X370 Vs B350: Choosing The Right AM4 Motherboard For Your Ryzen Build

Cullen Fadel 20 Aug 2025

Picking the perfect motherboard for a new computer system can feel like quite a task, especially when you're looking at AMD's AM4 platform. With a few different chipsets to consider, it's easy to feel a bit lost in the options. This is, you know, particularly true when comparing two popular choices like the X370 and B350. Many people wonder about the real differences between them and which one truly makes sense for their setup.

These chipsets, the X370 and B350, were among the first to arrive for AMD's Ryzen processors. They each offer a distinct set of features and capabilities, aimed at slightly different kinds of users. Understanding what sets them apart can really help you make a smart decision, whether you're building a powerful machine or just trying to get good performance on a budget, that is.

Here, we'll break down the key aspects of both the X370 and B350 motherboards. We'll look at their specifications, talk about how they handle things like overclocking, and consider their overall value. By the end, you'll have a much clearer idea of which chipset might be the best fit for your specific needs, so you can build with confidence, you know.

Introduction
Understanding the AM4 Chipset Family
X370 vs B350: A Closer Look
Considering Future Upgrades
Making Your Choice: Who is Each Chipset For?
Frequently Asked Questions About AM4 Chipsets
Final Thoughts on X370 and B350

Understanding the AM4 Chipset Family

AMD's AM4 platform, which arrived with the first Ryzen processors, introduced a range of chipsets. These chipsets included the A320, B350, and X370, among others that came later. Each one served a slightly different purpose, aiming at various segments of the market. The A320, for example, was usually for very basic builds, without any overclocking features. Then, you had the B350, which was more of a mainstream option, offering a good balance of features and price, you know.

The X370 chipset, on the other hand, was AMD's top-tier offering at the time of its release in February 2017. It was designed for enthusiasts and those who wanted the most from their Ryzen system. These chipsets helped set the stage for explaining the differences between X370, B350, A320, and even X300 AM4 chipsets. Over time, AMD introduced newer versions like B450, X470, and eventually X570, but the B350 and X370 were the original main contenders for many builders, that is.

When you're looking at these different options, it's pretty clear that AMD wanted to cover a lot of ground. From very budget-friendly systems to high-performance setups, there was a chipset for almost everyone. This variety, while good, also created some questions for people trying to figure out which motherboard to get for their new Ryzen system. This post will, you know, show you the comparison of AMD/AM4 chipsets, including A320 vs B350 vs B450 vs X370 vs X470 vs X399 vs X570, in a way, but our main focus is on the X370 and B350 today.

X370 vs B350: A Closer Look

Let's get into the specifics of what makes the X370 and B350 chipsets distinct. While they both support the same AM4 processors and can certainly get your system up and running, there are some important differences under the surface. These differences often influence performance, expansion, and, you know, how much you might pay for the board, that is.

Core Differences in Features

When you look at the core capabilities, the X370 chipset usually offers more features than the B350. For example, the X370 typically provides more PCI Express lanes from the chipset itself. This means it can support more high-speed devices, like multiple graphics cards or extra NVMe SSDs. The B350, while still capable, has fewer of these lanes, which can limit some expansion options, in some respects.

Another key difference often lies in USB connectivity. X370 boards generally have more USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 (now USB 3.2 Gen 2) ports directly from the chipset. This can be a big deal if you have a lot of external devices that need fast connections. The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of the specifications of the AMD B350 and AMD X370 motherboard chipsets, you know, giving a quick overview of these types of differences.

Beyond the raw numbers, X370 boards often include more premium features. This might mean better audio solutions, more advanced networking, or, you know, even extra BIOS features that give you more control over your system. These additions, while not always essential for every user, do add to the overall experience and the board's capabilities, that is.

Overclocking Capabilities: Reality vs. Perception

Many people believe that X370 boards are simply better for overclocking, and there's some truth to that, but it's also a bit more nuanced. In theory, B350 and X370 motherboards should overclock the same. The chipset itself doesn't directly control the CPU's overclocking headroom as much as the board's power delivery system does. However, in practice, motherboard manufacturers, or OEMs, put beefier Voltage Regulator Modules (VRMs) on X370 motherboards because they consider X370 motherboards more premium, you know.

This means that, generally, yes, X370 boards are better for overclocking. But, that will vary by specific board model. You really need to review each board and look at user and tech reviews on the overclocking potential and stability. Some reviews state the B350 has fewer overclocking options or is "on rails," meaning less fine-tuned control, whereas X370 usually has more voltage adjustment options. However, decent B350 boards can have similar VRMs to their X370 counterparts, especially for Zen 1 CPUs, which often hit a frequency wall anyway. So, a B350 could be fine for what you want, that is.

Remember, a cheaper B350 motherboard might be enough for overclocking now, but future generations like Zen 2 or Zen 3 may be able to achieve far higher speeds. This is where the extra power phases on an X370 board over a B350 might become more important. So, while a B350 can overclock, a good X370 board typically provides a more robust and stable platform for pushing your CPU limits, you know, especially with later Ryzen generations.

Connectivity and Expansion Options

When it comes to connecting devices and adding components, the X370 chipset usually pulls ahead. As mentioned, it generally offers more PCI Express lanes. This is really helpful if you plan on running two graphics cards in an SLI or CrossFire configuration, which the B350 typically does not fully support. The X370 usually provides two full PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, while a B350 board might have one x16 slot and another that runs at x4 or x1 speeds, you know, limiting its use for a second GPU.

Storage options also often differ. X370 boards might have more SATA ports or additional M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs. This gives you more flexibility if you have a lot of hard drives, SSDs, or want to add multiple fast storage devices. USB connectivity, too, tends to be more generous on X370 boards, offering more high-speed ports for peripherals and external storage. This can be, you know, a pretty big deal for someone with many devices, that is.

For most everyday users, a B350 board's connectivity is more than enough. It will usually have enough USB ports, SATA ports, and at least one M.2 slot for a fast SSD. However, if you're building a high-end system with many components, or if you plan to expand significantly in the future, the X370's greater number of lanes and ports can offer a lot more room to grow, in some respects.

The VRM Story: Why it Matters

The Voltage Regulator Module, or VRM, is a really important part of any motherboard, especially for overclocking. It's responsible for delivering clean and stable power to your CPU. A board with a well-designed, beefy VRM can handle higher power draw from an overclocked CPU without overheating or becoming unstable. This is where the X370 often has an advantage, you know.

As we talked about, motherboard makers usually put more robust VRMs on X370 boards. This is because X370 was positioned as the premium, enthusiast-grade chipset. These stronger VRMs mean the X370 boards are often better equipped to handle sustained high loads and more aggressive overclocks. There are, you know, only a few boards with super beefy VRMs, like the Taichi and the C6H, which are typically X370 models, that is.

However, it's not always a clear win for X370. There are some decent B350 boards that also feature good VRM designs, especially the higher-end B350 models. So, while the average X370 board might have a better VRM than the average B350 board, you can find exceptions. It's always a good idea to check reviews and specifications for the specific model you're looking at, rather than just relying on the chipset designation alone, you know. The extra power phases on an X370 board over a B350 can provide more stable power delivery, which is, you know, pretty important for serious overclocking.

Price and Value: What's the Real Deal?

When these chipsets were new, X370 boards were almost always more expensive than B350 boards. This price difference reflected the extra features, better components, and more robust power delivery that X370 boards typically offered. For someone on a tighter budget, the B350 chipset made many hopeful that AMD would really cover the enthusiast on a budget market. This chipset would give you all the basics you need to make a killer machine, you know, using a motherboard for less money.

Today, since these are older chipsets, the price difference might not be as stark, especially if you're looking at the used market. However, the general principle holds: X370 boards usually represent a higher investment. The value proposition, though, depends entirely on your needs. If you don't need multi-GPU support, extensive connectivity, or extreme overclocking headroom, a B350 board can offer fantastic value. You can get, you know, the same performance, even at overclocking, on a good B350 motherboard as you would get with an X370 motherboard, provided you select the appropriate B350 motherboard that caters to your needs, that is.

For many users, the B350 chipset is more than enough. It provides all the necessary features for a solid Ryzen build without the premium price tag. While the overclocking ability of the B350 chipset is lower than the X370, for most users, it is already enough. If you are a user who does not have very high performance requirements, the B350 chipset will be a good choice. So, it really comes down to what you prioritize in your system, you know, and how much you're willing to spend.

Considering Future Upgrades

When you pick a motherboard, it's pretty common to think about how it will handle future CPU upgrades. The AM4 socket had a good, long run, supporting multiple generations of Ryzen processors. This means a B350 or X370 board could potentially support a much newer CPU than it originally launched with. For example, the AMD X370 chipset was launched in 2017 to support CPUs using the Zen architecture with the AM4 socket. It also supports CPUs using Zen+, Zen 2, or Zen 3, that is, usually with a BIOS update.

However, there have been some complexities with this. There was a period where AMD considered blocking B350 and X370 from supporting Zen 3, which disappointed many users who had bought, say, an R7 1700 plus an X370 back in 2017, counting on upgrading the CPU at the end of AM4's run. Luckily, AMD eventually allowed support, but it highlighted that older chipsets might not always get the full upgrade path without some uncertainty, you know. The VRM quality on your board becomes even more important when considering upgrading to a more demanding, newer generation CPU.

So, while both chipsets technically support later Ryzen CPUs, an X370 board, with its typically better power delivery, might handle a high-core-count Zen 2 or Zen 3 processor a bit more comfortably. This is especially true if you plan to overclock that newer CPU. A B350 board might work, but it could be pushing its limits, depending on the specific model. All of these changes mean that it’s time to compare the differences between X370, X470, and X570 motherboard chipsets, hopefully helping newcomers to Ryzen understand the changes, and, you know, seeing how the older chipsets fit in, in some respects.

Making Your Choice: Who is Each Chipset For?

Deciding between an X370 and a B350 motherboard really comes down to your specific needs and budget. Both are capable chipsets for a Ryzen system, but they cater to slightly different types of builders. You can compare other motherboard chipsets, but for these two, the distinctions are pretty clear, you know.

The B350 Chipset is Often a Good Fit For:

Budget-conscious builders: If you want to save some money without giving up too much performance, a B350 board is usually a smart pick.
Everyday users and gamers: For most gaming and general computing tasks, the features and performance of a B350 board are more than enough.
Light overclockers: If you plan on a modest CPU overclock, many B350 boards can handle it just fine, especially with first-generation Ryzen chips.
Single-GPU setups: If you only plan to use one graphics card, the B350's PCIe lane configuration is usually perfectly adequate.

The X370 Chipset is Often a Good Fit For:

Enthusiasts and serious overclockers: If you want to push your CPU to its limits and need the most stable power delivery, an X370 board is typically the better choice.
Multi-GPU users: If you plan to run two graphics cards, the X370 offers the necessary PCIe lanes and support.
Users needing extensive connectivity: If you have many USB devices, multiple fast storage drives, or other expansion cards, the X370's greater number of ports and lanes is a clear advantage.
Those seeking premium features: X370 boards often come with better audio, networking, and overall build quality, which can appeal to users who want a more feature-rich system, you know.

So, you know, are you not sure which motherboard to get for your new Ryzen system? This discussion should help. It's about balancing what you need today with what you might want tomorrow. My text even mentioned, "I was originally going to buy an X370 board, but all (except the Biostar, which I don't want) are out of stock. So I got to thinking on whether or not the B350 would be fine for what I..." This really shows a common dilemma many people face. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance for your personal computing goals, that is. You can also view detailed specs and compatibility for AMD AM4 chipsets on AMD's site.

Frequently Asked Questions About AM4 Chipsets

Many people have similar questions when looking at these motherboards. Here are some common ones that come up, you know, when comparing the X370 and B350, that is.

Can B350 motherboards overclock Ryzen CPUs?

Yes, B350 motherboards can definitely overclock Ryzen CPUs. The ability to overclock is a core feature of the B350 chipset. However, the extent and stability of the overclock can vary quite a bit depending on the specific board's VRM quality and design. Some cheaper B350 boards might struggle with very aggressive overclocks, while others with better power delivery can perform nearly as well as an X370 board, you know, especially with first-generation Ryzen processors. It's always a good idea to check reviews for the particular B350 model you are interested in.

Is X370 better for gaming than B350?

For most gaming scenarios, you won't see a significant difference in actual game performance between an X370 and a B350 motherboard. The gaming performance is mostly determined by your CPU and graphics card. Where an X370 might offer an advantage is if you plan to use two graphics cards (SLI/CrossFire) or if you're doing very heavy CPU overclocking that a B350 board might not sustain as well. For a single-GPU setup with a reasonable overclock, a B350 board is usually perfectly fine for gaming, that is. Other than that, you'd get the same performance, even at overclocking, on a B350 motherboard as you would get with an X370 motherboard, you know, assuming similar quality boards.

Do X370 and B350 support the latest Ryzen CPUs?

Yes, both X370 and B350 chipsets can support later generations of Ryzen CPUs, including Zen 2 and Zen 3, with a BIOS update. AMD extended compatibility for these older chipsets, which was good news for many users. However, it's really important to check the motherboard manufacturer's website for the specific BIOS update required for your chosen CPU. Also, while they are compatible, the power delivery system (VRM) on older B350 boards might not be as robust for high-core-count, power-hungry Zen 2 or Zen 3 CPUs, especially if you plan to overclock. An X370 board often handles these newer, more demanding chips a bit more comfortably, you know, due to its generally superior power phases.

Final Thoughts on X370 and B350

We've looked at the AMD X370 and B350 chipsets pretty closely, going over their features, how they handle overclocking, and what they mean for your wallet. It's clear that while the X370 was designed to be the more premium option, offering more expansion and typically better power delivery, the B350 really delivered fantastic value for many users. For most people building a Ryzen system, especially those who aren't planning extreme overclocks or multi-GPU setups, a well-chosen B350 board can be, you know, a very smart and cost-effective choice, that is.

The differences, while important, are not always deal-breakers. What really matters is aligning the motherboard's capabilities with your personal computing goals. If you're building a new system or looking to upgrade an older one, consider what you truly need versus what might be overkill. You can find out which is better and their overall performance in the motherboard ranking, but for these two, it's about matching needs to features. For more information on AM4 chipsets, you can also check out our AM4 chipset guide and our motherboard rankings page, you know, for broader context.

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