For AMD AM5: B650 is the value pick, X670 for high-end with more PCIe/USB. For Intel: B760 for value, Z790 for overclocking and maximum connectivity. The chipset must match your CPU socket — AM5 for Ryzen 7000/9000, LGA1700 for Intel 12th–14th Gen. Buy the feature tier you actually need.
Do I need an expensive motherboard?
Usually not. A mid-range B-series board (B650, B760) handles everything most builders need: solid VRMs for mid-range CPUs, PCIe 4.0/5.0, multiple M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi. Premium boards add overclocking headroom, more USB/M.2 ports, and better aesthetics — worth it only for high-core-count CPUs or extensive expansion.
ATX is the standard full size with the most slots and ports. Micro-ATX (mATX) is smaller and cheaper with fewer slots — great for budget builds. Mini-ITX is tiny for compact builds but costs more and has only one PCIe slot. Match the form factor to your case.