If you’re trying to build a PC from scratch, it can be a little overwhelming, with the motherboard being the most challenging part for most people, as there are many different types of sockets, even for each of the two major CPU brands. Well, if you want an AMD build using a 3rd generation processor in the Ryzen line, this B550 Phantom Gaming 4 motherboard from ASRock has a great deal. You can pick it up at Newegg for just $85, down from the usual $115 it normally costs.
Why you should buy the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 motherboard
The B550 is a great mid-range ATX motherboard if you’re building an AMD setup, and it supports the AM4 socket type, so you can’t get the latest AM5 processors, but you can get quite a few AMD’s best processors, which is excellent considering that AM5 processors are expensive. Just note that you will need a Bios update for the AMD Ryzen 5000 if you get this one. As for RAM, which usually depends on the processor, it supports a full range of DDR4 speeds from 2133MHz to 4733MHz and has a maximum capacity of 128GB, although you’re unlikely to ever need that much, and you’re much better off is to get 32GB on four sticks.
Like some of the other top motherboards on the market, the ASRock B550 has all the modern expectations of a gaming motherboard, like two M.2 slots and one PCI Express 4.0 x16, which you’ll need when you pick up one of several Deals for GPU, one PCI Express 3.0 x16 and two PCI Express 3.0 x1. While in theory you could crossfire two AMD GPUs with that many PCI ports, it’s probably not the best idea, especially since multi-GPU setups currently have poor support. There’s also a Realtek ALC1200 audio chip that supports 7.1 surround sound, six USB 3.2 Gen 1 and antenna ports for a strong Wi-Fi signal.
Overall, the ASRock B550 Phantom Gaming 4 is a solid gaming motherboard that should meet most of your needs if you prefer an AMD setup, while still having plenty of room for expansion in the future. The fact that you can pick it up for just $85 from Newegg makes it a much better deal, but if you want to avoid the hassle of building a PC and opt for a pre-built one, there are some great deals on gaming PCs worth checking out outside.
Editors’ recommendations
https://www.digitaltrends.com/dtdeals/asrock-b550-phantom-gaming-4-motherboard-deal-newegg-october-2022/
