With the introduction of the B550 lineup of motherboards, AMD has provided a couple of features previously absent from the cheaper alternative B450 motherboards. If you are in the market for a motherboard for your 3rd gen Ryzen processor or greater, the B550 series of motherboards is an excellent choice based on the numerous features it provides and reasonable price. So, to help you make the right choice, we have compiled this comprehensive list of the Best B550 motherboards.
But before zeroing on a B550 motherboard, you will need to determine the criteria that make up a great motherboard. The first is to do with the VRM Power Phases on the motherboard as these are crucial in determining the performance you can get from your CPU. Generally, the more, the better, since the power distributes equally, allowing for better regulation and delivery, which is especially crucial if you need to overclock your system.
Moreover, with PCIe 4.0, motherboards can now support features like Nvidia’s SLI and faster NVME SSD’s, so keep in mind that your motherboard has support for the best value considering that this is the main selling point for B550. With these in mind, head on below to explore which options are best for you.
Best ATX B550 Motherboards
1. ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming
Key Features
- 12+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Intel WiFi 6 and 2.5 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4400 MHz DDR4 RAM
Belonging to ASUS’s premium lineup, the Strix B550-F is an ATX motherboard that includes every possible feature you can ask for. With a 12+2 VRM power stage set up along with the Digi+ controller, the motherboard will handle even demanding processors like the Ryzen 9 3900x relatively well, and you will also manage to run away with quite a bit of overclocking which is excellent considering this is a B550 board. The motherboard also features a heatsink for the VRM, which will help keep the temperatures low. You can also opt for the WiFi version for just a few bucks more.
The 4 DIMM slots will allow for a maximum of 128 gigs of DDR4 RAM and make use of ASUS’s OptiMem 2, which reduces the interference between the memory lanes leading to better stability and overclocking potential. The 2.5G ethernet networking and optional WiFi 6 connectivity are excellent, and one of the best networking options available on B550 boards.
The top M.2 SSD slot uses PCIe 4.0, which means you can use it with SSDs like the Saberent Rocket for insanely fast read and write speeds. The bottom slot will still use the older PCIe 3.0 spec, though, but will manage to provide respectable speeds. The slots also have the option of a heatsink to keep temperatures low.
The BIOS is still terrific and easy to use with various options for tweaking and overclocking your system. The BIOS flashback utility will enable you to update your BIOS without needing a CPU. The three RGB headers will help you light up your build and features ASUS’ AuraSync and features six PWM fan headers for your cooling system.
Overall, the Strix B550-F is a reliable option for those in the market for a capable mid-range motherboard. It can run even more demanding Ryzen CPUs and provide a significant amount of overclocking, and with PCIe 4.0 support, it seems to beat out the X570 motherboards in terms of value.
2. MSI MAG B550 TOMAHAWK
Key Features
- 10+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Dual 2.5G and 1G Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 5100 MHz DDR4 RAM
MSI’s Tomahawk series has always been the sweet spot for the best value in the mid-range segment of ATX motherboards. The MAG B550 Tomahawk again aims for the best value and manages to bring a considerable amount of new features absent from previous generations.
With a respectable 10+2 VRM, power delivery system passively cooled with the help of an enormous extended heatsink, you can expect the best performance out of the motherboard for your CPU. Overclocking also should not be a problem even for the beefier Ryzen CPUs, thanks to the excellent power delivery system.
The 4 DIMM slots support up to 128 GB of memory, but what is interesting is their support for 5100 MHz overclocked RAM, mainly due to their testing and XMP profile settings. MSI decided to go with a dual M.2 configuration with one making use of the new PCIe 4.0 spec while the other runs off the older PCIe 3.0. Both slots come with heatsinks to keep your SSD temperatures low.
As for connectivity, the B550 Tomahawk features dual LAN consisting of both 2.5G and 1G ethernet and is the only B550 model to have such a feature. It also uses a USB 3 Gen2 x2 type C port on the rear for extra fast connectivity. The motherboard also includes six fan connectors and a pump fan connector for cooling. If you are into RGB, there are two 4-pin and 3-pin LED connectors, each working with MSI’s Mystic Light software.
As for BIOS, MSI provides a user-friendly experience and offers a one-click overclocking the processor and automatic memory profiles for those who do not want to play around with the settings. Overall, the B550 Tomahawk is an excellent choice for most people considering its well-built, provides the essentials, and has a reasonable price tag.
3. ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS
Key Features
- 8+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Realtek 2.5G Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4600 MHz DDR4 RAM
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus, part of the companies ultra-durable lineup of motherboards, is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable B550 ATX motherboard that will not break the bank.
In terms of performance, the 8+2 VRM power stages can handle processors like the Ryzen 5 series without any struggles but prove to be a limiting factor in overclocking, especially in areas of stability and thermals. The VRMs have a sizeable heatsink to draw out the heat, which is suitable for long-term reliability.
The 4 RAM slots will support a maximum of 128 gigs with a max speed of 4600MHz overclocked. As for storage, the two M.2 slots differ in PCIe connectivity, one Gen 3, and the other Gen4. ASUS includes a heatsink for only the Gen3 slot, which is strange considering its slower connectivity. The added 2.5G ethernet connectivity is now the standard, while the two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports on the back are excellent for transferring data quickly.
The three RGB headers are great if you want to hook up some RGB lighting to use with the AuraSync software. The motherboard also features five fans and one AIO pump connector for use in your builds cooling system. Finally, as discussed before, ASUS’s BIOS is well-rounded and easy to use with the BIOS flashback as a bonus.
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is an excellent choice for your budget build, especially if you are looking at going with a processor like the Ryzen 5 3600 and looking to do some slight overclocking. If you go with the higher-end chips, it is better to check the other options on this list.
4. GIGABYTE B550 AORUS PRO
Key Features
- 12+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Realtek 2.5G Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 5400 MHz DDR4 RAM
The B550 Arous Pro is Gigabytes premium offering, which makes sure to provide a plethora of features. It features a 12+2 power stage layout cooled with a massive heatsink and heat pipe assembly to keep the temps low and allow for maximum power delivery, which will let you run any Ryzen processor and get adequate overclocking for the best performance.
The DIMM slots support a maximum of 128 GB of RAM, which can support speeds of up to 5400 MHz overclocked. Out of the two M.2 slots, one features support for the latest PCIe 4.0, which will let you hook up SSDs with fast read and write speeds. Both M.2 slots feature heatsinks for cooling the SSDs to provide optimal performance.
Connectivity includes 2.5-gigabit ethernet and the standard Intel 802.11 ac WiFi, which is enough for most applications while the two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports on the back will allow for quick data transfers. Gigabyte also includes eight fan headers for the cooling system and five RGB headers to use with their RGB Fusion software.
Gigabyte includes a BIOS with different configuration modes and consists of a BIOS flashback option. Overall, the B550 Arous Pro makes sure to include all the requirements to run even demanding Ryzen processors, which is thanks to the excellent power delivery system and is a superb B550 option for such processors.
Best Micro ATX B550 Motherboards
1. MSI MAG B550M MORTAR
Key Features
- 8+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Realtek 2.5G Ethernet and Intel WiFi 6
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4400 MHz DDR4 RAM
The MSI B550M Mortar is an excellent B550 mATX option for those looking for a feature-rich motherboard at a reasonable price. With an 8+2 VRM backed by a large extended heatsink assembly, the motherboard will handle most processors with ease and will provide ample overclocking capabilities.
As for memory, the motherboard supports a maximum capacity of 128 GB and a speed of 4400 MHz on an overclocked profile. The M.2 options include two slots, of which one supports PCIe 4.0 connectivity for use with the latest generation of super-fast SSDs. MSI also provided a heatsink for the PCIe 4.0 slot to keep the temperatures lower.
The optional Intel WiFi 6 and 2.5G Realtek LAN will let you connect to high-speed internet, and the two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports on the rear will allow for fast 10 Gbps connections with external drives and peripherals. The motherboard includes five fan connectors for cooling and three RGB connectors for lighting your PC with MSI’s Mystic Light.
The B550M Mortar is a great option for those looking for a motherboard that delivers the essential features and support for higher-end processors without charging a premium price and is a recommendation for most builds.
2. ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS
Key Features
- 8+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Realtek 2.5G Ethernet and Intel WiFi 6
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4600 MHz DDR4 RAM
The TUF Gaming B550M-Plus part of ASUS’s ultra-durable gaming system is an excellent option for those looking for a great B550 mATX motherboard at a low price. An 8+2 VRM design cooled by a dedicated heatsink will handle processors like the Ryzen 5 3600 and allow you some overclocking headroom for extra performance. There is also the non-wifi version if this version is not available.
The motherboard supports a maximum memory of 128 GB and a speed of 4600 MHz on XMP. The two M.2 slots will allow for connectivity with NVMe or SATA SSDs with one of the slots supporting PCIe 4.0 for pairing with ultra-fast SSDs. ASUS only provides a single heatsink for use with the PCIe 3.0 SSD.
Connectivity involves Intel’s WiFi 6 and Realtek 2.5G ethernet for fast internet while the two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports on the rear will allow for fast data transfers. The three RGB headers out of which two are addressable sync with ASUS’s AuraSync RGB. The board also includes four fan connectors for use with your cooling system. The board also makes use of ASUS’s BIOS Flashback option.
The TUF Gaming B550M-PLUS is an excellent mATX option for use with processors from the Ryzen 5 series and below. It is one of the best budget options to consider if you need to save up your money on other components. We recommend against going with more powerful processors for the motherboard, mainly due to the power system.
3. ASUS Prime B550M-A WiFi
Key Features
- 8+1 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- 1 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4400 MHz DDR4 RAM
Part of Asus’ budget lineup of motherboards, the Prime B550-A WiFi motherboard manages to include most of the premium B550 features that make it worth considering when building a budget PC.
First off, the motherboard employs an 8+1 DrMOS power stage system to supply power to the processor, which should handle most of the current Ryzen 3000 series chips. Its VRM heatsink and thermal pads should also ensure adequate cooling.
As the name suggests, this motherboard comes with out-of-the-box WiFi so there is no need for an adaptor. Moving on to the two M.2 slots, one supports PCIe 4.0 and the other PCIe 3.0.
The four DIMM slots will support a maximum of 128GB of DDR4 RAM, with speeds up to 4400 MHz, overclocked. Connectivity includes 1 Gb Ethernet, and the motherboard comes equipped with a range of ports which include two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports for high-speed connectivity. The board also comes equipped with 3 fans and 1 AIO header for the chassis cooling system, along with 1 RGB header for lighting your rig.
Overall, the Asus Prime B550-A WiFi manages to include a respectable number of features when compared to other more expensive B550 and previous generation B450 motherboards. We would recommend this, especially if you plan on going with processors from the Ryzen 5 or 7 series on a budget, although you may not be able to overclock it as much.
4. ASRock B550M Steel Legend
Key Features
- 8+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Dragon 2.5 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 4x DIMM slots for support up to 128 GB of 4733 MHz DDR4 RAM
The ASRock B550M Steel Legend manages to retain much of the more extensive ATX form factor features while coming in a compact and affordable package, giving other motherboards a run for their money.
With an 8 phase DrMOS power design, you should not expect much other than running your processor at stock, especially for the more power-hungry processors. However, you could squeeze some overclocking from lower-end chips like the Ryzen 3300x, considering the impressive VRM cooling solution.
You also get 4 DIMM slots that support a maximum of 128 GB memory with speeds up to DDR4-4733 overclocked. Concerning graphic card slots, you get two, one supporting the latest PCIe 4.0 spec and the other PCIe 3.0. We also see two M.2 slots with a similar configuration of one PCIe 4.0 and the other, PCIe 3.0, and a single heatsink covers both the PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot and chipset.
The rear panel comes with an included I/O shield and features Dragon 2.5G Ethernet, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2, and 4 Gen 1 ports for data transfer and network connectivity. Connectors include 5 SmartFan fan/AIO headers and 4 RGB headers that work with ASRock’s Polychrome RGB functionality.
In the end, the ASRock Steel Series B550M is the best choice for those looking for a compact motherboard that offers performance and features at a reasonable price and most certainly is one of the best mATX motherboards out there.
Best Mini ITX B550 Motherboards
1. GIGABYTE B550I AORUS PRO AX
Key Features
- 8 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Realtek 2.5G Ethernet and Intel WiFi 6
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 2x DIMM slots for support up to 64 GB of 5300 MHz DDR4 RAM
The B550I Arous Pro AX is an ITX motherboard that provides a multitude of features in a small package. With an 8 phase power input that is adequately cooled by a massive heatsink, the motherboard will handle most Ryzen 5 or 7 series processors, though overclocking mileage may vary.
In terms of memory, the 2 DIMM slots will support a maximum of 64 GB of RAM at a maximum speed of 5300MHz overclocked. The motherboard features 2 M.2 slots, with the PCIe 4.0 slot on the top and a PCIe 3.0 on the bottom. Gigabyte provides a heatsink for the top M.2 slot, which also covers the chipset for maintaining better thermals.
The motherboard features Intel WiFi 6 and 2.5G LAN connectivity for the internet. A USB 3.2 Gen 2 port USB C port on the rear allows for fast data transfer with a 10 Gbps speed. There are three fan connectors for use with the cooling system and two RGB connectors for use with Gigabyte’s RGB Fusion software. The board also supports the Q-Flash feature for updating the BIOS similar to what ASUS has.
The Gigabyte B550I Arous Pro is an excellent option for those looking for a small factor motherboard that provides the features necessary for use with processors like the Ryzen 5 series. If you are looking for a motherboard option for use with higher-end processors, it is better to stick with the X570 series.
2. ASUS ROG Strix B550-I
Key Features
- 8+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Intel WiFi 6 and 2.5 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 2x DIMM slots for support up to 64 GB of 5100 MHz DDR4 RAM
The smallest motherboard in Asus’ premium motherboard series, the ROG Strix B550-I, comes loaded with the latest features, premium components, and a design that stands out.
The 8 phase power system for the processor comes with a sizeable heatsink and embedded fan for keeping the temperatures low. With this setup, you could swiftly push processors like the Ryzen 5 3600 to their limits via significant overclocking.
The board includes 2 DIMM slots that support a maximum of 64 GB of RAM with maximum speeds of DDR4-5100 on an overclocked profile. There is a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot on the bottom of the motherboard, while the front M.2 slot supports PCIe 4.0 and comes with an included heatsink, while the one on the rear supports PCIe 3.0.
You get Intel WiFi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast connectivity over the internet or local networks, while the 4 USB 3.2 Gen2 ports will ensure high-speed data transfers. Internally there is a single chassis fan, AIO pump, and two RGB connectors that support AuraSync, for you to use with your case peripherals.
Overall, the ROG Strix B550-I is a premium motherboard aimed at enthusiasts and small-form PC builders, though it only works best with the Ryzen’s lower-end lineup. If you are looking to run more powerful processors, a better choice would be the more capable X570 motherboards.
3. MSI MPG B550I Gaming Edge WiFi
Key Features
- 8+2 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Intel WiFi 6 and Realtek 2.5 Gb Ethernet
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 2x DIMM slots for support up to 64 GB of 4600 MHz DDR4 RAM
MSI’s premium ITX motherboard, the MPG B550I, comes with many features packed into a compact package, making it an excellent recommendation for building the perfect portable PC.
An 8+2 power phase system coupled with a large heatsink and backplate for cooling will allow you to run this with most of the Ryzen processors, though we doubt its capacity to overclock the more powerful of the lot.
A single PCIe 4.0 slots sit at the bottom of the motherboard, while just above it lies the fast PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot complete with a heatsink and cooling fan for keeping high-speed SSDs cool. Another M.2 slot with the PCIe 3.0 spec is present on the rear. Two DIMM slots are present with support of up to a maximum of 64 GB and speeds of DDR4-4600.
We get an integrated I/O shield on the back with Intel WiFi 6 and Realtek 2.5Gb LAN along with 2 USB 3.2 Gen2 and 2 Gen1 ports. For headers, you will get a single one for a chassis fan, AIO pump, and RGB each. The MSI Mag B550I does manage to provide a relatively decent amount of features for an ITX board but falls behind other offerings like the Strix B550I, which costs $30 more and again should do the job for people looking to build a portable AMD PC.
4. ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming ITX/AX
Key Features
- 8 VRM Power Stages
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Intel 2.5G Ethernet and WiFi 6
- 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 and 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 slot
- 2x DIMM slots for support up to 64 GB of 5100 MHz DDR4 RAM
The B550 Phantom Gaming from ASRock is an excellent ITX option for those looking for a reasonably priced small-form-factor B550 motherboard. With 8 VRM power stages, the motherboard will easily handle CPUs from the Ryzen 5 and 7 series and can even support a small amount of overclocking. A large heatsink passively cools the VRMs to maintain low temperatures.
The motherboard has two DIMMs for a maximum capacity of 64 GB and speeds of up to 5100 MHz with XMP. ASRock includes two M.2 slots with the one on the top being PCIe 4.0 and the bottom one PCIe 3.0. An included heatsink cools the SSD in the top slot and the chipset.
For connectivity, the Intel WiFi 6 and 2.5G ethernet will allow for fast connectivity with fast internet. A dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 port on the back will enable quick data transfer with speeds of up to 10 Gbps with external peripherals. On the inside, there are three fan connectors for use with cooling systems and two RGB headers, which sync with ASRock’s Polychrome RGB software.
The ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming is a well-priced motherboard with a decent amount of features and a small-form factor. We recommend using this with processors like the Ryzen 5 3600 for the best stability and overclocking mileage.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the best B550 motherboards you should consider buying. We have made sure to include ATX, micro ATX, and mini ITX options. Additionally, you can learn more about B550 motherboards on AMD’s Website. Though, if you are looking to spend over $200 we recommend you go for an X570 motherboard instead. We hope that you find this article helpful and informative.
