Looking for a B550 M.2 slot?
Looking for a B550 M.2 slot?
Plan aims to secure Ryzen 4000 series chip as soon as it launches. Considering options, I’m evaluating B550 motherboards. Likely choices include successors to 3600 or 3700X, keeping it mid-range. Currently, four models stand out: MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus, ASRock B550 Pro4, ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus, and Gigabyte B550 Gaming X. They’re listed in order of preference. Overall, prices are similar, with Gigabyte being about 20€ cheaper but lacking M.2 support. Any recommendations?
I recommend the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Pro. It offers better value compared to others, featuring a similar 10-phase VRM setup with basic MOSFETs. The ASUS B550 Pro4 lacks the robust VRM design needed for high-end CPUs like the 3900X, causing temperatures to rise slightly on the heatsink—only relevant if you're using top-tier processors. The MSI boards still use older ALC892 audio and outdated audio codecs.
The Gigabyte B550 Gaming X provides PCIe x16 slots (including a second PCIe x4), ALC1200 sound, HDMI and DisplayPort ports, plus USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports. It also supports the newer ALC887 audio chip, which is a step forward.
If you stick with a 3950X or similar high-performance CPU, the B550M Aorus Pro will run cooler and last longer. The Asus B550 Pro4 isn’t worth it unless you need extra SATA ports, but otherwise the B550 Gaming X offers more features without breaking the bank.
The B550M Aorus Pro is a solid choice for budget-conscious builders who want decent VRM and connectivity.
The VRM on the mATX Aorus Pro differs significantly from the B550 Gaming Plus and MSI boards, as well as the TUF models. The average MOSFETs and the plastic IO cover that acts as a heat barrier aren't ideal choices. Most buyers spending around $120 won't overclock the 3950X in it, yet I believe stronger power delivery matters more than marginally improved audio. By the time you require better sound, you'll likely ignore what the motherboard provides.
It’s currently 86°C at stock price after an hour of heavy use. That’s okay. The price stands at $120 for the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Pro, compared to $140 for the MSI B550-A Pro or $167 for the MSI B550 Gaming Plus. Reality check: you’re spending either $20 or $47 more for the chance to push things beyond normal limits, while missing out on solid onboard audio. * You can indeed boost performance on the B550M Aorus Pro—see the video proof. A 3900X only reached a 74°C VRM, but pushing it higher would hit 80-90°C safely, up to about 100°C long-term. With the 3950X, stock temps are still at 86°C, which is fine. When you crank it up to around 200W (about 25% more power), the VRM climbed to 115°C and everything ran smoothly without overheating or damage. The chips handle it (rated for at least 125°C, usually 150), but prolonged exposure above that can harm the boards and capacitors. A basic 80mm/92mm/120mm fan setup is cheaper than buying a new one if you end up needing serious overclocking.
Thanks for the suggestion! You're thinking of an ATX for a build with a window and prefer its appearance. The price gap between Aorus Pro and Gaming Plus is around 20-30€, which is a small amount but not a huge deal. I'm not constrained by a tight budget. Regarding your case question, you'll need a specific header on the motherboard to support a Type-C port on the front.
It does feature a Type C header on the B550 Gaming Plus. It's a solid board with 10 phases, each containing 10 4C029N and 10 4C024N chips using IR3599. As mentioned before, among this selection, the B550 TUF Plus or the Gaming Plus are quite good options; you can opt for the B550 A Pro which is essentially the same as the Gaming Plus but without the RGB lighting. Keep in mind that the B550 TUF Plus lacks a Type C header.
For USB Type-C in front, you'll want motherboards featuring USB Type-C headers. The MSI B550 Gaming Plus includes it near the 24-pin connector. In fact, many boards come with this port—B550 Tomohawk does, and the B550 Mortar has it too. Gigabyte was early to adopt it, placing it on the X570, X570 Aorus Elite, offering a solid build, good quality, and a lower price (around $180 now near $200). Cheaper B550 boards didn’t include it. You can also use adapters to convert USB 3.0 headers, though they’re pricier, typically $8 to $15.