Choose between MSI Tomahawk B550 and B570 based on your needs.
Choose between MSI Tomahawk B550 and B570 based on your needs.
Hello, I’m weighing my options between the B550 and the X570. The B550 offers a cashback of 137€, while the X570 is priced at 179€ plus the same cashback. The main factor that matters to me is the number of USB ports on the back. Since I already have a passive USB 3 hub there, it seems like a problem shouldn’t arise. Would having more built-in USB ports help, especially since I plan to use VR gaming? A USB hub could work, but I’m not sure if it’s necessary if I don’t need multiple GPUs or an M2 drive. Regarding PCI lanes, they’re usually fine unless I’m running more than one GPU and a single M2 drive. Smart Access Memory should still be available with the B550 if I ever upgrade to a Zen 3 CPU. I’ve read about PCI lane sharing but it doesn’t seem to affect my needs right now. You mentioned Wi-Fi and BT aren’t priorities, so I’ll focus on the relevant specs. The Gaming Edge X570 is around 150€ with cashback, which might be worth looking into. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
They seem quite similar; you could end up with additional ports or better cooling on your MB. Performance might vary based on your needs—some models could offer more GEN 4 lanes with the 570, along with some extra cooling. The 550 should work just fine unless you prioritize more ports and features like the 570 provides. Both should be compatible for future upgrades. SAM isn’t something to worry about right now, and I believe you’ll find it on both options. You’d probably need additional software updates and OS changes to make the difference.
You might want to think about the Gaming Edge WiFi at 150€, especially since it features seven USB ports on the back.
Don't have any idea, you might want to check for reviews. A newer Wi-Fi version could be useful, though there might be coverage problems or weak signals in certain areas. It's possible the latest features aren't worth it if you only need basic Wi-Fi or Bluetooth occasionally at a lower cost than a PCIe card or cheap adapter. If it's on sale and lacks Wi-Fi, extra features might not be necessary. Edited December 23, 2020 by Quackers101
He just came across it and noticed some VRM problems in a HardwareUnboxed video.
When considering gigabytes, the Aorus Pro stands out due to its well-designed heatsink on the VRMs, whereas the B550 variant struggles with its limited dual BIOS support. Among these options, the B550 Tomahawk seems like a solid choice.