MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard Review: The New Mid-Range Champion for AM5?

There’s a unique thrill that comes with building a new PC. The careful selection of each component, the anticipation of unboxing, and the satisfaction of seeing it all post for the first time. But in the current landscape, choosing the heart of your new system—the motherboard—can feel like navigating a minefield. When we decided to build a new rig based on AMD’s powerful AM5 platform, we were faced with a critical choice. Do we splurge on a high-end X670E board packed with features we might never use, or do we risk a budget A620 board that might bottleneck our powerful Ryzen 7000 series CPU? The real challenge, and the one most builders face, is finding that perfect middle ground: a motherboard with robust power delivery, modern connectivity, and a clear upgrade path, all without obliterating the budget. This is the quest that led us directly to the doorstep of the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard, a board that promises premium features at a practical price point.

What to Consider Before Buying a Motherboard

A motherboard is more than just a circuit board; it’s the central nervous system of your entire computer. It dictates which components you can use, how well they communicate, and the ultimate potential for performance and future upgrades. A great motherboard provides a stable foundation for your CPU and RAM, ensuring clean power delivery for peak performance and overclocking, while a poor one can lead to system instability, thermal throttling, and a frustrating build experience. Choosing correctly is the difference between a seamless, high-performance machine and a constant source of troubleshooting.

The ideal customer for a B650 chipset board like this is a savvy PC builder, gamer, or content creator who wants to tap into the power of AMD’s latest Ryzen processors and DDR5 memory without paying the “early adopter” tax of flagship chipsets. They are looking for a feature-rich platform that covers all modern essentials—like PCIe 4.0, fast M.2 storage, and Wi-Fi 6E—but don’t necessarily need cutting-edge features like PCIe 5.0 for both the GPU and M.2 slots. Conversely, this board might not be suitable for extreme overclockers who demand the absolute beefiest power delivery systems found on top-tier X670E boards. It’s also not for budget builders sticking with the older AM4 platform, for whom a B550 board would be a more cost-effective choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard uses the standard ATX form factor. This is the most common size, offering a great balance of expansion slots and features. Before buying, you must ensure your PC case explicitly supports ATX motherboards to avoid any installation headaches. Check your case specifications carefully.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance is defined by the motherboard’s core architecture. This board features a robust 14+2 Duet Rail VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) designed to handle demanding multi-core CPUs. It supports high-speed DDR5 memory up to 6400+MHz with overclocking and provides two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and two M.2 Gen4 slots for lightning-fast graphics and storage.
• Materials & Durability: A motherboard’s longevity is tied to its construction. MSI has built this board on a 6-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper, which improves signal integrity and heat dissipation. Features like the extended VRM heatsink, M.2 Shield Frozr, and a reinforced ‘Steel Armor’ PCIe slot for the primary GPU all contribute to a durable, reliable platform.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good motherboard should simplify the build process. Sensible layout of fan and RGB headers, as confirmed by many users, makes cable management easier. The inclusion of EZ Debug LEDs helps diagnose boot issues quickly, a feature we found invaluable during our initial setup and memory training phase.

Keeping these factors in mind, the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard stands out as a remarkably well-balanced option. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the latest pricing here.

While the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Substantial and Well-Equipped Contender

Unboxing the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard, the first thing we noticed was its surprising heft. As one user aptly pointed out, “it’s pretty well made,” and we have to agree. The board feels dense and substantial, a far cry from some of the flimsy entry-level motherboards we’ve handled in the past. The aesthetic is clean and modern, with a black PCB accented by silver and blue heatsinks that look more premium than its price tag suggests. It avoids the over-the-top “gamer” RGB aesthetic for a more refined look that would fit well in almost any build theme.

Inside the box, the essentials are all present: the Wi-Fi antenna, a pair of SATA cables, M.2 screws, and the user manual. The integrated I/O shield is a welcome, though increasingly standard, feature that simplifies installation. The layout is logical and builder-friendly. Fan headers are plentiful—we counted seven in total—and strategically placed around the board’s edges, a detail that simplifies cable routing immensely. The primary M.2 slot and the chipset are covered by beefy heatsinks, and the primary PCIe slot is reinforced with MSI’s Steel Armor, providing confidence when installing a heavy, modern graphics card. It immediately gives the impression of a board designed by people who actually build PCs.

Deep Dive: Performance, Connectivity, and the Build Experience

A motherboard’s true worth is revealed not on the spec sheet, but on the test bench and in the day-to-day grind of gaming and productivity. We paired the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard with an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, 32GB of DDR5-6000 RAM, and a high-end NVIDIA GPU to see if its foundation was as solid as it looked. We pushed it through a gauntlet of benchmarks, gaming sessions, and content creation tasks, focusing on the core aspects that matter most to builders.

Power Delivery and CPU Performance: The Unsung Hero

The heart of any modern motherboard’s performance capabilities lies in its Voltage Regulator Module (VRM). This is what takes power from your PSU and delivers it in a clean, stable form to your CPU. The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard is equipped with a 12+2 Duet Rail Power System (often marketed as 14-phase total), a design that is more than capable for the entire stack of Ryzen 7000, 8000, and even the upcoming 9000 series processors. During our testing with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, a notoriously efficient but powerful gaming CPU, the VRMs barely broke a sweat. The large, extended heatsinks did their job admirably, remaining just warm to the touch even under sustained, all-core loads in Cinebench R23. We saw no evidence of thermal throttling, and the CPU was able to maintain its maximum boost clocks without issue.

This robust power delivery is crucial not just for high-end chips, but for getting the most out of mid-range CPUs like the Ryzen 5 7600X as well. Many users reported pairing this board with that exact CPU and achieving fantastic results. The inclusion of dual 8-pin CPU power connectors is technically overkill for most chips in the Ryzen lineup, but it speaks to the board’s capability and provides peace of mind for those who might want to push their system with Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) or manual overclocking. For a board in this price bracket, the power delivery is a standout feature, providing a stable and reliable platform that won’t hold your processor back. This is the kind of engineering that ensures system longevity and consistent performance, whether you’re gaming for hours or rendering a complex video project.

Connectivity and Expansion: Ready for Today and Tomorrow

A motherboard is also the hub for everything you connect to your PC, and this is another area where the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard truly shines. The networking suite is exceptional for this price point. The inclusion of an AMD Wi-Fi 6E module provides access to the less-congested 6GHz band, resulting in lower latency and faster speeds—something we confirmed with spectacular download rates and lag-free online gaming sessions. For those who prefer a wired connection, the Realtek 2.5Gbps LAN port is a significant step up from the standard 1Gbps Ethernet found on many older or more budget-oriented boards.

Storage and expansion options are equally impressive. With two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, you have flexibility for a primary GPU and another expansion card. The top slot’s Steel Armor reinforcement is a crucial touch for today’s massive graphics cards. For storage, the two M.2 Gen4 slots are key. We installed our primary OS drive in the top slot, which is cooled by the substantial M.2 Shield Frozr heatsink. Under a sustained file transfer benchmark, the drive’s temperatures remained well within optimal range, preventing any thermal throttling. The rear I/O is packed with useful ports, including a plethora of USB-A ports and, most notably, a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port capable of a blistering 20Gbps transfer speed. As one user happily noted, the generous number of headers on the board meant they could ditch their separate fan hub entirely, leading to a cleaner build. This comprehensive connectivity suite makes the board feel much more expensive than it is and ensures it won’t feel dated anytime soon. If you’re looking for a board that has all the right connections without compromise, this model is an incredibly compelling choice.

The Build Experience and BIOS Nuances: Patience is a Virtue

This is where our expert analysis and the collective experience of users converge. For the most part, building on the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard is a breeze. The layout is smart, standoffs align perfectly in a standard ATX case, and connectors are well-labeled and accessible. However, like many AM5 motherboards, especially in the early days of the platform, there are some quirks to be aware of. The most commonly reported “issue” is the slow first boot. Upon powering on our system for the first time, we were met with the dreaded CPU and DRAM debug LEDs. For an inexperienced builder, this can be panic-inducing. But we knew to wait. This delay, which can last from 30 seconds to a few minutes, is due to DDR5 memory training, where the motherboard tests and configures the optimal settings for your specific RAM kit. After this initial training, our system posted successfully.

We found, as other users did, that boot times could be significantly improved by diving into the BIOS and enabling the “Memory Context Restore” setting. This caches the memory training data, reducing subsequent boot times from nearly a minute to around 15-20 seconds. Another critical point, highlighted by several users, is the necessity of a BIOS update for newer CPUs, specifically the Ryzen 8000G series and beyond. Our board’s factory BIOS supported our 7800X3D, but if you’re buying this for a newer chip, plan on performing a BIOS flash. Thankfully, MSI’s M-Flash utility in the BIOS is straightforward. One user astutely pointed out a common pitfall: you must rename the BIOS file on your USB stick to “MSI.ROM” as per the instructions on MSI’s website for the flash to be recognized. While these are minor hurdles, they are important to be aware of to ensure a smooth setup process.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring user feedback, a clear consensus emerges. The vast majority of builders are thrilled with the value and performance offered by the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard. One user, who was on their second purchase of this exact model, called it an “excellent gaming mobo” and praised its ample fan headers and dual M.2 slots. Another highlighted its value, stating it’s a “bargain” and that “not many decent AM5 boards with wifi for under 200 quid” exist, also complimenting the premium feel and easy-to-navigate BIOS.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, and the criticisms align with our own findings. The most common complaints revolve around the initial setup. One builder noted their board “wouldn’t boot” initially with red CPU and orange DRAM LEDs, a problem they solved by manually clearing the CMOS—a classic troubleshooting step. Another detailed the slow boot time issue, which they also resolved by changing BIOS settings. A more pointed critique came from a user who found the thin metal I/O shield to be of “very poor quality,” a minor but valid point about where costs were likely cut. These isolated reports of DOA boards or bent pins serve as a reminder that quality control can be a factor with any component, but the overwhelming sentiment points towards a reliable board with some initial setup quirks.

How Does the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard Compare to Alternatives?

To truly understand its place in the market, we need to compare the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard against its key competitors across different price points and platforms.

1. ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi DDR5 Motherboard

The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E represents the high-end of the AM5 spectrum. It’s built on the newer X870E chipset, offering cutting-edge features like PCIe 5.0 support for both the primary GPU slot and multiple M.2 slots, as well as the latest WiFi 7 standard. With its monstrous 18+2+2 power stages, it’s geared towards extreme enthusiasts and overclockers looking to extract every last drop of performance from top-tier CPUs. For the vast majority of users, however, these features come at a significant price premium. Someone should choose the Strix over the MSI board if their budget is virtually unlimited and they absolutely must have the latest technologies like PCIe 5.0 for a next-generation SSD or GPU.

2. Gigabyte B550 Gaming X V2 Motherboard AMD Ryzen 5000

The Gigabyte B550 Gaming X V2 is a fantastic option for those building on a much tighter budget. It’s based on the previous generation AM4 socket, supporting the venerable Ryzen 5000 series CPUs and DDR4 memory. While still a very capable platform for 1080p and 1440p gaming, it lacks the future-proofing and next-gen features of the MSI B650. It uses the older PCIe 3.0 standard for its secondary slots and M.2, has slower networking, and offers no upgrade path to future AMD processors. This board is the right choice for a builder who wants maximum performance-per-dollar today and isn’t concerned about having the latest platform or upgrading their CPU in the next few years.

3. ASUS PRIME X870-P WIFI Motherboard

The ASUS PRIME X870-P WIFI sits in a similar next-gen space as the ROG Strix but with a more restrained, creator-focused approach. It also features the new X870 chipset, bringing PCIe 5.0 and WiFi 7 to the table. Its power delivery, at 14+2+1 stages, is still very robust, but it sheds some of the extreme gaming-centric features (and cost) of the ROG lineup. This would be a great alternative for a user who wants to be on the latest X870 platform for its connectivity and longevity but doesn’t need the overclocking headroom or aesthetic of a top-tier ROG board. It competes more with high-end B650E boards and serves as a step-up from our MSI B650 review unit.

Our Final Verdict: The Smart Choice for Modern PC Builders

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard is a resounding success. It masterfully navigates the treacherous waters between budget limitations and high-end desires, delivering a product that feels premium without the associated cost. Its robust power delivery can confidently handle any processor on the AM5 platform, its connectivity suite is thoroughly modern and future-proof, and its thoughtful design makes for a pleasant building experience.

Yes, new builders should be prepared for a potentially slow first boot and the possibility of a required BIOS update, but these are minor, one-time hurdles on the path to a fantastic system. For gamers, content creators, and all-around PC enthusiasts looking to build a powerful and reliable AM5 machine, this motherboard strikes an almost perfect balance. It provides a rock-solid foundation that doesn’t compromise on the features that truly matter. It is, without a doubt, one of the best value propositions on the AM5 platform today.

If you’ve decided the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI ATX Motherboard is the right fit for your build, you can check its current price and purchase it here.