I'm planning to build a new computer, but I'm unsure when it will happen due to fluctuating RAM prices. I might start picking up parts during the Black Friday sales. Currently, I have an R7 5700x3d on a ROG Strix B550-F motherboard, and I'm considering the R7 7800x3d as my next CPU. I primarily use my rig for productivity and gaming, especially Diablo IV. Since my kids need a new computer, I see this as a good excuse to upgrade, but I need to convince my wife first!
I want a new system with 2 NVME drives (a 4TB for primary and 2TB for documents) and I prefer to use 64GB of RAM, ideally in a 2x32 configuration. I'm curious about the benefits of choosing a B850 or X870 motherboard over a B650, especially since I don't quite grasp what the E variants entail. What gains should I expect from each of these options?
3 Answers
The difference between B650, B850, and X870 comes down to PCIe version support and features. B650 boards typically support PCIe 4.0 for their M.2 and x16 slots, while B650E guarantees PCIe 5.0 for both slots. B850 supports PCIe 5.0 for M.2 and usually for the x16 slot too, and X870 guarantees PCIe 5.0 across the board. If you need the latest technology for faster read/write speeds, then B850 or X870 would be the way to go. However, if you just want a solid build for gaming and productivity, a good B650 should suffice!
If you want detailed comparisons, definitely check out sites like Wikipedia or tech review blogs to see the specs side-by-side. They often break down the differences in a simple way that can help clarify things!
Honestly, you might just want to go for the cheapest B650 or B850 option that meets your needs. You don’t really need PCIe 5.0 for your GPU, and there’s not a massive performance difference between high-end and mid-range boards as long as the VRM and cooling are good. For example, I’m using an Asrock B650M and it’s serving me just fine without issues. Don’t feel pressured to spend a lot on the motherboard; a more affordable option can perform great too!
I tend to overspend on components, but I get your point. Trying to be smarter this time!
So am I really getting more performance with an expensive motherboard?