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When it comes to performance and reliability in an AM4 motherboard, especially on a tight budget, the B550 chipset is there to help. The B550 motherboard will power up any high-end Ryzen CPU with ease; even powering the mighty AMD Ryzen 9 5950X is a walk in the park for the majority of AMD B550 motherboards. If you’re looking to power your Ryzen CPU with one of these motherboards, I’ve picked out the Best B550 Motherboards after thorough testing.
Take a look below at my selections below:
Best B550 Motherboards
Here are the 6 Best B550 Motherboards:
- Best Overall B550 Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming
- Best B550 Motherboard for Ryzen 5 5600X: Asus TUF Gaming B550 Plus
- Best B550 ITX Motherboard: MSI B550 Tomahawk
- Best White B550 Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming
- Best Mini-ITX B550 Motherboard: ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming
- Best Budget B550 Motherboard: MSI B550-A Pro
Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (WI-FI II)
Best Overall B550 Motherboard
Specifications: Chipset: B550 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5100 | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 6x internal | Network: 1x Intel 2.5Gb LAN, 1x WiFi 6 | Storage: 2x M.2 Gen 3, 6x SATA
Pros
- Powerful 14-Phase VRM
- 2.5 GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6
Cons
- Less USB ports
Design & Build Quality: The Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (Wi-Fi II) embodies the ROG spirit with eye-catching details like the ROG eye logo and embedded cybertext patterns inscribed on the I/O cover. On top of that, I found that it is well-built and sturdy in my dedicated review.
Performance: If you want to get the most out of your AMD Ryzen CPU, you should pair it with the Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (WiFi II) motherboard. It has a VRM power rating of 12+2 power stages, which allowed me to stably overclock the Ryzen 7 3700X to 4.0GHz.
Features & Connectivity: The Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (WiFi II) has a Full ATX form factor, so I already knew I would be happy with the I/O it would offer. We have 6x SATA 6GB/s connectors, 2x M.2 sockets, up to 128GB of DDR4 (as fast as 5100MHz), plus 8x rear USB ports.
Buy It If
✅ A user-friendly BIOS is important: Gamers who frequently adjust settings will appreciate the user-friendly ROG UEFI BIOS offered by the ROG Strix B550-F Gaming.
✅ You need virtually endless SATA drive support: With 6x SATA 6GB/s ports, large game updates like those of Call of Duty Modern Warfare won’t be trouble, as you can set up plenty of SSD and HDD storage.
✅ You want easy set up: The pre-installed I/O shield makes the motherboard installation easy, while the Q-LEDs will help diagnose component-related issues quickly.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You’re seeking more M.2 slots: Considering its ATX form factor, I was disappointed to see that it only has two M.2 slots.
What Makes It The Best Overall B550 Motherboard?
Finally, the Asus ROG Strix B550-F (WiFi II) Gaming is the best choice for gamers; it is also one of the few B550 motherboards with WiFi. Thus, I selected the Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (WiFi II) as the Best Overall B550 Motherboard because of its competent VRM for overclocking, better PCB design coupled with fantastic Gaming aesthetics.
| VRM Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8.5/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Asus TUF Gaming B550 Plus
Best B550 Motherboard for Ryzen 5 5600X
Specifications: Chipset: B550 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4866 | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 6x internal | Network: 1x 2.5Gb LAN | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Great value for money
- Sturdy
Cons
- Aesthetically may not look appealing to some
- Only 1x M.2 heatsink
Design & Build Quality: With its somewhat stark, basic look, the Asus TUF Gaming B550 Plus didn’t really stand out to me in terms of design. However, the motherboard has RGB and RGB headers for gamers with the Aura Sync AI to make their builds more lively. Also, it lives up to its name with a terrific build quality.
Performance: The Asus TUF Gaming B550 Plus is a treat with its VRM of 8+2 power stages mixing low and high-side MOSFETs. With this motherboard, I managed to push the clocks on the Ryzen 5 5600X by 200MHz. Also, its high-quality heatsinks and thermal pads ensured the VRM temperatures were under control.
Features & Connectivity: In terms of connectivity, we have USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports in addition to USB 2.0, for a total of 8x USB ports on the back I/O. It also provides plenty of storage options, with 6x SATA connections and 2x PCIe 4.0 ready M.2 sockets. Lastly, I was happy to see a 2.5Gb LAN port.
Buy It If
✅ You’re seeking solid RAM support: Memory possibilities are nearly limitless, with 4x DIMM slots allowing gamers and editors to use up to 128GB of ram operating at 4866Mhz.
✅ Durability is important: The Asus TUF Gaming B550 Plus is also durable in the long run, thanks to Asus using military-grade components and massive heatsinks.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You’re looking for a more flashy board: The appearances are unimpressive for a “Gaming” motherboard.
❌ You want a built-in M.2 heatsink: Users looking to install an M.2 SSD may be troubled by the temperatures, with the only respite being offered by aftermarket M.2 heatsinks.
What Makes It The Best Motherboard For Ryzen 5 5600X?
In the end, the Asus TUF Gaming B550 Plus is the best deal for budget gamers; no motherboards on the market give us such features and component quality at a low price tag. With all this in mind, I was compelled to choose the Asus TUF Gaming B550 Plus as the Best B550 Motherboard for Ryzen 5 5600X.
| VRM Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 8/10 |
MSI B550 Tomahawk
Best B550 ITX Motherboard
Specifications: Chipset: B550 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5100 | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 7x internal | Network: 1x 2.5G LAN | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- 13-Phase 60A VRM design
- High Power Fan headers
Cons
- Less USB ports
- No WiFi
Design & Build Quality: The MSI B550 Tomahawk’s appearance isn’t very remarkable, yet, the black PCB with silver and grey pieces peeling down provides the motherboard with a solid and sleek appearance. I liked the touch added by its chipset heatsink thanks to the RGB lighting under there.
Performance: Without good performance, the B550 Tomahawk would have never entered my list. It houses 13 phases (10+2+1) for power delivery which impressed me considering its form factor. We also have an improved PCB design, vastly expanded heatsinks, and added AI fan management. All of this meant my Ryzen 5 5600X ran easily on this board without the VRMs getting toasty.
Features & Connectivity: The B550 Tomahawk’s premium features might have you mistaking it for a premium motherboard! It has 2x Ethernet connections, multiple storage choices, and up to 5100MHz of DDR4 memory (through XMP). Also, the storage is cooled by MSI’s Twin Frozr solution which showed impressive cooling in my tests.
Buy It If
✅ You want easy setup: With pre-mounted I/O shield cover, installation is hassle-free. Plus, the BIOS flashing feature allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU or memory installed.
✅ You’re looking to use high-end headphones: Using the specialized high-definition audio processor on board, the MSI B550 Tomahawk showed excellent audio performance with pricey headsets in my testing.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ USB connectivity is inadequate for you: It only offers 6x USB connections on the rear which may not be enough for some users’ needs.
❌ Built-in WiFi is a priority: The board also lacks built-in WiFi.
What Makes It The Best ITX B550 Motherboard?
If you like to try fancy things for a low price, the MSI B550 Tomahawk is the one for you, though you will have to sacrifice a bit of connectivity, and WiFi. However, I regard the MSI B550 Tomahawk as the Best B550 ITX Motherboard as it still stood out against the rest, especially because of its cooling solutions and higher VRM rating.
| VRM Performance: 8.5/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 8/10 |
ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming
Best White B550 Motherboard
Specifications: Chipset: B550 | Memory: 4 x DIMM, 128GB MAX (DDR4) up to 5100 MHz | USB Ports: 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2 x USB 2.0 | Network: 2.5G LAN | Storage: 2 x M.2, 6 x SATA III
Pros
- Visually appealing design
- Excellent performance
Cons
- No WiFi
Design & Build Quality: The characteristic black and white tones of ROG Strix shine yet again, and they continue to look just as breathtaking as anything that came before it. I was also impressed by the sturdy build quality on offer.
Performance: Moving on, it also boasts a reliable 12+2 VRM setup which is fairly standard for a B550 board. It sports large heatsinks for the chipset and VRMs, too, plus a 6-layer PCB, for effective heat dissipation. My CPU of choice to test with it was the Ryzen 5 5600X again, and things went butter smooth at stock operation.
Features & Connectivity: 2x M.2 slots (each cooled by separate heatsinks) and 6x SATA ports are offered, along with 2x full-sized PCIe 4.0 slots. ASUS has also provided several USB 3.2 Gen 1 port along with a 2.5G ethernet port for network connectivity.
Buy It If
✅ You’re looking for a beautiful white board: The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming boasts numerous note-worthy design elements, perfect for all-white systems.
✅ You want a features-rich board: It offers a 12+2 phase VRM, a capable cooling solution, and plenty of I/O connectivity.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You prefer integrated WiFi: Its biggest impediment remains the lack of onboard WiFi connectivity; however, the included 2.5G ethernet port should get the job done for most people.
What Makes It The Best White B550 Motherboard?
If you are adamant about obtaining the best-looking cooler for your newest Ryzen build, then the ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming might just be for you. It is a brilliant showcase of the tremendous value that some of Asus’ ROG Strix boards offer. Its immediately distinguishable aesthetic, coupled with its overall solid performance, has earned it a spot in my list, particularly as the Best White B550 Motherboard.
| VRM Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX/AX
Best Mini-ITX B550 Motherboard
Specifications: Chipset: B550 | Memory: 4 x DIMM, 128GB MAX (DDR4) up to 5100 MHz | USB Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Network: 2.5G LAN, Intel 802.11ax WiFi Module | Storage: 2 x M.2, 4 x SATA III
Pros
Cons
Design & Build Quality: Despite the space constraints, ASRock still presents you with a fair share of design improvements that complement its already sophisticated look, including the integrated RGB strip and the black and white accents on the I/O cover. I found the build quality satisfactory thanks to its 8-layer PCB.
Performance: The ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX features an 8-power phase design with each phase rated at 90A. It may sound underwhelming, but it’s a reasonable configuration for its compact size. The board easily handled the Ryzen 7 5800X at stock settings in my testing, and its VRM showed excellent thermal performance.
Features & Connectivity: Speaking of thermals, two thermal guards are present for the single M.2 slot. Maximum memory frequency is up to 5400 MHz which was incredible to see coming from an ITX board. I was further impressed by the I/O connectivity that includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2 header and rich rear I/O.
Buy It If
✅ You prioritize raw performance and cooling: The ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming outperforms many X570-based mini-ITX boards in performance and cooling efficiency.
✅ Versatility is key: With its excellent VRM design, robust cooling solution, and 2.5G LAN, it is adept at both gaming and content creation while also offering incredible versatility when it comes to PC case compatibility.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You prioritize RAM upgradability: As with most mini-ITX motherboards, you only get 2x memory slots, which can be limiting for upgradability.
❌ You’re price-sensitive: You can get a fairly capable X570 motherboard at the same price.
What Makes It The Best Mini-ITX B550 Motherboard?
To sum up, the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming is simply brilliant, both for its functionality and use-case as a mini-ITX board as well as for its excellent blend of features that elevate its overall value. Its outstanding feats as a mini-ITX motherboard make it our Best B550 Mini-ITX Motherboard, that you can currently purchase.
| VRM Performance: 8.5/10 | Value: 7/10 |
| Features: 9.5/10 | Design: 9/10 |
MSI B550-A Pro
Best Budget B550 Motherboard
Specifications: Chipset: B550 | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4400 | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 7x internal | Network: 1x Gigabit LAN | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Number of Gen 2 USB ports
- Midcore audio port
Design & Build Quality: The design of the MSI B550-A is pretty minimalistic, with a black PCB, black and greyish heatsinks, and no RGB lights visible. You do, however, receive RGB 5V addressable headers to light up that darkness. Its heatsinks, with aluminum finish, showed a premium feel.
Performance: It has the same 10+2+1 VRM rating and cooling capabilities as any other B550 Motherboard. I decided to put the Ryzen 5 5700X3D to the test and managed to push it to 3.6GHz, with the VRM temperatures peaking at 66°C.
Features & Connectivity: For connectivity, I was disappointed to see the wealth of USB 2.0 ports. It also features 2x M.2 sockets and 4x DIMM slots with a maximum capacity of 128GB and a 4400 MHz clock speed. A DP and HDMI connector alongside a BIOS Flash button is located on the back I/O.
Buy It If
✅ You need a complete ATX board: The MSI B550-A Pro offers PCIe 4.0×16 and PCIe 3.0×4 slots, both armored for safer connections.
Don’t Buy It If
❌ You require extensive connectivity options: Connectivity options could have been further improved by providing more newer Gen USB ports instead of USB 2.0
❌ You’re planning on dual M.2 configuration: MSI also tried saving material by delivering only one M.2 with the Twin Frozr heatsink meaning the other is left to feel the heat, so you will have to purchase an aftermarket heatsink for it.
What Makes It The Best Budget B550 Motherboard?
There might be flaws, but the MSI B550-A Pro is one of the best budget-friendly motherboards with a low price tag. Considering the storage options and VRM ratings, the MSI B550-A Pro is our choice as the Best Budget B550 Motherboard.
| VRM Performance: 8/10 | Value: 9/10 |
| Features: 8/10 | Design: 8/10 |
Specifications Comparison
Here’s how how my top 6 selections stack up against each other in some key specifications:
| Best B550 Motherboards | Total VRMs | Rear USB Ports | Front USB Headers | Maximum DDR4 Frequency (MHz - OC) | M.2 Slots | SATA 3.0 Ports | PCIe Slots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (WI-FI II) | 14 | 8 | 3 | 4800+ | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Asus TUF Gaming B550 Plus | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4866+ | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| MSI B550 Tomahawk | 13 | 6 | 7 | 5100+ | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming | 14 | 8 | 6 | 5100+ | 2 | 6 | 5 |
| ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX/AX | 8 | 6 | 3 | 5400+ | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| MSI B550-A Pro | 13 | 8 | 7 | 4400+ | 2 | 6 | 4 |
How We Chose The Best B550 Motherboard
Choosing the best B550 Motherboard for your Ryzen CPU is never an easy chore; you must consider several variables before purchasing. In the end, everything comes down to personal choice, but we’ve provided some guidelines to consider.
- Chipset: Ensure the chipset on the B550 motherboard for your Ryzen CPU is compatible. Before it can function with an earlier Ryzen CPU, some B550 motherboards will require a BIOS update. So before you make a purchase, look at compatibility options with the official websites.
- VRM: The Voltage Regulatory Modules, or VRMs, are responsible for supplying power to your CPU. Because specific Ryzen CPUs are intended to consume more power than others, your Motherboard must be capable of delivering the needed power.
- Form Factor: B550 Motherboards, like any other board, are available in a variety of sizes. The boards come in three sizes: ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX. Keep your PC case in mind when deciding which form factor is ideal for you, as it is the one that will house your motherboard.
- Rear I/O Connectivity: Before making a final selection, you should always be aware of the many connectivity options are available to you. On the back I/O, each board has a varied amount of ports, so, before you make a selection, be sure you know how many devices you’ll need to connect.
- Expansion Slots: If you prefer to go big and connect multiple GPUs, you need to know the Expansion Slots on your Motherboard. Some Motherboards, such as those with the Mini ITX form factor, have fewer expansion slots, while others do not support AMD Crossfire or NVIDIA SLI.
- Aesthetics: Finally, isn’t it true that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder? People aren’t always gorgeous on the inside, which is why you need a good-looking Motherboard to make people look twice. You may select from a range of alternatives, including black PCB and white heatsinks, as well as ones with RGB built-in.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you currently have a high-end B450 motherboard, upgrading to a B550 board is not essential; however, if you have a low-end B450 chipset motherboard that lacks features such as improved I/O, RGB, Network choices, and better Audio, you may want to consider a B550 chipset motherboard.
The AMD Ryzen 2000, 3000, and 5000 series CPUs are compatible with B550 series motherboards.
Yes. Even in 2024, the Ryzen 5000 series is great for gaming. They offer great value for money because their prices have decreased, and yet they perform great.
We have also covered the best motherboards for other AMD chipsets based on hands-on testing:
Recent Updates
- March 19, 2024: Few text and grammar changes to improve readability. No products were changed/removed. Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming (WI-FI) was replaced by the WI-FI II variant, which we found more suitable after testing thanks to improved features, including memory support.
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[Hardware Reviewer]
Awais Khan is a Tech Geek, conscientious, reliable, and hardworking individual who pays attention to detail with excellent time management skills. Alongside that, he is an expert in PC Hardware; dealing with Benchmarks, Analysis, and testing before sharing information with readers. Whenever free, Awais occasionally shares Gaming Videos on his YouTube Channel.
Get In Touch: awais@old.tech4gamers.com
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