AMD is phasing out its B650 chipset, shifting focus to the newer B850 platform and positioning it as the core mainstream offering for AM5. The move highlights AMD's commitment to simplifying motherboard options for more consistent adoption of PCIe 5.0 while maintaining flexibility for a wide range of system builders.
An AMD representative said: "AMD is working with channel partners to transition the B650 chipset to the B850 to provide greater connectivity and expanded PCIe Gen 5 support. With faster storage speeds, more flexible expansion capabilities and more advanced networking capabilities, the B850 chipset provides gamers, creators and professionals with a future-proof AM5 platform. Transition work is already underway, with existing B650s in retail stores Inventory will be sold out in the next few quarters."
Launched in 2022, AMD's B650 chipset plays a key role as the first gateway to AM5 for mid-range platforms, bridging the entry-level A620 and high-end X-series chipsets. However, with steady updates to the AM5 platform - including the launch of the flagship X870E and X870 in 2024 - a gradual iteration of the chipset is widely expected. The B850, launched in January 2025, now occupies this position.
Despite being launched as a new generation, the 600-series and 800-series chipsets are still based on AMD's Promontory 21 chip. As such, the B850 shares many architectural similarities with its predecessor, but adds a number of improvements designed to better suit future developments in the platform.
One of the most significant changes involves PCIe connectivity. On the B650, PCIe 5.0 graphics support is missing, and PCIe 5.0 storage support is optional. In comparison, the B850's main M.2 NVMe slot forces PCIe 5.0.
Graphics slot support is more flexible: the chipset's main x16 slot supports PCIe 4.0 by default, but manufacturers can choose to enable PCIe 5.0 based on motherboard design. Therefore, buyers must check the motherboard specifications before confirming whether PCIe 5.0 graphics cards are supported. The B850 supports up to 36 available PCIe lanes in total, with room for expansion.
The B850's connectivity suite is positioned between AMD's entry-level and flagship chipsets. It offers up to two USB 5 Gbps and two USB 10 Gbps ports out of the box. Higher bandwidth options (such as USB 20 Gbps and USB4) are not guaranteed but may be available on some motherboards from the vendor. The chipset also offers four SATA ports and rich downstream PCIe expansion options.
In terms of memory, the B850 continues to support DDR5 memory and supports the complete AMD EXPO profile, providing room for memory overclocking. However, the processor overclocking feature is limited to the X870E and X870 platforms, making the B850 more focused on memory tuning than CPU clock frequency adjustment, making it more of a mid-range processor.
Motherboard manufacturers are expected to continue selling B650 products until stocks are sold out, meaning the two chipsets will coexist for some time. But AMD's decision confirms that the B850 is the future of its mainstream desktop market. By mandating PCIe 5.0 storage, offering richer expansion lanes, and balanced connectivity, this chipset improves the AM5 platform at a lower cost tier than the flagship X-Series while overcoming the shortcomings of its predecessor.