Motherboard questions

[Dawelio]

Hello everyone,

So I have a few questions for you all, since this is a bit out of my own knowledge, I am planning on getting an MSI MAG B550 MORTAR later down the line.

I'm currently using an keyboard and mouse, as well as extern lighting on my desk, so 3 USB connections on the back of my PC. With a wish for a 4th for USB sticks or other accessories.

So what I'm wondering here is what exactly is this red USB port in the back for? Is it for something in particular? And does the Flashback port function as a regular USB port as well or just strictly for BIOS Flashback?:

Another question I have is which would you personally get, the MSI MAG B550 MORTAR or the Gigabyte B550 AORUS PRO, with the latter having an PCI layout that limits possible future upgrades in terms of potential capture/streaming cards for streaming purposes. Meanwhile the Mortar doesn't have this issue.

Although what bugs me with the Gigabyte board is that the CPU isn’t centered on the board, but slighly to the right. Which does mess with my OCD a bit:

Thanks,
Dawelio

 

[AlienALX]

The red port is a gen 3.1. So is basically a USB port.

In looks it's no contest, the Gigabyte wins every time. Do note, I have not spent hours reading manuals or looking at the spec though.

 

[Dawelio]

So it's just a faster USB port basically?... Does the USB Flashback also work as a regular USB port, just has the function of being the only port that can be utilized to flash the BIOS?

How so? So the fact that the CPU socket isn't centered doesn't bother you? Nor the PCI layout, which I mentioned breifly above?...

 

[AlienALX]

Yes it's faster apparently.

As for the USB flash back? again my advice is always the same.

Download any manual for anything you are considering, make a cup of coffee/tea and read it. Familiarise yourself with it before you even own it.

The socket is centred for the most popular 8 core CPUs. However, if you are using above that then you need one of these.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/der8auer-ryzen-3000-oc-aio-mounting-frame-hs-00b-dr.html

I haven't installed mine yet, as temps were OK. I mean sure they will be better when I can be arsed, but it was delayed so much I built the rig a month before it arrived so I haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

[Excalabur50]

As an owner of multiple MSI boards the bios flashback usb port will function as a normal usb port and as Alien said the red port is fast usb, and the Mortar is a great board with an excellent VRM, and lately MSI have been working very hard on improving their BIOS, whilst the Gigabyte board is good their BIOS can be a bit of an issue sometimes, but hardware wise Gigabyte are making some very good boards, but in this instance I'd say go the MSI.

 

[Avet]

Black is USB 2.0 (480 Mbps). Blue is USB 3.0 (5 Gbps). Red is USB 3.1 (10 Gbps).
If you need more USB ports than you have on the back of the motherboard buy USB HUB. There are milion options and it is the best way to expand connectivity.

 

[Warchild]

If you look closely its marked correctly telling you what it is. SS10 which is usb 3.1 gen 2

 

[NeverBackDown]

This is all in the manual online if you just googled the motherboard model... Not to be rude as I know you hate that "google it" response but I mean really it's all easily accessible.

But you got your answers anyway.
Yes you can use the flash port. It's only indicating that if you use a USB to flash, only that specific port is capable of flashing.
As said above each port is marked with it's speed. USB logo is USB 2. USBSS is 3.0/3.1 gen 1. SS10 is USB 3.1 gen 2.

 

[Dawelio]

As an owner of multiple MSI boards the bios flashback usb port will function as a normal usb port and as Alien said the red port is fast usb, and the Mortar is a great board with an excellent VRM, and lately MSI have been working very hard on improving their BIOS, whilst the Gigabyte board is good their BIOS can be a bit of an issue sometimes, but hardware wise Gigabyte are making some very good boards, but in this instance I'd say go the MSI.

Well that was a very informative, subjective and good post. Thank you for that, much appreciated!

I think that you pretty much just gave me an even more confirmation regarding that I've chosen the correct board with your awesome reply!

Black is USB 2.0 (480 Mbps). Blue is USB 3.0 (5 Gbps). Red is USB 3.1 (10 Gbps).
If you need more USB ports than you have on the back of the motherboard buy USB HUB. There are milion options and it is the best way to expand connectivity.

Nice, simple explanation of the colours and their respective speeds. Basically what they are indicating, much appreciated. Thanks!

If you look closely its marked correctly telling you what it is. SS10 which is usb 3.1 gen 2

Uhh yeah, I did see that... I think that I've just gotten so confused with all of the different numbers, that I needed a more clearer explanation, hence this thread. All of this 3.1 gen 1, 2 etc.

This is all in the manual online if you just googled the motherboard model... Not to be rude as I know you hate that "google it" response but I mean really it's all easily accessible.

But you got your answers anyway.
Yes you can use the flash port. It's only indicating that if you use a USB to flash, only that specific port is capable of flashing.
As said above each port is marked with it's speed. USB logo is USB 2. USBSS is 3.0/3.1 gen 1. SS10 is USB 3.1 gen 2.

I did Google it, I've tried researching this for some time now, but haven't for some reason found the answer. Either I just can't find it or I just don't really understand what it is I'm reading.

Hence asking here now... So yes, I did Google first.

 

[Warchild]

Well that was a very informative, subjective and good post. Thank you for that, much appreciated!

I think that you pretty much just gave me an even more confirmation regarding that I've chosen the correct board with your awesome reply!



Nice, simple explanation of the colours and their respective speeds. Basically what they are indicating, much appreciated. Thanks!



Uhh yeah, I did see that... I think that I've just gotten so confused with all of the different numbers, that I needed a more clearer explanation, hence this thread. All of this 3.1 gen 1, 2 etc.



I did Google it, I've tried researching this for some time now, but haven't for some reason found the answer. Either I just can't find it or I just don't really understand what it is I'm reading.

Hence asking here now... So yes, I did Google first.

Not to be rude, but how can you google and not find any answer. usb SS10 for example? the entire first page is nothing but correct answers to this

Either way, I always find usb hubs the way to go. We need so many ports these days. I prefer to keep the rear for VR headsets and then all peripherals off a hub. Never had an issue since.

edit* am i seeing correct that the mortar only has 1 m.2 slot?

 

[Excalabur50]

Not to be rude, but how can you google and not find any answer. usb SS10 for example? the entire first page is nothing but correct answers to this

Either way, I always find usb hubs the way to go. We need so many ports these days. I prefer to keep the rear for VR headsets and then all peripherals off a hub. Never had an issue since.

edit* am i seeing correct that the mortar only has 1 m.2 slot?

No it has 2xm.2

 

[Dawelio]

Not to be rude, but how can you google and not find any answer. usb SS10 for example? the entire first page is nothing but correct answers to this

Either way, I always find usb hubs the way to go. We need so many ports these days. I prefer to keep the rear for VR headsets and then all peripherals off a hub. Never had an issue since.

edit* am i seeing correct that the mortar only has 1 m.2 slot?

I didn't find an answer as to if all the ports would work as normal USB ports, or if they have specific purposes. Probably sounds extremely dumb to all of you, yet I didn't manage to find the answer so...

No, it has 2. The top one with the text "Lighting Gen 4" on the heatsink. Then to the left of the chipset heatsink, between the top and bottom PCI.