Difference & Which Is Best [2023]

Don’t worry. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the differences between the B550 Vs X570. Should I buy one of the B550 motherboards or take a chance on an entry-level X570 motherboard? You might need help deciding if it’s worth spending a lot of money on X570 Motherboards or if it’s better to save money by going with the reliable and reasonably priced B550 chipset.

• The B550 and the x570 come from AMD and use the AM4 design for their CPU platforms.
• Also, when features like Nvidia SLI or AMD Crossfire are used, the x570 works better and lasts longer than the B550.
• On the other hand, the B550 has a better cost-to-performance ratio than the x570, even though it is more expensive.
• Lastly, the B550 motherboard works well with AMD 5000 series processors that are less powerful. On the other hand, the x570 makes it easier for high-end processors to get rid of heat and gives them better speed.

Basic Differences 

The B550, released in June 2020, replaced the X570, released in July 2019. Both chipsets are based on AMD’s AM4 CPU platform. The older X570 outperforms the B550 overall. But don’t take our word for it. We’ll briefly review the specs of AMD’s two high-performance chipsets to prove our claim.

The B550 only supports PCIe Gen 4.0 for the x16 GPU slot, with up to 20x useable lanes from a compatible Ryzen CPU, since the chipset only has 10x PCIe 3.0 lanes.

Also, check out our separate post on RTX 4080 Vs RTX 3090

The B550 has up to 8x SATA III 6 Gbps ports, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 ports, and a pair of USB 3.2 Get one and 6x USB 2.0 legacy ports for supporting traditional storage media. The B550 chipset can handle a single PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD at peak speed in the x4 M.2 SSD slot and a GPU, utilising all 20x PCIe 4.0 lanes.

The X570 chipset features up to 36x PCIe 4.0 lanes, including General Purpose channels, so that you can run the newest GPUs from Nvidia and AMD and up to 5x M.2 SSDs at full speed. The X570 has 14x SATA III ports, twice or treble the number you’ll ever need. The X570 has a maximum of 12x USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 ports and 4x USB 2.0 Type-A ports.

Your processor will connect to your X570 motherboard using PCIe 4.0 lanes instead of the B550’s PCIe Gen 3.0 CPU Chipset Uplink, giving the fastest gaming performance.

Both the B550 and X570 support CPU and RAM overclocking, but X570 motherboards tend to have better VRMs and active cooling mechanisms because the X570 chipset draws 15W, compared to 6W for the B550. Therefore, the finest X570 motherboards will overclock your Ryzen CPU and RAM better.

Finally, both chipsets support dual GPU setups using Nvidia’s outdated SLi architecture or AMD’s CrossFire technology, though we’re sure most of our target audience will prefer something else.

Finally, both chipsets support dual GPU setups using Nvidia’s outdated SLi architecture or AMD’s CrossFire technology, though we’re sure most of our target audience won’t like this feature.

Getting To Know The B550 And X570

The B550 has a newer chipset than the X570. Is it better than the X570 motherboard? Not really. The difference between these chipsets is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable in daily tasks. On-paper specifications of the B550, X570, and B450 motherboards will be shown in this table.

According to specs, the B550 has 16x PCIe Gen 4 CPU Graphics Lanes like the X570 motherboard. Both chipsets support PCIe Gen 4 storage, with the B550 having a slight drawback we’ll discuss later. B550 and X570 support USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, with X570 having more.

The second part of the chart shows the genuine difference. On paper, the B550 offers Dual Graphics Support, often known as Nvidia SLI or AMD Crossfire, but only the x16 slot is PCIe Gen 4. The rest (x8, x4, and x1) are Gen 3. All X570 slots are PCIe Gen 4. Read more in our PCIe Gen 3 vs Gen 4.0 article.

Finally, the B550 and X570 have PCIe Gen 3 and 4 General Purpose Lanes and CPU Chipset Uplink, respectively. This affects data transfer speeds that normal users overlook. The B550 and X570 motherboards support overclocking, but we’ll discuss that later.

B550 Vs X570

After completing the fundamental layout, let’s compare the B550 and X570 motherboards. We know the X570 beats the B550, but by how much? Is the improvement worth the price? Both motherboards have some differences. This table shows the apparent differences between B550 and X570.

Backward Compatibility

The first topic is backward compatibility. Dr. Lisa Su, AMD’s CEO, stated that the AM4 Socket would stay the same for five years when she announced Ryzen CPUs in 2016. Almost as promised, the AM4 Socket didn’t change from 2016 to 2020. Some chipset support changes occurred.

Older motherboards couldn’t support Ryzen CPUs. A320 motherboards couldn’t support Ryzen 3000 processors. Where did this lead? AMD introduced “Beta Bios” for those motherboards to make them compatible with newer processors. The Ryzen 300 series has 3600, 3600x, 3700x, and 3900x CPUs.

Of course, a sacrifice followed. Removed Ryzen 1000 series CPU compatibility was that sacrifice. After the X570 and B550 launch in 2019, we see that the X570, an “older” motherboard, is compatible with Ryzen 2000 series processors that the B550 is not.

APU Compatibility

Like backward compatibility, the X570 motherboard supports all Ryzen 2000, 3000, and 5000 series processors (including 5900x and 5950x) except the 1000 series. Not an issue. Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors are compatible with the B550 motherboard but not 1000, 2000, or 3000 series APUs. Ryzen 3 3200G, Ryzen 5 3400G, etc. The following image clarifies the compatibility issue.

Multiple PCIe 4.0 PCIe Slots

The X570 and B550 motherboards have a full x16 PCIe 4.0 graphics card port. The B550 lacks a PCIe 4.0 slot for the x8, x4, and x1 slots. The X570 may have PCIe 4.0 for these expansion slots depending on the manufacturer.

In-Built Motherboard Cooling

The X570 motherboard has a unique motherboard fan to cool the chipset. Though a few manufacturers later launched S-version motherboards without chipset fans, the B550 doesn’t have such features because it consumes less power and generates less heat than the X570. This chipset fan has pros and cons in X570 motherboards. Good since it cools the motherboard chipset, although many enthusiasts dislike the fan noise.

Better LAN Support

The B550 only has 1G and 1.5G LAN ports, while numerous X570 motherboards can have up to 5G and even 10G. This does not mean 1G and 1.5G LAN ports are slow. These two are quick enough for most consumers. Their internet would be smooth for gamers.

Abundance Of PCIe 4.0 Lanes

These CPU-connected lanes are not PCIe 4.0 slots. These channels link the CPU and motherboard chipset. The B550 uses PCIe 3.0 lanes, and the X570 uses 4.0 lanes. What does this mean? , the X570 has quicker I/O than the B550.

Multiple PCIe 4.0 M.2 Slots

The B550 motherboard only supports one PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD drive. However, the X570 supports two. A few B550 motherboards have 2 PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs like the Gigabyte Aorus Master B550 and MSI MEG B550 Unify Gaming Motherboard.

Greater Support For USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports

The X570 supports extra SATA and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports due to its multiple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots. The count usually varies per model. A premium B550 may have more USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports than a budget X570.

Less Options For mATX Form Factors

The X570 chipset has fewer mATX choices. Consumers have more mATX options on the B550. This only applies to folks who need more room for their PC and choose a smaller form factor.

Future Proof

Both chipsets are on their last legs. The B550 and X570 chipsets will not support Ryzen 7000 series CPUs since Zen 4 processors use an AM5 socket. That implies the X570 and B550 chipset are only compatible with Ryzen 5000 processors.

This should be fine if you’re a PC fanatic who upgrades quarterly. Even a “basic” Ryzen 5 5600X should last two years before upgrading. The X570 and B550 chipsets won’t work with Ryzen 7000 series processors, but they should work for at least a few years if you’re constructing a PC around them.

X570 Vs B550: Pricing 

Pricing has always been the most contentious issue in the B550 vs. X570 motherboard argument. Look closer. Since its introduction, B550 motherboards have been priced similarly to the X570. Entry-mid level, at least.

B550

Let’s start with the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk. As of this writing, this motherboard costs a very competitive $180. The motherboard has 6 USB ports, 1 Type-A and 1 Type-C. It has 2 USB 2.0 and 2 front USB Type-C connectors. The motherboard has a PCIe Gen 4.0 on the x16 slot for the graphics card and a Gen 3.0 on the x4 port for expansion. It can hold two NVMe M.2 SSDs, one PCIe Gen 4.0 and the other Gen 3.0.

The motherboard supports 128 GB DDR4 RAM at 5100 MHz XMP. This motherboard’s Voltage Regulatory Modules are also crucial. These small knobs near the CPU distribute voltage to the CPU and chipset. A better VRM can manage voltage and keep the system stable and excellent. These VRMs help with what? VRMs are important while overclocking your PC. Stable voltages mean stable overclocks.

More excellent components allow for better PC overclocking. VRMs have heatsinks, as shown in the B550 Tomahawk photo. This shows that the motherboard has high-quality VRMs, letting you overclock your PC. VRMs are helpful even if one doesn’t overclock their PC. Instead, pairing a Ryzen 9 or Intel i9 processor at default settings with a lesser motherboard with poor VRMs could cause heating, damage, or a system crash.

X570

The Gigabyte X570 Aorus has 10 USB ports. 4 USB 2.0, 4 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, and 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports. The Aorus Elite has 3 expansion slots. A PCIe Gen 4.0 x16, x4, and x1 slot. The motherboard can accommodate 128 GB DDR4 RAM at 4000 MHz with XMP enabled. The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk and Aorus Elite motherboard have similar VRMs, with only a slight advantage.

Compared to the Tomahawk, the Aorus Elite lacks USB Type-Cs and 2.5G LAN. PCIe Gen 4.0 capability for all expansion slots and 2 M.2 SSDs versus Tomahawk’s 1. The Aorus Elite features 4000 MHz RAM, whereas the Tomahawk has 5100 MHz.

Is the $20 premium worth it? It might be. Ryzen 3000 Series APU owners should consider the Aorus Elite a deal. The Aorus Elite wins again if you require SLI or Crossfire for anything. Those who don’t need PCIe Gen 4.0, an APU, or SLI should consider the Tomahawk.

I like the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk over the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite for price and immediate benefits. Your use case scenario may influence your opinion. I just remembered that I should mention it. The Tomahawk has RGB illumination. However, the Aorus Elite does not. As a gamer, that’s another reason I prefer the Tomahawk over the Aorus Elite.

Looking at B550 and X570 motherboards, the price difference, as does the build quality and features, becomes more apparent. Given your price and processor, I’d recommend the X570 over the B550.

B550 vs X570: Overclocking 

After seeing the B550 and X570 chipset costs, let’s check if the B550 is an excellent overclockable motherboard chipset.

Overclocking requires VRMs, as specified. VRMs stabilize CPU and RAM voltage. You can overclock your components more with improved cooling and stability. A good B550 motherboard may have better VRMs than an entry-level X570. VRMs on the B550 Tomahawk are virtually as good as the X570 Aorus Elite.

PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 CPU Lanes in the X570 and X570 motherboards should also be examined. Since it features PCIe 4.0 Lanes, the X570 will overclock better than the B550.

The power draw for the B550 is 6W from the PSU. The 15W X570 draws power. What does this mean? The X570 will run hotter due to higher power draw, but it will perform better and overclock. The X570 chipset’s integrated fan cools the motherboard.

Back to VRMs, the B550 chipset VRMs are comparable to or superior to the X570 VRMs. Which motherboard overclocks best? The raw specifications show that the X570 overclocks better than the B550. The B550 is no slouch, either.

Unique overclocking potential, given its low price. With a motherboard like the MSI B550 Tomahawk or ASUS ROG Strix B550-F. Unless you worry about PCIe 4.0 lanes and slots, I’d recommend a high-end B550 motherboard over an entry-level X570. The B550 motherboards’ VRMs are superior to the X570 entry-level ones.

B550 Or X570 For Ryzen 5000 Processors?

In 2020, a dispute about which chipset to use to run Ryzen 3000 processors would have been essential, but currently, 5000 series CPUs are popular. Considering the characteristics of the B550 and X570 chipset, a 5000 series processor may work better with an X570 motherboard.

Why so? AMD’s Zen 3 design has increased power consumption and basic clock speeds. Such a processor would be easier to run on a motherboard with good VRMs. That performance is further enhanced by PCIe Gen 4.0 lanes and slots.

For a Ryzen 5 5600X, a B550 motherboard should work. You would lose particular overclocking possibilities and use PCIe 3.0 instead. The X570 and B550 chipsets will work for flagship processors like Ryzen 9 5950x.

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Should You Buy B550 or X570?

So who wins? Should you use a B550 or X570 chipset for your next Ryzen build? Simply put, it depends. Your needs determine it. Running Nvidia SLI or AMD Crossfire? If yes, choose the X570. Want more performance per dollar? If so, choose the B550. For further PCIe 4.0 support, use the X570 again.

However, a B550 motherboard will work with an entry-level Ryzen 3000 or 5000 processor. If you’re buying a Ryzen 5000 series processor, use an X570 motherboard. For more USB 3.2 and USB-C capabilities, choose the X570. Last but not least, high-end X570 motherboards have great VRMs for overclocking.

Everything comes down to how you use your computer. Answering that question will help you choose a motherboard. Overall, the B550 and X570 chipsets are good choices for average consumers and perform similarly for the most part.

Conclusion

In the confusing world of modern motherboards, the argument between the B550 and X570 chipsets has been going on for a long time, leaving fans and builders to guess. When you get to the heart of the problem, you find a complex web of abilities and trade-offs.

People often think of the B550 as a strong candidate. It shows how innovation can be cost-effective without losing its core. It is a combination of PCIe 4.0 and cost-effectiveness, and it calls to people who want future-proof speed without emptying their wallets. On the other hand, the X570, which is its own Goliath, shows off its skills with unwavering power. The fact that it has a lot of PCIe lanes, which are the heartbeats of connection, shows that it is suitable for power-hungry and data-focused users.

The B550 promises shorter boot times, power delivery as quiet as a whisper, and complicated ways to overclock. Still, the X570 is a big hit because it can be set up with two GPUs. This makes it the Zeus of multi-graphics heaven.

As this technological epic comes to a close, know that there is no wrong choice. The B550 attracts practical people, while the X570 attracts people who like to think. Your motherboard choice is the map for your digital journey, leading you to a place where speed and purpose meet.

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