Best B550 Motherboards in 2024

Last Updated on July 12, 2024 by Nahush Gowda

The AMD Zen 3 processor lineup continues to be a popular choice for PC builders thanks to its impressive performance and value. Ryzen 5 5600, Ryzen 7 5800X3D, and Ryzen 9 5900X are still great choices for a solid PC build.

AMD has also expanded on the Zen 3 lineup with new processors like Ryzen 5 5500X3D and more. To unlock the full potential of your Zen 3 CPU, choosing the right B550 motherboard is crucial. B550 chipsets offer a compelling balance of features, performance, and affordability compared to the higher-end X570.

This guide explores some of the best B550 motherboards available in 2024, catering to different budgets, features, and form factors. Whether you’re a seasoned overclocker, a budget-conscious gamer, or a content creator, there’s a perfect B550 motherboard waiting to be paired with your Zen 3 processor.

ASRock B550M-HDV

Best Budget B550 Motherboard

Specifications:

  • Chipset: B550
  • Form Factor: mATX
  • Socket: AM4
  • Memory: 2xDDR4, 64GB, support for up to 4600MHz (OC)
  • Storage: 4x SATA 6GB/s, 1x M.2 (PCIe 4.0)
  • Expansion: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
  • Networking: Realtek RTL8111H 1 Gigabit LAN

Sticking to a budget for your AMD Zen 3 build? The ASRock B550M-HDV is the best budget B550 motherboard in the market. It is a reliable option without breaking the bank. It prioritizes stability over fancy features, offering DDR4 RAM support up to 4400 MHz, PCIe 4.0 NVMe storage and plenty of USB ports.

Although it doesn’t look the best and lacks some of the premium features, it is a reliable board perfect for budget PCs that you plan to keep for a few years. Even though it is the cheapest board in the market, it doesn’t skimp on PCIe 4.0 slots for storage and graphics.

However, it does come with two handicaps – 2 DIMM slots and just 4 SATA slots for storage. If you don’t prioritize overclocking, the ASRock B550M-HDV is a solid choice, delivering dependable performance for your budget PC.

Read More: Best Value PC Build Under 50000 for Gaming

Pros
  • PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot for storage
  • Reliable board even though it is a basic motherboard
Cons
  • Only 2 DIMM slots for memory

MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus

Overall Best B550 Motherboard

Specifications:

  • Chipset: B550
  • Form Factor: ATX
  • Socket: AM4
  • Memory: 4xDDR4, 128GB, support for up to 4400MHz (OC)
  • Storage: 6x SATA 6GB/s, 1x M.2 (PCIe 4.0), 1x M.2 (PCIe 3.0)
  • Expansion: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot
  • Networking: Realtek RTL8111H 1 Gigabit LAN

If you are looking for a feature-rich motherboard without venturing into high-end territory, the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus presents a compelling option. This ATX board bridges the gap between budget-friendly essentials and enthusiast-oriented bells and whistles.

14+2+1 phase digital power delivery system makes it good for stable power delivery, and overclocking if you are into it. Best paired with higher-end Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 processors, it features plenty of ports, fan and RGB headers and storage expansions.

Storage options include two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0) and six SATA III ports, offering flexibility for both high-speed NVMe drives and traditional storage needs. Heatsink for NVMe drive is good to keep it cooler and avoid throttling.

The inclusion of Mystic Light RGB integration caters to those who desire customizable aesthetics. Although Mystic Light can be quite heavy on the system. Handy features like BIOS flash can make troubleshooting easier.

While not the most feature-packed option on the market, the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus provides a well-rounded feature set at a competitive price point.

Pros
  • PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot for storage and plenty of SATA ports
  • Great I/O selection
  • Good for overclocking
Cons
  • Lacks 2.5Gb LAN and onboard WiFi

ASRock B550M Steel Legend

Best mATX B550 Motherboard

Specifications:

  • Chipset: B550
  • Form Factor: mATX
  • Socket: AM4
  • Memory: 4xDDR4, 128GB, support for up to 4400MHz (OC)
  • Storage: 6x SATA 6GB/s, 1x M.2 (PCIe 4.0), 1x M.2 (PCIe 3.0)
  • Expansion: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
  • Networking: 2.5 Gigabit LAN

The Steel Legend boasts a visually appealing design with silver aluminium heatsinks, a stylized IO shield, and integrated RGB lighting with additional headers for customization.

Despite its mATX form factor, the 10-phase power delivery system is capable of delivering stable power for even demanding Zen 3 CPUs. Its overclocking capabilities make it a good choice for enthusiasts with space constraints.

The presence of two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0) along with six SATA III ports provides flexibility for both high-speed NVMe storage and traditional needs.

It has plenty of 4-pin fan connectors allowing for robust cooling, especially crucial for overclocking scenarios. This eliminates the need for additional fan controllers or adapters.

While the board offers Wi-Fi connectivity options through an M.2 slot, users need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi card, adding to the overall cost. The ASRock B550M Steel Legend is a well-rounded mATX motherboard offering a stylish design, robust power delivery for Zen 3 processors, and excellent cooling options.

Pros
  • Plenty of ports and headers
  • 2.5 Gb LAN
  • Good for overclocking
  • Visually appealing
Cons

Also Read: 6 Essential Features to Consider Before Buying Motherboard

Gigabyte B550 Gaming X

Best Value B550 Motherboard

Version 1.0.0

Specifications:

  • Chipset: B550
  • Form Factor: ATX
  • Socket: AM4
  • Memory: 4xDDR4, 128GB, support for up to 4400MHz (OC)
  • Storage: 4x SATA 6GB/s, 1x M.2 (PCIe 4.0), 1x M.2 (PCIe 3.0)
  • Expansion: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, 3x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
  • Networking: Realtek 1Gb LAN

The B550 Gaming X is one of the more affordable B550 motherboards on the market, making it a great choice for value PC builds. It provides the essential features you need for a functional system, including support for 4 DIMM slots for RAM, multiple SATA III ports for storage, and a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for graphics cards.

The inclusion of a single PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot allows you to take advantage of high-speed NVMe storage for faster boot times and application loading. However, it only has 4 SATA ports whereas most boards at this price come with 6 SATA ports.

As expected in a budget board, the B550 Gaming X lacks some features found on pricier models. It doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and the VRM configuration might not be ideal for heavy overclocking. However, moderate overclocking will be fine on this board.

This motherboard caters to users who want a touch of personalization with its RGB Fusion 2.0 support. This allows for control of onboard RGB lighting and potential compatibility with external RGB LED strips.

The Gigabyte B550 Gaming X caters to value PC builders. It offers core functionalities and future-proofing with PCIe 4.0 support at a competitive price.

Pros
  • All essential features for an affordable price
  • Plenty of PCIe expansion slots
  • Good cooling
Cons
  • Only 4 SATA ports
  • Lacks 2.5Gb LAN and onboard WiFi

Also Read: AMD Roadmap Explained: From 2023 to 2025 and Beyond

Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming

Premium B550 Motherboard

Version 1.0.0

Specifications:

  • Chipset: B550
  • Form Factor: ATX
  • Socket: AM4
  • Memory: 4xDDR4, 128GB, support for up to 4400MHz (OC)
  • Storage: 4x SATA 6GB/s, 1x M.2 (PCIe 4.0), 1x M.2 (PCIe 3.0)
  • Expansion: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, 3x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
  • Networking: Realtek 1Gb LAN

This ATX form factor board goes beyond the basics, boasting a premium design, robust performance features, and a feature set that caters to enthusiasts and gamers alike.

A key strength of the Strix B550-F is its impressive 12+2 phase power delivery system. This robust VRM configuration ensures clean and stable power delivery to your Zen 3 CPU, even under heavy loads.

This translates to reliable performance and opens doors for potential overclocking for those who want to squeeze extra performance out of their system. The board also features a comprehensive cooling solution to keep thermals in check during demanding tasks.

The Strix B550-F caters to the enthusiast crowd with features like customizable Aura Sync RGB lighting, allowing for personalized aesthetics. It also boasts a SupremeFX S2110A digital audio processor, delivering superior audio quality compared to budget-oriented options.

The inclusion of a BIOS FlashBack button allows for easy BIOS updates without entering the BIOS itself, a convenience for users of all levels. The rear IO panel is well-equipped, featuring DisplayPort and HDMI outputs, high-speed 2.5Gb Ethernet for smooth networking, and a healthy selection of USB ports, including a USB-C port for future-proof connectivity.

The Asus ROG Strix B550-F is a premium B550 motherboard that offers robust power delivery, excellent cooling, enthusiast-oriented features like customizable RGB lighting and high-quality audio, and a well-rounded selection of connectivity options.

Pros
  • Premium and quality-of-life features make troubleshooting easier
  • Plenty of PCIe expansion slots
  • Good cooling and 12-phase power system
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Lacks onboard WiFi

Also Read: Best AM5 Motherboards for Ryzen 7000 Series Processors

Gigabyte B550I Aorus Pro

Best Mini-iTX B550 Motherboard

Specifications:

  • Chipset: B550
  • Form Factor: ATX
  • Socket: AM4
  • Memory: 4xDDR4, 128GB, support for up to 4400MHz (OC)
  • Storage: 4x SATA 6GB/s, 1x M.2 (PCIe 4.0), 1x M.2 (PCIe 3.0)
  • Expansion: 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, 3x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
  • Networking: Realtek 1Gb LAN

Gigabyte B550I Aorus Pro puts in premium features into a miniature size, making it ideal for Small Form Factor (SFF) builds. Despite its mini-ITX size, the B550I Aorus Pro packs a punch. It boasts a robust 8-phase digital VRM with a Direct Touch Heatpipe, ensuring efficient power delivery and cool operation for your processor.

The board doesn’t compromise on storage options despite its size. It features dual PCIe M.2 slots (one is PCIe 4.0), allowing you to take advantage of blazing-fast NVMe storage for your operating system and games. This eliminates the need for traditional SATA drives, keeping your SFF build clean and efficient.

It features built-in Intel Wi-Fi 6 for wireless networking and a 2.5Gb LAN port for wired connections that are over twice as fast as standard Gigabit Ethernet.

While the B550I Aorus Pro is impressive for its size, there are inherent limitations with mini-ITX motherboards. You’ll only have access to a single PCIe x16 slot for your graphics card, and limited fan headers might require careful planning for cooling in your SFF build.

While enthusiasts should be mindful of the limitations inherent to the size, the B550I Aorus Pro is a compelling choice for those who want to build a powerful and stylish small form factor PC.

Pros
  • Two M.2 slots for storage
  • Onboard WiFi and 2.5Gb LAN
  • Good cooling
Cons
  • 2 DIMM slots
  • Expensive

Conclusion

While Zen 3 processors are one generation older, the AM4 platform offers really good value processors. AMD has also updated the Zen 3 lineup with new processors like Ryzen 5 5600X3D which has rekindled the interest in B550 motherboards. If you are still considering older 5000 series Ryzen processors, these B550 motherboards are the best in the market right now.

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