Review

The MSI PRO B550-VC ATX DDR4 motherboard is a robust choice for PC builders who prioritize performance and compatibility with the AMD AM4 processors. Engineered to support DDR4 memory, it offers an impressive maximum memory capacity of 128GB, providing significant headroom for demanding applications and multitasking.

Key Features and Specifications

• Socket: AM4
• Chipset: AMD B550
• Memory Support: DDR4, Dual Channel
• Maximum Memory: 128GB
• Expansion Slots: 4 PCIe x16
• Storage Options: 8 SATAIII ports, 2 M.2 slots supporting RAID configurations
• USB Ports: Type C and Type A options for both Gen 2 and Gen 1 connections
• Audio: Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 Codec
• Form Factor: ATX

This mainboard's standout feature is its PCIe 4.0 support. As Versus explains, PCIe 4.0 provides a 16 GT/s bit rate, significantly boosting the bandwidth over PCIe 3.0, making it ideal for top-tier graphics cards and fast SSDs.

Performance and Compatibility

The MSI PRO B550-VC ATX DDR4 supports a wide array of components thanks to its versatile expansion slots. The presence of PCIe 4.0 is crucial for heavy users who need rapid data transmission for high-performance graphics cards and NVMe SSDs, ensuring no bottlenecks in data flow.

Despite the absence of Wi-Fi, this motherboard's Ethernet capabilities and numerous USB ports (including a front Gen 1 Type C) ensure reliable connectivity.

Storage Capabilities

Among its strengths is the varied storage support, with eight SATAIII and two M.2 slots offering RAID 0/1/10 configurations. This setup allows for significant flexibility in storage capacity and speed, appealing to gamers and professionals who require fast access times and large storage capacities.

Audio and Visual Outputs

The Realtek® ALC892/ALC897 Codec ensures clear audio output, making it suitable for media-focused setups. Additionally, with options like DisplayPort and HDMI, multiple-monitor setups are straightforward, benefiting productivity and gaming.

Conclusion

The MSI PRO B550-VC ATX DDR4 is a formidable contender in the realm of gaming and professional motherboards. Its provision for ample memory, advanced PCIe 4.0 compatibility, and versatile storage options make it an attractive choice for users aiming to build high-performance systems. The motherboard's lack of wireless connectivity might be a consideration for some, but its strengths in other areas, especially data transfer and component compatibility, overshadow this limitation. Overall, it's a recommendable base for any AM4 compatible build.