motherboards are all designed for the AM4 socket, support Ryzen processors, and are available at a similar price point.
| Feature | Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi | MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max | ASUS Prime B450M-A/CSM | ASRock B450M Pro4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 | AM4 | AM4 |
| Chipset | B450 | B450 | B450 | B450 |
| Wi-Fi | Yes, Intel Dual Band 802.11AC | No | No | No |
| Ethernet | Realtek Gigabit LAN | Realtek Gigabit LAN | Realtek Gigabit LAN | Intel Gigabit LAN |
| RAM Support | Up to 64 GB DDR4 (3600 MHz) | Up to 64 GB DDR4 (3866 MHz) | Up to 64 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz) | Up to 64 GB DDR4 (3200 MHz) |
| PCIe Slots | 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 | 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 | 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 | 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slot | 1 x M.2 PCIe NVMe/SATA | 1 x M.2 PCIe NVMe/SATA | 1 x M.2 PCIe NVMe/SATA | 2 x M.2 PCIe NVMe/SATA |
| Audio | Realtek ALC887 | Realtek ALC892 | Realtek ALC887 | Realtek ALC892 |
| USB Ports | 6 (4 x USB 3.1 Gen1, 2 x USB 2.0) | 6 (4 x USB 3.1 Gen1, 2 x USB 2.0) | 6 (4 x USB 3.1 Gen1, 2 x USB 2.0) | 8 (6 x USB 3.1 Gen1, 2 x USB 2.0) |
| Form Factor | mATX | mATX | mATX | mATX |
| BIOS Flashback | No | Yes | No | No |
| RGB Support | Yes (RGB Fusion 2.0) | Yes (Mystic Light) | No | Yes (Polychrome Sync) |
| Price Range | $80 – $100 | $70 – $90 | $85 – $100 | $80 – $110 |
Detailed Comparison
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Wi-Fi Support
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi stands out immediately due to its built-in Wi-Fi, a feature not available on the MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max, ASUS Prime B450M-A/CSM, or ASRock B450M Pro4. This makes it a great choice for users who prefer wireless connectivity and don’t want to invest in a separate Wi-Fi card.
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Ethernet
All motherboards in the comparison feature gigabit Ethernet, though the ASRock B450M Pro4 has an edge with its Intel Gigabit LAN, which is often considered slightly better in terms of network performance and driver support compared to Realtek LAN.
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Memory Support
While all boards support up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM, the MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max slightly outpaces others in terms of memory clock speed support, with a maximum of 3866 MHz, compared to 3600 MHz on the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi and 3200 MHz on the ASUS Prime B450M-A/CSM and ASRock B450M Pro4. If you’re planning on overclocking your memory, the MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max might offer a slight advantage.
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M.2 Storage
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi offers a single M.2 slot, which is sufficient for most builds. However, if you’re looking for more storage expansion via M.2 drives, the ASRock B450M Pro4 offers two M.2 slots, which could be advantageous for users with higher storage needs.
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Audio
In terms of audio, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi and ASUS Prime B450M-A/CSM feature the Realtek ALC887 audio codec, which provides adequate sound quality for most users. However, the MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max and ASRock B450M Pro4 use the Realtek ALC892 codec, which offers slightly better sound clarity and signal-to-noise ratio, making them more suitable for users with a keen interest in audio performance.
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RGB Lighting
If aesthetics are important to you, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi includes RGB Fusion 2.0, which allows for custom RGB lighting setups. The MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max also supports RGB lighting with its Mystic Light feature, while the ASRock B450M Pro4 uses Polychrome Sync. However, the ASUS Prime B450M-A/CSM does not come with RGB lighting features, which could be a downside for users looking to build a visually striking setup.
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BIOS Flashback
The MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max has a BIOS Flashback feature, which makes it easier to update the BIOS without needing a compatible CPU installed. This is particularly useful if you plan on using a newer Ryzen processor that may require a BIOS update. The other boards, including the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi, lack this feature, meaning you would need a compatible CPU to perform a BIOS update.
FAQs
What processors are compatible with the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi motherboard?
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi supports a wide range of processors, making it versatile for different kinds of builds. It is compatible with AMD’s 1st and 2nd generation Ryzen processors, as well as Athlon processors with Radeon Vega Graphics.
This means you can pair this motherboard with an AMD Ryzen 1000 or 2000 series processor, depending on your performance requirements. It’s particularly advantageous for users building on a budget or upgrading from an older Ryzen setup, as it offers support for these earlier generations of AMD CPUs.
Additionally, newer Ryzen processors, such as the Ryzen 3000 or even 5000 series, may also work with the motherboard, provided you update the BIOS. This flexibility ensures that even as AMD releases newer CPUs, you can still use the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi for future upgrades. The option to use a wide range of processors makes it ideal for anyone looking to build or upgrade a system without having to replace the entire motherboard.
Can I use high-speed RAM with this motherboard?
Yes, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi supports high-speed RAM, offering compatibility with DDR4 memory modules up to 3600 MHz. This is a crucial feature for users who need fast memory for gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive tasks. Faster memory speeds lead to quicker data transfers, improved system responsiveness, and smoother multitasking, especially when combined with an AMD Ryzen processor that benefits from faster RAM speeds.
The motherboard supports up to 64GB of memory across its four DIMM slots, providing ample capacity for most users. This makes it ideal for gamers or professionals who require large amounts of memory for running virtual machines, rendering high-definition videos, or working with large data sets. Whether you are a gamer who needs high-speed performance or a content creator working with large files, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi can handle high-speed RAM with ease.
Does the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi support PCIe 4.0?
No, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi does not support PCIe 4.0; instead, it uses PCIe Gen3. While PCIe Gen4 offers faster data transfer rates, PCIe Gen3 is still more than sufficient for most users, especially those not using cutting-edge GPUs or SSDs that require the extra bandwidth. For users building a budget or mid-range system, PCIe Gen3 provides more than enough performance, particularly for gaming or productivity tasks.
PCIe Gen4 is primarily useful for top-tier graphics cards and high-speed NVMe SSDs that can fully leverage the increased bandwidth. However, for most users, the difference in real-world performance between PCIe Gen3 and PCIe Gen4 is minimal in many applications.
If you require PCIe Gen4 support, you might need to look at motherboards based on the newer B550 or X570 chipsets. However, for most users, the performance provided by PCIe Gen3 on the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi is sufficient for current workloads.
Is the built-in Wi-Fi reliable for gaming and streaming?
The built-in Wi-Fi on the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi is powered by Intel Dual Band 802.11AC, which delivers stable and fast wireless connectivity. It is well-suited for tasks like gaming, streaming, and general web browsing.
This Wi-Fi standard supports both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, giving you more flexibility in network performance, particularly if you live in an area with heavy Wi-Fi congestion. This ensures that you get consistent speeds and lower latency during gaming sessions or while streaming high-definition content.
While wired Ethernet connections typically provide the best performance for gaming, the Wi-Fi on this motherboard is more than adequate for most users. It provides high-speed wireless connectivity, reducing the need for a separate Wi-Fi adapter.
However, for users in competitive gaming or professional streaming where latency is a critical factor, a wired connection via the Realtek Gigabit LAN would still be recommended. Nevertheless, the onboard Wi-Fi is reliable for most general gaming and entertainment use cases.
Does the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi come with RGB lighting?
Yes, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi comes with support for RGB lighting through its RGB Fusion 2.0 feature. This system allows users to connect and control RGB LED strips and other RGB-compatible components such as fans or memory modules.
While the motherboard itself doesn’t feature extensive built-in RGB lighting, the RGB Fusion 2.0 software lets users customize their build’s aesthetic by syncing compatible components. This is a great feature for those who want to add personal flair or coordinate lighting with other hardware components.
The RGB Fusion 2.0 system offers plenty of customization options, from static colors to dynamic lighting effects, allowing users to personalize their setup to match their gaming environment or office space. While it may not be as feature-packed in lighting as some high-end motherboards, the ability to control external RGB components offers enough versatility for those who enjoy building aesthetically pleasing PCs. This makes the Gigabyte B450M DS3H WiFi not just functional but also visually appealing for users who appreciate a well-lit gaming rig.
