7 Best B550 Motherboards In 2024
AMD’s Ryzen CPUs have been out for a few years now, and the ecosystem has had time to mature. Our picks of the best B550 motherboards offer the perfect blend of features, performance, and value for money, making them the ideal foundation for a mid-range AMD Ryzen build. They offer most of the latest features, including support for PCIe 4.0, dual M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and overclocking.
Best of all, they’re affordable, with most models available for less than $200. B550 motherboards offer a great value for anyone looking to build a budget PC. While they don’t have all the bells and whistles of the best X570 motherboards, they offer a good price-to-performance ratio that makes them a great option for budget-conscious builders.
In addition, they tend to have a good selection of features and expandability options, making them a good choice for those who want to upgrade their PCs in the future. Whether you’re looking to build your first PC or upgrade an existing one, B550 motherboards offer a great bang for your buck.
We’ve rounded up the best B550 motherboards, from budget options to high-end boards loaded with features. No matter what your budget is, there’s an AMD B550 motherboard that’s perfect for you.
Our Picks for the Best B550 Motherboards
With that said, there are a few B550 motherboards that stand out from the crowd thanks to their impressive VRM designs, value proposition, and wealth of features. These are the boards that we would recommend for anyone looking to build a high-performing system.
| # | Preview | Product Name | Award | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Gigabyte B550 AORUS Master | Best Overall B550 Motherboard | Check Price |
| 2 |  | ASUS ROG Strix B550-E Gaming | Best Premium B550 Motherboard | Check Price |
| 3 |  | MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk | Best Overclocking B550 Motherboard | Check Price |
| 4 |  | Gigabyte B550 Vision D | Best Looking B550 Motherboard | Check Price |
| 5 |  | ASRock B550 Taichi | Best RGB B550 Motherboard | Check Price |
| 6 |  | MSI MAG B550M Mortar | Best Micro ATX B550 Motherboard | Check Price |
| 7 |  | ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX | Best Mini ITX B550 Motherboard | Check Price |
| # | 1 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | Gigabyte B550 AORUS Master |
| Award | Best Overall B550 Motherboard |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 2 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | ASUS ROG Strix B550-E Gaming |
| Award | Best Premium B550 Motherboard |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 3 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk |
| Award | Best Overclocking B550 Motherboard |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 4 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | Gigabyte B550 Vision D |
| Award | Best Looking B550 Motherboard |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 5 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | ASRock B550 Taichi |
| Award | Best RGB B550 Motherboard |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 6 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | MSI MAG B550M Mortar |
| Award | Best Micro ATX B550 Motherboard |
| Details | Check Price |
| # | 7 |
| Preview | |
| Product Name | ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX |
| Award | Best Mini ITX B550 Motherboard |
| Details | Check Price |
Last Update on 2024-04-25 at 22:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why you should trust us
We live, breathe, and eat motherboards here at appuals.com. Whether it’s the latest Intel or AMD chipsets, we know our way around a motherboard. We’ve been reviewing them for years, and our experience shows in our detailed, comprehensive reviews. Our leading PC hardware expert, Hassam Nasir, boasts a tremendous experience in the field of motherboard reviews which spans back to the days when Nvidia used to add an extra SLI chipset to motherboards!
One can say that he loves to get into the nitty gritty details of PC hardware such as PCB analysis, VRM performance, memory/core overclocking potential, cooling potentials of AIOs, and the list goes on and on. His expertise does not come as a surprise, since he has been obsessed with PC hardware from the era of Opterons and Smithfield Pentium processors.
However, we don’t just rely on our experience – we also put every motherboard we review through a rigorous testing process. We test for stability, compatibility, overclocking potential, and more. Our team’s key expertise lies in the area of VRM testing, both for quality and long-term reliability. Of course, we also take into account the user experience when writing our reviews. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option or the absolute best motherboard on the market, we can help you find what you need.
1. Gigabyte B550 AORUS Master
Best Overall B550 Motherboard
Pros
- Extraordinary VRM Design
- Versatile Connectivity Options
- Inclusion of 2.5GbE LAN And WiFi
- Attractive Design
- Availability of 3x M.2 Slots
Cons
- Quite Expensive
- Relatively Few Rear USB Ports
Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 16 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4866 (OC) | Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 7x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA
Check PriceIf you’re looking for a top-of-the-line gaming motherboard, the Gigabyte B550 AORUS Master is a great option. It offers incredible performance and features, making it a great choice for gamers and power users alike. Certainly, the Gigabyte B550 AORUS Master is one of the best overall B550 motherboards on the market.
The B550 AORUS Master features a robust power design that includes a 16-phase digital VRM solution with 50A DrMOS power stages. This results in very good power delivery, even when overclocking, and makes the B550 AORUS Master one of the best motherboard choices for Ryzen.
It also features an advanced thermal design with extended fin arrays and direct touch heat pipes. This ensures that your motherboard’s VRM stays cool even when under heavy workloads. In addition to excellent VRM cooling, the Gigabyte BIOS is also really helpful in CPU overclocking.
Therefore, the Gigabyte B550 AORUS Master is a great option for gamers and enthusiasts who want the best performance from their AMD Ryzen CPU.
In addition to great performance and thermal management, the B550 AORUS Master also offers a host of other features that are sure to appeal to enthusiasts. It offers plenty of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and several important internal headers.
The Wi-Fi and LAN support on the Gigabyte B550 AORUS Master is top-notch. The Wi-Fi 6 really helps in terms of speed and connectivity, and the 2.5GbE LAN port is also a nice touch.
Gigabyte dominates the Intel motherboard market too, as their premium option was selected in our roundup of the best motherboards for i7 12700K.
Being a premium motherboard, it also offers excellent storage options and support for high-speed drives. It has three M.2 slots, allowing you to install multiple high-speed drives for maximum performance. The motherboard also features a CPU overclock button and a debug LED, making it easy to troubleshoot any potential problems.
In addition, the B550 AORUS Master comes with a 5-year warranty, providing peace of mind in case of any unforeseen issues.
When it comes to aesthetics, the Gigabyte B550 AORUS Master definitely doesn’t disappoint. It features a sleek black design with subtle RGB lighting that looks great in any build. The build quality is very good, and the overall design is sleek and stylish.
The lighting can be customized using the AORUS Control Center software, and there are a variety of presets to choose from. The implementation of the RGB lighting over the I/O cover is also very attractive.
Overall, the Gigabyte B550 AORUS Master is a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish and well-designed motherboard. It’s packed with features and delivers excellent performance, albeit it comes at a high price point.
If you’re looking to build a high-end gaming PC, the Gigabyte B550 AORUS Master should definitely be on your list.
2. ASUS ROG Strix B550-E Gaming
Best Premium B550 Motherboard
Pros
- Premium Power Delivery
- Excellent VRM Cooling
- Solid Feature Set
- Loads of USB Ports
- Attractive Aesthetics
Cons
- Very Expensive
- No DisplayPort Output
Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 14+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5400 (OC) | Video Outputs: HDMI | USB Ports: 12x rear IO, 6x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6 | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
Coming in second on our list is the ASUS ROG Strix B550-E, which is a premium motherboard that offers the ultimate in performance, features, and quality. Featuring a sleek black design with red accents, the ROG Strix B550-E is sure to make a statement in any build.
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-E Gaming motherboard is impressive for a number of reasons, but its VRM design is especially impressive. The board features a 14+2 phase VRM design with Dr. MOS power stages, which can be considered the best in class for several reasons.
First, it means that the board has excellent overclocking potential. Second, it means that the board can handle high-end CPUs with ease. Third, it means that the board is great for enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their computers.
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-E is a high-end motherboard so it offers excellent VRM and power delivery for overclocking, as well as extensive heatsinks for keeping things cool. It’s one of the best options on the market for gamers and power users who want to get the most out of their processors. A similar ASUS option was selected in our roundup of the best motherboards for i9 12900K.
While the 14+2 phase VRM design is able to deliver clean, stable power to your CPU for extreme overclocking, the board has a great cooling system for those VRMs as well. The overheating protection is also top-notch, and it’s able to keep your system running cool even under heavy load.
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-E Gaming motherboard is packed with features that are designed to deliver a great gaming experience. First and foremost, it offers support for AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors, ensuring that you’ll be able to enjoy the latest games at their best. It also comes with two M.2 slots, providing ample storage for all your gaming needs.
Furthermore, the B550-E is equipped with WiFi 6, providing you with fast and reliable networking. Finally, it features 12 rear USB ports, making it easy to connect all your devices. Indeed, the board offers excellent connectivity and storage options. On the rear I/O, we would have liked to see a DisplayPort output as well, however.
When it comes to aesthetics, it becomes quite clear that the board is targeted toward gamers and PC enthusiasts. It has a striking design with aggressive angles and RGB lighting that can be controlled using Aura Sync. The build quality is excellent, and the overall aesthetics are very impressive. The board looks really good in high-end PC cases with tons of RGB lighting.
From premium audio and networking to RGB lighting and onboard Wi-Fi, the ROG Strix B550-E has everything you need to build the best gaming PC. If you’re looking for the best of the best, the ASUS ROG Strix B550-E is the best premium B550 motherboard for you.
3. MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk
Best Overclocking B550 Motherboard
Pros
- Great Value Option
- Exquisite Power Delivery
- Huge VRM Heatsinks
- Decent Feature Set
Cons
- No WiFi
- No Bluetooth
- Few Rear USB Ports
Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 10+2+1 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5100 (OC) | Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 7x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is a great budget gaming motherboard. It offers excellent value for the price, with a good selection of features and solid performance. The board is well-built and has a clean layout, making it easy to install and use. It also has good support for overclocking, which is great for gamers who want to get the most out of their system.
Speaking of overclocking, the B550 Tomahawk is a great option for anyone looking to overclock on a budget. The VRM and power delivery are solid, and the board offers good CPU overclocking potential. The 10+2+1 phase VRM design is quite effective in overclocking AMD Ryzen processors.
The cooling is also well taken care of, with ample fan headers and a decent VRM heatsink. The heatsinks themselves are rather large, with ample finning to improve heat dissipation by increasing surface area.
Furthermore, the MAG B550 Tomahawk offers a great balance of features and performance. It’s equipped with four DDR4 DIMM slots, two PCIe x16 slots, two M.2 slots, six SATA ports, and two USB 3.2 ports. The MAG B550 Tomahawk has a solid feature set for a mid-range board, and it delivers good performance thanks to its well-designed layout and quality components.
The only downside is that it doesn’t have built-in WiFi or Bluetooth. You can also say that it does not have as many SATA or M.2 slots as some of the other boards in this price range.
Speaking of budget options, you may also explore our selection of the best B450 motherboards as well.
Moving on to aesthetics, the design is simple and clean, with a matte black finish and subtle grey accenting. The overall aesthetics are very pleasing, and the board looks great in a range of different builds. The Tomahawk is also a very rugged and durable board, with a solid steel frame that can take a lot of wear and tear.
One of the best features of the Tomahawk is the subtle RGB lighting. The lighting is bright and vibrant, and it really makes the board pop. We did have questions about the placement of the RGB strips, however, as they are rather concealed behind heatsinks.
Overall, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality motherboard on a value-oriented budget. It has one of the best VRM designs on the market, looks great, performs well, and is built to last. Certainly, you cannot go very wrong with our choice for the best overclocking B550 motherboard.
4. Gigabyte B550 Vision D
Best Looking B550 Motherboard
Pros
- Unique Minimalistic Design Language
- Great VRM Setup
- Lots of SATA Ports
- Inclusion of Thunderbolt 3
Cons
- Expensive
- No 2.5GbE Networking
- Could’ve Used More RGB Lighting
Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 12+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5400 (OC) | Video Outputs: 2x Thunderbolt 3, HDMI and DisplayPort| USB Ports: 10x rear IO, 6x internal | Network: 2x 1 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6 | Storage: 2x M.2, 8x SATA
The Gigabyte B550 Vision D is a high-end motherboard that offers excellent performance and impressive aesthetics. It’s one of the best B550 motherboards on the market albeit it tends to fall on the more expensive side. The B550 Vision D is built with high-quality components and offers a wide range of features, making it an excellent choice for gamers and enthusiasts.
VRMs are an important part of any motherboard, and the VRM on the Gigabyte B550 Vision D is no exception. It uses a 12+2 phase design with Infineon TDA21472 70A power stages to deliver clean power to the CPU. The VRM is also cooled by a large copper heat sink, which helps to keep temperatures down during operation.
This VRM design is capable of delivering up to 500W of power, making it ideal for overclocking. The VRM on the B550 Vision D also features extensive cooling, which helps to keep the VRM cool even under heavy load. All in all, the power delivery on the B550 Vision D is well-designed and should be able to deliver clean power to the CPU even under heavy load.
A similar Gigabyte option was also selected in our roundup of the best motherboards for Ryzen 5 3600.
The Gigabyte B550 Vision D is a mainstream motherboard that offers a good blend of features and performance. It has four DDR4 DIMM slots for up to 128GB of total memory, and it supports both AMD CrossFire and NVIDIA SLI for multi-GPU setups. It also has two M.2 slots for SSDs, eight USB 3.2 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and Ethernet and WiFi connectivity. It also has eight SATA III ports and four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports.
The board is powered by an ATX 12V v2.4 connector and features an RGB LED header. The board also has a DisplayPort 1.4 and an HDMI 2.0 port for display connectivity. In addition, the motherboard has an onboard LED light show and support for RGB lighting control. One can say that the Gigabyte B550 Vision D is a feature-rich motherboard that offers everything you need for a high-performance gaming PC.
Aesthetics are important when it comes to choosing a motherboard, and the Gigabyte B550 Vision D definitely delivers in that department. The design of the Gigabyte B550 Vision D is minimalistic and clean, with an all-white build that is sure to please anyone who is looking for a modern aesthetic. The white motherboard will definitely give your build a high-end look.
In addition, the RGB lighting is subtle and understated, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more subdued aesthetic. All in all, we have labeled the Gigabyte B550 Vision D as the best looking B550 motherboard on the market.
Overall, the Gigabyte B550 Vision D is a great option for anyone who is looking for a stylish and high-performing motherboard. It has a few flaws here and there, but the overall package is well worth considering.
5. ASRock B550 Taichi
Best RGB B550 Motherboard
Pros
- Excellent 16+2 Phase Power Delivery
- Impressive Connectivity
- Lots of SATA ports
- Attractive RGB Lighting
Cons
- Relatively Few USB Ports
- Controversial Aesthetics
- Relatively Pricy
Form Factor: ATX | Power Delivery: 16+2 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5200 (OC) | Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort | USB Ports: 8x rear IO, 9x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6 | Storage: 2x M.2, 8x SATA
The ASRock B550 Taichi is one of the best motherboards for gaming on the market, offering excellent power delivery and a polarizing design that is sure to turn heads. Its premium price bracket puts it out of reach for some, but for those who can afford it, the B550 Taichi is a top-notch choice.
This motherboard features an impressive 16+2 Phase Power Design that provides reliable power delivery for even the most demanding systems. It also has a sturdy aluminum alloy heatsink that helps keep things cool, even when the action heats up.
The ASRock B550 Taichi VRM and power delivery are top-notch which makes it an excellent choice for CPU overclocking. The VRM cooling is also very good and the heatsink does a great job of keeping things cool.
If you are on the older Zen 2 platform, you may want to check out our selection of the best motherboards for Ryzen 7 3700X as well.
The Taichi is also a high-quality motherboard that is built to last. It uses premium materials and high-end electronic components for optimum performance. The power delivery system features some of the best components on the market right now, so you should have no problems hitting high overclocks with this motherboard.
Keeping performance to one side, the B550 Taichi offers a great suite of features. It supports all the latest AMD Ryzen 3000 processors and comes with a robust VRM that can handle even the most power-hungry CPUs, as mentioned.
It is a top-of-the-line motherboard that offers everything you need for the ultimate gaming experience. It features robust connectivity with multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, dual M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi 6 for wireless connectivity. Plus, the 2.5GbE ethernet port ensures that you always have a fast and reliable connection.
The Taichi also boasts impressive networking speeds, so you can always stay ahead of the competition. Whether you’re playing the latest games or streaming 4K movies, the Taichi can handle it all with ease.
An alternative roundup is also available if you want to choose the best motherboard for the Ryzen 5 5600X.
When it comes to design, the board also has a unique aesthetic that is both stylish and functional, with a sleek black and white color scheme and plenty of informative LEDs. ASRock’s B550 Taichi motherboard is one of the most controversial and polarizing designs on the market. Some love it for its aggressive styling and RGB lighting, while others find it gaudy and over-the-top.
No matter what your opinion is, there’s no denying that the B550 Taichi is a uniquely designed motherboard that will turn heads. Its unique RGB lighting earns it the title of the best RGB B550 motherboard on our list.
Although it is a bit on the expensive side, the ASRock B550 Taichi is definitely a premium option to consider when it comes to B550 motherboards. With its robust power delivery system and top-notch features, this motherboard is sure to please even the most demanding users.
6. MSI MAG B550M Mortar
Best Micro ATX B550 Motherboard
Pros
- Compact Micro ATX Form Factor
- Decent Power Delivery
- Relatively Affordable
Cons
- No WiFi
- Mediocre VRM Cooling
- Limited Expansion Slots
- Relatively Few USB Ports
Form Factor: Micro ATX | Power Delivery: 8+2+1 Phase VRM | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4400 (OC) | Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 7x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
The MSI MAG B550M Mortar is a great value for budget-conscious gamers. It’s a micro ATX motherboard, so it’s compact and easy to install. But don’t let its size fool you – this little board packs a big punch. It’s packed with features that deliver great performance at a price that won’t break the bank.
VRM and power delivery are among the most important aspects to consider when choosing a motherboard, especially if you’re planning on overclocking your CPU. The MSI MAG B550M Mortar does a mediocre job in this department, with an 8+2 phase VRM design that is cooled by a basic heatsink. While this is enough to prevent serious throttling, it doesn’t provide the best power delivery for overclocking. In terms of VRM cooling, the MSI MAG B550M Mortar is a bit below average.
A similar MSI option was also selected in our roundup of the best motherboards for i5 12600K.
The included heatsink is small and doesn’t make good contact with the VRM components. As a result, the VRM temperature can get quite high under load, especially when overclocking. While the MSI MAG B550M Mortar is a decent motherboard for general use, its mediocre VRM and power delivery make it less than ideal for overclocking.
MSI MAG B550M Mortar is a budget-friendly motherboard that comes with some features that are usually found on more expensive models. It has two M.2 slots for SSDs, which is great for anyone looking to upgrade their storage. However, it doesn’t come with WiFi, so you’ll need to use the 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connection.
Additionally, the connectivity options are also somewhat limited, with only six rear USB ports which can be occupied quite easily. One can say that the MSI MAG B550M Mortar is a decent motherboard if you’re on a budget. However, its lack of features means it’s not the best option if you’re looking to build a high-end gaming PC.
If the previous-gen motherboards tickle your fancy, then be sure to explore our selection of the best X470 motherboards as well.
When it comes to aesthetics, the MSI MAG B550M Mortar is a neutral-colored motherboard with very few RGB lighting features. The design is simple and straightforward, with minimal extra flourishes. This gives the board a clean look that will be unobtrusive in most builds.
The color scheme is also neutral, making it easy to match with other components. The only RGB lighting on the board is a single LED under the chipset heatsink. This can be controlled via software, but it is not very bright or customizable. Still, the MSI MAG B550M Mortar has a simple but stylish design that will look good in any build.
When you’re shopping for a gaming PC, you want something that’s going to give you the best gaming experience possible. But you don’t want to spend a fortune. That’s where the MSI MAG B550M Mortar comes in. It’s a powerful little machine that packs a big punch – perfect for gamers who want the best performance without breaking the bank.
So if you’re looking for a compact gaming motherboard that delivers all the performance and features you need, the MSI MAG B550M Mortar is the one for you.
7. ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX
Best Mini ITX B550 Motherboard
Pros
- Great For Small Form Factor Builds
- Decent VRM Quality
- Versatile Connectivity Options
Cons
- Relatively Expensive
- Only 2 DIMM Slots
- Limited Expansion Slots
- Few SATA and USB Ports
Form Factor: Mini ITX | Power Delivery: 8 Phase VRM | Memory: 2x DIMM, 64GB, DDR4-5400 (OC) | Video Outputs: HDMI and DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 5x internal | Network: 1x 2.5 GbE LAN, 1x Wi-Fi 6 | Storage: 2x M.2, 4x SATA
ASRock motherboards are well-known for their reliability and durability, and the B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX is no different. It is also equipped with ASRock’s excellent BIOS, which is very user-friendly. The mini-ITX offering gives users the choice to have a high-end AMD gaming PC in a compact form factor.
Therefore, for anyone looking to build in a mini ITX PC case, the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX is a great option. It’s a well-built and feature-rich motherboard that offers excellent value.
The ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX has a decent VRM design with an 8-phase Dr. MOS power delivery system and support for up to DDR4-5000+ overclocking on the memory. The VRM heatsinks are on the large side and are made of good-quality aluminum, but they’re not particularly thick or tall. There are also fins on the sides of the VRM Heatsinks which helps to dissipate heat.
The VRM design is good, but it’s not great. It’s capable of delivering enough power for high-end CPUs, but it doesn’t have the best VRM cooling solution or the highest quality components. As a result, it’s not the best choice for serious overclocking. However, it’s still a good option for gamers who want a high-end VRM design with good build quality in a mini-ITX package.
Our selection of the best mini ITX motherboards for i9 9900K can also be helpful for users of that Intel platform.
Regardless of its compact size, the Phantom Gaming-ITX is a high-end motherboard that comes packed with features. It has two M.2 slots for storage, as well as support for WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. There are also a wealth of USB ports, including both USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 support. The board also features a PCIe 4.0 slot, which is the latest standard for graphics cards.
In terms of features, the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX is one of the best motherboards on the market. However, it is also one of the most expensive, with a price tag that puts it out of reach for many gamers. But if you have the budget, the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX is a top-quality motherboard that will give you everything you need to build a high-end, compact gaming PC.
Speaking of budget offerings, you can also explore our selection of the best budget AM4 motherboards for more options on a strict budget.
Additionally, the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX offers excellent aesthetics, design, and looks. It features aggressive styling with RGB lighting that makes it look great in any build. The board also has a very solid construction and is well-built. The aesthetics, design, and looks of the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX are all top-notch and it’s a great choice for any high-end build.
The only downside of the motherboard is that it doesn’t have many expandable PCIe slots and it’s not the most user-friendly board out there in terms of general usability.
Still, the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX is a great mini ITX motherboard for gamers and enthusiasts alike. There is no doubt that it earns the title of the best mini ITX B550 motherboard on our list. However, its relatively high price and mediocre overclocking potential do throw a curveball into the mix.
How We Picked and Tested
When it comes to picking the best B550 motherboards, our primary focus was on the price-to-performance factor which is the hallmark of the B550 platform.
This series serves as a middle-ground of compromise between the premium X570 and cheaper A520 series, therefore the question of value becomes very important.
We also laid focus on the VRM quality of the B550 motherboards in question, since overclocking is a realistic scenario thanks to the unlocked multiplier of Ryzen CPUs.
The feature-set of the motherboards played an important role in forming our shortlist. The networking options, availability of multiple M.2 slots, number of high-speed USB ports, and other features like diagnostic options were made a priority.
Once we narrowed down our choices for what we were looking for, it was fairly easy to list down the products which would be suitable for PC builders with different building criteria.
Our expert team of tech enthusiasts and reviewers meticulously tested each motherboard option on this list, and countless others that we were not good enough to make this list. Our primary focus was VRM quality testing through a sustained load of an overclocked Ryzen 9 5900X, running a stress test in an enclosed chassis for a predetermined time.
The data obtained from the scores of motherboards helped shape this list, along with the features, aesthetics, price, and value offerings that were associated with each model.
The list we’ve put together includes motherboards from different price brackets so that you can get your hands on the best available B550 motherboard according to your budget.
B550 vs B450
The B550 and B450 chipsets are both mid-range AMD platforms for the Ryzen processors. The motherboards based on these two chipsets are targeted toward the mainstream gaming market, and therefore they act as a middle ground between the premium X-series and budget A-series of AMD.
B550 comes with some massive improvements over B450, which include the support of PCIe 4.0 for the first time on a B-series chipset. This is a huge deal as PCIe 4.0 is definitely showing its potential thanks to high-speed PCIe Gen 4 SSDs that are capable of reaching extremely high speeds. B550 motherboards also have more high-speed USB ports, as well as a better VRM setup in general for most motherboards.
The B450 option can also be considered if you are planning to save a bit of money and allocate it towards other parts of your build such as the graphics card. In general, B450 motherboards do have unofficial support for the Ryzen 5000 series processors with a BIOS update, but you will have to consult the documentation of the motherboard model you want.
This platform also lacks support for the PCIe Gen 4 protocol, which is a bit of a bummer if you want a high-speed PCIe Gen 4 SSD in your system. However, B450 motherboards can be found a lot cheaper on the market than B550 boards, and they have backwards compatibility with Zen 2 and Zen+ processors as well.
Buyer’s Guide
We all know that a motherboard is the heart of a computer and is responsible for all its components working together. It connects the CPU, RAM, storage drives, graphics card, and other peripherals. So it would be a really bad idea to neglect the motherboard in the purchasing process.
Of course, that means there are quite a few factors to consider when purchasing the best B550 motherboard for your build.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM design and power delivery are crucial for ensuring that your system is stable and capable of delivering high performance. VRM, or Voltage Regulator Module, is an important factor to consider when buying a motherboard. VRM design affects power delivery to the CPU and can be a major limiting factor in CPU overclocking.
VRMs with more phases generally have better performance and stability, but VRMs with fewer phases can be cheaper and may still offer acceptable performance. B550 motherboards often claim the middle ground between premium X570 motherboards and basic A320 motherboards in terms of VRM quality. As a result, VRM should be one of your main considerations when making a buying decision for a motherboard.
Features and Connectivity
Another important factor to consider is the features of the motherboard. Some motherboards come with a wealth of features, while others focus on providing a more streamlined experience.
First and foremost, consider the connectivity options. How many USB ports does it have? Does it have an M.2 slot for extra storage? What about Wi-Fi and networking? Make sure the motherboard you choose has the right mix of ports and slots to meet your needs.
Another thing to consider is storage. If you plan on using a lot of storage-intensive applications, make sure the motherboard you choose has enough M.2 slots to accommodate your needs. And if you need Wi-Fi or network connectivity, ensure that the motherboard you select has the right wireless module installed.
Finally, take a look at the BIOS. The BIOS is responsible for booting up your computer and there are different types available. Some motherboards come with a UEFI BIOS which is more user-friendly, while others come with a legacy BIOS which is less feature-rich but simpler to use. Choose the type of BIOS that best suits your needs.
By taking these factors into account, you can be sure to choose the right motherboard for your needs. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a motherboard.
Aesthetics
These days, users can be just as concerned with how their motherboard looks as they are with its performance. Design and aesthetics have become increasingly important in the world of PC hardware, and manufacturers have taken notice. As a result, many motherboards now come equipped with features like RGB lighting and color-coded ports that help give users a more visually appealing build.
While some might argue that these features are nothing more than gimmicks, there’s no denying that they can help add a touch of personality to a rig. In the end, it’s up to the individual user to decide how important aesthetics are when choosing a motherboard.
However, there’s no doubt that for many enthusiasts, looks are just as important as performance.
Value
It is important to consider value when buying a motherboard. By that, we mean finding the right balance of pricing and features that meet your needs. It is easy to get caught up in wanting the latest and greatest technology, but that doesn’t always equate to the best value. A good rule of thumb is to consider the price-to-performance ratio. That is, how much performance you are getting for the price you are paying.
Another way to think about it is bang for the buck. If you are on a budget, it is important to find a motherboard that offers the most features and best performance for the price. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.
When considering these factors, it is important to keep your budget in mind. The goal is to find the best value for your money. With these factors in mind, and with the help of our comprehensive motherboard buying guide, you are now ready to choose the best motherboard for your needs.
Best B550 Motherboards - FAQs
B550 can support Ryzen 5000 series CPUs by default. In fact, B550 is one of the two recommended chipsets for the Ryzen 5000 series processors by AMD. You can slot in your existing Ryzen 3000 series or Ryzen 5000 series CPU into a B550 motherboard and use it without any issues.
B550 motherboards are generally better than B450 motherboards for a number of reasons. Firstly, the B550 motherboards have default official support for Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. Furthermore, the B550 platform has support for PCIe Gen 4 as well, which is absent in B450. The VRM design of B550 motherboards is also better than B450 motherboards in general.
The B550 platform is not considered particularly future-proof since it is based on the 4 years old AM4 socket. AMD is planning to shift to a completely new AM5 socket for the next Ryzen generation, which will be incompatible with the B550 platform. Therefore, you can only expect support for Ryzen 5000 series and its iterations on the B550 platform in the near future.
You should go for B550 over X570 if you are looking for a better price-to-performance ratio. While most X570 motherboards do have better power delivery systems than comparable B550 motherboards, the B550 platform is much cheaper in general. Furthermore, B550 motherboards do have support for PCIe Gen 4 too, although it is limited to only one M.2 slot.
B550 motherboards have 10 PCIe lanes from the chipset itself. By comparison, X570 motherboards have 16 PCIe lanes from the chipset. The B550 platform has PCIe Gen 3 lanes only, while the X570 platform has PCIe Gen 4 lanes from the chipset. This is why there is only one PCIe Gen 4 M.2 slot on the B550 motherboards.
