It depends on the span your beam would have to cover.If the span isn,t over 9 feet you might be able to triple a 2x12.how ever if the span is over 9 feet,being in the basement, you would probably beed an engineered beam.Witch is costly.
Basicly the choose is yours.Whta,s more important to you the cost of the beam or the
open room in your basement?

If you do need the space then go with a beam. Your choices are built up, LVL, Parallam and steel. Some will require posts as Smiddy or are expensive. The wall can replace the beam but your first step is to call the building dept. to get the code in your area.....Mark Hammond