OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

MSI B550 Gaming GEN3 review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£90CPU socket:AM4Chipset:AMD B550Form factor:ATX

MSI B550 Gaming GEN3 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI B550 Gaming GEN3
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

40%

5.1

Technical score

20%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

9.4

User score

â–¼Worse than 58% of motherboards
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 54%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

7.9

Platform

16%

4.0

Storage

15%

3.0

Network

13%

2.6

Ports

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

5.8

Power & Cooling

5%

7.0

Audio

â–¼Worse than 71%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.8.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
No expert tests yet
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models

70%

9.1

Rating

30%

10

Popularity

★Better than 95%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • msi-b550-gaming-gen3
msi-b550-gaming-gen3
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI B550 Gaming GEN3

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components:

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

7.9

Platform

16%

4.0

Storage

15%

3.0

Network

13%

2.6

Ports

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

5.8

Power & Cooling

5%

7.0

Audio

5.1
Reviews score
7.8
User score
9.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.7
CPU socket
AM4
This motherboard uses AM4, which is more up-to-date than 38.2% of Motherboards and the same as 13.3% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
Chipset
AMD B550
This motherboard uses AMD B550, which is more capable than 49.9% of Motherboards and as capable as 4.8% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DVI-D.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.1% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
4,400 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,400 MT/s, which is lower than that of 51.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 3% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 74.3% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/10, which is less flexible than 67.6% of Motherboards and the same as 23.6% of Motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x0
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x4/x0, which is more generous than 60.6% of Motherboards and the same as 0.7% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 63.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
12
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 12 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 16.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8111H
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8111H LAN controller, which is slower than 53% of Motherboards and equal to 7.3% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Optional Key E module slot only.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC897, which is higher-end than 20.2% of Motherboards and the same as 29.9% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
97 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 97 dB, which is lower than that of 65.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.9% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
4+2
This motherboard has 4+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 5.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI B550 Gaming GEN3 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151).
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 27.0% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 95% of models

    70%

    9.1

    Rating

    30%

    10

    Popularity

    9.4 vs 7.4
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 27.0% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 95% of models

    70%

    9.1

    Rating

    30%

    10

    Popularity

    9.4 vs 7.4
  • 66.7% cheaper
    MSI B550 Gaming GEN3 is cheaper than the average motherboard (£90 vs £150).
    £90 vs £150
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151).
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD B550 vs Intel B860).
    AMD B550 vs Intel B860
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    Optional Key E module slot only.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD B550 vs Intel B860).
    AMD B550 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • Fewer RAID options
    This motherboard offers fewer RAID levels than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10).
    SATA only
    0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 3 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (12 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    12 vs 15
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    Optional Key E module slot only.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 18 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (97 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    97 dB vs 115 dB
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    4+2 vs 10
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI B550 Gaming GEN3

  • Affordable entry-level B550 option for budget-conscious builders
  • Easy setup process with intuitive cable placement
  • User-friendly BIOS interface that is easy to navigate for beginners
  • Solid performance when paired with mid-range Ryzen 5000 series CPUs
  • Includes dedicated headers for water pump and multiple system fans
  • Flash BIOS button allows for easy firmware updates without a CPU installed
  • Reliable build quality with reinforced PCIe 'Steel Armor' slots

What customers don't like about MSI B550 Gaming GEN3

  • Lacks PCIe 4.0 support (limited to Gen3), which is unusual for a B550 board
  • No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
  • Absence of 3-pin ARGB headers (only supports 4-pin 12V RGB)
  • Older Realtek ALC897 audio codec compared to newer mid-range boards
  • VRM thermal performance may struggle under heavy overclocking or with high-end Ryzen 9 CPUs
  • Some users reported BIOS/boot stability issues and red debug LED errors
  • Limited rear I/O connectivity with only a few USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports

Verdict

The MSI B550 Gaming GEN3 is an ATX motherboard built on the AMD B550 chipset, supporting AM4-socket Ryzen 5000, 4000 G-Series, and 3000 Series processors. It features four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of memory at overclocked speeds up to 4400MHz, a single Turbo M.2 Gen3 x4 slot for NVMe SSDs, and two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (one with Steel Armor) that support AMD CrossFire multi-GPU setups. Its primary advantages include a robust power delivery system with Core Boost technology, high-quality Audio Boost 7.1-channel sound, and a user-friendly Flash BIOS button for easy updates without a CPU installed. However, despite its B550 chipset, it is limited to PCIe 3.0 speeds rather than PCIe 4.0, lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and does not include 3-pin ARGB headers for advanced lighting customization.

Compare MSI B550 Gaming GEN3 with other products in the Motherboards category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of MSI B550 Gaming GEN3 and other products in the Motherboards category

No results found