VIDEO Intel B560 is a Disaster: Huge CPU Performance Differences, Power Limit Mess

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Intel B560 is a Disaster: Huge CPU Performance Differences, Power Limit Mess In a recent video from Hardware Unboxed, the host delves into the performance issues surrounding the Intel B560 motherboards compared to their Z590 counterparts. This discussion is particularly relevant as we approach 2024, especially for users interested in upgrading or building budget-friendly systems.

Summary of Findings​

The video begins with an analysis of various Intel Z590 motherboards, emphasizing how different manufacturers handle power limits for 11th generation processors. While most Z590 boards enable processors like the Core i9-11900K to run without enforced power limits, the B560 series exhibits significant variability in performance depending on the specific motherboard model.

Key Points:​

1. CPU Performance: The B560 boards can lead to performance drops of over 30% for certain 65-watt CPUs like the Core i5-11400 and Core i7-11700. This discrepancy highlights a major concern for consumers when selecting budget B560 motherboards.
2. Power Limits: Motherboards like the MSI B560 Tomahawk and Gigabyte B560M Aorus Pro AX perform notably well, maintaining high all-core frequencies and mirroring the performance of Z590 boards. In contrast, entry-level B560 models can throttle CPUs significantly, resulting in poor performance.
3. Hands-On Testing: The host tested several motherboards, revealing that while more expensive boards sustain higher clock speeds under load, cheaper models like the MSI B560M Pro often fall flat, running at lower speeds and reducing overall performance.
4. Gaming Impact: Although the gaming performance difference may not be as stark as in computational tasks (up to 35% in Cinebench), those opting for budget builds may still find gaming performance lacking compared to higher-tier motherboards.
5. Recommendations: The conclusion encourages potential buyers to steer clear of B560 motherboards priced under $140, as they are unlikely to provide satisfactory performance without significant tinkering.
   

   Implications for Windows Enthusiasts​

   As the Windows community often seeks budget-friendly hardware solutions, this analysis sheds light on the pitfalls of choosing the wrong motherboard for Intel CPUs. Given the varying performance levels, prospective buyers are advised to thoroughly research motherboard reviews, especially regarding their performance under actual gaming and workload scenarios.
   

   Community Engagement​

   Have you recently built a PC with a B560 motherboard? What has been your experience? Are there specific boards that you would recommend or warn others against? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss how these insights can help in optimizing your next build!