Is gigabyte b450m ds3h good for gaming
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H is a micro-ATX motherboard perfect for gamers who are watching their wallets and hoping to set up a gaming PC that's decent but doesn't break the bank. Released in 2019, it's designed to work with a bunch of AMD Ryzen processors, stretching from the very first generation right up to the Ryzen 5000 series. Though it's not packed with top-of-the-line features, the B450M DS3H focuses on being pocket-friendly and reliable, making it a go-to for those looking to get their gaming setup off the ground. In this review, we're going to look closely at what this motherboard does well and where it might fall short, to help you figure out if it’s the gaming companion you’ve been looking for.
Form Factor
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H is shaped to fit in small pc cases because it’s made in the micro-ATX size. Its size is pretty small (9.3″ x 7.9″), which is great if you’re looking to save some room or like things looking simple and clean. But, keep in mind, with less room on the board, you won’t get as many slots for adding extra parts and features as you would with bigger motherboards.
Socket
This motherboard comes with an AM4 socket. It works great with many AMD Ryzen processors. You can use it with the more affordable Ryzen 3 and 5 series, the strong Ryzen 7, and even the really powerful Ryzen 9 CPUs. But, if you’re using those top-notch Ryzen 9 processors, you might not be able to push them to their max with this board. This socket makes sure you can upgrade to newer parts on the AM4 platform later on.
Chipset
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H uses the AMD B450 chipset. This chipset works well for daily activities and casual gaming. It might not have all the fancy options that the top-notch X570 chipset does, but it has what you need to play games smoothly.
VRM (Voltage Regulator Module)
The VRM’s job is to make sure your computer’s brain (CPU) gets the steady power it needs. The Gigabyte B450M DS3H has a simple VRM setup that’s not the best for really pushing your cpu to its limits. But if you’re not trying to break records and just want your computer to run normally, or even a bit faster than usual, it’s okay. If you get a better cooler for your CPU, it could help keep things cool and maybe even give you a little more room to speed things up.
Memory (RAM) Support
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H motherboard supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM, set up for dual-channel. This means you can add a lot of memory to your computer, making it easier to do several tasks at once and play games more smoothly. This motherboard can work with RAM speeds up to 3600MHz. However, it’s really important to look at the motherboard’s list of recommended RAM (Qualified Vendor List) to make sure the RAM you choose will work well with it.
Storage
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H has simple storage choices. You can plug in regular hard drives and solid-state drives into its two SATA III ports. It also has an M.2 slot that works with PCIe NVMe SSDs, which means quicker start-up times and faster game loading.
Expansion Slots
Because it’s a micro-ATX, the Gigabyte B450M DS3H doesn’t have a lot of room for adding extra parts. It comes with one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, which is important for making games run well because that’s where the graphics card goes. There’s also another smaller slot, a PCIe 2.0 x1, that you can use for things like a Wi-Fi card or a sound card. However, with only these few slots, you might find it hard to add more to your pc later if you want to upgrade it a lot.
Connectivity
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H motherboard has all the basic connection features you need if you’re on a budget. It has four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports so you can hook up gadgets and external hard drives. Plus, it’s got two USB 2.0 ports for your older tech stuff. There’s a single Gigabit Ethernet port for plugging into the internet with a Ethernet cable. This setup works fine for everyday tasks, but if you’re into wireless and clean pc setup then you might look for a motherboard that comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in.
Overclocking Support
The B450M DS3H technically supports overclocking, but its limited VRM design might not be ideal for pushing high-end CPUs to their absolute limits. If overclocking is a priority, you’d be better suited with a motherboard featuring a more robust VRM solution.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
The BIOS on the B450M DS3H is functional but might appear slightly outdated for some users. While it offers the essential options for configuring your system components, the interface might not be as user-friendly or visually appealing as some competitors.
Cooling Solution
While the basic heatsink design is sufficient for stock CPU operation and moderate overclocking, it’s important to consider some additional factors:
- Case Airflow: A well-ventilated case with ample intake and exhaust fans is crucial for optimal cooling. The B450M DS3H’s VRM performance can benefit significantly from good airflow within the case. Investing in a case with good airflow design can help the heatsink dissipate heat more effectively.
- CPU Cooler Choice: The CPU cooler you choose plays a vital role in overall system temperatures. A higher-performance CPU cooler with good heat dissipation capabilities will take some of the workload off the VRM heatsink, allowing for better thermal management, especially if you plan on pushing the CPU closer to its limits.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
Here’s where the Gigabyte B450M DS3H truly shines. With a price tag that falls comfortably in the budget-friendly range, it offers a compelling option for gamers who prioritize affordability without sacrificing core functionality. You won’t find fancy RGB lighting or extensive overclocking features, but for running games at decent frame rates with a capable processor and graphics card, the B450M DS3H delivers excellent value for money.
Reasons to Buy
- Budget-Friendly: For budget-conscious gamers building a starter PC, the B450M DS3H is an excellent choice. It provides the essential features you need without breaking the bank.
- Wide CPU Compatibility: The AM4 socket allows for a wide range of Ryzen CPUs, offering upgradeability within the platform as your needs evolve.
- Decent Performance: Combined with a capable processor and graphics card, the B450M DS3H can handle most games at playable settings.
- Compact Design: The micro-ATX form factor makes it ideal for smaller PC cases, perfect for space-saving builds.
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited Features: If you crave high-end features like extensive overclocking capabilities, multiple PCIe slots, or onboard Wi-Fi, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
- Basic VRM: The VRM design might not be suitable for pushing high-end CPUs to their overclocking limits.
- Limited Storage Options: While it offers basic storage options with SATA III ports and an M.2 slot, some users might prefer motherboards with more storage expandability.
- Less User-Friendly BIOS: The BIOS interface might appear dated compared to some competitors.
Conclusion:
The Gigabyte B450M DS3H caters to a specific audience: budget-conscious gamers building a starter PC with a focus on casual gaming. While it might not boast the bells and whistles of high-end motherboards, it delivers on its core functionalities. With its compact size, AM4 socket compatibility, and decent performance capabilities when paired with the right hardware, the B450M DS3H emerges as a strong contender in the budget motherboard market.
FAQ:
Is gigabyte B450M DS3H good for gaming?
Yes, With its compact size, AM4 socket compatibility, and decent performance capabilities when paired with the right hardware, the B450M DS3H emerges as a strong contender in the budget motherboard market.
What graphics card is compatible with Gigabyte B450M DS3H?
It features one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for your graphics card, This means that you can pair it with any modern graphics card, from budget-friendly options to high-end cards.
What CPU is compatible with Gigabyte B450M DS3H?
The motherboard boasts the AM4 socket, compatible with a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors. This includes the budget-friendly Ryzen 3 and 5 series, the powerful Ryzen 7, and even the high-performance Ryzen 9 CPUs (though overclocking capabilities might be limited with this board for these top-tier processors). This socket compatibility ensures future upgradeability within the AM4 platform.