Looking for a good motherboard? Consider one that matches your system needs and budget.
Looking for a good motherboard? Consider one that matches your system needs and budget.
Looking to purchase a motherboard within an 80GBP budget, currently considering a 7th generation GeForce 1050 graphics card but planning upgrades to a 2060 and 5600X in the future.
If you're considering a 5000-series setup, I recommend opting for a B550. The B450 works for older Ryzen models, but my suggestion is to invest in the optimal board for the processor you intend to purchase, rather than just what you currently have. Running a 5000-series on a B450 isn't ideal. I own an Asus Tuf B550-PLUS, which has had some RAM issues initially but seems stable with my 5900X. For a 3.2-header, the B550-PRO is the better choice—it includes one, while the PLUS model does not. Regarding RAM compatibility, these boards have specific requirements. Check the QVL list for any board you buy to prevent future problems. My experience showed random POST failures with no video during 8-12 cold starts, which turned out to be a RAM problem. Testing DIMMs worked fine, and the machine functioned normally otherwise. Swapping RAM from the board's QVL list resolved the issue. Updated August 31, 2022 by An0maly_76 Added more details
Notably, I didn't notice a 1700 on the B550, but upon reviewing the processor list, it wasn't present. It might be worth contacting Asus to confirm. Occasionally, older hardware entries can be omitted to streamline support for newer models, or someone may have missed some details.
Also, remember that missing a component from the QVL doesn't guarantee compatibility—it could still function, though stability isn't assured. If the 1700 fails on the B550, consider the ASRock B450M-HDV as an alternative. It's affordable and reliable; I've used it with a 3600X for testing other parts in my 5900X build. It also works with the 5600(X), though I'm unsure if its VRMs can handle it. The 1700 and most older Ryzen chips should work with a standard AMD Wraith cooler, but upgrading to a better cooler is strongly advised after moving to the 5600 or similar.
The 5600X typically handles temperatures around 80°C with a stock Wraith, while my 5900X tops out near 70°C. Edited August 31, 2022 by An0maly_76 Revised, more info