help me choose a mobo
help me choose a mobo
Option 1: MSI B450 gaming plus max requires a Wi-Fi card, a 1.2" slot, with an approximate cost of 125 USD (ATX).
Option 2: MSI B550 A-Pro needs a Wi-Fi card, a 2.2" slot, and costs around 147 USD (ATX).
Option 3: MSI B550 Pro-VDH with Wi-Fi, 2 x 2.2" slots, estimated at 125 USD (Micro ATX)
You're using various processors and what you're spending on them. In terms of VRMs, the high-end model offers better performance, consuming 5 4C029N and 5 4C024N with IR3598 included. The B550 VDH works well for a 12-core setup and outperforms the gaming plus version. VRM capacity is comparable but comes with a newer chipset and four lanes on the CPU—though these features aren't essential for most users now. It's a nice upgrade when available.
And which device are you planning to use? As I mentioned, the vdh can manage a 12-core processor without issue at stock settings. The gaming plus's VRM is comparable to the vdh but features an older chipset; a pro would outperform both in VRM performance. Unless you're targeting a top Ryzen 9 CPU, the vdh should suffice.
For the same cost, the VDH is the superior choice. Yes, unless Zen 3 is extremely power-hungry (which I question). The VDH will handle the task effectively.