Quick Overview
- Benchmarks show that the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a slight edge in memory and storage performance, while the MSI B550M Mortar performs marginally better in CPU-intensive tasks.
- The MSI B550M Mortar, on the other hand, has a more sleek and modern aesthetic with a black and gold design.
- However, if you prefer a more affordable option with strong CPU performance and a sleek aesthetic, the MSI B550M Mortar is a solid choice.
In the realm of PC building, micro-ATX motherboards have emerged as a popular choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful platform. Among the contenders in this category, the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and the MSI B550M Mortar stand out as formidable options. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two micro-ATX motherboards, examining their key features, performance, and value proposition.
Key Features: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and MSI B550M Mortar utilize the AMD B550 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. This chipset offers a robust feature set, including PCIe 4.0 connectivity and support for high-speed memory.
Memory Support
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi boasts four memory slots, supporting up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 4400MHz. On the other hand, the MSI B550M Mortar features two memory slots, supporting up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 4600MHz.
Storage Connectivity
Both motherboards provide ample storage options. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi offers one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and six SATA ports. The MSI B550M Mortar has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, and four SATA ports.
Networking
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi lives up to its name with integrated WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 support. The MSI B550M Mortar, however, lacks these features and requires an external network adapter.
Audio
Both motherboards feature Realtek ALC1220 audio codecs, providing solid audio performance. However, the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi includes a dedicated ESS Sabre S1220 DAC for enhanced audio quality.
Performance: Benchmarks and Real-World Usage
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver comparable results. Benchmarks show that the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a slight edge in memory and storage performance, while the MSI B550M Mortar performs marginally better in CPU-intensive tasks. However, these differences are minimal and unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use.
Overclocking Potential
Both motherboards offer overclocking capabilities. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a dedicated “OC Profile” feature that allows users to easily overclock their CPUs. The MSI B550M Mortar also provides a range of overclocking settings, but they are more manual and require a deeper understanding of overclocking.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a rugged and utilitarian design with a black and gray color scheme. The MSI B550M Mortar, on the other hand, has a more sleek and modern aesthetic with a black and gold design. Both motherboards feature high-quality construction and durable components.
Value Proposition: Bang for Your Buck
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi is typically priced slightly higher than the MSI B550M Mortar. However, the ASUS motherboard offers a wider range of features, including integrated WiFi 6 and Bluetooth, a dedicated DAC, and more memory slots. If these features are important to you, the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi provides a better value proposition.
The Verdict: Which Motherboard is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize integrated WiFi, enhanced audio, and memory flexibility, the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi is the better choice. However, if you prefer a more affordable option with strong CPU performance and a sleek aesthetic, the MSI B550M Mortar is a solid choice.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
Expansion Slots
Both motherboards offer a good selection of expansion slots. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The MSI B550M Mortar has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
USB Ports
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a total of eight USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. The MSI B550M Mortar has a total of seven USB ports, including one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and four USB 2.0 ports.
BIOS
Both motherboards have user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide extensive customization options. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a more intuitive BIOS design, while the MSI B550M Mortar offers more advanced overclocking settings.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which motherboard has better memory overclocking capabilities?
A: The MSI B550M Mortar supports higher memory speeds (up to 4600MHz) but requires manual overclocking.
Q: Does the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi have a dedicated M.2 slot for WiFi?
A: No, it does not have a dedicated M.2 slot for WiFi; it uses a PCIe slot for the included WiFi module.
Q: Which motherboard is more suitable for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the MSI B550M Mortar may have a slight edge in CPU-intensive games due to its better CPU performance.
Q: Can I use both PCIe 4.0 x16 slots on the MSI B550M Mortar simultaneously?
A: No, the second PCIe 4.0 x16 slot is electrically x4.
Q: Which motherboard has a better audio solution?
A: The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a dedicated ESS Sabre S1220 DAC for enhanced audio quality.