At a Glance
- It uses a 12+2 phase VRM with 50A power stages, while the Plus model has a 10+2 phase VRM with 40A power stages.
- ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has a 12+2 phase VRM with 50A power stages, while ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a 10+2 phase VRM with 40A power stages.
- ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has a SupremeFX audio codec, while ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
When it comes to building a gaming PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. ASUS’s TUF Gaming B550-Pro and TUF Gaming B550-Plus are two excellent options for AMD Ryzen users, but which one is the best for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into their specifications, features, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications
| Feature | ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro | ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Chipset | AMD B550 | AMD B550 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory Slots | 4x DDR4 DIMM | 4x DDR4 DIMM |
| Max Memory Capacity | 128GB | 128GB |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Storage Slots | 2x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4), 6x SATA ports | 2x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4), 4x SATA ports |
| USB Ports | 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220A 8-channel | Realtek ALC897 7.1-channel |
| LAN | 1x 2.5Gb Ethernet | 1x 1Gb Ethernet |
Features
Power Delivery
Both motherboards feature robust power delivery systems, but the Pro model has a slight edge. It uses a 12+2 phase VRM with 50A power stages, while the Plus model has a 10+2 phase VRM with 40A power stages. This gives the Pro model better overclocking potential and stability under heavy loads.
Connectivity
The Pro model offers a more comprehensive connectivity suite. It has a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, which is twice as fast as the 1Gb Ethernet port on the Plus model. Additionally, the Pro model has one more PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, providing greater expansion options.
Storage
Both motherboards support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, but the Pro model has an additional M.2 slot. This allows for more storage capacity and flexibility in configuring RAID arrays.
Gaming Features
Both motherboards offer dedicated gaming features such as ASUS’s Armory Crate software, GameFirst VI network optimization, and Aura Sync RGB lighting. However, the Pro model has a slight advantage with its SupremeFX audio codec, which provides better sound quality for gaming and entertainment.
Overclocking
Both motherboards support overclocking, but the Pro model has more advanced overclocking options. It features BIOS-level voltage adjustments and a dedicated overclocking section in the UEFI. This makes it easier for experienced users to push their systems to the limits.
Performance
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver excellent results. They handle gaming, content creation, and everyday tasks with ease. However, the Pro model may have a slight edge in overclocking and synthetic benchmarks due to its superior power delivery system.
Which One to Choose?
The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and B550-Plus depends on your specific needs and budget.
ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro:
- Choose this motherboard if you prioritize:
- Best possible power delivery and overclocking performance
- Faster 2.5Gb Ethernet connectivity
- More PCIe 3.0 x1 expansion slots
- Additional M.2 slot for storage
- SupremeFX audio codec for better sound quality
ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus:
- Choose this motherboard if you prioritize:
- More affordable price point
- Sufficient power delivery for most users
- 1Gb Ethernet connectivity is adequate
- Less need for PCIe 3.0 x1 expansion slots
- Basic audio codec is acceptable
Summary: The Ultimate Choice
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and B550-Plus are excellent motherboards for AMD Ryzen users. The Pro model offers superior power delivery, connectivity, and overclocking capabilities, while the Plus model provides a more budget-friendly option with still-solid performance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual requirements and preferences.
Popular Questions
Which motherboard has better VRMs?
ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has a 12+2 phase VRM with 50A power stages, while ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a 10+2 phase VRM with 40A power stages.
Which motherboard has more PCIe slots?
ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has one more PCIe 3.0 x1 slot than ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus.
Which motherboard has better audio?
ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has a SupremeFX audio codec, while ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has two M.2 slots, while ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has one M.2 slot.
Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has more advanced overclocking options and a better power delivery system, making it better for overclocking.