Difference Between B450 And X470 Motherboards [Buyer Guide]

The B450 and x470 look similar but there are some Difference Between B450 and X470, which you must understand if you are going to buy one of them. The role of motherboards in the PC world cannot be underestimated. And, given the recent surge of interest in Ryzen processors, many PC users are searching for the best Ryzen motherboards.

It can be difficult to select the right motherboard if you are unfamiliar with motherboards. The Gigabyte B450 and Asus X470 motherboards, on the other hand, are two of the best on the market.

Because of their low price and high performance, AMD 2000 and 3000 series processors have outperformed Intel’s 9th-generation CPUs. With these processors, AMD announced 400 series of chipset motherboards, including the B450 and x470 chipsets.

These are chipsets, and they are unlikely to impact the motherboard’s VRM, but since x470 chipset motherboards are more costly and have better VRM cooling systems, you can get more performance from them.

AMD Ryzen Motherboards are divided into three categories: A, B, and X, with A-series boards aimed at entry-level builds and X-series boards aimed at enthusiast builds. Both of these chipset motherboards are aimed at mid-range and enthusiast builds, but the B450 Chipset is mostly aimed at budget gamers who prioritize efficiency over features.

The B450 chipset provides outstanding value in terms of price, as it is inexpensive and includes the entire premium features found in high-end motherboards. Furthermore, these motherboards come pre-installed with Ryzen 3000 series processors. These chipsets can support any type of AMD RAM.

The X470 vs B450 debate has been going on for more than a year now. Even though the B550 and X570 Chipset Motherboards have already replaced them, the battle continues. However, given AMD’s decision to use the same AM4 architecture for their four-generation Zen processors, it’s likely that people will be discussing B450 vs X470 for at least another year.

The Asus ROG Maximus Z690 Hero is a top-tier motherboard for Intel 12th Generation Core that is well-made, user-friendly, and equipped with Thunderbolt 4 and a top-notch power design. Our only concern is the outrageous price.

As a result, we’ve made the decision to shed some light on the subject. We’re here to talk about the differences between motherboards with the X470 and B450 chipsets. We hope to clarify some of the ambiguity between the two chipsets and reach a proper conclusion as a result.

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Our Recommendations

Image	Product Name	Global Rating	Price
	GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS PRO	4.4 Out Of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon
	ASRock Z490 Taichi	4.6 Out Of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon
	ASROCK AMD X470 Chip Set Mini	3.8 Out Of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon
	MSI Performance Gaming AMD	4.6 Out Of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon
	MSI Gaming Plus Max AM4 AMD	4.6 Out Of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon
	BIOSTAR B450MH Micro ATX Motherboard	3.8 Out Of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon
	MSI Crossfire ATX Gaming Motherboard	4.7 Out Of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon
	ASRock ATX Motherboard	4.5 Out Of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon
	GB B450 AORUS PRO AM4	4.5 Out Of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon
	ASUS B450 AMD Ryzen 2 ATX Gaming Motherboard	4.6 Out Of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon
	ASRock B450M PRO4 AM4 AMD	4.6 Out of 5 Stars	Check Reviews on Amazon

In-Depth Difference Between B450 and X470

B450 vs X470 Motherboards In Term Of Features

There are some valid reasons to choose B450 over X470, and other compelling reasons why many users choose the latter. Let’s start with the x470 motherboard’s features.

The x470 Motherboard uses an AMD Ryzen processor and a 7th generation Athlon processor to increase speed and connectivity with Gigabit LN, front panel USB 3.1, and dual NVMe M.2 slots. The audio quality is also excellent.

It has an industry-leading 8-channel HD audio system with an LED-illuminated architecture and Japanese capacitors. The X470 motherboard also includes a pre-installed O/Shield, which simplifies the setup. It comes with 256 Megabytes of Flash ROM and supports Windows 10 64-bit.

Other features include an addressable RGB header, two RGD headers, and Aura Sync RGB lighting for unparalleled personalization.

It also has a 5-Way Optimization feature, as well as Fan Expert and Auto-Tuning, for customizing overclocking profiles to your specific device configuration. This ensures optimal OC efficiency and dynamic system cooling.

The B450 motherboard, on the other hand, works with first- and second-generation Ryzen processors and Radeon graphics. It also has RGB fusion, as well as RGB and optical LED headers. M.2 NVMe with dual thermal guards, Intel Ethernet LAN, and Dual Channel Unbuffered DDR4 are also included on the motherboard. In contrast to the X470 motherboard, it does not support multi-GPU and only has basic overclocking capabilities.

B450 vs X470 Motherboards in Term Design

The X470 model and high-end motherboard are responsible for bringing the most costly and advanced motherboards to life. The inclusion of PC express lanes, two SATA III ports, and four USB 3.1 ports on the X470 model distinguish it from its B450 equivalent. NVMe hard drives and high-end graphics cards are supported by PCI Express Lanes.

As a result, the X470 becomes a more attractive motherboard for users who choose to use a large number of NVMe drives or have multiple graphics cards on a single PC. Another notable distinction is that the X470 supports both SLI and Crossfire, while the B450 only supports CrossFire.

Despite the fact that the B450’s design demonstrates AMD’s progress by providing features that were previously unavailable, the motherboard is still the most common among mainstream users.

A dedicated gamer will choose an X470 motherboard over its X470 equivalent every time. And, since the former is less costly than the latter, many people choose to take the cheaper alternative. In essence, the X470 motherboard will provide more speed and output, whereas the B450 motherboard will provide a little less for a lower price.

B450 vs X470 Chipsets in Term of Performance

With the release of the B450 motherboards, you can now look forward to exciting new features in terms of results. It has advanced overclocking capabilities and Crossfire support for multiple GPUs. For gamers who already own Ryzen systems, they might not be a significant improvement.

However, they can be used as a starting point, particularly for those planning to construct Ryzen rigs in the future. When it comes to results, the B450 falls short of the X470 due to its lack of USB support. Furthermore, the X470’s overclocking capabilities are much superior to the B450’s overclocking capability.

The Precision Boost overdrive feature in the B450, on the other hand, is a fascinating feature that no one can forget. The function helps the user to achieve full speed while maintaining top efficiency. When it comes to results, this is what brings the B450 closer to the X470.

The most notable feature of the X470 is support for AMD StoreMI technology, which is also the most notable feature of the B450 motherboard. StoreMI allows users to combine a pokey with 2GB RAM or SSD and still have enough mechanical hard drive space.

This technology allows these two storage systems to be combined into a single disc, ensuring that widely used files and programs are stored on the fastest hardware available.

Another fascinating feature of StoreMI is that you can build and dissolve them without having to reformat drives, reinstall Windows, or do something else. If you’re looking for a gaming device with decent speed and consistency and can’t decide between the X470 and B450 motherboards, the X470 is a safe choice. However, if you are on a tight budget, the B450 motherboard will suffice. Whichever option you choose, you will receive excellent value for your money.

Best x470 Chipsets

1. ASROCK AMD X470 Chip Set Mini 
2. MSI Performance Gaming AMD X470
3. MSI X470 Gaming Plus

Best B450 Chipsets

1. BIOSTAR B450MH
2. MSI Performance Gaming (B450 GAMING PLUS Max)
3. ASRock ATX Motherboard (B450 Gaming K4)
4. GB B450 AORUS PRO
5. ASUS PRIME B450-PLUS
6. ASRock B450M PRO4

List Of Best X470 And B450 Chipsets For Motherboards

Let’s review each chipset in full detail.

Out Top Pick Motherboard – GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS PRO

It was expected that the top-tier chipset for Intel’s following Alder Lake CPUs would cost a pretty penny. This is made worse by the emphasis on everything that refers to DDR5. However, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro virtually defies that trend by providing a comprehensive feature set and DDR5 support.

Although Gigabyte also produces an Aorus Pro in DDR4 version, it is not available in the US or EU. There are less expensive DDR4 boards available, but if you want to get the most out of the new Intel architecture, you should use DDR5.

The Aorus Pro has been thoughtfully spec’d by Gigabyte from the outset. To keep costs down, we’ve eliminated extraneous components like Thunderbolt 4 and an extra M.2 port and stuck with Wi-Fi 6 wireless (rather than Wi-Fi 6E) and 2.5G Intel wired networking connections.

The performance is also excellent, easily matching the system and gaming capabilities of the more costly boards we’ve already tested. Because the BIOS on the Gigabyte board is also constantly improving, we are confident in recommending it as our top selection among the Z690 group.

This option’s primary flaw is the high contrast appearance, which includes a lot of grey heatsinks. Although much of the grey chipset and M.2 cooling will be hidden beneath a GPU, it might not be the most accessible board to integrate with your design. The only RGB illumination is an Aorus logo atop the back I/O heatsink. That is rare for a gaming motherboard in 2022. There are four RGB headers, two of which are addressable, so you can add a lot of bright lights if you want to.

An actual Alder Lake sweet spot, the Z690 Aorus Pro from Gigabyte offers exceptional value for money and a comprehensive feature set. The additional expense for features like Thunderbolt 4, a fifth M.2 slot, or 10G LAN would be substantial and difficult to justify. Most gamers will be happy with basic Wi-Fi 6, 4x M.2 slots, a potent VRM, and plenty of USB connectors. RAM or an improved GPU.

Personal Review

Looks strong and has lots of fan ports and SATA for your HDDs and SSDs. I think there’s not enough RGB, but it’s an excellent value.

Runner Up PC Powerfull Motherboard – ASRock Z490 Taichi Supports

We were fascinated by ASRock’s less-is-more design philosophy when the Taichi brand was initially introduced. It provided a solid feature set and value for the money without the gaudy RGB saturation typical of gaming boards a few years ago. Today, the brand is a genuinely high-end one. The company’s top model is the yet-to-be-seen Aqua. Still, for us mere mortals, the Taichi will serve as ASRock’s premium Z690 motherboard due to its anticipated limited-edition status and presumably sky-high pricing. And being there isn’t all that horrible.

The board has a distinctive appearance, and while aesthetics are subjective, I think the cyberpunk motif looks excellent with its copper accents and cogs. The RGB is well-displayed, and the gears above the I/O genuinely turn. It appears pricey. Additionally, there is a Z690 Taichi with a Razer theme for simple Chroma ecosystem integration if you enjoy Razer items.

Notably, the Taichi performed well in gaming testing, frequently outperforming the competition. Even though a few extra frames per second aren’t much, it’s still preferable to lead than to follow. Not all Z690s could handle DDR5-6400 memory, but this board was delighted to. This shows a high level of maturity, although, as is frequently the case with a new platform and standard, there is undoubtedly some fine-tuning.

The ASRock Z690 Taichi appears to be a high-end item in every way. Many people will be drawn to its distinctive aesthetic. The significant attributes of this product, such as its dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, reliable audio system, and powerful early memory support, work in its favor. The Taichi is a credible competitor in its highest price category thanks to its excellent appearance, reliable performance, and robust feature set. Although three M.2 slots should suffice for the majority, we would have preferred more. Despite that, there are a lot of positive aspects to this product. Other than the cost, of course.

Personal Review

I use my computer for everything, including web browsing, video watching, and gaming. The Board is fantastic. I combined it with an AMD RX580 video card, 32GB of 3600MHz DDR4 RAM, and an Intel i9 10850k processor. At 2560x1440p with no stutter, no lag, and 60+ frames per second, you can play Doom Eternal, Fallout 76, Ghost Recon Breakpoint, and The Division 2. It wasn’t cheap, but it was well worth the cost. I heartily endorse this forum.

Editor Choice AMD X470 Chipset – ASROCK AMD X470 Chip Set Mini

The ASROCK AMD x470 has impressed its users with its impressive features. ASRock Rack has released an item for the first time on June 17, 2018. It’s an AMD X470 Chip, Set Mini, ITX Motherboard, Fatal1ty, X470 Gaming – ITX/AC, Fatal1ty, X470 Gaming – ITX/AC.

Since the chipset has two USB 2.0 ports, the total number of ports is eight. It supports 802.11n, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless forms. With a speed of 2400 MHz, the motherboard can accommodate 4096MB RAM. DDR4 SDRAM is the kind of memory it can use.

It has a great AM4 CPU socket embedded in it. This chip is 1.9 pounds in weight. Another consideration is the motherboard’s measurements, which are 9.13 x 7.36 x 3.35 inches in LxWxH. . Battery required for this motherboard is Lithium Metal.

Nobody has time for a slow internet connection or a feeble Wi-Fi signal. This motherboard includes a 2T2R 802.11ac Wi-Fi (2.4G / 5G Wi-Fi) module that supports up to 867Mbps wireless networks and Bluetooth v5.0. When compared to your old Wi-Fi, you’ll get a 289 percent speed boost!

Personal Review

Well-designed and high-quality board, but there are too many USB headers, necessitating a USB 3.1 or USB C hub when the Ryzen 2700X is used with the accompanying cooler. The only exception is that more instructions are needed for using a new NVMe SSD and configuring Windows using UEFI, as both tasks must be Googled to be successful. BIOS is simple to update, and the bios drivers update is beneficial when starting started.

Best Seller Top X470 Motherboards – MSI Performance Gaming AMD X470

With its impressive features, the MSI Performance Gaming AMD X470 is now available. On September 26, 2019, MSI COMPUTER published an item for the first time. It’s a GAMING PLUS Max AMD X 470 Chipset. Bluetooth wireless types are supported.

The motherboard can support 64 GB RAM and runs at 2133 MHz DDR4 is the kind of memory it helps. It has a fantastic AM4 CPU socket built in. The weight of this chip is 3.25 pounds. Another factor to remember is the motherboard’s dimensions, which are 12 x 9.6 x 2 inches in LxWxH. It has to do with X470GPLMAX sets.

It can work with the Windows 10 operating system. It has a storage capacity of 64GB. AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen, AMD 2nd Generation Ryzen, and AMD Athlon processors are compatible with this motherboard. MSI Performance Gaming motherboards have the best possible gaming experience with endless customization choices and exclusive gaming features.

MSI Mystic Light allows you to build and customize your own color scheme. To fit your system’s theme, choose from the palette of available colors. Are you tired of the same old colors? In less than a second, you can completely transform the appearance of your system!

For dependable results, your PC must be kept cool. We’ve included enough fan headers with full control so you can cool your system however you like.

Personal Review

This motherboard is stunning in every way. While the red may turn off certain people, the RGB lighting to the right of the memory slots may be changed (through software). Not to mention, the software from MSI may be used to handle two LED strip lighting setups.

The best part of this is the ability to switch the illumination to CPU temperature mode, enabling you to visually see whether your computer is heating up without using performance-heavy overlays.

Customer Pick Best X470 Motherboards – MSI X470 Gaming Plus AM4

The MSI Performance Gaming AMD X470 is now released with its attractive design. MSI COMPUTER released an item for the first time on January 23, 2020. It’s an AMD X 470 GAMING PLUS Chipset. There are Bluetooth wireless types that can be used.

The motherboard runs at 4133 MHz and can accommodate 64 GB of RAM. The type of memory it supports is DDR4-SDRAM. It comes with a wonderful AM4 CPU socket. This chip is 2.2 pounds in weight.

Another thing to keep in mind is the motherboard’s dimensions, which are 12.01 x 7.48 x 1.18 inches in length, width, and height. It’s about the X470GPLMAX sets.

It runs on Windows 10 and is compliant with it. There are two USB ports in total. ATX is the motherboard’s form factor. MSI motherboards have a plethora of convenient and intelligent design features, such as a convenient pin-header keep-out zone, a user-friendly SATA & USB place, and so on, allowing DIY gamers to build any gaming rig they want.

Personal Review

The Ryzen 3000 Series is natively supported by this excellent ATX motherboard, which already has updated Bios. This motherboard includes two USB Gen 2 ports and four USB Gen 1 ports in the back; however, it supports up to four USB 3.0 connections in the front and RAM speeds of up to 4133 MHz with active XMP from the bios.

We have two M.2 slots in addition to three X16-X8-X4 (one with metal strengthening for video cards) and three 1x PCI slots (one PCI-E and the other PCI-E and SATA).

Best B450 Chipset – BIOSTAR B450MH

With its exciting features, the MSI Performance Gaming AMD X470 is here. On April 24, 2019, Biostar launched an item for the first time. It’s a Micro ATX Motherboard with AMD B450 Chips. Bluetooth wireless types are supported.

The motherboard can support 2400 MHz of speed. It has a fantastic AM4 CPU socket built-in. The weight of this chip is 1.54 pounds.

Another factor to consider is the motherboard’s dimensions, which are 10.63 x 8.66 x 2.76 inches in length, width, and height. It is friendly with the Windows 10 operating system. 

Two DDR memory slots are open. 802.11a is a powerful wireless networking channel that is built-in. There are eight ports in total. The requisite Lithium Metal batteries are included.

Personal Review

I put the board in a structure for an office. It satisfies all standards and provides enough interfaces. I would choose a board with better/more voltage converters in the gaming area or anywhere the CPUs demand more of the board due to powerful CPUs.

Best B450 ATX Motherboard – MSI Crossfire ATX Gaming Motherboard (B450 GAMING PLUS Max)

MSI Gaming Performance AMD b450 is a high-performance gaming motherboard. On September 16, 2019, MSI launched an item for the first time. It’s a Gaming Plus ATX Motherboard with AMD B450 Chips. Bluetooth wireless types are supported.

The motherboard can support 64 GB RAM and runs at 2133 MHz. It has a fantastic AM4 CPU socket built in. The weight of this chip is 3.1 pounds. Another factor to consider is the motherboard’s dimensions, which are 12 x 9.6 x 2 inches in length, width, and height.

It is well-suited to the Windows 10 operating system. It has a storage capacity of 64GB. The compatible processor of the motherboard is AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen, AMD 2nd Generation Ryzen, and AMD Athlon. MSI Performance Gaming motherboards deliver the best possible gaming experience with endless customization options and exclusive gaming features.

MSI Mystic Light permits you to adapt and set up your own color scheme. To fit your system’s theme, choose colors from the palette.  In 1 second, you can fully transform the appearance of your device! It’s important to keep your computer cool if you want it to run smoothly. We’ve included enough fan Headers with full control so you can cool your system however you like.

Personal Review

This is a GEM, in my opinion! I switched from an ASUS board to this beauty just for the bios interface, and it’s fantastic! I can’t even begin to express how much I adore that Bios since it was so simple to install and easy to use.

I only have positive things to say about this forum! Its performance is precisely what I needed it to be for me, plus I can currently crossfire my graphic cards, so it’s providing me with all I need from a MOBO! If you are hesitant, don’t even hesitate!

Best B450 Motherboard – ASRock ATX Motherboard (B450 Gaming K4)

The ASRock ATX Motherboard b450 is a high-end gaming motherboard from ASRock. For the first time on August 10, 2018, ASRock released a product. It’s an AMD B450-based Gaming Plus ATX Motherboard. There are Bluetooth wireless types that can be used.

The motherboard has a memory capacity of 64 GB. The type of memory it supports is DDR4. It comes with a wonderful AM4 CPU socket. This chip is 1.1 pounds in weight. The motherboard’s dimensions, which are 12.01 x 8.82 x 1.57 inches in length, width, and height, are another consideration to consider.

It runs on Windows 10 and is compliant with it. It has 64GB storage space. AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen, AMD 2nd Generation Ryzen, and AMD Athlon processors are compatible with the motherboard. The PCI-E interface is supported by the motherboard. There are four memory slots built into the unit. System Bus standards are SATA 3.

Personal Review

I have no issues. I purchased this board and installed a Ryzen 5 1600AF processor, a Radeon RX 550 graphics card, 3200 RAM, and an NVME disk. When I bought it, the biographies cost $3.50. I installed Win7 on it, so I got the drivers from the Asrock website. The bios that came with it was over the bios # for operating Windows 7 (according to the ASRock website), so I was concerned about it.

You can’t switch to a lower bios version. Anyway, everything has worked flawlessly since utilizing the tricks to install Windows 7. The only thing I altered in the bios was the memory clock, which I returned to its original setting of 3200 because I didn’t observe a difference in performance when running it at the XMP speed.

Top B450 Chipset Motherboard – GB B450 AORUS PRO

AMD has announced the Ryzen 2000 series processors, which will provide the computing power needed for gaming. GIGABYTE’s 400-series motherboards exactly match the computing performance of the new AMD Ryzen 2000 series processors, with more features and control.

The GB B450 AORUS PRO b450 is a high-performance gaming motherboard. On September 10, 2018, Gigabyte launched an item for the first time. It has a wireless channel of 802.11a.

The motherboard can support 64 GB RAM and runs at 2133 MHz. This chip weighs 2.2 pounds. Another factor to consider is the motherboard’s dimensions, which are 12.01 x 9.61 x 1.18 inches in length, width, and height. It’s about the B450GPLMAX series.

It loves to work with the Windows 7 operating system. It has a storage capacity of 64GB. There are two USB ports on the unit. The motherboard’s compatible processor is AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation and Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics, as well as other AMD processors.

Personal Review

This motherboard handled the Ryzen 7 3800X and 3080 GPU with 64 GB of 3600 MHz RAM without a hitch. Upgraded stock firmware was required to install Windows 11, which takes just 4 minutes. As a maker of gaming PCs, this motherboard can handle such powerful CPU, GPU, and RAM. I would suggest it to beginners and PC enthusiasts.

Best B450 AMD Motherboard – AMD Ryzen B450 By ASUS

The ASUS PRIME B450-PLUS is a high-end gaming motherboard from ASUS. ASUS presented a product for the first time on July 27, 2018. It’s an AMD B450-based Gaming Plus ATX Motherboard. There are Bluetooth wireless types that can be used.

The motherboard will accommodate 1GB of RAM running at 3200 MHz. The type of memory it supports is DDR4. It comes with a wonderful AM4 CPU socket. This chip is 1.8 pounds in weight.

The motherboard’s dimensions, which are 10.4 x 13 x 2.1 inches in length, width, and height, are another consideration to consider. It runs on Windows 10 and is compliant with it. AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation processors are compatible with the motherboard. The PCI-E interface is supported by the motherboard.

There are a total of 4.0 memory slots built in. 1 Lithium Metal Batteries are needed for motherboard system bus standards. It’s part of the PRIME B450-PLUS line. The ASUS Prime B450 Plus boasts consistency and reliability thanks to AMD Ryzen AM4 processors from the second generation.

With NVMe M. 2, USB 3. 1 Gen2, DDR4 support, and Gigabit LAN, you get next-generation networking and speeds. Aura Sync RGB provides a splash of color while 5X Protection III ensures component durability and reliability.

Personal Review

An outstanding piece of gear, in my opinion. This MB has been a pleasure to use from day one, plug and play. I haven’t run into a single problem. Highly advise.

Top B450 Chipset – ASRock B450M PRO4

The ASRock B450M PRO4 b450 is a greater gaming motherboard. On August 10, 2018, ASRock released an item for the first time.

It has a wireless channel of 802.11a. The motherboard can support 64 GB RAM at a speed of 2400 MHz. DDR4 is the kind of memory it supports. It has a fantastic AM4 CPU socket built in.

The weight of this chip is 2.6 pounds. Another factor to consider is the motherboard’s dimensions, which are 9.61 x 9.61 x 1.57 inches in length, width, and height.

It works well with the Windows 10 operating system. It has a storage capacity of 64GB. There are four memory slots and two USB ports to choose from. 1 Lithium Metal battery (required) is included.

Personal Review

Considering how inexpensive it is, it has been fantastic, and I have no regrets. However, this purchase loses appeal, given the constant influx of new CPUs. I started with a Ryzen 5 2600 and have since upgraded. Because this board wasn’t fancy, I bought it. No RGB, no haphazardly positioned heat sinks to make it appear as though something is being cooled. All in all, I do regret not purchasing a board with built-in WiFi. I had first to buy a second WiFi adaptor.

Product Testing

I have examined ASROCK AMD X470 Chip Set Mini. The ASROCK AMD X470 Chip Set Mini motherboard comes fully loaded with features. Even with the most recent bios, the Corsair Vengeance LPX 8 x 2 GB 3200 MHz CMK16GX4M2B3200C16 was unstable and occasionally had a black screen during ignition (to be honest, not present in the list of compatible memories).

Changed to the consistent and completely working HyperX Predator DDR4 HX432C16PB3K2/16 Kit 16 GB (2 x 8 GB), 3200 MHz. Ethernet network adapter driver instability after Windows 10 version 1803: Needs a Winsock reset to function correctly.

Noctua NH-L9x65 SE-AM4 Special Edition heatsink, which doesn’t interfere with RAM or other motherboard components, was used to assemble a tiny system.

This B660 model of MSI’s Tomahawk motherboards upholds the brand’s reputation for providing powerful VRM options. It has a dual 8-pin power connector-powered 12+2 phase VRM. Given that B660 boards do not support overclocking, all that it must help is a 12900 K maximum turbo load.

We can tell you that it won’t have any issues with it. All of it is kept cool by large, black heatsinks. For our review, we used an Intel Core i5 12600K (opens in new tab), a processor that is more likely to be paired with a mid-range chipset. The VRM load temperature was just 47°C as a result. Even if you add 30 degrees or more, that is still well within range, even though we use an open test bench.

Product Comparison

This MSI MAG B660M Mortar WIFI DDR4 forgoes some of the extras of specific Z690 boards while still boasting an excellent feature set, making it a somewhat more inexpensive Alder Lake choice. In addition to having a superior power design, this tiny micro-ATX board has eight USB ports, including one USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port, on the back panel and several internal headers on the board itself.

It’s impressive that a micro-ATX motherboard under $200 can still run the i9 12900K at stock settings. It’s called the MSI MAG B660M Mortar WIFI DDR4. Our only major complaint is that a few DDR4-based Z690s in this price range would provide a little more value for your money. Nevertheless, this is an excellent board for constructing a cheap, small-form-factor gaming PC.

The MSI MAG B660 Tomahawk WIFI DDR4 is a strong candidate for those of us who choose to build Alder Lake systems on a budget despite not supporting DDR5. The maximum turbo load of 12900K shouldn’t be a problem because you’re still looking at a robust VRM, and you still get a ton of I/O ports for your money. Since the release of the B560 motherboards from the previous generation, this evolution has advanced significantly.

If you’re seeking to save money on your 12th Gen build, you should consider this evolution. Since the design is all-black and lacks RGB, it will readily integrate with most systems. But if you want to maintain your sparkling persona, there are four RGB headers, including two that are addressable.

Best B450 And X470 Motherboards Buyer’s Guide

The following are important factors that you should consider while buying b450 and x470 chips.

Processor Socket

After you’ve decided on a form factor, you’ll need to decide on a processor socket. Different forms of sockets have been used in the past, but three are still used today. LGA, PGA, and BGA are the three forms.

PGA is used by AMD and LGA is used by Intel. Since BGA sockets are permanently fixed to the motherboard, they cannot be repaired or upgraded, they aren’t as common as the latter. The type of processor you can purchase is determined by the type of socket on your motherboard. As a result, you’ll most likely need to decide on a CPU first, and then purchase a motherboard.

Form Factor

You’ll need to choose a form factor first. ATX and Micro ATX motherboards are both ordinary (although these are slighter in size and decrease the number of expansion slots). You can still test your old motherboard and compare it to various sizes when buying a new motherboard and aren’t sure what size would match. The ATX board is common because it includes more expansion slots, which can be beneficial.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Then there’s RAM, which stands for Random Access Memory. The amount and type of RAM you may have is largely determined by the motherboard you purchase. As a result, we suggest getting a motherboard that can support at least 16 GB of memory, even if you don’t intend to buy that much right away. Furthermore, search for a board with four or more memory slots. This means you can start with two RAM modules and still have space for potential memory upgrades.

Features

You won’t have to consider purchasing additional expansion cards if you buy a motherboard with built-in features. On-board audio is a more popular feature that is usually used on the majority of motherboards. However, mid-range speakers are normally the only ones who can benefit from this.

It’s worth recalling that superior motherboards frequently have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, but you’ll have to pay extra for them. They can, however, minimize the need for expansion cards.

PCI Slots

A PCI slot is a form of link or port on the motherboard. For years, they have been the traditional form of an expansion slot, allowing expansion cards to be attached. Depending on how you plan to use your machine, you’ll want to see if your motherboard has the required slots.

If you’re a gamer, you’ll need at least one full-speed PCI Express x16 slot, and if you want to add multiple cards, you’ll need multiple of them. Other cards, such as sound cards, Wi-Fi adaptors, and other networking expansions, can be installed in standard PCI slots or smaller PCI express slots on motherboards.

SATA

When looking for a motherboard, you should think about how many SATA ports you’ll need. An optical drive and storage drive, such as an SSD or HDD, can be connected to each SATA port. As a result, double-check that your motherboard has all of the SATA ports you’ll need for all of your drives.

It’s also worth noting that your motherboard must support the SATA 6 gigabytes standard, also referred to as SATA 3.0. You will also need to consider peripheral links, such as a USB 3.0 port.

Which Chipset Should You Buy?

The B450 chipset motherboard is best for budget users looking for budget hardware, but if you want anything that performs above average, you must go for the x470 chipset. A B450 chipset motherboard is also a worthwhile upgrade option if you are a B350 chipset consumer looking for anything to replace it with.

However, since the x470 chipset supports multiple Nvidia graphics cards, this motherboard lacks high-speed USB ports and multiple Nvidia graphics card support. Without graphics cards, you will need proper display settings if want your PC to run smoothly. B450 chipset motherboards have a power consumption of about 2W, which is considered appropriate for this chipset.

Although the x470 chipset motherboards are more expensive than the B450 chipset, they are still a low-cost choice when compared to other motherboards. These motherboards have the same features as more expensive motherboards but at a lower cost.

The typical x470 chipset is better for you if you want to use several Nvidia graphics cards or want to do overclocking above. Furthermore, motherboards with the x470 chipset have an advantage because they support high-speed memory modules up to 3600Mhz. simply put, the x470 chipset has significantly more overclocking capacity than the B450.

Conclusion

Both of these chipset motherboards have their advantages and disadvantages since they provide excellent overclocking capabilities and premium features at a reasonable price. I would recommend the B450 chipset if your processor is under $150, but the x470 chipset motherboard is recommended for Ryzen 7, 2xxx series processors. Both of these motherboards support Ryzen 3000 series processors, but they vary significantly in price and efficiency, so use this guide to figure out which one is better for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions