Choosing the Best AM4 Chipset for Your Ryzen PC: X370 vs B350

Choosing the Best AM4 Chipset for Your Ryzen PC: X370 vs B350

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Chipsets 2.1 The x370 Chipset 2.2 The B350 Chipset
3. Native Features and Connectivity 3.1 USB Ports 3.2 SATA and NVMe Slots
4. PCIe Lanes and Configuration
5. Motherboard Comparison 5.1 ASRock x370 Taichi 5.2 ASRock AB350 Pro4
6. Additional Features and Connectivity
7. Conclusion
8. Highlights
9. FAQ

Understanding Chipsets

When it comes to building a Ryzen PC, the choice of chipset can be overwhelming. With options like the X370, B350, A320, and AB300, it's easy to get confused. In this article, we will break down the differences between these chipsets and help you make the right choice for your build.

Native Features and Connectivity

Both the X370 and B350 chipsets offer a range of native features. In terms of USB slots, the X370 chipset comes with six USB 2.0, six USB 3.1 Gen1 (formerly known as USB 3.0), and two USB 3.1 Gen2. On the other HAND, the B350 chipset has six USB 2.0, two USB 3.1 Gen1, and two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports. Both chipsets support overclocking and crossfire, while the X370 chipset also supports SLI.

When it comes to storage, the X370 supports up to 6 SATA 3 ports and 2 SATA Express ports, while the B350 supports 6 SATA 3 ports and 1 SATA Express port. Both chipsets also include 1 x2 NVMe slots.

PCIe Lanes and Configuration

The X370 chipset offers 8 PCIe 2.0 lanes, while the B350 chipset offers 6 PCIe 2.0 lanes. Additionally, the X370 chipset provides a total of 20 PCIe 3.0 lanes. These lanes can be configured as a single x16 or split into 2x8 for the X370, while the B350 chipset only supports a single x16 configuration. The remaining 4 PCIe lanes can be used for a single x4 NVMe drive or two SATA drives, with two extra PCI lanes for other devices.

Motherboard Comparison

Now let's compare two popular motherboards: the ASRock x370 Taichi and the ASRock AB350 Pro4. The x370 Taichi offers 10 SATA ports, one ultra M.2 slot (PCIe 3.0 x4 or SATA 3), one M.2 slot for PCIe 2.0 x4, two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. It also features Intel's Gigabit LAN, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2, but does not have onboard graphics.

On the other hand, the AB350 Pro4 provides six SATA ports, one M.2 slot (compatible with PCIe 3.0 x4), one M.2 slot for SATA 3, two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, and four PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. It has onboard graphics with HDMI, DVI, and VGA ports, and includes Realtek Gigabit LAN, but does not have wireless connectivity.

Additional Features and Connectivity

In addition to the features Mentioned above, it's important to check the specifications of your chosen motherboard, as manufacturers often add or remove features. For example, the ASRock x370 Taichi comes with 10 SATA ports, one ultra M.2 slot, and dual PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, among other features. The AB350 Pro4, on the other hand, provides six SATA ports, one M.2 slot, and two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots.

Conclusion

Choosing the right chipset for your Ryzen PC is essential to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Consider your needs and budget when making your decision, and consult the specifications of different motherboards to find the one that suits your requirements. With the right motherboard and chipset, you can unleash the full potential of your Ryzen CPU.

Highlights

• Understanding the differences between Ryzen chipsets
• Native features and connectivity of the X370 and B350 chipsets
• PCIe lanes and configuration options
• Comparison of the ASRock x370 Taichi and AB350 Pro4 motherboards
• Additional features to consider when choosing a motherboard
• Tips for making an informed decision

FAQ Q: Which chipset is best for overclocking a Ryzen CPU? A: Both the X370 and B350 chipsets support overclocking, but the X370 chipset offers more PCIe lanes and SLI compatibility, making it a better choice for extreme overclocking.

Q: Does the ASRock x370 Taichi have onboard graphics? A: No, the ASRock x370 Taichi does not have onboard graphics. It requires a dedicated graphics card for display output.

Q: Can the ASRock AB350 Pro4 support multiple GPUs? A: Yes, the ASRock AB350 Pro4 supports AMD Crossfire technology, allowing for multiple GPUs to be used in tandem for improved performance.