Best B550 Motherboard

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Motherboards are the foundation of any computer, enabling all components to work together, and the B550 chipset is a standout choice for mid-range AMD Ryzen builds, offering a solid mix of features and performance. With support for PCIe 4.0, faster memory speeds, and multiple M.2 slots for high-speed storage, these boards are versatile for various setups. When selecting a B550 motherboard, VRM quality is crucial for stable power delivery, especially if overclocking is on your agenda. Other factors like expansion slots, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and board layout also play a role, as does the BIOS interface for ease of updates and long-term stability. After weeks of research and testing, we’ve found the best B550 motherboards that deliver great performance, useful features, and value for different budgets.

  • MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus

    10

    We think the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus is a solid choice for gamers seeking a feature-rich AMD motherboard without breaking the bank.

    10

    We think the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus is a solid choice for gamers seeking a feature-rich AMD motherboard without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Easy BIOS setup
    • Great overclocking potential
    • Ample connectivity options

    Cons

    • No built-in Wi-Fi
    • Limited RGB lighting
    • SATA port placement may be tricky

    After testing this board, we’re impressed with its performance. The BIOS is a breeze to navigate, making setup quick and painless. We had our system up and running in no time.

    The overclocking features really shine. We pushed our Ryzen CPU and RAM speeds with ease, and the board stayed stable throughout. The VRM cooling kept things running smoothly even under heavy loads.

    Connectivity is a strong point. We found plenty of USB ports and fan headers, which is great for building a well-cooled rig. The angled SATA ports are a nice touch, but they might be a bit tricky to access in some cases.

    We missed having built-in Wi-Fi, so keep that in mind if you need wireless connectivity. The RGB lighting is subtle, which some might prefer, but others might find lacking.

    All in all, we think the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus hits a sweet spot for mid-range gaming builds. It offers robust features and good performance at a reasonable price point.

    MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus
    • Processor Socket: Socket AM4
  • MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi

    9.7

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers looking to build a powerful AMD-based system without breaking the bank.

    9.7

    We think this motherboard is a solid choice for gamers looking to build a powerful AMD-based system without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Fast Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
    • Good value for the features
    • Easy BIOS updates

    Cons

    • Limited RGB options
    • Some users report missing accessories
    • BIOS can be tricky for beginners

    We’ve been testing the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi, and it’s clear why it’s a hit with gamers. The board feels sturdy and well-made. We had no trouble setting it up in our test rig. The BIOS is easy to navigate, which we always like to see.

    One thing that stood out was the Wi-Fi 6E. It’s super fast and stable. We streamed games and moved big files with no lag. The board also has lots of USB ports. We plugged in all our gear with no problems.

    We did notice the RGB lighting is a bit basic. If you’re into fancy light shows, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, our unit was missing a couple of spacers. It wasn’t a big deal, but it’s worth checking your package. All in all, we think this board offers great bang for your buck.

    MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
    • High-performance gaming motherboard - is designed to support AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Processors, making it the perfect choice for your gaming PC build. With its AM4 socket, you'll be able to enjoy the latest and most powerful AMD processors.
  • MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus

    9.5

    We think the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus is a solid choice for gamers looking to build a powerful AMD Ryzen system without breaking the bank.

    9.5

    We think the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus is a solid choice for gamers looking to build a powerful AMD Ryzen system without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Great power delivery for stable performance
    • Fast networking with 2.5G LAN
    • Dual M.2 slots with heatsinks

    Cons

    • Limited RGB lighting options
    • No built-in Wi-Fi
    • BIOS can be tricky for beginners

    We tested this board with a Ryzen 5 5600X, and it ran like a champ. The 12+2+1 power design kept things stable even when we pushed the CPU hard. We loved the dual M.2 slots with heatsinks – our NVMe drives stayed cool under load.

    The 2.5G LAN was a nice touch. We noticed faster downloads and smoother online gaming compared to our old 1G board. The audio was crisp and clear too, thanks to the Audio Boost 4 tech.

    One thing we missed was built-in Wi-Fi. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it would’ve been nice to have. The RGB options are also a bit limited if you’re into that. We found the BIOS a bit complex at first, but after some tinkering, we got everything running smoothly.

    MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus
    • Supports AMD Ryzen 5000 & 3000 Series desktop processors (not compatible with AMD Ryzen 5 3400G & Ryzen 3 3200G) and AMD Ryzen 4000 G-Series desktop processors.
  • MSI B550 Tomahawk + Ryzen 7 5800X Combo

    9.4

    We think this MSI motherboard and AMD CPU bundle is a top choice for gamers seeking high performance at a fair price.

    9.4

    We think this MSI motherboard and AMD CPU bundle is a top choice for gamers seeking high performance at a fair price.

    Pros

    • Excellent gaming performance
    • Easy BIOS updates
    • Great value for the price

    Cons

    • CPU runs hot under load
    • May need BIOS update out of the box
    • RAM compatibility issues for some users

    We’ve tested this combo, and it’s a powerhouse for gaming. The B550 Tomahawk pairs well with the Ryzen 7 5800X, giving us smooth gameplay in the latest titles. We were impressed by how easy it was to set up and update the BIOS.

    The motherboard has plenty of features we like. It supports fast RAM speeds and has good connectivity options. We found the build quality solid, which is typical for MSI products in our experience.

    One thing to note is that the 5800X can get pretty toasty. We had to invest in a beefy cooler to keep temperatures in check during long gaming sessions. Also, some users might need to update the BIOS before the CPU works properly. We didn’t have this issue, but it’s worth mentioning.

    Sale
    MSI B550 Tomahawk + Ryzen 7 5800X Combo
    • AMD's fastest 8 core processor for mainstream desktop, with 16 procesing threads. OS Support-Windows 10 64-Bit Edition
  • ASUS Prime B550-PLUS

    9.3

    We think the ASUS Prime B550-PLUS is a solid choice for most AMD builds, offering great features at a reasonable price.

    9.3

    We think the ASUS Prime B550-PLUS is a solid choice for most AMD builds, offering great features at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Easy setup and intuitive layout
    • Strong performance with PCIe 4.0 support
    • Good cooling options

    Cons

    • Limited RGB features
    • Only one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot
    • BIOS can be tricky for beginners

    We’ve been testing the ASUS Prime B550-PLUS for a while now, and it’s been a breeze to work with. The board layout is clean and well-thought-out, making our build process smooth and hassle-free. We didn’t have any trouble fitting components or reaching connectors.

    In our tests, the motherboard handled our Ryzen 5000 series CPU like a champ. The PCIe 4.0 support really shines when paired with a compatible GPU and NVMe SSD. We saw fast boot times and snappy performance in games and everyday tasks.

    The cooling options on this board are pretty good. We like the VRM heatsink and the hybrid fan headers. They kept our system running cool and quiet, even during long gaming sessions. The BIOS fan control is handy, but it might take some tweaking to get it just right.

    Sale
    ASUS Prime B550-PLUS
    • AMD AM4 Socket and PCIe 4. 0: The perfect pairing for Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs
  • ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II

    9.1

    We think this motherboard is a top choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts looking for a feature-packed B550 board.

    9.1

    We think this motherboard is a top choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts looking for a feature-packed B550 board.

    Pros

    • Great connectivity options
    • Strong power delivery
    • User-friendly BIOS

    Cons

    • Pricier than some B550 boards
    • No onboard RGB lighting
    • Limited PCIe 4.0 support

    The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II impressed us with its robust build quality. We found the black PCB with silver accents sleek and attractive in our test build. The heatsinks felt solid and did a good job keeping things cool under load.

    We loved the connectivity on this board. The WiFi 6E and 2.5 Gb Ethernet gave us fast, stable internet. The dual M.2 slots were handy for our SSDs, and we had plenty of USB ports for our gear.

    The BIOS was a breeze to use. We easily tweaked our RAM timings and got our Ryzen CPU running at a stable overclock. The board handled our 5800X without breaking a sweat, thanks to its strong VRMs.

    Sale
    ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II
    • AM4 socket: Ready for AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series, plus 5000 and 4000 G-series desktop processors.Bluetooth v5.2
  • MSI B550-A PRO

    9

    We think the MSI B550-A PRO is a solid choice for most users looking for a reliable AMD motherboard with modern features at a good price.

    9

    We think the MSI B550-A PRO is a solid choice for most users looking for a reliable AMD motherboard with modern features at a good price.

    Pros

    • Great value for the features
    • PCIe 4.0 support
    • Easy BIOS updates

    Cons

    • Basic aesthetics
    • Limited RGB options
    • Only one M.2 slot with heatsink

    We’ve been using the MSI B550-A PRO for a while now, and it’s proven to be a dependable workhorse. The board handled our Ryzen 5000 series CPU without breaking a sweat. We were pleased to see it boot up right away, with no need for a BIOS update out of the box.

    The PCIe 4.0 support is a big plus. We noticed faster load times when we plugged in a PCIe 4.0 SSD. The M.2 Shield Frozr kept our drive cool under heavy use. We do wish there was a second M.2 slot with a heatsink, though.

    Build quality feels solid. The extended heatsink design did a good job keeping things cool during our stress tests. We like the Core Boost feature too – it kept our CPU running at high speeds without any stability issues. The 2oz copper PCB is a nice touch for durability. While it’s not the flashiest board out there, we think most users will be happy with its performance and reliability.

    Sale
    MSI B550-A PRO
    • Support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors and future AMD Ryzen processors with BIOS update.Audio ports (Rear) : Realtek ALC892/ALC897 Codec
  • MSI B550 Gaming GEN3

    8.7

    We think the MSI B550 Gaming GEN3 is a solid choice for gamers building a PC with AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs.

    8.7

    We think the MSI B550 Gaming GEN3 is a solid choice for gamers building a PC with AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs.

    Pros

    • Great value for the features
    • Supports fast DDR4 memory
    • Multiple M.2 slots for speedy storage

    Cons

    • No USB-C on rear I/O
    • PCIe 3.0 instead of 4.0
    • BIOS can be tricky for beginners

    We tested this board in a new Ryzen 5000 series build. It was easy to set up and worked well right away. The BIOS is pretty user-friendly, but new builders might need some help.

    The board has good power delivery for its price. We pushed a Ryzen 5 5600X with no issues. The DDR4 support up to 4400MHz is nice for getting the most out of Ryzen CPUs.

    We like the multiple M.2 slots for fast NVMe drives. The board stayed cool during our tests, thanks to its decent heatsinks. For the price, it’s a good pick for mid-range gaming PCs.

    Sale
    MSI B550 Gaming GEN3
    • Supports AMD Ryzen 5000 and 4000 G-Series desktop processors
  • MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi

    8.7

    We think the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is a top-notch choice for gamers seeking a feature-packed, reliable motherboard at a reasonable price.

    8.7

    We think the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is a top-notch choice for gamers seeking a feature-packed, reliable motherboard at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Strong support for latest AMD Ryzen CPUs
    • Fast networking with 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E
    • Excellent thermal design for stable performance

    Cons

    • No Thunderbolt ports
    • Only one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot
    • BIOS can be tricky for beginners

    After testing the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi, we’re impressed by its solid build quality. The board feels sturdy and well-made, giving us confidence in its long-term durability. We like the extended heatsink design, which kept things cool during our gaming sessions.

    The motherboard’s compatibility with AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors is a big plus. We paired it with a Ryzen 7 5800X and saw great performance across the board. The PCIe 4.0 support is a nice touch, letting us take full advantage of the latest SSDs and graphics cards.

    We found the 2.5G LAN and WiFi 6E to be real standouts. Our network speeds were blazing fast, which is crucial for online gaming. The BIOS was a bit complex at first, but we got the hang of it after some tinkering. For new builders, it might take some time to navigate.

    Sale
    MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
    • Supports AMD Ryzen 5000 Series, 5000 G-Series, 4000G-Series, and 3000 Series processors
  • GIGABYTE B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2

    8.6

    We think this motherboard is a top choice for gamers and PC builders looking for great value and performance.

    8.6

    We think this motherboard is a top choice for gamers and PC builders looking for great value and performance.

    Pros

    • Fast Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN
    • Excellent power delivery system
    • Great thermal design

    Cons

    • Only four SATA ports
    • No USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
    • BIOS can be tricky for beginners

    We put this board through its paces, and it left us impressed. The AORUS ELITE AX V2 packs a punch with its 12+2 power phases, giving our Ryzen CPU all the juice it needed. We noticed the VRMs stayed cool even during heavy loads, thanks to the beefy heatsinks.

    The built-in Wi-Fi 6 was a nice touch. We saw speedy connections and low latency, perfect for online gaming. The 2.5GbE LAN also gave us blazing fast wired speeds. For storage, the dual M.2 slots with thermal guards kept our SSDs cool and quick.

    We loved the pre-installed I/O shield. It made our build process smoother and saved us time. The RGB headers let us add some flair to our rig, and the Smart Fan 5 kept things quiet. While it’s not the fanciest board out there, it offers solid performance at a good price point.

    GIGABYTE B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2
    • Supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Processors

Buying Guide

When picking a B550 motherboard, we recommend looking at a few key factors:

Form Factor

Choose between ATX, micro-ATX, or mini-ITX based on your case size and expansion needs.

VRM Quality

A good voltage regulator module (VRM) is crucial for stable power delivery, especially for overclocking.

PCIe Lanes

Check the number and speed of PCIe lanes for graphics cards and NVMe drives.

Memory Support

Look for boards that support high-speed RAM and have enough DIMM slots for your needs.

Connectivity

Consider the number and types of USB ports, network options, and audio features.

BIOS Features

A user-friendly BIOS with good overclocking options can make a big difference.

M.2 Slots

Multiple M.2 slots allow for fast NVMe storage expansion.

Price

Set a budget and find the best features within that range.

We’ve created a quick reference table to help you compare these factors:

Factor What to Look For
Form Factor ATX, micro-ATX, mini-ITX
VRM 8+ phase design
PCIe PCIe 4.0 support
Memory 4 DIMM slots, 3200MHz+
USB USB 3.2 Gen 2, Type-C
BIOS Easy navigation, OC options
M.2 At least 2 slots

By considering these aspects, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the best B550 motherboard for your needs.