X570I Vs. B550I
X570I Vs. B550I
Hey everyone! I’m reaching out for some feedback on the X570 vs. B550 debate, especially regarding ITX options. I’m currently assembling a build for the NZXT H210, planning to replace the case and log progress. I’ll be adding my R7 3800x, which tends to get warm, so I’m thinking of using a push-pull setup with a 240mm AIO for cooling. CPU temperatures won’t be a big issue. My gaming focus will stay at 1440p, 120Hz, 4K at 60Hz, and VR. I’ve got the parts list here and am planning to upgrade to a 1080 Ti when the next-gen models come out, which will also help my main rig. I’m also eyeing a potential upgrade to a 4th Gen Ryzen for more gaming power, since the 3800x is better suited for heavy workloads.
Right now, stock ITX boards in Canada are hard to find. My top pick is the Asus ROG STRIX X570I for $340 CAD, followed by the Gigabyte Aorus Pro X570I at $310 CAD. The only B550I option available is the Asus ROG STRIX B550I at $315 CAD on Newegg.
My main concerns are the price tag—about $40-60 more than an ITX—and whether the X570 is worth it at this price. The B550I seems to offer better power delivery and VRM cooling compared to the B450I, though it lacks a USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB-C port (maybe in a later model). The NZXT H210 includes a front USB C port, which I’d like to keep for my VR rig. Overall, aside from that, the differences seem minor except for the PCIe 4.0 support, which I don’t think matters much right now.
I’m not missing any crucial details, but I’d really value any outside perspectives!
This setup works fine since standard type C headers on the board don’t transmit video signals. You’ll need a connection that directly links to the graphics card, such as one of these options: https://www.amazon.ca/Plugable-USB-Displ...B01EXKDRAC. For this, you’d just pick the most affordable one.
Unclear why I assumed otherwise, right? Now that you mentioned it, it’s clear to me. Apart from connecting to data devices and phones, I probably don’t need a USB C header, especially for a gaming PC. It puts me between the Gigabyte X570I and Asus B550I—maybe I’ll wait a few more weeks to check if cheaper B550I models appear, since $300+ is quite steep. I also liked the MSI B550I, but no store has one in stock yet.
The main advantage of X570 compared to B550 is the additional PCIe 4.0 lanes, though in an ITX size that's largely irrelevant due to minimal expansion options. I’d choose the board with superior construction and skip focusing on the chipset.
I don't really need to worry about PCIe 4.0 for this setup. I'll use a 1080Ti and a PCIe 3.0 NVMe drive, as those won't offer any advantages. I'm planning to wait a few weeks for more B550I options, otherwise I'm considering the Asus B550I.
I don't really need to worry about PCIe 4.0 for this setup. I'll use a 1080Ti and a PCIe 3.0 NVMe drive, as those won't offer any advantages. I'm planning to wait a few weeks for more B550I options, otherwise I'm considering the Asus B550I.