ASRock B450M Steel Legend vs ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming: A Comprehensive Comparison
What To Know
- The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has a micro-ATX form factor, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming comes in an mATX form factor.
- Both the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming are excellent mid-range motherboards that offer a great balance of features and performance.
- The ASRock B450M Steel Legend excels in overclocking and memory speed, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming provides enhanced durability and a more understated design.
When building a gaming PC, the motherboard is a crucial component that determines the system’s performance and stability. Two popular choices in the mid-range segment are the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, specifications, and performance of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Compatibility
Both the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming are based on the AMD B450 chipset. This chipset supports AMD‘s Ryzen 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation processors, providing a wide range of CPU options to choose from.
Form Factor and Design
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has a micro-ATX form factor, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming comes in an mATX form factor. Both motherboards are designed for compact gaming builds and will fit in most mid-tower and full-tower cases.
The Steel Legend features a sleek black and silver design with a rugged steel plate covering the I/O area. In contrast, the TUF B450M-Pro Gaming has a more subdued black and gray design with a military-grade certification for enhanced durability.
Memory and Storage
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with speeds up to 4400MHz. The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming also offers support for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, but its maximum speed is slightly lower at 4200MHz.
Both motherboards have dual M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, allowing for fast storage options. The Steel Legend has one PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot and one PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot, while the TUF B450M-Pro Gaming has two PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots.
Expansion Slots
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming has one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot.
Both motherboards provide ample expansion options for graphics cards, additional storage devices, and other peripherals.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, both the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming offer a comprehensive range of options. Both motherboards have:
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs
Audio and Features
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend features the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which provides high-quality audio output. The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming, on the other hand, uses the Realtek S1200A codec, which is known for its clear and immersive sound.
Both motherboards come with a range of additional features, including:
- RGB lighting support
- BIOS Flashback button for easy BIOS updates
- EZ Debug LEDs for troubleshooting
- Fan headers for optimal cooling
Performance
In terms of performance, both the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming deliver solid results. They provide stable and reliable operation for gaming, content creation, and everyday tasks.
However, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities due to its higher memory speed support.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize overclocking potential and memory speed, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is a better option. However, if durability, aesthetics, and a more subdued design are important to you, the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming is a solid choice.
The Verdict
Both the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming are excellent mid-range motherboards that offer a great balance of features and performance. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend excels in overclocking and memory speed, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming provides enhanced durability and a more understated design.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and build a gaming PC that meets your requirements.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has the Realtek ALC1220 codec, which is known for its high-quality audio output.
Q: Does the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming support PCIe 4.0?
A: No, the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming only supports PCIe 3.0.
Q: Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
A: The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has more expansion slots, including one additional PCIe 2.0 x1 slot.
Q: Does the ASRock B450M Steel Legend support RGB lighting?
A: Yes, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend has RGB lighting support and comes with a 12V RGB header.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has higher memory speed support and is therefore better for overclocking.
