The motherboard is one of the most important parts of your computer, as it’s where all the different components plugin and interact with each other. Your motherboard determines your computer’s memory, speed, and storage capabilities, but it also dictates what kind of graphics card you can use and how many displays you can hook up to your PC at once.
One of the newer additions to the market are motherboards based on the X570 chipset, and although they’re similar to those using the B550 chipset, they have some key differences that could impact your purchase decision.
This article, therefore, seeks to shed light on everything you’d want to know, from similarities, differences, and the right one based on your needs and preferences.
AMD B550 Chipset
The AMD B550 Chipset was launched after AM4 started losing its support for up to 5 years in 2016. After non-stop delays and a long wait, it’s finally here. The B550 is a backward-compatible board with DDR4 memory running at 2666MHz.
It does not offer any new features or enhancements over earlier models. However, it retains some of its predecessor’s functionalities and overclocking capabilities but with an obvious performance downgrade.
It’s meant to bridge users from one generation of products to another to continue enjoying their PCs until AMD brings about high-end chipsets built specifically for high-demand use cases.
This product performs admirably when paired with Ryzen 3000 series processors since it has been designed around them.
Who is the AMD B550 Chipset For?
The AMD B550 chipset is better suited for users looking to build a PC that will be used primarily for productivity applications and video streaming. Users with demanding gaming or workstation needs should consider a high-end AM4 motherboard with a B550 chipset.
If you’re a power user and value overclocking control and flexibility, your best bet will be an AMD B550 chipset. But if you’re looking to get in on some solid gaming performance at 1080p—or even 1440p—there aren’t many reasons not to go with these entry-level boards.
Also, if you need a cheaper motherboard, an AMD board with a B550 chipset might be worth considering instead of one with an X570 chipset. They’re also durable and designed to last as long as your processor.
These boards are even suitable for first-time builders and upgraders who want to understand what they’re looking for in their next PC build.
AMD X570 Chipset
Launched in 2019, the AMD X570 Chipset’s newest AM4 chipset is tailored to support Ryzen 3000 series processors and its accompanying PCIe 4.0 feature that delivers double bandwidth per lane.
It supports all existing third-party (and first-party) 3000-series motherboards, although not all manufacturers have yet activated PCIe 4.0 or DDR4 3200MHz on their boards.
Fortunately, motherboard manufacturers update BIOS versions frequently, so stay tuned if you want a board with full support for your new CPUs!
With up to 8 max SATA ports, X570 Motherboards support additional storage: One area where X570 motherboards are particularly powerful is storage support. This is because of a combination of factors.
Firstly, AM4 has always been focused on value for money; you don’t need super-expensive chipsets for processors with four or six cores. Instead, it uses lower-cost chipsets that can still provide good performance. Meanwhile, the X570 option has an 11W Chipset TDP.
This allows motherboard manufacturers more room to put more lanes and ports on their boards—and many companies have taken advantage of those extra lanes, giving X570 boards support for up to eight Serial SATA ports rather than five.
Who is the AMD X570 Chipset For?
The biggest takeaway is that the X570 chipset is meant for AMD’s most powerful Ryzen processors, whereas any CPU using a chipset below B550 can only use integrated graphics.
So, those with an older Ryzen processor should upgrade their motherboard to take advantage of other features.
With that in mind, the following are individuals who should consider using the AMD X570 chipset:
1. Gamers
They are designed for gamers or enthusiasts who want to improve their gaming experience. This chipset is meant to take advantage of AMD’s 3rd generation Ryzen processors, which allow users to take full advantage of features like FreeSync 2 and Precision Boost Overdrive, which can make a huge difference in games like PUBG, Battlefield V, and more!
2. Creators
Creators, who want to do more than edit photos and videos, will also find that the AMD X570 chipset is right for them. This chipset allows users to take advantage of Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects applications, which can bring your content creation to new heights!
And if you’re interested in trying out more creative applications like Blender or Maya software, then a processor with an X570 chipset could be a good fit.
3. Breathtaking Speed and Maximized Bandwidth
AMD X570 chipset offers up to 4.0 PCI Express interface (to peripherals), which is a huge upgrade over other AMD processors on their older X370 chipset, which only offered a 2.0 PCI Express interface.
If you plan on installing multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards, an AMD processor with an X570 chipset will give you enough bandwidth for all your devices.
It’s not just expansion slots that are getting a speed boost; USB ports have also received improvements allowing users to take advantage of ultra-fast USB 3.1 Gen2 8Gbps transfer speeds (compared to 2Gbps speeds previously)!
Comparison of B550 vs X570 Chipsets
There are various ways in which B550 and X570 chipsets compare. They have different capabilities for I/O connectivity, power consumption, overclocking support, and many other features. But what exactly does that mean for you as a computer owner?
Well, let’s look at each comparison point between these two chipsets.
| Chipset | B550 | X570 |
|---|---|---|
| Supported CPUs | * 3rd Gen Ryzen Processors * Zen 3 Ryzen Processors * 3rd Gen Ryzen Processors that come with Integrated Graphics | * Zen 3 Ryzen Processors * 3rd Gen Ryzen Processors that come with Integrated Graphics * 2nd Gen Ryzen Processors that come with Integrated Graphics * 3rd Gen Ryzen Processors * 2nd Gen Ryzen Processors * 1st Gen Ryzen Processors |
| PCIe 4.0 lanes | 0 | 16 |
| SATA 6.0 Gb/s Ports | 4 | 4 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 (5Gb/s) Ports | 2 | 0 |
| Chipset Lane | PCIe 3.0 x 4 | PCIe 4.0 x 4 |
| PCIe 3.0 lanes | 10 | 0 |
| USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 (10Gb/s) Ports | 2 | 8 |
| USB 2.0 Ports | 6 | 4 |
Differences Between B550 and X570 Chipsets
X570 and B550 are considered 7th generation Pinnacle Ridge chipsets compared to older chipset generations. However, some key differences between these two solutions make them unique.
For starters, these two platforms have a massive difference in processor support. While both offer support for AMD’s second-generation Ryzen processors, they go about it differently.
Here are the key differences between B550 and X570 chipsets:
1. Chipset PCIe Support
The primary difference between X570 and B550 lies in PCIe support. Both platforms offer a full x16 configuration for two graphics cards, but AMD’s older platform limits PCIe support to three lanes, while its newer solution offers 4-lane support per slot.
The primary difference between X570 and B550 lies in PCIe support. Both platforms offer a full x16 configuration for two graphics cards, but AMD’s older platform limits PCIe support to three lanes, while its newer solution offers full 4-lane support per slot.
This allows third-party GPU manufacturers to build graphics cards with more than one connector if they wish to do so.
This implies that while running a multi-GPU setup with X570 is still possible, it’s limited to just one card, and bandwidth could be an issue with such a solution. That will not be an issue with B550, which supports 2-way configurations without bandwidth limitations.
2. Performance and Overclocking
B550 and X570 motherboards support RAM and CPU overclocking, but their performance depends on various factors, including chipsets, motherboard manufacturers, BIOS, etc. For example, the VRMs on the X570 option appear to be somehow better than the counterpart.
Since the PCIe lanes in the X570 are PCIe 4.0, the chipset uses up to 15W, which means you can overclock with more power behind it.
For this reason, almost all the X570 motherboards have a cooling fan installed, even if they don’t need it, to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible under heavy loads.
On AMD’s older platform, board partners often have difficulty when trying to overclock because they try too hard or use higher-quality components that make them run hotter than they should.
3. Dual GPU Support
Regarding multi-GPU support, X570 is ahead of B550 thanks to better PCIe lane allocation.
If you’re a hardcore gamer, running two or more high-end graphics cards is often an optimal solution for delivering smooth gameplay at high resolutions and framerates, so X570’s 4-lane configuration certainly makes sense.
Besides, if you need to configure dual graphics cards, your motherboard must support AMD’s CrossFire or Nvidia’s SLI. Both B550 and X570 fulfill that criterion, but X570 does so with a slight edge in terms of performance and compatibility for older products (since it utilizes PCIe 4.0 lanes).
However, it should be noted that VRM capacity is not a concern on any of these motherboards because they are all modern solutions.
4. SATA and USB Connectivity
Despite PCIe lanes, other crucial connectivity options are SATA and USB ports. On AMD’s new platform, you get 8 USB 10Gbps but the older version support only 2. As far as USB 5Gpbs ports are concerned, B55O boasts having 2 while the counterpart has none to speak of.
While both offer 6 SATA III ports which are 4, the X570 allows extra 8 SATA III 6Gbps ports, and the B550 enables 2 of them.
So what does it all mean?
An average user will probably never notice any difference between these platforms if they use a single GPU configuration.
5. Price
Last, price is another factor to consider when choosing between AMD’s two platforms. With newer motherboards coming out, X570 seems priced higher than its counterpart. This isn’t surprising because we are talking about all-new parts here – so naturally, you get what you pay for in the sense that it’s better.
However, remember that some older motherboard models will receive BIOS updates to support Zen 2 processors if their BIOS supports UEFI AMI.
If that happens and board partners make upgrades available, it might become a more viable option for those looking to upgrade their older rigs without spending too much money on new parts.
Which Chipset is Better B550 or X570?
The X570 and B550 chipset are compatible with AMD’s new Ryzen 3000 series processors and AM4 motherboards from their previous generation.
So what is better: X570 or B550?
X570 is better than the counterpart, but it’s not the best regarding mass appeal. The features available in B550 chipsets for the regular build are enough for mid-tier PCs. But on extreme/high-end builds, X570 might be a good upgrade option if you plan to go for high-end builds over mid-tier ones in the future.
If that’s not your case, then you don’t need to worry about investing money into a pricey chipset like X570, especially when there are other worthy options at much lower prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AMD B550 Work with Ryzen 3000 Series?
Yes, AMD B550 is compatible with AMD Ryzen 3000 series processors, and X570 motherboards can be upgraded to support them with a BIOS update.
Will B550 Be Outdated?
B550 will never be obsolete anytime soon. The reason is that there are currently no official Ryzen 3000 series products out in public, and X570 motherboards are very few available to buy yet, which means AMD won’t launch a new chipset until it has launched its processor line.
Is The B550 a Better VRM Setup than X570?
If you don’t mind extra PCle 4.0 lanes, the B550 chipset is better because they have awesome overclocking support, VRM, and other connectivity. This makes them superior to X570 in terms of power efficiency.
However, if you need PCIe Gen4 x8 lanes, X570 is a better choice since it will allow faster performance and speed.
Why is X570 More Future-Proof Than B550?
Theoretically, you can say yes; however, in the real sense, it’s not. Regarding future CPU compatibility, X570 and B550 have similar performance. Both chipsets are compatible with Ryzen 5000 and any other CPUs beyond that.
However, the argument that X570 is more future-proof than its counterpart is somewhat deeper.
Is X570 Better for Overclocking Than B550?
Both B550 and X570 Motherboards support RAM and CPU overclocking. But the VRMs in both boards are different, which explains why X570 is better for overclocking than X550.
Does X570 Need a Fan?
Due to PCIe 4.0, X570 can generate huge power and heat. Therefore, it is advisable to install a fan for better cooling to not cause damage or shorten the motherboard’s life span due to overheating.
However, remember that VRMs are designed using premium materials that allow them to withstand higher temperatures than any other parts in your system, including CPU and RAM, without damage or shortening lifespan.
Conclusion
When it comes to the B550 and X570 specifications, it’s important to remember that they are only theoretical maximum capabilities. To get a better idea of what these chipsets can actually handle, you should compare the implementations from individual motherboard manufacturers.
The primary difference between AMD’s B550 and X570 chipsets is that the latter offers more higher speed ports and lanes, allowing for more components and peripherals to be run via PCIe 4.0, SATA III, and USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 connections.
However, for most gamers, a cheaper B550 motherboard will suffice. Only a few PCIe 4.0 lanes are necessary for your graphics card and one M.2 NVMe SSD, and high-speed USB ports are not essential for most setups. Additionally, both chipsets offer the same level of CPU, GPU, RAM, single SSD performance, and support overclocking.
For those with standard gaming setups, a B550 motherboard should provide everything needed at a lower cost. However, if you require multiple PCIe 4.0 expansion cards, high-speed storage devices, or high-speed USB connections, then an X570 motherboard may be a better solution.
