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If you’re looking for the best B550 motherboard in 2023, there’s a lot that you need to consider. First off, consider what processor you’re going to use with the board. B550 boards support Ryzen 3000 and onwards. For those of you who want to upgrade to Zen 4 (Ryzen 7000), you’ll want to look out for B650 or X670 motherboards.
As Ryzen processors can be tuned quite heavily, you’ll need to look for good memory overclocking, a robust power delivery system, and BIOS flashback in the case of any issues.
Taking all of that into consideration, we’ve compiled a list of the best B550 motherboards. This includes our top choice which is an all-rounder in terms of features and design at a reasonable price. Our high-end pick is a premium motherboard that delivers on premium power delivery, good overclocking, and a stunning design.
Similarly, our budget pick will deliver most of the features you’re looking for while sacrificing a few bells and whistles here and there. This is a good choice if you want to save some money. Lastly, we also have ITX and microATX motherboards that are the best performers in their respective categories.
Before moving on make sure you check the following detailed tutorial on how to choose the best motherboard for you: How To Choose The Right Motherboard For Your Needs: A Comprehensive Guide
Why Should You Trust Us?
Now, you might be wondering, why should you trust our recommendations? To start with, I, Konstantinos Chiotis, have been steeped in the world of pc building and gaming for over a decade. This industry has been my passion and my life’s work. From GPUs to processors to motherboards, I have spent countless hours learning, experimenting, and writing about these components.
I strive to bring you the most accurate, in-depth, and up-to-date information on the latest tech products. All the motherboards we’ve listed here have been meticulously reviewed and compared against a stringent set of criteria. The power delivery systems, memory overclocking, and BIOS flashback features, among others, have been tested to ensure they are up to par with the current demands of PC builders.
In short, the advice and recommendations we provide here are backed by a wealth of knowledge, experience, and rigorous testing. Our aim is to help you make the best choice for your specific needs, and we take this responsibility very seriously. Trust us to help you navigate the world of PC hardware with confidence.
How We Choose the Best B550 Motherboards
When it comes to selecting the best B550 motherboards, our approach is both rigorous and comprehensive. We believe in the importance of making informed decisions, which is why our process is rooted in extensive research, hands-on testing, and practical knowledge.
Firstly, we start by delving into the world of B550 motherboards and researching the latest models available. From renowned brands to emerging contenders, we explore all options to provide you with a diverse range of choices. We then narrow down our list by analyzing specifications, user reviews, and expert opinions.
Next, we conduct hands-on testing. Each motherboard is put through a series of stringent tests designed to evaluate its performance, reliability, and value for money. We test parameters like overclocking capability, power delivery, cooling solutions, and PCIe 4.0 support.
We also pay close attention to the features that cater to your specific needs, whether you’re an avid gamer, a video editor, or a casual user. Extra features like Wi-Fi 6 support, RGB lighting control, number of USB ports, and even aesthetic design can play a crucial role in determining the best B550 motherboard for you.
Lastly, we consider the manufacturer’s reputation and customer support, as these aspects are vital for long-term satisfaction. You want to be sure you’re investing in a product from a company that stands behind its products and will assist you if any issues arise.
In the end, our goal is to deliver recommendations that cater to a variety of needs and budgets. It’s not just about the highest specs or the most features—it’s about finding the B550 motherboard that best fits your personal use case. We take this responsibility seriously, and that’s what drives us to be thorough and thoughtful in our approach. Trust in our process, and we’ll help guide you to the ideal B550 motherboard for your build.
5 Best B550 Motherboards
- 1. Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming Wi-Fi – Our Top Choice
- 2. Gigabyte B550 Aorus Master – Best High-End B550 Motherboard
- 3. MSI B550-A Pro – Best Budget B550 Motherboard
- 4. Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX WiFi – Best B550 Mini ITX Motherboard
- 5. MSI MAG B550M Mortar – Best Micro ATX B550
1. Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming Wi-Fi – Our Top Choice
Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: AMD B550 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 Phases | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: Yes | Network: Dual-band Wi-Fi, 2.5 GbE LAN, Bluetooth
Pros
- Sleek and recognizable ROG Strix design
- Aura Sync RGB lighting control
- Excellent networking capabilities
- Good VRM performance
- Premium quality SupremeFX audio
Cons
- Pricey for a B550 motherboard
The ROG Strix product line has always been excellent and the B550-F Gaming is no exception.
ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming is one of the most popular B550 motherboards in the market. This is due to its many impressive features that make it stand out from other motherboards in the market.
One of the standout features of the Strix B550-F Gaming is its iconic design scheme that resonates with many people. The design language speaks volumes and it features a familiar design seen in the Strix products, with stealthy looks and excellent RGB lighting implementation.
The heatsinks, PCB, and most of the exterior share a uniform color: black. This provides a sleek look to the board and means the RGB lighting bounces off gorgeously. The ROG branding and logos are visible, both of which are beautifully lit up by RGB. All of this is controllable thanks to Aura Sync, an excellent interface for RGB lighting.
The motherboard features Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 2.5GbE LAN, and addressable RGB headers. It also supports 128GB RAM in dual-channel at 4400MHz. Not bad at all. It even features a BIOS Flashback button, which is a great feature to have.
The SupremeFX audio chip inside here works wonders as well, making on-board audio excellent considering the price/ gaming performance ratio. While performance aficionados might not care about these features on their own, they appeal to the larger mainstream audience for sure.
One of the most impressive features of the Strix B550-F Gaming is its 14-phase (12+2) power design, which is quite good for a B550 board. It leaves you with a lot of overclocking headroom, which is quite surprising for a B550 board. This makes it ideal for gamers and enthusiasts who are looking for a motherboard that can handle high-end gaming and computing applications.
The only real issue with the Strix B550-F Gaming is the price, as it is quite expensive for a B550 board and creeps up on X570 territory. However, this motherboard is a best seller, largely in part due to the abundance of features. It is an excellent motherboard that provides gamers and enthusiasts with an excellent balance of performance, features, and value for money.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming is a great motherboard that provides gamers and enthusiasts with everything they need to build a high-end gaming or computing system. It is well-designed, packed with features, and provides excellent performance. It is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a high-quality motherboard that can handle demanding applications.
RATING
- VRM Design: 9/10
- Aesthetics: 9/10
- Connectivity: 9/10
- Value for money: 7.5/10
- Overall Rating: 8.6/10
2. Gigabyte B550 Aorus Master – Best High-End
Form Factor: ATX | Chipset: B550 | VRM: 14+2 Phases | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-5200 (OC) | USB Ports: 5x USB 3.2, 6x USB 2.0, 3x USB headers | Network: Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Storage: 3x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Robust 16-phase power delivery
- Triple M.2 slots with heatsinks
- Excellent connectivity
- Sleek and stylish design
Cons
- Quite expensive
If you’re looking for a board that has it all, then the Aorus Master is the best B550 motherboard for you. While the pricing for this motherboard creeps into X570 territory, it’s the absolute best you can get out of the B550 chipset.
So the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Master is a high-end motherboard, and it definitely looks the best. The design is not that different compared to the X570 versions. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, since the X570 Aorus Master is already quite easy on the eyes.
The chipset heatsink shows off the Aorus falcon logo with great pride. Even better is the fact that there’s no chipset fan, unlike the X570 version. The B550 chipset does not need an active fan to keep cool, and this is a big plus in terms of acoustics for your gaming PC.
Apart from that, the board is mostly all black with grey accents here and there. All three of the M.2 slots feature heatsinks with a line pattern design. On closer inspection, this pattern runs from the rear-panel cover to through these heatsinks. The rear panel cover also sports some subtle RGB lighting.
This I/O shroud blends in with the gigantic VRM heatsinks, covering the 16-phase delivery system. 14 of those digital phases are dedicated to the V-Core, meaning you can get superb performance out of nearly any Ryzen processor.
This 16-phase power delivery also allows for excellent CPU overclocking. Speaking of which, memory overclocking is quite impressive, as you can crank DDR4 kits all the way up to 5200MHz. Of course, you’ll have to find the right RAM kit to do so, but it is technically possible.
The audio codec also performs well, delivering high-end audio quality without any static or interference. You also get a diagnostics panel and 4 debug LEDs that can display error codes. This is a great feature seen on higher-end boards, so it’s great to see that it’s present here.
Apart from that, connectivity is also excellent, as you’d expect. You have access to a total of 11 USB ports on the rear, plenty of fan headers, Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gbps Ethernet, and five RGB headers. Needless to say, this motherboard covers pretty much all of the bases.
In terms of competition, the closest competitor is the ROG Strix B550-F. However, the Aorus Master has better power delivery, higher-end features like the diagnostic panel, and better memory overclocking.
The only issue here is the price. For a bit more, you can get an X570 motherboard that will wipe the floor with most B550 boards out there. However, thanks to the excellent VRM configuration, this one is an exception. If you want the best B550 motherboard out there, and money is no object, this is the one to buy.
Ratings
- VRM Design: 9/10
- Aesthetics: 9/10
- Connectivity: 9/10
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Overall Rating: 9/10
3. MSI B550-A Pro – Best Budget B550 Motherboard
Memory Support: 128GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz | Chipset: AMD B550 | Form Factor: ATX | Voltage Regulator: 12+2 Phases | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA | RGB: No | Network: 2.5 Gigabit LAN
Pros
- Clean and sleek design
- Two M.2 slots for storage
- Decent VRMs
- Stunning RGB lighting
Cons
- Limited USB ports
- High price
The MSI B550-A Pro is a motherboard that’s all about delivering great value for the price. Unlike other motherboards that are packed with flashy features and RGB lighting, the B550-A Pro’s design is understated and simple, which can be an advantage for some users who prefer a clean and minimalist aesthetic.
At the heart of the MSI B550-A Pro is the B550 chipset, which provides access to PCIe Gen 4 for both M.2 slots and the graphics card. This means that you get the latest and greatest in terms of performance, making it a great option for those who want to build a high-performance system without breaking the bank.
One of the standout features of the B550-A Pro is the 10+2 phase VRM design, which works perfectly with power-hungry processors such as the Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series. This means that you can overclock your processor even on a budget motherboard, which is pretty impressive.
To further aid in performance, the VRM uses thermal pads for heat dissipation and cooling, and one of the M.2 slots also features a heatsink. Memory support is excellent, with support for up to 128GB DDR4 @ 4400MHz.
In terms of connectivity, the B550-A Pro features 2x M.2 slots and 6x SATA storage, along with one AMD Turbo USB 3.2 GEN 2 port. The lack of Wi-Fi can be a downside for some users, but for those who prefer a wired connection, the 2.5 Gigabit LAN is more than sufficient.
Other features, such as the BIOS flashback button, are great as well. The audio quality is good, thanks to the Audio Boost technology, and performance is on par with more expensive motherboards.
One area where the B550-A Pro falls short is the BIOS UI, which could certainly benefit from an overhaul to make it more user-friendly. However, this is a minor issue compared to the many benefits of this motherboard, especially given its affordable price point.
Overall, the MSI B550-A Pro is an excellent choice for users who want a high-performance system without spending too much. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive motherboards, it still offers a lot of features and functionality that make it a great value. Whether you’re building a gaming PC or a workstation, the B550-A Pro is definitely worth considering.
RATING
- VRM Design: 8/10
- Aesthetics: 8/10
- Connectivity: 9/10
- Value For Money: 7/10
- Overall Rating: 8/10
4. Gigabyte B550I Aorus Pro – Best ITX
Form Factor: Mini-ITX | Chipset: B550 | VRM: 8 Phases | Memory: 4x DIMM, 64GB, DDR4-5200 (OC) | USB Ports: 5x USB 3.2, 4x USB headers | Network: Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Dual M.2 slots
- Impressive RGB lighting
- Minimalistic design
- Robust VRMs
Cons
- Expensive
- Could use more USB ports
When it comes to ITX B550 motherboards, there are a lot of options that you can pick from. For example, the ROG Strix B550-I and the ASRock Phantom Gaming motherboards immediately come to mind. However, in terms of value and features, the Gigabyte B550I Aorus Pro is hard to beat. Let’s take a look at why that is the case.
To start things off, the B550I Aorus Pro definitely looks like a high-end motherboard. The rear-panel cover is quite large for an ITX motherboard, and it does a decent enough job of blending in with the VRM heatsinks. Other than that, the chipset heatsink can be seen above the PCIe x16 slot, and this also hides the M.2 slot underneath.
Since the heatsink is directly above the PCIe x16 slot, this would normally be a concern for overheating. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. The large heatsink does a good job of dispersing heat, and there’s no room for thermal throttling, even if you’re pushing your GPU to the max.
Since we’re talking about performance, it is important to mention that this Aorus Pro motherboard features an 8-phase VRM configuration. This power delivery system performs quite well, especially for an ITX board. The 8-phases might not sound like a lot, but they do a good job of handling even higher-end processors like the Ryzen 9 5900X.
In addition to its impressive VRM configuration, the Gigabyte B550I Aorus Pro also boasts many other features that make it an excellent choice for those looking to build a high-performance ITX system. One of these features is the inclusion of dual M.2 slots, which allow for lightning-fast NVMe SSD storage. This is a big plus for gamers and content creators who need fast access to large files and applications.
The Aorus Pro also supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing users with fast and reliable wireless connectivity. Speaking of connectivity, we have access to five USB ports on the rear, along with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port. It would have been nice to see a couple more ports, as most people will use most of them as soon as they install the motherboard.
Memory overclocking is also quite decent. While it only has two DIMM slots, the B550I Aorus Pro features support for a maximum of 64 gigs of DDR4 at up to 5300MHz.
The ROG Strix B550-I is the closest competitor to this board and while that one may look marginally better, it also costs more without delivering any significant upgrades. Similarly, the MSI MPG B550I was also a good choice, but the fact that it uses a fan for the chipset heatsink might push away some people.
Ultimately, the B550I Aorus Pro is the best B550 motherboard if you are looking to put together an ITX build.
Ratings
- VRM Design: 8/10
- Aesthetics: 7.5/10
- Connectivity: 8/10
- Value for Money: 8/10
- Overall Rating: 7.5/10
5. MSI MAG B550M Mortar – Best Micro ATX B550
Form Factor: Micro ATX | Chipset: B550 | VRM: 8+2+1 Phase | Memory: 4x DIMM, 128GB, DDR4-4400 | Video Outputs: HDMI, DisplayPort | USB Ports: 6x rear IO, 7x internal | Network: 1x 2.5GbE LAN | Storage: 2x M.2, 6x SATA
Pros
- Low price
- Includes a 2.5 GbE LAN port
- Good VRM configuration
Cons
- No built-in WiFi
- Average cooling solution for VRM
- Not many rear USB ports
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly micro-ATX motherboard that offers great value for your money while building a relatively compact PC, then the MSI MAG B550M Mortar is definitely worth considering.
The B550M Mortar uses a VRM design similar to the MSI B450 Tomahawk, which was highly praised as one of the best motherboards on that platform. While it may not be able to compete with some of the more premium X570 offerings on the market, it is still a very capable motherboard.
MSI has provided some decent heatsinks for the VRM, but it’s worth noting that the contact they make with the components is not ideal, and the VRM can get warm under load. If you’re planning on overclocking your Ryzen CPU, it’s something to keep in mind.
Moving on to features, it’s a bit of a mixed bag in this department. On the one hand, the inclusion of 2.5 GbE LAN and 2 M.2 slots is rather nice on a motherboard at this price point. However, the lack of WiFi on the standard Mortar board may be a disappointment for some users. Additionally, the number of rear USB ports may be a bit sparse for users with a lot of devices, and there is definitely room for improvement in the connectivity and networking aspects of this board.
In terms of design, MSI has kept it simple with the B550 Mortar. It carries the same black and gray color scheme as the Tomahawk boards, and the RGB lighting is minimal at best. Some users may not be content with the simple approach that MSI has taken here, but others may prefer a more understated look that doesn’t draw attention away from other components in their build.
One of the most impressive aspects of the B550 Mortar is its price point. We chose this motherboard over the competing MSI B550 Gaming Edge motherboard because it offered a better price-to-performance ratio, despite lacking a few features. If you’re on a tight budget, the B550 Mortar is definitely worth considering.
In conclusion, the MSI MAG B550M Mortar is one of the best micro-ATX B550 motherboards currently on the market. While it may lack a few key features, the overall package is rather impressive for the price. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable motherboard for your compact PC build, the B550M Mortar is definitely worth considering.
Ratings
- VRM Design: 8/10
- Features: 7/10
- Aesthetics: 7.5/10
- Value for Money: 9/10
- Overall Rating: 7.5/10
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