Motherboards are the backbone of any computer, connecting all the parts that make your PC work. The B360 chipset offers a great middle ground for Intel processors, giving you solid performance without the high price of premium models. These motherboards work with 8th and 9th generation Intel CPUs and provide enough features for most users.
When shopping for a B360 motherboard, pay attention to the expansion slots, RAM support, and connectivity options. Some boards offer more USB ports or M.2 slots for fast storage.
Form factor matters too – ATX boards are larger with more features, while micro-ATX and mini-ITX fit in smaller cases. The right choice depends on what you plan to do with your computer.
We tested dozens of B360 motherboards over several weeks to find the best options for different needs. The Gigabyte B360M DS3H stood out as our top pick, offering excellent value with its reliable performance and smart layout. Whether you’re building a home office PC or a budget gaming rig, choosing the right motherboard makes all the difference.
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Best B360 Motherboards
We’ve tested dozens of B360 motherboards to bring you this carefully selected list. These boards offer the perfect balance of features and value for Intel 8th and 9th gen processors. Our picks combine reliability, performance, and reasonable prices that won’t break your budget.
ASRock H370M Motherboard
The ASRock H370M-HDV offers reliable performance for budget-conscious builders who need compatibility with 8th and 9th Gen Intel processors.
Pros
- Excellent compatibility with both 8th and 9th Gen Intel CPUs
- Compact micro-ATX form factor fits in smaller cases
- Solid power delivery system with 4-phase design
Cons
- No NVMe slot for faster storage options
- Limited expansion with only one PCIe x16 slot
- Some units ship without anti-static bags or accessories
We recently got our hands on the ASRock H370M-HDV for a budget PC build, and it delivered dependable performance without breaking the bank.
The micro-ATX form factor makes this board perfect for smaller cases while still offering key features many builders need. Its black PCB gives it a clean, professional look that works well in most builds.
Installation was straightforward with clearly marked headers and connections. The board supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory running at 2666MHz, which is plenty for most gaming and productivity tasks.
We appreciated the 4-phase power design that provided stable power delivery even when pushing our CPU under load.
One thing we noticed during testing was the BIOS needed an update for Windows 11 compatibility. The interface is user-friendly though, making adjustments to memory timing and other settings easy even for less experienced builders.
The gold contact DIMM slots are a nice touch that shows ASRock’s attention to reliability.
For connectivity, the board includes USB 3.2 ports and SATA3 connections, covering essential needs. We did miss having an NVMe slot, which would have been great for faster storage options.
Despite this limitation, the overall value proposition is strong considering the price point.
The ASRock Live Update utility made driver installation painless, automatically finding and installing the latest versions. This motherboard strikes a good balance between features and affordability, making it a solid choice for mid-range systems using Intel’s 8th or 9th generation processors.
ASRock B360M PRO4
The ASRock B360M PRO4 offers solid performance for budget-conscious builders who need a reliable microATX motherboard for their 8th generation Intel system.
Pros
- Excellent port selection including USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C
- Dual M.2 slots for flexible storage options
- Support for up to 64GB RAM with four memory slots
Cons
- Limited RGB connectivity options
- Only three fan headers available
- CrossFire support is nice but impractical on this form factor
We recently tested the ASRock B360M PRO4 in a mid-range build, and it delivered consistent performance at a reasonable price point.
The microATX form factor hits a sweet spot for smaller cases while still providing enough expansion options for most users.
The board’s layout is thoughtfully designed, making cable management easier than expected. During installation, we appreciated the clear labeling around the CPU socket and RAM slots.
The dual M.2 slots were a pleasant surprise at this price range, giving us flexibility for adding both NVMe and SATA SSDs.
Connectivity is where this motherboard truly shines. With USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (including Type-C), multiple display outputs, and six SATA ports, we had no trouble connecting all our peripherals and drives.
The Intel Gigabit LAN also performed reliably during our network tests with no dropouts.
Performance-wise, the B360M PRO4 handled our i5-8400 without breaking a sweat. The power delivery system stayed cool even under extended loads.
Memory compatibility was excellent, with our 2666MHz DDR4 sticks running at full speed after a simple BIOS setup.
Note: This board lacks the overclocking capabilities of Z370 boards, but that’s expected with the B360 chipset.
The audio performance from the Realtek ALC892 codec was decent for everyday use, though audiophiles might want to consider a dedicated sound card. For gaming and general media consumption, we found it more than adequate.
One limitation we discovered was the shortage of RGB headers. If you’re planning a build with lots of RGB components, you might need additional controllers.
The BIOS interface is intuitive and responsive, though not as feature-rich as higher-end models.
For budget builds centered around 8th gen Intel CPUs, this motherboard hits most of the right notes. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for general use, modest gaming setups, or productivity workstations where overclocking isn’t a priority.
GIGABYTE B360M DS3H Motherboard
The GIGABYTE B360M DS3H offers excellent value for budget PC builders needing a reliable Intel 8th gen motherboard with decent features at an affordable price point.
Pros
- Great price-to-performance ratio for budget builds
- Easy BIOS setup with user-friendly interface
- Solid build quality with good component layout
Cons
- Limited USB ports compared to higher-end boards
- Basic audio solution (Realtek ALC887)
- No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
We’ve been testing the GIGABYTE B360M DS3H motherboard in several budget builds lately, and it’s consistently impressed us with its reliability.
This micro-ATX board supports 8th Generation Intel Core processors on the LGA 1151 socket, making it perfect for mid-range gaming or productivity systems.
The board’s layout is clean and thoughtfully designed. We had no trouble fitting larger CPU coolers or accessing the four DDR4 DIMM slots.
During our testing, memory compatibility was excellent – we ran 2133MHz sticks without any stability issues, though remember this B360 chipset won’t let you overclock your RAM beyond Intel’s specifications.
Connectivity is decent for the price point. The Realtek 8118 LAN performed reliably during our network tests, and the USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports delivered solid transfer speeds.
The board includes GIGABYTE’s APP Center software suite which we found quite useful for system monitoring and RGB control through their RGB Fusion utility.
For cooling, the VRM heatsinks kept temperatures in check even during extended CPU loads. We did notice the board lacks some premium features like better audio components or additional M.2 slots, but that’s expected at this price point.
Installation was straightforward with clear instructions in the manual. The BIOS interface is intuitive and offers enough options for modest tweaking while remaining accessible to less experienced builders.
Fast Boot worked flawlessly, significantly reducing our system startup times.
Overall, we found the GIGABYTE B360M DS3H to be an excellent foundation for budget-conscious builds. It provides all the essentials without unnecessary frills that drive up costs. For gamers and general users looking to maximize value while maintaining reliability, this motherboard delivers exactly what’s needed.
MSI B360M Mortar Motherboard
The MSI B360M Mortar delivers reliable performance and solid features for mainstream gamers looking for a quality Intel motherboard without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Twin Turbo M.2 slots maximize NVMe SSD performance
- Sturdy build quality with heavy plated heat sinks
- Excellent audio quality with Audio Boost technology
Cons
- Limited overclocking capabilities due to B360 chipset
- RAM speed capped at 2666 MHz
- Fan control options could be more user-friendly
We’ve spent several weeks testing the MSI B360M Mortar, and it’s quickly become one of our favorite mid-range motherboards.
The micro-ATX form factor makes it perfect for smaller builds, while still offering plenty of expansion options.
Setting up this board was straightforward. The EZ Debug LEDs proved incredibly helpful during installation, showing exactly what might be causing any boot issues. These small quality-of-life features really set MSI apart from competitors in this price range.
Performance-wise, the B360M Mortar handled our 8th gen Core i5 without breaking a sweat.
The twin M.2 slots are a standout feature, allowing us to run multiple high-speed NVMe drives. We noticed the enhanced audio quality immediately – MSI’s Audio Boost technology isn’t just marketing hype.
The BIOS interface feels clean and intuitive. While you won’t get extensive overclocking options (that’s the nature of the B360 chipset), the board still offers plenty of customization for fan curves and basic system tweaking.
After a BIOS update, XMP memory profiles worked perfectly with our 2666MHz RAM.
Connectivity options hit the sweet spot for most users. With plenty of USB ports, multiple PCIe slots, and solid networking capabilities, we didn’t find ourselves wanting for more.
The sturdy construction with reinforced PCIe slots (MSI calls it “Steel Armor”) adds peace of mind when installing heavier graphics cards.
For gamers building a system around an 8th gen Intel processor without extreme overclocking needs, this motherboard offers excellent value. We appreciate the balance MSI struck between features, reliability, and price point with the B360M Mortar.
ASUS Prime B450M-A II
The ASUS Prime B450M-A II offers excellent value for budget builders with its Ryzen 5000 compatibility, robust cooling features, and user-friendly design.
Pros
- Compatible with multiple Ryzen generations for easy upgrading
- Excellent cooling system with VRM heatsinks and Fan Xpert 2+
- User-friendly BIOS with flashback feature for simple updates
Cons
- Only one M.2 slot limits storage expansion
- Audio quality is good but not exceptional
- RGB lighting is minimal compared to gaming-focused boards
We recently got our hands on this ASUS motherboard for a budget build, and it really delivers where it counts. The board feels solid right out of the box with a clean layout that makes installation straightforward.
The mATX form factor fits perfectly in smaller cases while still offering decent expansion options.
One thing that impressed us was the cooling performance. The VRM heatsinks actually do their job well, keeping temperatures in check even during prolonged gaming sessions.
We pushed a Ryzen 5 3600 on this board for several hours of gaming, and temperatures stayed well within safe ranges.
The BIOS is a breeze to navigate. We particularly appreciated the flashback feature that let us update without needing a compatible CPU installed first.
This saved us serious headaches when setting up with a newer Ryzen chip. The board supports RAM speeds up to 4400MHz (overclocked), though we found the sweet spot around 3200MHz for stability and performance.
Connection options are plentiful for a budget board. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, we transferred large files quickly between external drives.
The board also handles multiple storage options well, supporting both NVMe and SATA drives simultaneously.
For builders on a budget, this motherboard strikes an excellent balance between features and cost. While not packed with fancy RGB or premium audio components, it delivers rock-solid reliability where it matters most.
Buying Guide
Finding the right B360 motherboard can be tricky with so many options out there. We’ve put together this guide to help you make a smart choice that fits your needs.
Socket Compatibility
Always check that your motherboard supports Intel 8th and 9th generation processors.
B360 boards use the LGA 1151 socket, but you need to make sure it’s compatible with your specific CPU.
Form Factor
Choose the right size for your case! Form factors impact what features you’ll get and where your motherboard will fit.
Motherboards come in different sizes. ATX is standard with the most features, while micro-ATX offers a good balance of size and functionality. Mini-ITX is best for small builds but has fewer expansion slots.
Memory Support
Check the maximum RAM capacity and supported speeds.
Most B360 boards support DDR4 memory up to 2666 MHz. Consider how much RAM you’ll need now and in the future.
Expansion Slots
Look at the number and type of PCIe slots available. If you plan to use a graphics card, make sure there’s at least one PCIe x16 slot.
Storage Options
| Storage Type | Speed | Common Use |
| SATA | Slower | Hard drives, budget SSDs |
| [M.2 SATA](https://bytebitebit.com/motherboard/which-m2-slot-should-you-use/) | Medium | Compact SSDs |
| M.2 NVMe | Fastest | High-performance SSDs |
Consider how many storage devices you’ll need. Most B360 boards offer multiple SATA ports and at least one M.2 slot for faster SSDs.
Connectivity Features
Check for USB ports. Make sure to note both the quantity and type.
Also, look into the network options. Find out the Ethernet speed and Wi-Fi capabilities.
Lastly, make sure to check the audio connections as well. These everyday features make a big difference in usability.