What To Know
- The B550-Pro boasts a sleek and modern design with a black and gray color scheme, while the B550-Plus has a more traditional black and yellow color combination.
- The B550-Pro offers a slightly more robust VRM and a wider range of storage options, making it a better choice for power users and overclockers.
- The B550-Plus, on the other hand, provides a more affordable option with solid performance and a versatile feature set.
In the realm of gaming motherboards, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and B550-Plus stand out as two formidable contenders. Both boards offer a compelling blend of performance, features, and value, catering to the needs of discerning gamers and enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive comparison delves into the nuances of these two motherboards, highlighting their similarities and differences to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and B550-Plus are both based on the AMD B550 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. This chipset provides a robust foundation for high-performance gaming and content creation.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (voltage regulator module) plays a crucial role in delivering stable power to the CPU. The B550-Pro features a 12+2-phase VRM with 50A power stages, while the B550-Plus has an 8+2-phase VRM with 45A power stages. Both motherboards offer excellent power delivery capabilities, ensuring ample headroom for overclocking and demanding workloads.
Memory Support
Both the B550-Pro and B550-Plus support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration. They support memory speeds of up to 4600MHz (overclocked) on the B550-Pro and 4400MHz (overclocked) on the B550-Plus.
Storage Options
The B550-Pro offers a wider range of storage options, including two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots and six SATA 6Gb/s ports. The B550-Plus has one PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot and four SATA 6Gb/s ports. Both motherboards support RAID 0, 1, and 10 arrays.
Connectivity
The B550-Pro and B550-Plus provide comprehensive connectivity options. They both feature a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, and a Type-C port. The B550-Pro has an additional Thunderbolt 4 port, which offers high-speed data transfer and display output capabilities.
Audio
Both motherboards feature the Realtek ALC S1200A audio codec, which delivers high-quality audio performance. They also include a dedicated headphone amplifier for enhanced audio clarity and immersion.
Aesthetics and Design
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and B550-Plus have distinct aesthetics that cater to different tastes. The B550-Pro boasts a sleek and modern design with a black and gray color scheme, while the B550-Plus has a more traditional black and yellow color combination. Both motherboards feature RGB lighting, allowing users to customize their builds to their liking.
Final Verdict
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and B550-Plus are both excellent motherboards for gaming and content creation. The B550-Pro offers a slightly more robust VRM and a wider range of storage options, making it a better choice for power users and overclockers. The B550-Plus, on the other hand, provides a more affordable option with solid performance and a versatile feature set. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has a slightly more robust VRM, making it a better choice for overclocking.
Q: Does the B550-Plus support PCIe 4.0?
A: Yes, the B550-Plus supports PCIe 4.0 for the primary M.2 slot.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has more USB ports than the B550-Plus, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports.
