Best B660 motherboards
Good performance in your computer system depends not only on a high-end GPU or CPU, but also on a good motherboard that provides crucial connections between various components such as the CPU, RAM, and storage devices. Hence, selecting the right motherboard is essential while building or upgrading a computer system to ensure stability and performance.
One popular choice in the market for motherboards is the B660, which offers compatibility with the latest Intel processors, support for fast memory speeds, and robust features for gaming and productivity. This article explores the best B660 motherboards that strike a balance between performance, features, and value for different budgets and use cases. Whether you are a gamer, content creator, or professional user, we have got you covered with our top picks and in-depth analysis of each motherboard’s strengths and weaknesses. So, let’s dive in and discover the ideal B660 motherboard that suits your requirements.
Products at a Glance
Features and considerations
Before buying one of the best B660 motherboards, it is essential to consider several factors to ensure compatibility and optimal performance for your computer system. One of the critical considerations is the socket type of the motherboard, which must match the CPU socket type for compatibility. It is also important to check the chipset of the motherboard, as it determines the motherboard’s features and capabilities, such as the number of USB ports, RAM slots, and expansion slots.
Another factor to consider is the form factor of the motherboard, which should match the case size to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, it is recommended to check the number and type of expansion slots on the motherboard to accommodate future upgrades, such as graphics cards and sound cards. Other important features to look for include the number and type of RAM slots, the speed of the RAM supported, the number and type of storage connectors, and the onboard audio and LAN capabilities.
When selecting a motherboard, it is also important to consider your budget and the intended use of the computer system. For instance, a gaming computer system would require a motherboard with robust features and capabilities, such as support for multiple graphics cards and fast RAM speeds. On the other hand, a workstation or server system would require a motherboard with features such as support for ECC memory and multiple SATA ports for storage devices. Overall, selecting the right motherboard requires careful consideration of these factors and more to ensure a compatible and optimized computer system.
Product Reviews
- 6000MHz DDR5 support
- Great VRM design
- Amazing for overclocking
- Mid-range focused chipset
Introducing the GIGABYTE B660 AORUS MASTER, another powerful addition to GIGABYTE’s B660 motherboard lineup and one of the best B660 motherboards. This ATX motherboard boasts a 16+1+1 Twin Hybrid Digital VRM Design, which is one of the best VRM designs on the market. It features 60A DrMOS for 16 VCORE Twin Phases, allowing multi-core processors to unleash their full potential. The motherboard’s 8+4 Solid Pin CPU power connector powers it, and its silver-black color scheme gives it a sleek look. The GIGABYTE B660 AORUS MASTER uses premium quality capacitors and chokes, as well as a 6-layer PCB design.
The GIGABYTE B660 AORUS MASTER supports DDR5 memory at an impressive 6000 MHz frequency, with memory overclocking functionality and XMP support. The motherboard’s memory routing is located under the PCB layers to prevent any external factors. Additionally, the GIGABYTE B660 AORUS MASTER has a fully covered thermal design, including MOSFET heatsinks with 5W/mK thermal conduction pads, an Enlarged M.2 Thermal Guard, and a 2X Copper PCB to prevent thermal throttling. These features, along with the motherboard’s color scheme and heatsinks, give it a sturdy appearance.
The GIGABYTE B660 AORUS MASTER provides several storage options, including 2 PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 M.2 connectors for NVMe SSDs, and 4 SATA 6Gb/s ports. As for expansion slots, the motherboard has a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for the GPU interface, an additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot running at x4, and a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot running at x1. In terms of connectivity, the motherboard has one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports with Type-C and Type-A ports, six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and eight USB 2.0 ports. Additionally, the GIGABYTE B660 AORUS MASTER has an Intel 2.5GbE LAN for Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax, Bluetooth v5.2 for peripheral connectivity, and a high-end Audio CODEC for better microphone and audio input quality.
MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 is a top contender for the title of the best value motherboard. The TOMAHAWK series has always provided users with a great set of features at an affordable price, and the B660 chipset is no exception.
The MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 boasts a sleek black aesthetic and comes in an ATX form factor. The power department is impressive, with a 24-pin ATX main power connector and two 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors. The motherboard also features a 12 +1 + 1 DRPW system, which includes a robust Duet Rail VRM design and a digital CPU power system.
When it comes to RAM compatibility, the B660 motherboard supports four DDR4-4800 slots, allowing for a total of 128GB of RAM. Storage options include two M.2 Gen4 x4 64Gbps slots and one M.2 Gen4 x2 32Gbps slot, with a thermal accessory to keep your M.2 SSDs from throttling. Additionally, there are six SATA 6GB/s ports on the motherboard, four chipset-supported RAID, and two SATA ports powered by the SATA controller.
For those who require a lot of connectivity, the MSI MAG B660 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 has got you covered. It features one Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, five USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and eight USB 2.0 ports. Ethernet speeds are powered by Realtek’s 8125BG, with a 2.5Gbps bandwidth speed, and Wi-Fi 6 module is built-in for blazing-fast speeds and connectivity. Bluetooth 5.2 is also available.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Realtek ALC1220P Codec for high-end audio on the go, with the inclusion of Optical S/PDIF OUT for transferring digital audio signals directly. Display connectivity is supported by an HDMI 2.1 port, capable of 4K resolution at 60Hz, and DisplayPort 1.4, providing a variety of connections with greater bandwidth to high-end monitors.
- DDR5-6000MHz support
- Great speed using Safeslot PCIe 5.0
- A lot of USB ports
- High-end audio
- No PCIe 4.0 expansion
The ASUS ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI motherboard boasts an impressive power solution, with 16 + 1 power stages utilizing a combination of MOSFETS and drivers in a specially designed package for optimal power throughput. This makes it an ideal match for Alder Lake CPUs, which can fully unleash their power potential with this option among the best B660 motherboards. Additionally, the use of high-quality chokes and capacitors, along with the industry-standard DIGI+ Power Control VRM, ensures stable power input to the system. This allows for tweaking of CPU voltage and frequency, improving system cohesion while reducing heat generation and energy loss, ultimately extending the life of the components.
The motherboard’s 6-layer PCB design quickly dissipates heat, providing a greater overclocking buffer to the processor. Furthermore, the ProCool power connectors aid in heat dissipation and decrease impedance.
In terms of memory, the ROG STRIX B660-F GAMING WIFI motherboard features 4 DIMMs supporting up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM with dual-channel architecture at a maximum frequency of 6000MHz. Memory overclocking is possible through voltage adjustments using the ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile firmware feature.
For storage, there are two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot, and four SATA 3.0 ports, providing ample options for storage requirements. M.2 heatsinks and backplates keep the M.2 SSDs at optimum temperature for performance stability.
Expansion slots include one rigid PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (supports x4 mode), and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, along with ten USB 3.2 ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and seven USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Type-A and Type-C ports can be found throughout the motherboard for compatibility with different types of devices.
In terms of networking, the motherboard supports Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet and features an Intel Wi-Fi 6 802.11 AX module and Bluetooth 5.2. Audiophiles and gamers will appreciate the ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High-Definition Audio CODEC ALC4080, which combines hardware and software modifications to upscale playback resolution and audio output from a Savitech high-end amplifier for clear and clean audio.
- DDR4 RAM support at 5066MHz
- SafeSlot core+ support
- Incredible power design features
- No built-in WiFi/Bluetooth support
- Not the best VRM
The ASUS Prime B660-PLUS D4 is a top-budget motherboard option from ASUS. Its Digi+VRM design adjusts power settings for optimal stability and performance. It includes a 6-phase Vcore power with semi-MOSFETs and an 8-pin ProCool power connector for efficient power delivery. Multiple VRM and M.2 heatsinks, thermal pads, and hybrid fan headers keep the system cool under high loads.
This motherboard supports 128 GB dual-channel DDR4 RAM at 5066 MHz and has three M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots for storage. It features four expansion slots, including the exclusive SafeSlot core+ for heavy graphics cards. It has various USB ports, 2.5 Gbps ethernet, and Thunderbolt 4 compatibility but lacks built-in WiFi. Its Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC provides good sound quality.
How do we pick the best B660 motherboards
Picking amongst the best B660 motherboards can be a daunting task, given the numerous options available on the market. However, there are several key factors to consider when making a selection to ensure optimal performance, compatibility, and value for money.
The first factor to consider is the chipset of the motherboard, which determines the features and capabilities of the motherboard. The B660 chipset offers support for the latest Intel processors, high-speed memory, and PCIe 4.0 for faster data transfer rates. However, different motherboards within the B660 family may have varying capabilities, such as the number of RAM slots, expansion slots, and onboard audio and LAN capabilities. It is essential to review these features and compare them against your requirements to pick the best motherboard.
Another key factor to consider is the form factor of the motherboard, which must match the case size of your computer system. The B660 chipset is compatible with different form factors, such as ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX. It is essential to check the dimensions and mounting holes of the motherboard to ensure proper fit and alignment.
Other factors to consider when selecting the best B660 motherboard include the number and type of expansion slots, the number and type of storage connectors, the speed of the RAM supported, and the onboard audio and LAN capabilities. Additionally, it is important to review customer reviews and expert opinions to gauge the overall quality and reliability of the motherboard.
By considering these factors and more, you can make an informed decision and pick the best B660 motherboard that meets your requirements and fits your budget.
Our Verdict
In conclusion, these four motherboards are some of the best options available in the market for those who are building a PC. The ASUS ROG Maximus XIII Hero and the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon WiFi are both high-end motherboards with advanced features and excellent performance. The Gigabyte A520 AORUS Elite and the ASUS Prime B660-PLUS D4 are more budget-friendly options that still offer impressive specs and features. Ultimately, the choice of motherboard depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences, but any of these four options would make for a solid foundation for a high-performance PC build.