Quick Overview
- For networking, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has an Intel I219-V Gigabit Ethernet controller, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend has a Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit Ethernet controller.
- In terms of performance, both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend are capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from everyday computing to gaming and content creation.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both excellent motherboards that offer a great balance of features and performance.
The world of PC hardware is constantly evolving, with new technologies and products emerging all the time. When it comes to motherboards, two of the most popular choices for mid-range builds are the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend. Both motherboards offer a great balance of features and performance, but which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare these two motherboards in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Features Comparison
Socket and Chipset
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus supports the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend supports up to the AMD Ryzen 3000 series processors. Both motherboards use the B550 and B450 chipsets, respectively, which offer a range of features including support for PCIe 4.0 and advanced overclocking capabilities.
Memory and Storage
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 4400MHz, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 3200MHz. Both motherboards have four memory slots, allowing for flexible memory configurations.
In terms of storage, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend has six SATA III ports and one M.2 slot. The M.2 slots on both motherboards support NVMe SSDs, which offer significantly faster speeds than traditional SATA SSDs.
Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a rich array of connectivity options, including two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. It also has four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports.
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, and one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot. It also has four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports.
Audio and Networking
Both motherboards have integrated Realtek ALC897 audio codecs, which provide high-quality audio output. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus also has a dedicated ESS Sabre 9218 DAC for improved audio performance.
For networking, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has an Intel I219-V Gigabit Ethernet controller, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend has a Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit Ethernet controller. Both controllers provide fast and reliable internet connectivity.
Performance
In terms of performance, both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend are capable of handling a wide range of tasks, from everyday computing to gaming and content creation. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a slight edge in performance due to its support for PCIe 4.0 and its more advanced overclocking capabilities.
Overclocking
Both motherboards support overclocking, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has more robust overclocking features. It has a dedicated overclocking chip, a more comprehensive BIOS, and more voltage control options. This makes it a better choice for users who want to push their systems to the limit.
Design and Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a sleek and modern design with a black and gray color scheme. It also has a number of TUF Gaming-specific features, such as reinforced PCIe slots and a durable construction.
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has a more traditional design with a black and red color scheme. It also has a number of Steel Legend-specific features, such as a reinforced steel slot and a premium audio solution.
Price and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is priced at around $150, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is priced at around $120. Both motherboards are widely available from a variety of retailers.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both excellent motherboards that offer a great balance of features and performance. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a slight edge in terms of performance, overclocking capabilities, and connectivity. If you’re looking for the best possible motherboard for your mid-range build, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is the better choice.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is still a great option. It offers many of the same features as the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus, but at a lower price.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has more robust overclocking features, making it a better choice for users who want to push their systems to the limit.
Q: Which motherboard has more connectivity options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has more connectivity options, including two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are capable of handling gaming, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a slight edge in performance due to its support for PCIe 4.0 and its more advanced overclocking capabilities.