B450 vs X570: Complete Comparison Guide

Stuck between high performance and affordability?

You’re not alone, the options are likely to baffle you when building a computer, especially with motherboards. We’ve found that some motherboards are best suited for a budget and first-timers, while others may suit a more professional palette.

Let’s start with the hardware.

B450 vs X570

What is B450? 

The B450 is a motherboard chipset configuration released in 2018. It is a low-cost, high-quality motherboard that’s good for virtual reality and built to last. Newer models of the B450 support newer generations of graphics cards and up to a Zen 3 CPU in some versions.

While making use of good quality components for the cost of the unit, the B450 falls short of some of its competition in a few fields. The primary fault of the B450 is that it is a cheaper product than competitors. The age of the hardware means that it’s not as advanced as more modern chipsets and thus has fewer capabilities.

The biggest issue with chipsets of this configuration is the overall lack of consistency. Not every B450 will be compatible with your rig. It will require updates and flashbacks that other chipsets simply do not need to function at the same capacity. Despite this, the chipsets are fantastic for budget gaming.

The overall low cost of the B450 means that gamers on a budget will build a PC using this without sacrificing quality. The B450 can perform to the needs and standards of the average gamer.

What is X570? 

The X570 is a high-quality maximum output motherboard chipset configuration released in 2019. They design this chipset to provide the highest quality possible while offering the most user customizability. 

The X570 boasts a higher bandwidth availability than the competition, allowing you to upgrade the GPU, among other components, without overloading the motherboard.

The X570 draws power and thus releases heat at a rate of almost double or triple all other chipsets at around 11 to 15 watts during a regular workload. 

This can mean that the motherboard functions significantly faster or at a higher quality than others. However, the higher power draw can cause problems with cooling, alongside others that vary based on the setup.

A low point is the price, with the X570 running over $150 at minimum for most retailers. Most selections of this chipset will cost over $200 and upwards of $500. For a gamer on a budget, the X570 simply isn’t an option.

Despite this, the X570 excels in many other qualities. Users will find the power it brings a game-changer and the future-proofing capabilities a lifesaver when upgrading computers.

Relevant Characteristics Between B450 and X570

Similarities and Differences 

With the specs of the two chipsets out of the way, we’ll discuss the differences between the two in greater detail. Along with differences, we’ll also list the similarities that are present. And anything that stands out in particular about the motherboards.

B450 and X570 Differences 

After discussing the variables,  comment on all other differences you’ve identified.

Between the B450 and X570 motherboard chipset configurations, there are several significant differences. The B450 is older than the X570 by several years, and technology advances rapidly.

Hardware/Software

The physical difference is more advanced hardware and software present in the X570. The chipset has the latest PCIe, graphics support, and twice the number of PCIe lanes as the B450.

Power Supply

However, the B450 has advantages over the X570 as well. The unit takes a significantly lower power intake to achieve standard performance.

I/O Ports

The unit has more versatility in terms of what it can connect to than the X570. The X570 lacks USB 3.1 ports despite having more ports overall than the B450. Despite lacking USB 3.1 Ports, the X570 has nearly double the I/O ports of the B450.

X570 has support for SLI graphics cards, while the B450 does not, offering limited options in comparison.

Storage/Startup

The X570 has higher storage and maximum integrated storage capacity than the B450. A greater number of SATA ports allows the potential storage of mass amounts of data. The X570 also has triple the m.2 ports of the B450. Beyond this, the X570 has a faster startup time and a more sophisticated interface. 

This is partly because of the PCIe lanes that interact with the graphics card, with the X570 having double the lanes of the B450.

B450 and X570 Similarities

After discussing the variables,  comment on all other similarities you’ve identified.

The two motherboards are very different, but also share some similarities that prevent one or the other from being a clear winner. These similarities most likely stem from the two chipsets coming from the same place of origin.

Overclock

The two chipsets are both just as capable of overclocking your computer with Precision Boost Overdrive, or PBO. 

AMD StoreMI

Both motherboards possess AMD StoreMI technology, which allows you to improve load times, boot times, file management, and system responsiveness.

Storage/Graphics

The storage, graphics, and PCIe interface between the two are almost identical. Both motherboards are capable of Zen + through Zen 3. Although B450 requires updates for Zen 3 that some units can’t install. Each unit can be integrated with Ryzen 3000 and 2000 series graphics cards.

Purpose

The two motherboards are also similar in purpose, are designed for heavy-duty gaming for extended periods. Each board will allow you to use high-powered graphics cards to create amazing imagery in the gaming world. Both provide enough power to withstand resource-intensive experiences.

RGB Lighting

The B450 and X570 also feature mainstay features in modern day AMD products, RGB lighting. Both possess RGB lighting capability to allow for aesthetic customization of the product by the user.

VR Capability

Both the B450 and X570 are fully compatible with virtual reality, making them VR-capable motherboards, able to handle the intense strain and data draw of a VR headset. These two are perfect for gaming in this way because of the compatibility with the high-quality 2000 series and 3000 series graphics cards.

Advantages of B450 

The B450 is not without its advantages over the X570. Despite being an older model, the B450 is no less capable than the X570 at providing a gaming experience. It excels the most, compared to the X570, at long-term sustainable use.

Because the B450 draws a significantly smaller wattage of power for standard operations than the X570, it can run for longer before it overheats in a typical usage scenario. If your computer is plugged in to an uninterruptible power source or another form of backup power, it will also drain less power to keep your computer running.

The B450 also excels in compatibility, having all standard I/O ports available for use. This includes USB 3.1 ports, something which the X570 notably lacks. On top of this, the B450 has 6 USB 2.0 ports, which are more common than other USB types.

When looking at motherboards to build a custom computer, sometimes you’ll need to stick to a tight budget. One of the best points about the B450 is that the unit costs very little to purchase a B450 chipset configuration. 

Advantages of X570 

The X570 is a high-end motherboard designed for high-intensity gaming. The chipset’s purpose is to be used in a powerful gaming setup for maximum efficiency over short periods. With a high power draw, the system functions faster and stronger for a tradeoff in heat.

X570 has a higher number of total I/O ports, allowing for more devices to be connected at any given time. With 24 I/O ports, most of which is the high-quality USB 3.2 high transference model of USB ports. These ports allow for a much higher speed of connection through USB ports.

This model of the motherboard is also highly future-proof. This means that upgrades to the rest of the computer that come out in later years will be easily installed, and parts can be easily replaced. 

The motherboard supports the latest technology in terms of graphics, storage, and interfaces. The X570 is capable of running the Zen 3 CPU micro-architecture natively, allowing for high-quality graphics cards and other features to integrate seamlessly with the motherboard.

What About B550?

The B550, released in June 2020, is a compromise between the power of the X570 and the versatility of the B450. This chipset has a mixture of the two motherboards statistics, including hardware and software.

Hardware

The B550 uses PCIe 3.0, with 10 lanes making it more advanced and connectable than the B450 but less than the X570. Beyond this, it uses the same USB setup as the B450 but has two more SATA ports at 6. The B550 also offers overclocking in the same capacity as the B450 and X570.

Bandwidth

The 10 lanes of PCIe 3.0 offer a strong bandwidth to keep the unit future-proofed and prevent it from needing replacement soon. With a higher available bandwidth for the CPU, GPU, and other components of the computer, the B550 offers a great deal of customizability with this as well.

CPU

The B550 is compatible with the newest generations of Zen CPUs. Unlike the B450, which is only rarely compatible with Zen 3, the B550 is compatible with Zen 2 and 3. However, this means that the motherboard has less overall compatibility than the X570.

Power Supply

The B550 has around the same power draw necessary for regular use and strain as the B450, at around 5 watts. 

When and Why Would I Use B450? 

The B450 is best described as the budgeter’s gaming CPU. It can serve a multitude of purposes but its primary feature is its price compared to the X570.

Budgeter

Because the B450 can cost as low as $50, a smart shopper can build a PC at around $500. Despite its low cost, the quality of the parts is sufficient to allow you to build a custom computer that can run most modern games without too much trouble.

Virtual Reality

The B450’s versatility is best displayed in its ability to link with most virtual reality headsets easily. When building a computer for virtual reality, the B450 is a sound choice as it offers a cost-effective solution to an otherwise very costly issue. 

The amount of bandwidth it offers and the ability to overclock makes it able to handle heavy-duty gaming rigs, while the wattage allows it to run for longer periods.

First-time Builders

Building a PC for the first time is a difficult task, as jargon and terms are thrown around that can be difficult to understand. The compatibility of the B450 makes it easy to learn how to build a computer without worrying about making too many mistakes.

When and Why Would I Use X570? 

The X570 is a high-performance gaming motherboard, and it shows in its focus and customizability. This style of motherboard will be used for esports, future-proofing, and streaming.

E-sports

The X570 excels in an e-sports category, allowing the user to build a gaming rig for maximum possible output. This ensures smooth gameplay, the ability to run multiple programs at once, and overall a perfect environment for professional gaming. 

Future-proofing

To make a computer ‘’future-proof’’ is to make the computer able to adapt and overcome change as the industry increases in general capability and value. The X570 is perfect for this, thanks to its bandwidth for components as well as the sheer number of I/O ports allowing a slew of devices to be connected.

Bottom Line

When looking to purchase a motherboard for your gaming computer, there are several factors to consider. The most important should be budget because you should never spend most of your building budget on the motherboard when other pieces are just as important. 

For a motherboard that’s not going to break the bank, the B450 excels. Beyond this, it’s important to decide what you wish to do, or more specifically how in-depth your gaming should be.

Professional gaming, where a budget is less restrictive, is best given the X570. Casual gaming and long play sessions are better suited to the B450.