After the success of the B450 chipset, B550 made its first-time appearance in June 2020 and turned the odds against Intel. Basically, B550 is a refurbished and exemplary entity that marvelously succeeds B450 in every way, including the PCIe 4.0. Yes, with the B550 motherboard, you get hold of PCIe 4.0, which is a crucial expansion port for all the high-end components.
For what it’s worth, the B550 chipset offers the same budget-friendly formula to the users, despite being higher in the lineage. This means you don’t have to worry about not experiencing the astounding nature of the B550 chipset. The same thing applies to the price-to-performance ratio. In layman’s terms, you are getting two-fold the performance at the same price point of the B450 chipset.
Not to mention, before moving on toward the tier list, I would like to enumerate the core features of the B550 motherboard. This will make sure that you remain on the same page and understand the vital elements that go into making a motherboard.
The Core Elements of the B550 Motherboard
To begin with, the B550 chipset entails the PCIe 4.0 expansion slots with 20 lanes. Basically, you get hold of 4 lanes that have uplink orientation and 16 lanes for storage support. It’s worth mentioning that the B550 chipset also slips in PCIe 3.0, and that is to be used for general slotting. On top of that, the chipset also pitches in 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 6 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 6 USB 2.0 ports, and up to 8 SATA ports (inclusive of other ports as well).
Do you know what’s surprising about the B550 chipset? With this chipset, you can kick off your gaming setup with a dual GPU configuration. This means if you are into creating animations or playing games at Ultra settings, the B550 chipset will be the one making things easier for you. I know the dual GPU configurations were only meant for chipsets with the “X” variant (for example, X570), but you are not getting it on the “B” series as well. What a game-changer!
Well, my final verdict would be that the B550 motherboard is a watered-down version of the X570 chipset and brings in nearly all the required features for high-end gaming.
B550 Motherboard Tier List
Platinum Tier
Since the article will be focusing on top-tier entities, I’ll be sundering them into different tier lists from platinum to bronze. First things first, the platinum tier houses in all the extravagant and expensive B550 motherboards to date. Not to mention, the platinum tier is for gaming enthusiasts, so if you are one of them and looking forward to exploiting the full potential of your PC, then select any motherboard from this tier list. For what it’s worth, the platinum tier list also focuses on those motherboards which are all-rounder and pitch in required value-added features for seamless gaming. To be honest, you won’t be disappointed if, by chance, you select any motherboard from the given tier list.
Model | Manufacturer | Form Factor | Core features |
---|---|---|---|
MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK Gaming motherboard | MSI | ATX | AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0/3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, and DP |
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon | MSI | ATX | AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0/3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, and DP |
ASRock B550 Taichi | ASRock | ATX | AM4, SATA, different Gen USB ports, HDMI, DP, and OC+ DDR4 DIMMs |
ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming AMD | ASUS | ATX | PCIe 4.0/3.0, 2.5Gb LAN, BIOS flashback, HDMI 2.1, Gen 2 RGB addressable, AURA sync, and AM4. |
ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming | ASUS | ATX | PCIe 4.0/3.0, 2.5Gb LAN, BIOS flashback, HDMI 2.1, Gen 2 RGB addressable, AURA sync, and AM4. |
GIGABYTE B550 AORUS Pro | GIGABYTE | ATX | Dual M.2, SATA, 6GB/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2.5 GbE LAN, RGB FUSION 2.0, PCIe 4.0/3.0, DDR4 RAM support |
Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX | GIGABYTE | Mini-ITX | Dual M.2, SATA, 6GB/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, 2.5 GbE LAN, RGB FUSION 2.0, PCIe 4.0/3.0, DDR4 RAM support, Realtek ALC. |
Golden Tier
The golden tier consists of those motherboards that are within your reach. Basically, they are neither expensive nor cheap but fall in between. Not to mention, the golden tier products uphold the notion of absolute integrity, which means by buying them off, you won’t be disappointed. For what it’s worth, they are as credible as any platinum product and harbors all the required features for mid-high-end gaming. Last but not least, these motherboards are robust and highly recommended for those who have just started PC gaming.
Model | Manufacturer | Form Factor | Core features |
---|---|---|---|
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Edge WIFI | MSI | ATX | AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0/3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, and DP |
MSI B550-A PRO ProSeries motherboard | MSI | ATX | AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0/3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, and DP |
ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS | ASUS | ATX | PCIe 4.0, 2.5Gb LAN, HDMI 2.1, BIOS flashback, USB 3.2 Gen2, Addressable RGB headers |
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus | MSI | ATX | AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0/3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, and DP |
Gigabyte B550M AORUS Pro-P | GIGABYTE | m-ATX | Micro-ATX, Thermal guards, USB 3.2 Gen2, DDR4 slots, PCIe 4.0/3.0. |
ASUS ROG Strix B550-E Gaming AMD AM4 | ASUS | ATX | PCIe 4.0, Nvidia SLI, WIFI 6, 2.5Gb LAN, 14 + 2 Power stages, USB 3.2 Type-C, HDMI 2.,1, DisplayPort, AI noise-cancellation. |
ASUS ROG Strix B550-I Gaming AMD | ASUS | Mini-ITX | PCIe 4.0, WIFI 6, 2.5Gb LAN, DDR4 5100+ OC, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, AURA Sync, addressable RGB headers. |
ASUS ROG Strix B550-XE Gaming WIFI | ASUS | ATX | WIFI 6, 2.5Gb LAN, 16 power stages, M.2 slots, PCIe 4.0/3.0, addressable RGB headers, SATA. |
Silver Tier
This tier focuses on budget-friendly and in-reach entries, which means that you can easily buy them off from the market. Not to mention, these products also feature all the required expansion ports and USB Gen types. But do remember that they do not really have a lot of value-added features. Basically, it’s like having a 50-50 chance over getting a high-end motherboard at such a low price point. You know, completely probabilistic. It’s also worth mentioning that these entries are as credible as any other product in the previous tiers and can easily last for 2-3 years.
Model | Manufacturer | Form Factor | Core features |
---|---|---|---|
ASUS Prime B550M-A WIFI | ASUS | ATX | PCIe 4.0, WIFI 6, ECC Memory, 1Gb LAN, HDMI 2.1, 4K @ 60Hz, addressable RGB headers |
Gigabyte B550 Gaming X V2 | GIGABYTE | ATX | M.2, HDMI, DP, DVI, USB 3.1 Gen 2, DDR4, RGB capabilities. |
Gigabyte B550M DS3H | GIGABYTE | m-ATX | Dual M.2, SATA 6Gb/s, USB 3.2 Gen1, PCIe 4.0/3.0, HDMI, DVI, DDR4. |
ASRock B550 PG Velocita | ASRock | ATX | DDR4 (4733+ OC), PCIe 4.0/3.0, M.2 Key E, WIFI, addressable RGB headers |
ASRock Steel Legend | ASRock | ATX | DDR4 (4733+ OC), PCIe 4.0/3.0, M.2 Key E, WIFI, addressable RGB headers |
ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 | ASRock | ATX | DDR4 (4733+ OC), PCIe 4.0/3.0, M.2 Key E, WIFI, addressable RGB headers |
MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI | MSI | m-ATX | PCIe 4.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2 USB 3.2 Gen 1, WIFI, D-SUB, HDMI, DP. |
Bronze Tier
Well, I don’t want to repel away from potential buyers by demeaning the performance ratio of these products. These products are 90% functional and can malfunction at times, so there’s that too. Apart from this, you can rely on these motherboards to easily survive a couple of years, and not more than that because, sooner or later, you will be in need to upgrade to a more refined and functional motherboard. Last but not least, you don’t have to worry about credibility. These MOBOs are amazing nonetheless.
Model | Manufacturer | Form Factor | Core features |
---|---|---|---|
MSI MAG B550M Bazooka Gaming motherboard | MSI | m-ATX | AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0/3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, and DP |
MSI MAG B550M Mortar gaming motherboard | MSI | ATX | AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0/3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, and DP |
ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming-ITX | ASRock | Mini-ITX | AM4, DDR4 5400+ on OC, 90A Dr.MOS, 7.1 CH HD Audio, 8 power phase design. |
ASRock B550M-ITX | ASRock | Mini-ITX | AM4, DDR4 5400+ on OC, 90A Dr.MOS, 7.1 CH HD Audio, 8 power phase design. |
ASRock | ASRock | Micro-ATX | DDR4 (4733+ OC), PCIe 4.0/3.0, M.2 Key E, WIFI, addressable RGB headers |
Closing thoughts
I really hope that the tier list was crystal clear and gave you a deeper insight into the innumerable options available when the B550 chipset is concerned. Although, I would still recommend you to root for the X570 chipset as it’s much faster, cleaner, and superior to the B550. Anyways, that’s the debate for another time. If you have any questions, do let us know in the comment session!
Hey, I’m Muhammad Bilal. I’m a tech fanatic (also read: Gamer), who loves scrutinizing fine details. I aim to strive hard in my respective fields (as a writer and software programmer). Before pursuing my majors in a university (right now in A-levels), I want to spend time exploring and reviewing the latest technology.
ASUS ROG Strix B550-XE Gaming WIFI in golden tier? There is no better mobo in Platinum tier specially for overclocking.
All of the motherboards mentioned in the Platinum are good for overclocking. Without testing, we don’t recommend products. On top of that, ASUS Rog Strix B550-XE is a worth a while motherboard if the user really know how to use it.