ROG Strix B550-A vs Steel Legend: Which Motherboard Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming and ASRock B550 Steel Legend are two of the most popular options in the market, offering a compelling combination of features and performance.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming boasts a robust 12+2 phase VRM with 70A power stages, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend features a 10+2 phase VRM with 60A power stages.
- The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming features a striking black and red design with RGB lighting, while the Steel Legend sports a more understated black and silver aesthetic.
When it comes to building a high-performance gaming PC, the motherboard plays a crucial role. The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming and ASRock B550 Steel Legend are two of the most popular options in the market, offering a compelling combination of features and performance. In this detailed comparison, we will pit these motherboards against each other to determine which one reigns supreme.
Feature Comparison
Socket and Chipset
Both motherboards feature the AMD AM4 socket and support AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors. They utilize the B550 chipset, providing ample connectivity options and overclocking capabilities.
VRM Design
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming boasts a robust 12+2 phase VRM with 70A power stages, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend features a 10+2 phase VRM with 60A power stages. The superior VRM design on the ROG Strix B550-A Gaming provides better power delivery and overclocking headroom for demanding processors.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory in dual-channel configuration. The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming supports speeds up to 5100MHz, while the Steel Legend supports speeds up to 4733MHz.
Storage Options
The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming features four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, while the Steel Legend offers three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots. Additionally, both motherboards have six SATA III ports for ample storage expansion.
Connectivity
The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming provides a comprehensive array of connectivity options, including:
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet
- 1x 2.5Gb Ethernet
- 1x Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2
- 8x USB 3.2 Gen 2
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
The Steel Legend offers a slightly more limited selection of ports:
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet
- 1x Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.2
- 6x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
Performance
Overclocking
The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming excels in overclocking capabilities thanks to its robust VRM design. It allows for higher overclocks on both the processor and memory, resulting in improved performance.
Gaming
Both motherboards provide a stable and reliable platform for gaming. The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming’s superior VRM design and additional connectivity options may provide a slight edge in demanding games.
Aesthetics and Features
Design
The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming features a striking black and red design with RGB lighting, while the Steel Legend sports a more understated black and silver aesthetic. Both motherboards offer customizable RGB lighting options for personalization.
Audio
The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming boasts a SupremeFX S1220A audio codec with ESS SABRE9018Q2C DAC, providing high-quality audio output. The Steel Legend features a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is also capable of delivering good audio quality.
Additional Features
The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming includes a BIOS Flashback button for easy BIOS updates, while the Steel Legend has a BIOS Post Code display for troubleshooting. Both motherboards come with a variety of software utilities for customization and monitoring.
Price and Availability
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming is typically priced around $250-$300, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend retails for around $180-$220. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online marketplaces.
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming and ASRock B550 Steel Legend are both excellent motherboards for gaming and general-purpose use. However, the ROG Strix B550-A Gaming emerges as the clear winner due to its superior VRM design, overclocking capabilities, and comprehensive connectivity options. It is the ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking the best possible performance and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B550-A Gaming has a stronger VRM design and supports higher overclocks.
Q: Which motherboard offers more storage options?
A: The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming has four M.2 slots compared to the Steel Legend‘s three.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The ROG Strix B550-A Gaming features a superior audio codec and DAC for enhanced audio performance.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The ASRock B550 Steel Legend is typically priced lower than the ROG Strix B550-A Gaming.
Q: Which motherboard has better software support?
A: Both motherboards offer a range of software utilities for customization and monitoring.
