What To Know
- In the realm of budget-friendly mid-range motherboards, the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 stand as formidable contenders.
- If you’re looking for a motherboard with enhanced gaming features, RGB lighting, and a more aggressive design, the ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 is a better option.
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 are solid mid-range motherboards that provide a great foundation for gaming, content creation, and everyday computing.
In the realm of budget-friendly mid-range motherboards, the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 stand as formidable contenders. Both boards offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and aesthetics. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two motherboards, helping you make an informed decision for your next PC build.
Chipset and Socket Support
Both the TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 are based on Intel’s B660 chipset, which supports 12th-generation Intel Core processors (LGA 1700 socket). This chipset provides a solid foundation for gaming, content creation, and everyday computing.
Memory and Storage
Memory Support:
- TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4: Supports DDR4 memory up to 5333MHz (OC) in a dual-channel configuration.
- ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4: Supports DDR4 memory up to 5000MHz (OC) in a dual-channel configuration.
Storage Support:
Both motherboards offer ample storage options, including:
- 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- 3x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots (with heatsinks)
Expansion Slots
PCIe Slots:
- TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x4 mode), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
- ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x4 mode), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
M.2 Slots:
As mentioned earlier, both motherboards feature 3x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots.
Connectivity
Wired Networking:
- TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4: 1x 2.5Gb Ethernet port
- ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4: 1x 1Gb Ethernet port
Wireless Networking:
- TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4: Integrated Intel Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4: Integrated Intel Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Audio
- TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4: Realtek ALC897 codec
- ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4: SupremeFX S1220A codec
Aesthetics and Features
Design:
- TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4: Military-inspired design with black and gray accents
- ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4: Gamer-centric design with RGB lighting and a cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic
RGB Lighting:
- TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4: Limited RGB headers
- ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4: Multiple RGB headers and integrated Aura Sync lighting
Other Features:
- TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4: TUF LANGuard, TUF ESD Guards
- ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4: AI Overclocking, AI Cooling, BIOS Flashback
Pricing and Availability
- TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4: Starting around $170
- ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4: Starting around $200
Which Motherboard Is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 depends on your specific needs and budget.
- Value-Oriented: If you prioritize value and performance, the TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 is an excellent choice.
- Gamer-Centric: If you’re looking for a motherboard with enhanced gaming features, RGB lighting, and a more aggressive design, the ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 is a better option.
Wrap-Up: The Verdict
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 are solid mid-range motherboards that provide a great foundation for gaming, content creation, and everyday computing. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 supports DDR4 memory up to 5333MHz (OC), while the ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 supports DDR4 memory up to 5000MHz (OC).
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A: The ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has more RGB headers and integrated Aura Sync lighting, providing greater customization options.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: The ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has AI Overclocking and AI Cooling features, which can enhance gaming performance. However, both motherboards offer a solid gaming experience with their PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots.
