Modern motherboard design
Modern motherboard design
Check your current setup and explore options for VRM cooling. Consider models around $100 with B550 support, such as ASUS ROG Strix or MSI MEG, which offer better performance and compatibility.
Which CPU are you matching with the motherboard at the moment? Are you looking to overclock? The options are quite limited for around $100. You could consider the MSi MAG B550 Bazooka for $114.99, or go for the MSi B550-A Pro or Gigabyte B550M Aorus Pro if you have more budget.
You can purchase heatsinks and attach them for a significantly lower cost, such as the link provided. You might also discover bigger options that fit more than a single metal heat spreader, which is likely more effective than the standard chunky ones included in most devices.
I’m only seeing a stock b450m pro4 and it does include a VRM heat sink. I’m not sure how effective it is. I know some options are less useful. Usually there’s a fan or an extra VRM cooler available for your board, which might be more affordable. If you have an x3xx motherboard, it could be worth considering. I haven’t noticed any b550 models priced under $100 that are good to purchase. One problem with the b550 is it doesn’t offer much savings compared to the x570. If you only have a 65W chip, it might not be necessary. It would only make sense if you’re planning to upgrade your CPU. Edited October 21, 2020 by Bombastinator
The key distinctions between b450 and b550 revolve around ports, PCIe versions, and cost. B550 generally offers more VRM than what’s typically required, while the b450 provides similar capabilities at a lower price. A 3600 without overclocking sits near the top end of the board lineup. The A520 could be worth considering depending on your situation, though it’s not widely available. There’s some doubt about future updates for x3xx boards, which makes them less reliable. If you need PCIe 4.0 or USB3.1, a b550 becomes necessary. For USB3.0 only, the b450 might be more cost-effective.