Best B550 Motherboards for AMD Ryzen CPUs

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In June 2020, AMD started releasing motherboards with the new B550 chipset for its Ryzen processors. The new chipset is designed as a cheaper alternative to the X570 chipset, however, this does not mean that the boards based on this chipset are of lower quality. In this article we will explore which are the best budget B550 series motherboards currently available on the market, and which one should you buy depending on your preferences.

Must read: Best Ryzen CPUs for Gaming in 2020

Before analyzing and ranking available B550 motherboards, here is a short recap of events which occurred prior to the release of the B550 series. With the third generation of Ryzen processors, AMD also launched the new X570 chipset, but cheaper options in the form of the B series were not in sight at the time. Now that has finally changed, so future Ryzen users have cheaper options at their disposal when buying a new Ryzen configuration.

Compared to the X570, the B550 series brings PCIe 3.0 instead of PCIe 4.0 controller, which is why motherboards with this chipset don’t offer secondary PCIe 4.0 slots, as well as secondary PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots. Also, the internal connection between processor and chipset is slower because four PCIe 3.0 channels are used, instead of four PCIe 4.0 channels. Additional changes also relate to the implementation of USB ports. While the X570 natively offers eight 10-gigabit ports (hence USB 3.2 Gen2), the B550 offer just two. The X570 doesn’t have 5-gigabit USB 3.2 ports, while the B550 has two, and the weaker chipset has slightly older half-gigabit (USB 2.0) ports – six versus four. In addition to the lower price, the B550 chipset offers another advantage – it doesn’t heat up as much, so the board doesn’t have active cooling solution for the chipset itself.

Just like X570-based motherboards, the B550 motherboards support unreleased Zen 3 CPU architecture, which means these motherboards are future-proof for further CPU upgrades. Keep in mind, however, that motherboards based on this chipset don’t support Ryzen 3 3400G and Ryzen 3 3200G processors. It is also worth to mention that the B550 chipset supports overclocking, as well as AMD’s StoreMI Technology. Being priced lower than X570 motherboards, premium B550 motherboards cost roughly the same as entry-level X570 motherboards, so you can easily profit from better VRMs, lower power consumption and less heat generation if you decide to go with the B550’s. The B550 motheboards can comfortably work with a high-end Ryzen 9 3900X CPU, so if you are on a budget there is no reason to go with the X570.

Having all said in mind, now is the time to list down the best B550 motherboards for AMD Ryzen CPUs. We will start this list with the high-end premium models and end it with budget models, which are primarily designed for mainstream users.

Best for Overclocking: ASUS ROG STRIX B550-E GAMING

ASUS ROG Strix B550-E Gaming is one of the most expensive B550 motherboards available on the market. However, this motherboard’s price is well justified because this piece of hardware offers quite a lot of features. The ROG Strix B550-E comes with a robust power design featuring 14+2 power phases with high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors which ensure steady power supply for the latest AMD CPUs.

This motherboard also features fanless VRM and chipset heatsinks designed to keep system running silent and cool under heavy load. The B550-E Gaming also comes with fantastic connectivity features such as an integrated on-board WiFi 6 (802.11ax) module, Bluetooth 5.1 module and Intel 2.5 Gb LAN. This motherboard also supports HDMI 2.1 (4K@60Hz) output, as well as NVIDIA 2-Way SLI and AMD 3-Way CrossFireX. This board also comes with DisplayPort and USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C audio connectors, as well as Sonic Studio III operational amplifier. With stunning aesthetics and loads of features, this motherboard won’t disappoint even the most hardcore PC enthusiasts and gamers.

Affordable High-End: Gigabyte B550 AORUS MASTER

If you are not a fan of ASUS motherboards, then Gigabyte’s B550 AORUS MASTER is a worthy alternative. This aesthetically pleasing motherboard combines premium quality build with tons of features and excellent performance. Unlike ASUS’ B550-E Gaming, this motherboard support memory overclocking up to 5.200 MHz, however, it only features one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot in a combination with two extra PCIe 3.0 x16 slots.

This board also features three M.2 slots, each with their own heatsinks, as well as Fins Array VRM heatsink with copper heat-pipes for better cooling. The B550 AORUS MASTER comes with Direct 16 Phases Digital VRM solution with 70A Power Stage, thus offering enough power for further CPU overclocking. This motherboard also features integrated Intel Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax module, Bluetooth 5, AMP-UP Audio with ALC1220-VB and WIMA Capacitors for Rear 120dB SNR, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C and HDMI connectors, as well as RGB lightning. Provided you have enough money to spare, buying this motherboard is a no-brainer.

Best Mid-Range: Gigabyte B550 AORUS PRO AC

Gigabyte’s B550 AORUS PRO AC is probably one of the best mid-range B550 motherboards available on the market. The only difference between AORUS PRO and AORUS PRO AC is that the latter comes with an integrated Intel Wi-Fi 5 interface, while the former does not. In all other aspects, both motherboards share completely the same characteristics. The AORUS PRO AC features one PCI 4.0 x16 slot and two PCI 3.0 x16 slot which work in x4 and x2 modes. Board also comes with two M.2 slots, each with their own heatsink.

Besides looking good, the AORUS PRO AC is a great overclocking performer as it supports DDR4 memory speeds of up to 5.200 MHz. The motherboard uses True 12+2 Phases Digital VRM Solution with 50A DrMOS, and is more than enough capable to handle flagship AMD Ryzen processors such as Ryzen 9 3950X. The large VRM heatsinks come with direct touch copper heatpipes for better heat reduction, while on-board AMP-UP audio utilizes WIMA Capacitors for better sound quality. This board also comes with USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C and HDMI support, as well with its own RGB lightning. Given its price, the B550 AORUS PRO AC is a great choice both for mainstream gamers, as well as more advanced PC users.

Best Durability: MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK

MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK is one of the most robust and reliable B550 motherboards currently available on the market. For a price below $200, this motherboard offers almost the same features as some high-end B550 boards. The B550 TOMAHAWK comes with a 6 layer PCB which utilizes 2oz thick copper in order to increase conductivity, improve heat dissipation, and ensure long-term high-performance reliability. The board features extended heatsink with 7W/mK thermal pads, an M.2 heatsink, and pump fan support for an installation of a liquid cooling solution.

This board is also very suitable for memory and CPU overclocking, as it supports DDR4 speeds of up to 5.100 MHz. Power is delivered over 10+2+1 rail system which enables you to unleash maximum performance of your system’s components. This board also features RGB lightining, 2.5G LAN interface, High Definiton ALC1200 Audio Processor, S/PDIF output, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C connector, and DisplayPort output connector. Featuring great VRM’s, preinstalled I/O shield and DDR4 boost capabilites, this is one of the most well-rounded B550 motherboards on the market.

Some buyers might be disappointed with the lack of an integrated Wi-Fi module, however, this can be easily fixed with installing a dedicated Wi-Fi PCI card into one of the free expansion slots. Probably the biggest flaw of this motherboard is its HDMI output which is limited to 4K@24Hz only, as well as lack of USB 2.0 connectors at the rear panel.

Best Mini-ITX: Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX

If you are a fan of small form factor PCs, and are hoping to find an ITX compatible B550 motherboard, then Gigabyte’s B550I AORUS PRO AX represents a solution to your problem. This super small, feature-rich, high-performance mini-ITX motherboard comes with plenty of features adequate enough for building a serious gaming or workstation PC. This motherboard comes with Direct 8 Phases Digital VRM Solution, advanced thermal design with extended and multi-layered heatsink, as well as thermal baseplate.

This board also features ultra-durable steel armored PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, two M.2 slots, and two memory slots which support up to 64GB of system RAM. The 6+2 power phases are able to deliver a total of 720A which is more than enough for performing some serious overclocking operations. Motherboard also features on-board Intel Wi-Fi 6 interface module, two HDMI and one DisplayPort connectors, USB Type-C connector, 8 channel audio output, RGB lightning and preinstalled I/O shield.

Overall, this small and powerful B550 motherboard will easily handle behemoths such as Ryzen 9 3900X, and can be fitted into 8.6L PC cases. Only flaws of this motherboard are lack of front panel USB-C header, and quirky RGB Fusion interface which might not work in complete sync with other components featuring RGB lightning.

Best Budget: MSI B550-A PRO

The B550 series motherboards were designed to offer and affordable alternative to X570 motherboards. This means that these motherboards weren’t meant to replace B450 motherboards, and as such weren’t meant to be extremely cheap. Thus, finding a good quality budget B550 motherboards isn’t an easy task, however, MSI’s B550-A PRO sticks out as a good option. This is one of the cheapest B550 motherboards, but it comes with all essential features which most users would need for playing games or performing moderate load tasks on their PCs.

Unlike many other B550 motherboards, this one doesn’t feature RGB lightning. The board comes with two PCIe x16 slots, two M.2 slots and Gigabit LAN. Just like VRMs and MOSFETs, the M.2 slots also have their dedicated heatsink on this motherboard. Build quality of this board is pretty solid, however, the board wasn’t designed fore heavy-duty overclocking. The 10+2+1 power railing will provide enough supply for all the components, and there are also DDR4 Boost and Core Boost BIOS features which will ensure safe mild overclocking. This board also comes with DisplayPort and USB 3.2 connectors, and as such is a very good option if you are looking for a B550 motherboard on a budget.

Cheapest Possible: ASRock B550M-HDV

If you are looking for a cheap B550 motherboard under $100, then ASRock’s B550M-HDV is probably the cheapest one you can get. This microATX motherboard doesn’t feature very impressive characteristics. It has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one M.2 drive slot and only one PCIe 3.0 x1 expansion slot. The board support two DDR4 sticks in dual channel configuration and up to 64GB of total system RAM. In terms of connectivity, the board has only one RJ45 port which is connected to a Gigabit Realtek LAN adapter.

ASRock B550M-HDV also features only two USB 2.0 port, but has four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports. Great thing about B550M-HDV, however, is that it comes with a variety of video output connectors, such as HDMI, DVI-D and D-SUB ports. This is particularly useful for users who want to build a budget HTPC with CPU integrated graphics (such as Vega), and are in need of legacy video interfaces (such as VGA). However, when you consider that B550 motherboards don’t support most popular AMD’s APUs such as Ryzen 3 3200G and Ryzen 3 3400G, buying this board might prove useless if you are going for an on-board graphics solution. Since B550 motherboards are Zen 3 compatible, upcoming Ryzen Renoir CPUs should work perfectly on this motherboard, so buying B550-HDV might be more useful after their release.

Conclusion

The B550 series motherboards for AMD Ryzen processors prove to be a great alternative for building a high-end or mid-range PCs, without spending large amounts of money on premium motherboards which feature X570 chipset. The mid-range B550 motherboards are more than enough capable to handle powerful Ryzen CPUs, such as Ryzen 5 3600X, or even flagship CPUs, such as Ryzen 9 3950X. Many of these motherboards feature on-board Wi-Fi modules, multiple PCIe x16 slots and M.2 drive slots, as well as USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, USB Type-C ports, and DisplayPort connectors.

Some high-end B550 motherboards cost almost the same as decent X570 motherboards, however, if you don’t need PCIe 4.0 x16 interface, and you are looking for a good board to perform overclocking on, than these motherboards are a feasible option. Overall, the B550 motherboards prove to be a great choice for building a mid-range or high-end gaming PCs, as well as workstation PCs, so provided you have enough money they seem to be a great buying choice. We hope our buying guide helped you in search of the information you were looking for. If you still feel confused, and need advice about buying, feel free to post comment below. We will try to help you.

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