Does the TROOPER B150 D3 Support RX 580 8GB?

The TROOPER B150 D3, an affordable and reliable motherboard, has garnered a significant following among gamers and enthusiasts for its compatibility and value. This review delves into the compatibility of the TROOPER B150 D3 with the popular RX 580 8GB graphics card, addressing its performance, potential limitations, and general usage scenarios.

Performance and Recommended CPU

For AAA single-player games from that era, a 65W Intel i5 CPU is recommended to run the system optimally. However, an additional core and thread count provided by an Intel i7 would significantly enhance performance, allowing the old rig to stay relevant for an additional couple of years. Although these systems might not deliver the most impressive frame rates, they would still work reasonably well for slightly newer titles, specifically those from three years its age.

The motherboard itself does not support overclocking, and 7-series CPUs come with a steep price increase for minimal performance enhancements, requiring a BIOS update in some cases. Therefore, the maximum CPU budget for that board is a used Intel i7-6700 for around $30. It is important to note that this is the standard i7-6700 model, not the K version or any 7-series variant.

Expansion Slots and Graphics Card Compatibility

The TROOPER B150 D3 offers multiple expansion slots to support a variety of aftermarket hardware, including:

1x PCI-E 3.0 x16 @ x16 1x PCI-E 3.0 x16 @ x4 1x PCI-E 3.0 x16 @ x1 2x PCI-E 3.0 x1 @ x1

These slots are compatible with a wide range of graphics cards, including the RX 580 8GB, which is highly notable due to its performance and affordability.

Universal Graphics Card Compatibility

One of the significant advantages of modern graphics cards is their universal compatibility with motherboards. The standard PCI Express (PCIe) interface is designed to be backwards and forwards compatible, meaning that you can use a PCIe 4.0 graphics card on a chassis that has PCIe 2.0 slots, and vice versa. This ensures that the card's functionality is not limited by the motherboard's specification.

The only potential compatibility issue arises when trying to fit a newer graphics card into an extremely old motherboard, often due to outdated BIOS firmware. However, the TROOPER B150 D3 was released a few years after the transition from traditional BIOS to Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) began. Hence, it is equipped with UEFI firmware, allowing for a smooth installation of an RX 580 8GB.

Practical Considerations

Aside from the theoretical compatibility, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. These include:

The availability of room in your case to accommodate the graphics card. Most standard cases can easily fit an RX 580, but compact builds might need special attention. The power supply unit (PSU) should have sufficient PCIe power connectors and be able to support the load of an RX 580 8GB. Always ensure your PSU is capable of meeting the card's power requirements.

In conclusion, the TROOPER B150 D3 motherboard is fully compatible with the RX 580 8GB, and any existing compatibility issues are primarily related to physical installation and power supply. This combination offers an affordable and powerful setup for enthusiasts and casual gamers alike, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to revive their older gaming rigs or build a new system for modern games.