b850 vs x870 motherboard

B850 vs. X870 Motherboards: Which One Should You Buy for Your Next Gaming PC?

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through the links on this page. Learn More.

Building a New PC? Here’s What You Need to Know!

You’ve picked your CPU and GPU, but now you’re stuck on the motherboard decision—B850 vs. X870.

  • B850 is the more budget-friendly choice with solid performance.
  • X870 packs high-end features, better overclocking, and PCIe 5.0.

So… which one is right for YOU? Let’s break it down in simple terms so you don’t waste money on features you don’t need.

What’s the Difference Between B850 and X870?

B850 vs. X870 Motherboards – Feature Comparison

Feature B850 Motherboards X870 Motherboards
PCIe Support
PCIe 4.0 with optional PCIe 5.0 support for GPUs and SSDs. Some models offer PCIe 5.0 for M.2 slots.
PCIe 5.0 support for both GPUs and SSDs is mandatory.
Overclocking
Supports CPU and memory overclocking, offering flexibility for users seeking enhanced performance.
Robust overclocking capabilities for both CPU and RAM, catering to enthusiasts and professionals.
Memory Support
DDR5 support with good speeds and AMD EXPO™ technology for memory overclocking.
Faster dual-channel DDR5 memory support with AMD EXPO™ technology for enhanced performance.
USB Ports
Supports USB 3.2 Gen2 and USB 20Gbps ports. USB4 is optional and depends on the motherboard manufacturer.
USB4 support is mandatory, providing 40Gbps transfer speeds.
M.2 SSD Slots
Typically offers 1-3 M.2 slots with some models supporting PCIe 5.0 for NVMe SSDs.
More M.2 slots with full PCIe 5.0 support for faster storage solutions.
Networking
Features like Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet are common.
Advanced networking options including Wi-Fi 7 and up to 10Gb Ethernet for high-speed connectivity.
Power Phases & VRMs
Equipped with robust power delivery systems suitable for stable performance.
Enhanced VRMs and power stages designed for high-end CPUs and overclocking.
Price
Generally more budget-friendly, offering a balance between performance and cost.
Higher price point reflecting advanced features and capabilities.

TL;DR: B850 is great for budget-conscious gamers, while X870 is better for enthusiasts and future-proofing.

Note: Features can vary between specific motherboard models. It’s advisable to check the specifications of individual boards to ensure they meet your requirements.

B850 vs. X870: Which One is Best for You?

1. Gaming Performance: Does Your FPS Depend on the Motherboard?

For most gamers, there won’t be a significant FPS difference between B850 and X870 motherboards. However, there are certain scenarios where the motherboard makes a difference:

  • Competitive Gamers (esports, shooters, fast-paced titles): Stick with B850 and invest the extra money into a better GPU for higher performance.
  • 4K & Ray Tracing Gamers: If you’re running RTX 5090 or RX 9070 XT (or similar next-gen GPUs), the X870 motherboard with PCIe 5.0 may offer better future-proofing for next-gen GPUs and high-speed storage.

Best Choice?

  • If you game at 1440p or lower, the B850 will provide the same FPS as the X870, allowing you to save money while still getting great performan

2. Overclocking: Do You Need It?

Are you planning to overclock your system? If so, the X870 motherboard is the better choice due to its superior VRMs, enhanced cooling solutions, and full overclocking support.

Why It Matters:

  • B850 Motherboards: Most B850 boards do not support CPU overclocking and have weaker VRMs that might struggle with delivering consistent power for sustained high overclocking. However, they can handle moderate RAM tuning on some models.
  • X870 Motherboards: These motherboards are designed for full overclocking, supporting both CPU and memory overclocking, and feature stronger VRMs, ensuring stable power delivery for Ryzen 9000-series CPUs. X870 boards also allow for higher RAM speeds, making them ideal for performance enthusiasts.

Best Choice?

  • If you’re planning to run your system at stock speeds or engage in light overclocking, a B850 motherboard is a solid choice.
  • However, if you’re an enthusiast who loves tweaking performance, pushing CPU speeds, or running high-speed RAM, the X870 motherboard is the way to go.

3. PCIe 5.0 vs. PCIe 4.0: Do You Need the Latest Tech?

  • B850: Supports PCIe 4.0, with some models offering PCIe 5.0 for GPUs and SSDs. PCIe 4.0 is still fast enough for most modern gaming needs.
  • X870: Comes with PCIe 5.0 for both GPUs and SSDs, offering the best support for next-gen hardware and ultra-fast storage.

Reality Check:

  • Current GPUs: Most modern GPUs don’t fully utilize the bandwidth offered by PCIe 4.0, so the difference in gaming performance between PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 is minimal right now.
  • PCIe 5.0 SSDs: While PCIe 5.0 SSDs are incredibly fast, unless you’re into heavy workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, or other data-intensive tasks, you won’t notice much of a difference in day-to-day use.

Best Choice?

  • If you’re building a gaming system for today’s titles, a B850 motherboard with PCIe 4.0 (or PCIe 5.0 support on select models) is more than sufficient.
  • However, if you want to future-proof your build or plan to use next-gen hardware (like future GPUs and ultra-fast SSDs), the X870 motherboard is the better investment.

4. Storage & Expansion: How Many M.2 SSDs Do You Need?

  • B850: Offers 1-3 M.2 SSD slots, with PCIe 4.0 support on most boards and some models featuring PCIe 5.0. This setup is more than sufficient for most users, providing ample storage options for gaming and general tasks.
  • X870: Comes with more M.2 slots, offering full PCIe 5.0 support, which is ideal for users who need high-speed storage and extensive expansion. This is especially beneficial for workstations, video editors, or users requiring tons of storage for large files and heavy workloads.

Best Choice?

  • If you’re not in need of extreme storage or cutting-edge SSD speeds, the B850 motherboard will be more than sufficient for gaming and general use.
  • However, if you require more M.2 slots and faster PCIe 5.0 SSD speeds for tasks like video editing, data-intensive applications, or a future-proofed storage setup, the X870 motherboard provides the extra flexibility.

5. Connectivity: More USB, WiFi, and Networking

X870 motherboards come with more USB 4.0 ports, better networking (WiFi 7, 5Gb+ LAN), and extra I/O options.

  • B850: Offers standard USB 3.2 ports, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and WiFi 6E. These are more than sufficient for gaming and general use, providing solid connectivity for most users.
  • X870: Comes with more USB 4.0 ports, WiFi 7, and 5Gb or 10Gb Ethernet support. This setup is ideal for users who require high-speed networking, streaming, or workstation environments where fast, reliable connections are critical.

Best Choice?

  • If you’re a casual gamer or need standard connectivity, the B850 motherboard offers plenty of ports and networking options for a great experience.
  • However, if you’re a streamer, content creator, or require ultra-fast networking for professional work, the X870 provides more flexibility, faster speeds, and better overall connectivity for demanding tasks.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy B850 or X870?

Choose B850 If:

  • You want the best value for gaming without spending on unnecessary features.
  • You don’t plan to overclock or need extensive performance tuning.
  • You’re using 1-3 SSDs, and PCIe 4.0 (or PCIe 5.0 on some models) is sufficient for your storage and performance needs.

Choose X870 If:

  • You want the best features for high-end gaming or workstations.
  • You plan to overclock your Ryzen 9000-series CPU or other high-performance CPUs.
  • You need more storage options, faster networking, or PCIe 5.0 support for future GPUs and high-speed SSDs.

Flight Controls Guide (Best Options for 2025)

Popular Joystick

Thrustmaster T16000M FCS

HYPE LEVEL:

Best For: Fighter jets, small planes

Where To Buy:

Check out on Amazon!

Read More…

Popular Yoke

Honeycomb Aeronautical Alpha Flight Controls Yoke & Switch Panel

HYPE LEVEL:

Best For: Airliners & realistic flying

Where To Buy:

Check out on Amazon!

Read More…

Popular TQ

Logitech G Saitek PRO Flight Throttle Quadrant

HYPE LEVEL:

Best For: Power adjustments

Where To Buy:

Check out on Amazon!

Read More…

Popular RP

Thrustmaster TFRP Rudder Pedals for Flight Simulators

HYPE LEVEL:

Best For: Taxiing, precise landings

Where To Buy:

Check out on Amazon!

Read More…

Best for Realism: Use a yoke + rudder pedals for airliners like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320.

Final Thoughts – Don’t Overpay for Features You Won’t Use!

At the end of the day:

  • If you’re a gamer who doesn’t need extreme features, B850 is a smarter buy.
  • If you’re a performance enthusiast or need future-proofing, X870 is worth the extra cost.

B850 vs X870 - FAQs

What is the difference between B850 and X870 motherboards?

The B850 is a budget-friendly chipset that supports PCIe 4.0, with some models offering PCIe 5.0. It typically has limited overclocking support and fewer high-speed ports compared to the X870. The X870, on the other hand, offers full PCIe 5.0 support for both GPUs and M.2 SSDs, better VRMs for more extensive overclocking, more USB 4.0 ports, and additional M.2 SSD slots for greater expansion, making it ideal for users who need top-tier performance and future-proofing.

Yes, B850 motherboards are great for gaming, especially for mid-range builds. They support high-speed DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4.0 (or PCIe 5.0 on some models) for GPUs and NVMe SSDs, which are more than enough for most modern games. However, if you plan on extreme overclocking or require full PCIe 5.0 support for future GPUs and high-performance storage, the X870 motherboard might be the better choice.

Yes! X870 motherboards fully support PCIe 5.0 for both GPUs and NVMe SSDs. This makes them more future-proof for next-gen graphics cards and ultra-fast storage. While most current GPUs don’t fully utilize the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, PCIe 5.0 ensures your system is ready for upcoming high-performance hardware and faster storage technologies.

Most B850 motherboards do not support CPU overclocking, but they do allow memory overclocking through EXPO or XMP profiles for RAM. If you plan to overclock a Ryzen 9000-series CPU or want more extensive overclocking capabilities, the X870 motherboard is the better choice due to its stronger VRMs, better power phases, and full overclocking support for both CPU and RAM.

For the Ryzen 9900X, the X870 is the better choice due to its stronger power delivery, full overclocking support, and PCIe 5.0 capabilities. These features are ideal for unlocking the full potential of high-performance CPUs like the 9900X.

If you’re using a Ryzen 9800X3D, the B850 is still a solid option, as 3D V-Cache CPUs like the 9800X3D benefit less from overclocking. The B850 provides excellent performance without the need for extreme overclocking, making it a cost-effective choice for this processor.

  • B850 motherboards typically offer 1-3 M.2 slots, most of which support PCIe 4.0. Some models may include PCIe 5.0 support for at least one M.2 slot, but this is less common.
  • X870 motherboards provide more M.2 slots, often including at least one PCIe 5.0 slot for faster NVMe SSDs. If you plan to use multiple SSDs or require ultra-fast storage speeds, the X870 is the better option due to its greater expansion and PCIe 5.0 capabilities.

If you plan to use multiple SSDs or need the fastest speeds, X870 is better.

It depends on your PC build and future upgrade plans:

Get X870 if you:

  • Want full PCIe 5.0 support for future GPUs and NVMe SSDs.
  • Want full overclocking support with stronger VRMs for better power delivery and performance.
  • Need PCIe 5.0 for ultra-fast storage or next-gen hardware.
  • Want better networking (e.g., WiFi 7, 5Gb+ LAN) for high-speed connectivity.
  • Need more high-speed USB ports and additional M.2 slots for greater expansion.

Get B850 if you:

  • Are on a budget but still want solid performance for gaming and general use.
  • Don’t plan on heavy overclocking.
  • Need 1-3 M.2 SSDs, and PCIe 4.0 (or PCIe 5.0 on some models) is enough for your storage setup.

For most gamers, the B850 will be sufficient, but if you’re an enthusiast or want to future-proof your system, the X870 offers more advanced features and better performance options.

Note: This page is updated frequently as we continue researching and reviewing products throughout the year. The opinions and recommendations provided on this page are based on extensive online research and available product information. While we aim to provide accurate and helpful insights, it’s important to note that everyone’s needs and preferences are different. What we believe may be a good option for some may not be the best choice for others. We always encourage you to do your own research and consider your unique needs before making any purchase decisions.

  • CATEGORIES
  • TOP ARTICLES