Is it Worth Buying a B560 Board? Find Out in This Performance Benchmark!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is B560?
3. Differences between B560 and Z590 boards
4. Performance testing of B560 boards
5. Pros and Cons of B560 boards
6. Should you buy a B560 board?
7. B560 boards for different CPUs
8. Overclocking and power consumption on B560 boards
9. Intel's direction with B series boards
10. Conclusion

💻 Article

Introduction

Are you considering purchasing an 11th generation Intel CPU, such as the 11400F, 11600K, or even the 11900K? The question is, should you invest in an expensive Z590 motherboard or save some money and opt for a B560 motherboard instead? In this article, we will explore what B560 is, discuss the differences between B560 and Z590 boards, and test the performance to determine if the cost savings are worth it. So, let's dive into the world of B560 motherboards and find out if they can deliver the desired performance without breaking the bank.

What is B560?

B560 is Intel's lower-tier motherboard offering, similar to AMD's B550 boards. These motherboards serve as a middle ground between the more budget-friendly options and the high-end models. While the B560 boards lack certain features found in their Z590 counterparts and prohibit CPU overclocking, they still offer impressive performance and value for users who prioritize cost-effectiveness.

Differences between B560 and Z590 boards

One of the key distinctions between B560 and Z590 boards is the absence of overclocking capabilities on the B560 models. Intel strategically limits this feature to justify the higher price tags on their Z590 boards. Additionally, B560 boards do not support new features like Adaptive Boost Technology (ABT) found in Z590 boards, further delineating the difference between the two motherboard series. The B560 chipset also offers limited bandwidth compared to Z590, which could affect the performance of components such as M.2 storage drives.

Performance testing of B560 boards

To determine the real-world impact of using a B560 motherboard, we conducted performance tests with the 11900K CPU, as it showcases the largest performance gap due to the absence of ABT. In single-threaded workloads like Cinebench R20, the stock performance of B560 and Z590 boards remains relatively similar. However, when considering multi-threaded tasks, the B560 board falls slightly behind. In terms of rendering, the B560 board took a few seconds longer to complete the scene in Blender compared to the Z590 board.

In gaming scenarios, the performance loss on B560 boards is minimal, with only a slight decrease in FPS compared to Z590 boards. For example, in Watch Dogs at 1080p ultra settings, the B560 board showed a negligible 4 FPS drop, which is imperceptible to the average gamer. However, in more demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, the performance gap widened, reaching up to 8 FPS lower on the B560 board. Despite this difference, it is worth noting that these disparities are specific to premium CPUs such as the i9-11900K, and the variance narrows with lower-end CPUs like the i5 series.

Pros and Cons of B560 boards

Pros:

• Lower cost compared to Z590 boards
• Adequate performance for non-overclockers
• Supports high-end CPUs such as i7s and i9s
• Better value proposition with memory overclocking support

Cons:

• Limited overclocking capabilities
• Reduced bandwidth for certain components
• Performance gaps in intensive tasks for high-end CPUs

Should you buy a B560 board?

The decision to purchase a B560 board depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you are not interested in overclocking your CPU and prefer to save some money, a B560 board is an ideal choice. The performance difference between B560 and Z590 boards is minimal in most scenarios, especially when using lower-end CPUs like the i5 series. However, if you anticipate heavy overclocking or desire access to premium features like ABT, then investing in a Z590 board might be more suitable for you.

B560 boards for different CPUs

The suitability of B560 boards extends beyond just the i9 series. Whether you plan to purchase an 11400F, 11600K, or an i7 CPU, a B560 board can meet your needs without compromising performance. These boards are designed to handle the power requirements of the 11th generation Intel processors adequately.

Overclocking and power consumption on B560 boards

While B560 boards do not support CPU overclocking, they still offer some flexibility for users. Memory overclocking is now possible on B560 boards, allowing users to unlock the full potential of their RAM. However, it is important to note that changing the multiplier or exceeding 3200 megahertz RAM speed may void the warranty. Power consumption on B560 boards is not a significant concern, as the robust VRMs can handle the power demands of high-end CPUs such as the i9 series.

Intel's direction with B series boards

Intel is taking a step in the right direction with B series boards by offering competitive alternatives to their higher-end counterparts. It would be even more promising to see B series boards support overclocking of non-K SKU chips, providing users with additional flexibility and performance options without cannibalizing their own product stack. Intel has also reintroduced memory overclocking support on the B series chipset, further enhancing the value proposition of B560 boards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, B560 boards offer a compelling value proposition for those seeking respectable performance without the need for CPU overclocking. While they do come with some limitations and performance gaps, they provide an affordable solution for users who prioritize cost-effectiveness. Whether you are planning to purchase an 11400F, 11600K, or an i7 CPU, a B560 board can deliver a satisfying user experience while saving you money. So, if overclocking is not a priority for you, consider investing in a B560 board and unlocking the potential of your Intel 11th generation CPU.