Choosing the Best Motherboard for Ryzen 7 370 and RTX 2070 Super: A Comprehensive Guide

These days, upgrading your computer components can often feel like a puzzle, especially when it comes to compatibility and future-proofing. If you're building a system with the powerful Ryzen 7 370 CPU and the RTX 2070 Super GPU, making the right choice of motherboard is crucial. In this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of various motherboards, with a focus on the B550 and B450 series, to help you make the best decision for your needs.

Why Opt for a B550 Motherboard?

For those thinking about future upgrades to their rig, a B550 motherboard is an excellent choice. These motherboards offer several key advantages, such as support for PCIe 4.0, which is perfect for both SSDs and GPUs. The PCIe 4.0 standard significantly boosts data throughput, which can greatly enhance the performance of your system, especially when running demanding applications or games. The B550 series is generally not much more expensive than the B450 series, but the benefits in terms of performance and flexibility more than justify the slight increase in cost. Even if you're not planning to upgrade for the next few years, B550 boards often still offer great value, and their features like 2.5G Ethernet can be highly beneficial down the line.

Top B550 Motherboards to Consider

Three notable B550 models that stand out for their performance and value are the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro V2, B550 Aorus Elite V2, and the MSI B550M Pro VDH/Bazooka.

Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro V2 and B550 Aorus Elite V2

These motherboards come with a premium 2.5G Ethernet port, which is a significant upgrade from the standard 1G Ethernet. This not only boosts network speeds but also enhances overall system performance. Additionally, these boards feature high-quality VRM designs, which ensure consistent and stable power delivery to the CPU, crucial for optimal performance and long-term reliability.

MSI B550M Pro VDH/Bazooka

For those on a tighter budget or those who prefer smaller builds, the MSI B550M Pro VDH/Bazooka offers a great balance of features and value. This mid-range mATX option is almost identical to the B550M Bazooka, with the exception of the heatsink design. Both use the same VRM design as the B450 Tomahawk, providing solid performance and reliability without breaking the bank.

Budget-friendly B550 Options

If you're looking at more budget-friendly options, the Gigabyte B550M DS3H and S2H boards are excellent choices, but they may not be ideal for dual-socket configurations or future CPU upgrades.

Gigabyte B550M DS3H and S2H

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H and S2H boards are great budget options, especially for those who might not be planning to upgrade their CPU anytime soon. However, the S2H variant only has two memory slots, which can be a limitation if you're interested in memory overclocking or expanding your memory capacity. Similarly, the DS3H board has a PCIe slot layout that leaves no slots available for additional hardware once you install a triple-slot graphics card, a common requirement for the RTX 2070 Super. If you want even more options for future upgrades and better overclocking capabilities, consider the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite or the MSI B550-A Pro (ATX versions, not mATX). These boards offer more PCIe slots and improved overclocking support, making them a solid choice for those looking to build a powerful and flexible system.

For Advanced Users: ASUS Prime X570-P

If you plan to use multiple PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs or other PCIe 4.0 devices, the ASUS Prime X570-P is an excellent choice. This motherboard offers the highest level of performance and flexibility, making it a top pick for advanced enthusiasts and those with long-term upgrade plans.

Deciding Between B550 and B450

If you are not into heavy overclocking and do not need the PCIe 4.0 speeds, a B450 board like the Tomahawk Max will serve you nicely for the time being. However, if you intend on upgrading your parts in the next year or two, a B550 or X570 board, which support 5000 series CPUs and PCIe 4.0, would be a smarter investment. In conclusion, when building a system with the Ryzen 7 370 and RTX 2070 Super, the choice of motherboard is critical. Whether you're on a budget or looking for top-tier performance, these recommendations should help you make an informed decision. Happy building!