Requires BIOS update but has BIOS flashback (you do not need a CPU to update it)
Motherboard: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK ATX AM4 Motherboard ($111.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $111.89
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor (Purchased For $0.00)
Motherboard: MSI B450 GAMING PRO CARBON AC ATX AM4 Motherboard ($149.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $149.89
Does not require a BIOS update:
Motherboard: MSI B450 TOMAHAWK MAX ATX AM4 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $114.99
Motherboard: MSI X570-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($149.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $149.89
IMO The TOMAHAWK MAX makes the most sense for the value, that B450 is out of the box compatible and should have everything you need.
They're all fine for the 2000 Ryzen series.Sorry to butt in, however Im wondering which update is required for the tomahawk as I was under the impression my current bios was good for all of the R5 series (im running a 2600).
Am I getting less performance or something since I have not updated the mobo since I bought it about 6 months ago?
They're all fine for the 2000 Ryzen series.
But require the BIOS update in order to be compatible with the 3000 Ryzen series
You shouldn't need a BIOS update, the only one I imagine making any noticeable difference is the ABBA update for 3rd gen, but not 2nd gen.
For the MAX, it's compatible out of the box with 3rd gen.
For non-MAX tomahawk, you need 7C02v19
Just stating that for the 3600, not updating the BIOS, the PC simply wouldn't boot at all.