If you are an avid gamer, you would appreciate the value of a reliable motherboard that can be pushed to the limit. The gaming scene has never been as exciting as it is today with loads of fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping games that will push you to the edge. What makes the scene even more exciting is that modern PC manufacturers keep pushing into the market tailormade for gamers.
Two of the best motherboards today are the B550 and the X570. Both motherboards are reliable and dependable, but if you had to go with one, which would it be? Many gamers get confused when making a choice, and you are probably in the same quagmire, but not to worry.
We will review the features of both and help you make an informed decision on which one to buy.
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X570 Motherboard
Let's set the ball rolling with the X570 motherboard chipset. This series was unveiled in the market sometime in 2019, and the goal was to replace the still reliable X470. It was also the first-ever chipset for PCle 4.0 and all NVMe devices. The X570 has the following:
- Direct CPU support for PCLR and GPU
- Direct configuration for CPU PCle
- CPU – Chipset x4 Downlink
- General Purpose PCle 4.0 lanes from Chipset
- 16 PCLE 4.0 Lanes
- CPU Support for AMD Ryzen/ 2000,3000, 5000
The design of the X570 motherboard is suited for high-octane gaming and content creation for professional gamers. It has a series that can handle content creation as well. What makes this motherboard tick is that it can also handle video and picture content and is a great tool for editing. It has AMD socket CPUs and is one of the best for first and second-generation Ryzen processors.
X570 can draw between 11-15W of electric power depending on the PCle 4.0 lanes on your device, which makes it not as power efficient as the X470, which drew 6W of power. However, it is still a power-efficient motherboard by general standards and hardly ever overheats. This is because the manufacturer designed and installed a cooling fan very close to the chipset to keep temperature levels at a minimum. Even when you play for hours, the X570 will remain as reliable as ever.
The two best X570s (in our opinion):
ASUS AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) AM4 Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 &...
- AMD AM4 socket: Ready for 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors to maximize connectivity and speed with up to two M.2 Drives, USB 3.2 Gen2 and AMD StoreMI
- Enhanced power solution: Military-grade TUF components, Pro Cool socket and Digi plus VRM for maximum durability
- AMD AM4 socket: Ready for 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors to maximize connectivity and speed with up to two M.2 Drives, USB 3.2 Gen2 and AMD StoreMI
- Enhanced power solution: Military-grade TUF components, Pro Cool socket and Digi plus VRM for maximum durability
- Comprehensive Cooling: Active PCH heatsink, VRM heatsink, M.2 heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert
- Next-Gen connectivity: Dual PCIe 4.0 m.2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A/Type-C
- Gaming Networking: Exclusive Realtek L8200A Gigabit Ethernet, Intel 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO support, Bluetooth 5.0, TUF LANGuard and technology
- Please ensure your BIOS is up to date if installing a compatible Ryzen 5000 series CPU. Visit ASUS site search by motherboard model name, click on “Support” tab, Drivers and Tools, then BIOS and Firmware to download the latest BIOS
MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS Motherboard (AMD AM4, PCIe 4.0, DDR4, SATA...
- Supports 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen/ Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics desktop processors for AM4 socket
- Supports ddr4 memory, up to 4400plus(oc) MHz
- Audio boost 4 technology with nahimic 3 software enhancement for immersive experiences
- Supports 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen/ Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics desktop processors for AM4 socket
- Supports ddr4 memory, up to 4400plus(oc) MHz
- Audio boost 4 technology with nahimic 3 software enhancement for immersive experiences
- Frozr heatsink with patented fan design – propeller blade technology and double ball bearings
- Pre-installed IO shielding is grounded and protects the IO ports from potential electrostatic discharge damage from the external environment
B550 Motherboard
The B550 motherboard is the latest of two, released in June 2020, about a year after the X570 was released. In terms of price, the B550 is not as expensive as the X570, but that doesn't make it an inferior chipset. B550 was introduced to replace the B450, which many gamers still rate highly and regard as a workhorse. The B550 is designed for Zen 3 5000 series Ryzen CPUs that have AM4 sockets. It has extra support for higher Ryzen models like the Ryzen 3000 and 4000 models.
Here are some of the basic features of B550:
- Direct CPU PCle GPU Support 4.0
- Direct CPU Configuration PCle 1 x 16
- CPU – Chipset X4 3.0 Downlink
- General purpose PCle 3.0 lanes
- CPU Support for AMD Ryzen 3000,5000
Unlike the X570, the B550 does not have PCle 4.0 lanes. Rather, it has a link connecting through 3.0×4 lanes. The good thing about the design is that if your CPU has direct 4.0 lanes for NVMe storage and graphics, then you can design the B550 to suit your needs
The manufacturer markets this motherboard as an entry-level chipset, but it doesn't work for AMD Ryzen 2000 CPUs. Besides, it is also a top choice for professional gamers who like to play with photo applications. Content creators can also work wonders with this motherboard. The mere fact that it can work with the Zen 3 Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series makes it a reliable motherboard.
In terms of power usage, we consider it more efficient than the X570 as it draws only 6 watts of power, similar to the X470.
The two best B550s (in our opinion):
MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries Motherboard (AMD AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0, SATA 6Gb/s,...
- Support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors and future AMD Ryzen processors with BIOS update.Audio ports (Rear) : Realtek ALC892/ALC897 Codec
- Supports dual channel DDR4 memory up to 128 GB (4400 MHz)
- Lightning Fast Game experience: PCIe 4.0, Lightning Gen 4 M.2 with M.2 Shield Frozr, AMD Turbo USB 3.2 GEN 2
- Support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors and future AMD Ryzen processors with BIOS update.Audio ports (Rear) : Realtek ALC892/ALC897 Codec
- Supports dual channel DDR4 memory up to 128 GB (4400 MHz)
- Lightning Fast Game experience: PCIe 4.0, Lightning Gen 4 M.2 with M.2 Shield Frozr, AMD Turbo USB 3.2 GEN 2
- Core Boost technology combines optimized power circuit layouts and digital power regulation which allows for precise and steady current delivery to the CPU
- AUDIO BOOST rewards your ears with studio grade sound quality for immersive gaming experiences
- Premium Thermal Solution: Heatsink thermal pad rated for 7W/mk and PCB with 2oz thickened copper
- Flash BIOS Button lets users flash the BIOS even without a CPU or memory
- Powerful Design: Core Boost, Digital PWM IC, 2oz Thickened Copper PCB, Creator Genie, DDR4 Boost
GIGABYTE B550M DS3H (AM4 AMD/B550/Micro ATX/Dual M.2/SATA 6Gb/s/USB 3.2 Gen 1/PCIe 4.0/HMDI/DVI/DDR4/Motherboard)
- Supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Processors.iTE I/O Controller Chip
- Dual Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs
- 5 plus 3 Phases Pure Digital VRM Solution with Low RDS(on) MOSFETs
- Ultra Durable PCIe 4. 0 Ready x16 Slot
- Supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Processors.iTE I/O Controller Chip
- Dual Channel Non-ECC Unbuffered DDR4, 4 DIMMs
- 5 plus 3 Phases Pure Digital VRM Solution with Low RDS(on) MOSFETs
- Ultra Durable PCIe 4. 0 Ready x16 Slot
- Dual Ultra-Fast NVMe PCIe 4. 0/3. 0 M. 2 Connectors
- High Quality Audio Capacitors and Audio Noise Guard for Ultimate Audio Quality
- GIGABYTE Exclusive 8118 Gaming GbE LAN with Bandwidth Management
- Rear HDMI and DVI Support
- RGB FUSION 2. 0 with Multi-Zone Addressable LED Light Show Design
- Supports Addressable LED and RGB LED Strips
Key Design Differences Between The B550 & X570 Motherboards
So what are the major differences between these motherboards? Let's review them feature by feature and leave you to make up your mind.
Compatibility
Both motherboards are compatible with different CPUs, and this should come as no surprise since not every motherboard sold on the market will work with all CPU types. The B550 is a very compatible system and will work for AMD Ryzen CPUs of 3000 and above, but it doesn't support Gen 1 & Gen 2 CPUs. You should also know that it doesn't have APUs for Ryzen 3000 series, so if you wish to use this CPU, this is probably not the best motherboard for you.
The X570, on the other hand, doesn't have the same compatibility issues as the Ryzen 3000 APU compatibility. It can work with Gen 2, the main processor for Ryzen 2000. But do note that it is only limited to Gen 3 Ryzen CPUs, so it is not as versatile as the B550 in that regard.
Verdict: If you want a CPU that is higher than Gen 3, B550 is ideal, but for Gen 3 and Gen 2 CPUs, we recommend you stick to X570.
PCIE Support
When picking a motherboard, the PCIe 4.0 Support on the motherboard will determine your gaming experience more than any other factor. The 4.0 PCIE Support is responsible for transferring data speeds from the SSD, GPU, and other expansionary cards. That your motherboard has PCIe means it can manage a bandwidth of 16 GT per second per lane, which is higher than the normal 8 GT per second on the lower PCIe 3.0 interface.
B550 and X570 are efficient motherboards with different supposed systems. While B550 connects to the CPU using 4 Lane 3.0 PCIe, the X570 works with 4.0 PCIe. This means that the X570 will have extra 16 lanes, which is an advantage. However, B550 is still reliable because it has 4.0 connectivity that works with primary PCIe x16 and M.2 slots.
Verdict: The X570 wins because it can support dial 4.0 PCIe M2 slots, whereas the B550 can only support one PCIe 4.0 slot.
Performance
We'll leave this to the pros:
Other Factors To Consider Include
- Overlooking: X570 wins
- Dual GPU Support: A Tie
- Connectivity: X570 wins it as it has 8 more 3.0 USB ports than B550
- Inbuilt cooling: X570 wins it (B550 doesn't have inbuilt cooling).
- Price: B550 is cheaper and more practical, X570 is more extensive with premium features (It is a matter of choice)
Which Is Better?
Overall, the X570 motherboard is better than B550 because it has more features, making it the more appealing motherboard. However, you shouldn't waste money going for it if the B550 can meet your needs. The extra features of the X570 come with some advantages that may or may not be of use to you, so the choice is yours.
