Gigabyte Unveils New B450 MicroATX Motherboards for AMD AM4 Platform

Gigabyte has introduced two new microATX motherboards based on the AMD B450 chipset, reaffirming support for the enduring AM4 socket. The new models, B450M D3HP and B450M D3HP WIFI6E, are designed for budget-conscious PC builders and users looking to upgrade existing AM4 systems. Despite the B450 chipset’s original launch in 2018, these boards offer a compelling mix of modern features and compatibility with a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors.

Key Features and Specifications

Both motherboards support AMD Ryzen 3000, 4000, and 5000 series CPUs, making them suitable for users with existing AM4 hardware or those seeking affordable upgrade paths. Each board includes four DDR4 DIMM slots, supporting up to 128 GB of memory, which is notable for a platform based on mature silicon.

Storage options are robust for the segment, with two M.2 slots: one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot connected directly to the CPU for high-speed NVMe SSDs, and a second PCIe 2.0 x2 slot via the chipset. Additionally, four SATA 6 Gb/s ports provide further storage flexibility.

Display connectivity is handled by one DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0b ports, catering to users who rely on integrated graphics. The boards also feature a 5 Gbps USB-C front panel header and three addressable RGB headers for customizable lighting setups.

For BIOS management, a Q-Flash Plus button on the rear I/O allows users to update the BIOS without a CPU installed—a valuable feature for those planning to pair the board with newer Ryzen processors.

Both models utilize a 4+2 phase power delivery system and include Gigabit Ethernet for reliable wired networking. The B450M D3HP WIFI6E variant adds Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, providing modern wireless connectivity options.

Considerations and Limitations

While these motherboards offer solid value, there are some limitations inherent to the B450 platform. PCIe 4.0 support is absent, and DDR5 memory is not supported—expected given the chipset’s age. The second M.2 slot operates at PCIe 2.0 x2 speeds, which may limit performance for high-end SSDs.

However, for users with existing Ryzen 5000 CPUs and DDR4 memory, or those assembling a cost-effective PC, these trade-offs are unlikely to be dealbreakers. The continued release of new AM4 motherboards, including recent B550 models from Gigabyte, highlights the ongoing relevance of the platform for budget and mainstream users.

Gigabyte has not yet announced pricing or specific availability details for the B450M D3HP and B450M D3HP WIFI6E motherboards.