Help Selecting Motherboard
Help Selecting Motherboard
I've been relentlessly researching, reading, watching videos, talking in Discord, etc, and I cannot settle on a motherboard for my brand new build. To start, here is my Treat Yo Self 2020 build - I have already bought everything but the motherboard, CPU and GPU (got sales on some parts, like the 1TB Adata nvme drives for $107 each on prime day). Needs: PCI 4 on GPU and (at least) 1 drive Use both M.2 nvme slots without compromising GPU or drive speeds (disabling a few SATA, PCIEx1, etc, is fine) Solid to great VRM (not doing crazy overclocking, but I like to maintain the ability to try down the road, and I'm intrigued to see how high I can get my Crucial Ballistix Kit) At least 5 USB (more is better) 2.5 Gigabit ethernet RGB headers for the Phanteks LED strips I selected Bluetooth (I'm 100% fine with getting a PCIx1 card or USB dongle for this. My current bluetooth is spotty, so it MUST be solid, thus cost is not an option to go external) Nice to Haves: Onboard USB-C for the p500a case's front USB-C connection 6 layer PCB (generally better, I'm aware of exceptions) More USB (I estimate I'll use 5-7, more is definitely better. Not against getting a HUB at all, but avoiding it is nice) Average or better audio (I may get an AMP/DAC down the line, but I'd like an at least average audio experience out of the box. I'm using a 6 year old laptop I consider fine, so I assume anything will do) A "nice" bios. Easy enough to use, doesn't suck, that's about it. I'm very willing to go "beyond" B550 if the price is right, if it's more balanced with my build ($2k) and offers any real-world additional benefits. Realistically, I just want to pick a motherboard that hits my needs, fits the build, and doesn't leave me with buyer's remorse. Given that I'm getting a 5900x and this is basically the end of the line until we need a new set of motherboards, I anticipate this build will probably live on this board forever. That's a double edged sword of "future proof" it to make it last, but also "don't bother going all out, you can't put a new CPU in it down the line" - it's a balancing act. I'd like to clarify, after spending as much as I have on this build, I do not care at all about saving $20-$100, it's a drop in the bucket compared to the build - I just want the right motherboard to make me happy with the entire build. That said, after all of my Buildzoid video watching, Discord chatting, Reddit reading, etc, I've been leaning towards the B550 Tomahawk / Gaming Edge at around $180. I've also heard great things about the B550 Gigabyte Auros Pro AC, and the Steel Legend. The only thing that bothers me about the Tomahawk / Gaming Edge, is the limited 5 USB ports, and to a smaller extent, the Realtek ALC1200 vs Realtek ALC1220, though I've heard the audio is actually quite solid due to dedicated PCB layers for audio, among other refinements on the board. I like that it's dark and compliments the look of my build, and I don't mind adding a USB hub and bluetooth adaptor (I have a nice pair of headphones, and 2 game controllers I regularly use via bluetooth). Since the Gaming Edge is essentially (exactly?) the Tomahawk, plus wifi/BT, I'd try that for $10 extra, even though I'm skeptical the bluetooth won't piss me off performance wise (reviews). As you can see, I'm partially over-thinking this, partially driving myself mad, and dying trying to find the right motherboard to pair with this build. I truly do not care about money at this point (within reason), and would gladly pay $50 extra on a board, just to end the countless hours of reading and searching, no lie. Any advice? Anything for me to read I haven't seen yet? Any suggested boards? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
It appears you're looking for a $400 motherboard that doesn't require the full price, but since the Tomahawk model only fits slightly, you're seeking something better than a basic option while still keeping value in mind. Essentially, if the Tomahawk doesn’t meet your needs, you’d need to invest around $400.
If budget isn't a concern, why opt for a premium motherboard over mid-range options? It's about choosing quality and performance. Think of it like picking between a V6 Camaro and a V8—whatever CPU you choose, the board will handle it. Just make sure it has the peripherals you need, then invest in the better one for satisfaction.
It’s likely the least useful feedback I’ve gotten in ten years, which is impressive. The main challenge is locating a board matching my requirements. Many options lack just one essential feature. I’m not keen on diving into X570 specs because of the chipset and PCI 4 limitations—I only need a B550 model. What I’m after is something around $250 with tomahawk capabilities, extra USB ports (2-4), and possibly a Realtek ALC1220 instead of the 1200. Everything else seems solid, and I doubt extra USB ports justify another $220. The low port count isn’t due to B550 restrictions either; cheaper boards often have more ports. I think I’ll stick with the Tomahawk or gaming edge, use a hub and Bluetooth dongle (or PCIx1 card), and skip the extra cost. A hub will cost about $30, plus $20-30 for Bluetooth, but I’m not concerned about money—it’s just decision fatigue. You didn’t help much, even though you seemed to think you were being clever.
For a typical build, you don’t need to invest a lot in a motherboard. A $150-200 budget works well for a reliable chipset unless you’re aiming for extreme overclocking.
He just refers to it based on what he perceives. That price tag is huge compared to the cost of the motherboard itself. Seems reasonable, though.
I develop games in Unity and aim for top performance settings, testing VMs for web projects too. My CPU handles heavy use without any issues, especially when I don’t push it to extreme limits. Many developers pair powerful cards with slower CPUs, but that’s not always necessary. Still, I don’t think the $200 motherboard is a limiting factor here—it won’t affect my setup or overall performance.
I understand. The challenge lies in each choice consuming bandwidth and incurring costs. When usage exceeds limits or too many options are needed, it moves to another category. A lower user count can raise prices further. This pattern appears clearly in the b550 schematic. Many “or” conditions exist, allowing selection of parts to cover a segment. Not “and” or “or” – these constraints are hard to bypass and usually costly.
The Asrock Taichi 550 appears to match your needs. Also, a razer edition is expected soon. It could be superior but will likely cost more than the standard model. Just as before, the response was unhelpful. It's priced at over 250.