B550 Vs X570: Our Recommendation

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Pros And Cons

Platforms	Pros	Cons
B550	✅ Better VRMs In Lesser Price ✅ More economical ✅ Better Networking Features In Lesser Price	❌ No PCIe 4.0 Expansion Slots ❌ Lesser USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports
X570	✅ Multiple PCIe 4.0 M2 SSDs Support ✅ Only Option for 8 SATA Ports ✅ Best Multi-GPU Support	❌ Noisier Than B550 ❌ No Front USB C header

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Comparison Table

Chipset	B550 Motherboard	X570 Motherboard
CPU Graphics Support	x16 PCIe Gen 4	x16 PCIe Gen 4
CPU Storage Support	PCIe Gen 4	PCIe Gen 4
CPU USB Ports	USB 3.2 Gen2	USB 3.2 Gen2
General Purpose Lanes	PCIe Gen 3	PCIe Gen 4
CPU Chipset Uplink	PCIe Gen 3	PCIe Gen 4
Overclocking Support	Yes	Yes
Dual Graphics Support	✅	✅
Ryzen 2000 Series Support	❌	✅
Ryzen 3000 Series Support	✅	✅
Ryzen 5000 Series Support	✅	✅
Overclocking	✅	✅
Release Date	June 16, 2020	July, 2019

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Basic Architectural Differences

1. Chipset Overview: Both B550 and X570 chipsets are based on AMD’s AM4 CPU platform, with B550 superseding X570, released in June 2020 and July 2019 respectively. Despite being newer, the X570 outperforms the B550 if we talk about the overall impact.
2. CPU Connection and Performance: X570 utilizes PCIe 4.0 lanes for CPU connection, enhancing gaming performance compared to B550’s PCIe Gen 3.0 CPU Chipset Uplink.
3. Overclocking and Cooling: Both chipsets support CPU and Memory overclocking, but X570 motherboards typically have enhanced VRMs and active cooling due to higher chipset power draw (15W for X570 compared to 6W for B550), resulting in better overclocking results.
4. Multi-GPU Support: Both chipsets support dual GPU setups using Nvidia’s SLi architecture or AMD’s CrossFire technology, though this feature may be less relevant due to the decreasing popularity of multiple GPU setups.
5. PCIe and Storage Connectivity: The B550 Supports PCIe Gen 4.0 only for the x16 GPU slot, with 10x PCIe 3.0 lanes from the chipset. It features up to 8x SATA III 6 Gbps ports, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 ports, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and 6x USB 2.0 legacy ports. It also supports one PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD alongside a PCIe 4.0 GPU using all 20x PCIe 4.0 lanes. On the other hand, the X570 offers up to 36x PCIe 4.0 lanes, supporting the latest GPUs and up to 5x M.2 SSDs with PCIe Gen 4.0 at full speed. The processor also includes 14x SATA III ports, 12x USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 ports, and 4x USB 2.0 Type-A ports.

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Contemplating whether to go for one of the B550 Motherboards or make the gamble for an entry-level X570 Motherboard? Having some trouble deciding whether it’s worth splurging on the X570 Motherboards or saving some capital by going for the dependable and reasonably affordable B550 chipset. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with everything to know about B550 vs X570.

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Getting To Know The B550 And X570

The B550 chipset, though newer than the X570, doesn’t necessarily outperform it. We discovered many differences between them which are minimal and hardly noticeable in daily tasks. Here is a brief comparison of their specifications:

• Both B550 and X570 have 16x PCIe Gen 4 CPU graphics lanes.
• They both support PCIe Gen 4 for storage, though B550 has a slight limitation we shall discuss later.
• Both offer USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, but X570 has more.
• Where they diverge is in dual graphics support: B550’s slots, except for x16, are PCIe Gen 3, while X570’s are all PCIe Gen 4.
• B550’s General Purpose Lanes and CPU Chipset Uplink are PCIe Gen 3, while X570’s are PCIe Gen 4, affecting data transfer speeds that most users won’t notice.
• Both the B550 and the X570 support overclocking, a topic we’ll explore further in the article.

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B550 Vs X570 – Core Comparison

Alright, with the basic layout out of the way, let’s look at what differentiates the B550 from the X570 motherboard. It’s clear that the X570 is better than the B550, but by how much exactly? Is the improvement worth the price difference? We have laid out a few differences between the motherboards.

Backward Compatibility

Backward compatibility with AMD Ryzen CPUs has been a journey. Promising no changes to the AM4 Socket for 5 years, AMD made adjustments in chipset support. For instance, older motherboards like the A320 weren’t initially compatible with newer Ryzen CPUs, leading to the introduction of “Beta Bios” updates for compatibility.

This update, however, came with a trade-off: Ryzen 1000 series processor support was sacrificed. With the launch of the X570 and B550 in 2019, the X570, despite being older, retained compatibility with Ryzen 2000 series processors, unlike the B550.

APU Compatibility

Like the backward compatibility, the X570 motherboard is compatible with all Ryzen 2000, 3000, and 5000 series processors (including 5900x and 5950x), apart from the Ryzen 1000 series. There are no problems with that.

However, the B550 motherboard is only compatible with Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors excluding the Ryzen 1000, 2000, and Ryzen 3000 series APUs. These would be the Ryzen 3 3200G, Ryzen 5 3400G, and so on. The following image clarifies this compatibility issue further.

Overclocking

When comparing overclocking capabilities between B550 and X570 chipsets, VRMs play a crucial role in stabilizing voltage for CPU and RAM overclocking. While some B550 motherboards boast VRMs comparable to entry-level X570 models, X570’s PCIe 4.0 lanes generally offer better overclocking potential.

Despite drawing less power (6W) compared to the X570 (15W), the B550 may not match the X570’s performance and overclocking due to PCIe differences and power draw.

However, high-end B550 boards like the MSI B550 Tomahawk or ASUS ROG Strix B550-F offer impressive overclocking potential at an affordable price, making them preferable over entry-level X570.

Multiple PCIe 4.0 PCIe Slots

In the X570 and B550 motherboards, you’re going to find a complete x16 PCIe 4.0 slot for your graphics card. However, the B550 doesn’t sport the same PCIe 4.0 slot for the x8, x4 and x1 slots. The X570, on the other hand, may come with PCIe 4.0 for these expansion slots depending on the manufacturer.

Future Proof

At this point, both of these chipsets have almost reached their lifespan. Seeing how Zen 4 processors will come with a new AM5 socket, we reboot the B550 and X570 chipsets will be unable to support the next-gen Ryzen 7000 series processors.

That means that the X570 and B550 chipset are only viable up to the Ryzen 5000 series processors. This shouldn’t be a problem for you, though, unless you’re an enthusiast who upgrades their PC every quarter. Even something “basic” like the Ryzen 5 5600X should last you a couple of years before you’ll need to upgrade again.

Therefore, although the X570 and B550 chipsets will not be compatible with Ryzen 7000 series processors, they should still suffice for at least the next few years, of course, if you’re building a computer around the Ryzen 3000 or 5000 series processors.

In-Built Motherboard Cooling

Although kind of weird, the X570 motherboard has an in-built motherboard fan to keep the chipset cooler. The B550 doesn’t come with any such features as its power consumption isn’t too high and doesn’t create as much heat as the X570, though a few manufacturers later launched S variant motherboards without chipset fans.

This chipset fan has both positive and negative points in the X570 motherboards. Good, because it reduces heat and cools the motherboard chipset, however, the noise created by the fan can be bothersome for many enthusiasts.

Better LAN Support

While both the B550 and X570 motherboards have LAN ports, the B550 only has 1G and 1.5G LAN ports, whilst multiple X570 motherboards can have up to 5G and even the insanely fast 10G LAN ports.

Of course, this does not — by any means — imply that 1G and 1.5G LAN ports are slow. No, these two are more than fast enough for most consumers. Even gamers wouldn’t feel any form of stuttering or lags according to their internet.

Abundance Of PCIe 4.0 Lanes

Not to be confused with PCIe 4.0 slots — these lanes are connected to the CPU. These lanes also connect the CPU with the motherboard chipset. The X570 uses PCIe 4.0 lanes whilst the B550 uses PCIe 3.0 lanes to do these tasks. What does this mean? Simply put, the X570 has faster Input/Output compared with the B550.

Multiple PCIe 4.0 M.2 Slots

Unlike the B550 motherboard which only supports 1 PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD drive, the X570 has compatibility for at least 2 PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD drives. Only a few B550 motherboards sport 2 PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD drives. Such as the Gigabyte Aorus Master B550 and the MSI MEG B550 Unify Gaming Motherboard.

Greater Support For USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports

With correspondence to multiple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, the Gigabyte Aorus X570 also has greater support for more SATA and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. The actual count differs from model to model, and that is usually the case. A high-end B550 might have more USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports when compared with an entry-level X570.

Fewer Options For mATX Form Factors

As for the X570 chipset, there are significantly fewer mATX options. The B550, on the other hand, houses a greater number of mATX options for consumers. This would only be relatable with people who lack PC space and thus go with a smaller form factor. Although most of these differences won’t affect the average consumer.

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X570 Vs B550: Pricing 

The most controversial part of the B550 vs X570 motherboard debate has always been the pricing. Let’s take a closer look at that, in this case, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk and the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Motherboard. Since the launch of the B550 motherboards, their pricing has been neck and neck with the X570. At least at the entry-mid level, that is.

CPU	Launch MSRP	Current Price
B550	💲145	💲109.99
X570	💲159.99	💲300
Price Difference	10.34%	172.75%

Looking at the current prices of the motherboards, we can analyze that the price difference between the two has a colossal gap of 172%, with the B550 having a lot steeper price tag than its competitor. This puts the B550 forward for budget-conscious users looking for a decent motherboard at far lower costs.

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B550 Vs X570: Which One We Suggest?

AMD B550 Motherboard: If you’re buying an entry-level Ryzen 3000 series or Ryzen 5000 series processor, then a B550 motherboard will do. It offers more solid performance per dollar in a lot cheaper price ranges, with a similar build and features as the X570 with only a few points missing. So users looking for an economical option to wield their Ryzen processors can go for the B550.

AMD X570 Motherboard: If you’re buying a high-end Ryzen 5000 series processor, then going with a high-end X570 motherboard should be your go-to option. Whereas if you want more PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2, and USB-C support, then the X570 would be beneficial. It also supports features like Nvidia SLI or AMD Crossfire. Lastly, if you’re looking to overclock your PC a lot, high-end X570 motherboards will be ideal.

I would recommend opting for the X570 motherboard if the user wants a premium experience with a major tradeoff of a hefty price tag. However, everything depends on how you plan on using your computer. Both the B550 and the X570 chipsets are solid picks for an average consumer, and would not show any differences in their performance.

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