Rumor has it that AMD is phasing out its B650 chipset for motherboards while other models in the 600-series continue to be available. As AMD makes a shift toward the next generation of 800-series motherboards, the B650 chipset, initially launched in 2022 for the AM5 motherboards to support Ryzen 7000 and 9000 processors, is reportedly reaching its end of life.
The B650 chipset will no longer be produced, but current stocks should linger into the second quarter due to a robust inventory. The B650M models, in particular, might persist even into the third quarter as suppliers clear their shelves.
Despite the discontinuation, manufacturers like ASUS have launched new B650 models, indicating an unexpected speed to the phase-out process. AMD aims to introduce the B850 lineup as a successor, which is expected to see competitive pricing cuts later in the year. Known for its affordability within the AM5 category, the B650 allows both CPU and memory overclocking, with the B650E variant also supporting PCI-E Gen 5.0—a feature present in the upcoming B850.
Looking ahead, while the future of other 600-series motherboards remains uncertain, many have equivalents in the 800 series. These include the X670/X670E, which have newer counterparts like the X870/X870E. However, these next-gen models generally come with higher price tags. Despite this, the B650 remains a budget-friendly favorite among users of the Ryzen 7000X3D/9000X3D processors, making it a popular choice for those seeking cost-effective solutions.
