Ultimate Showdown: ASUS TUF B450M Pro II vs ASRock B450M Steel Legend for Ryzen

When embarking on a budget-friendly PC build, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two popular options in the mid-range segment are the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro II and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend. This blog post will compare these two motherboards in-depth to help you make an informed decision.

Feature Comparison: ASUS TUF B450M-Pro II vs ASRock B450M Steel Legend

Chipset and Socket

Both motherboards utilize the AMD B450 chipset, supporting AMD Ryzen processors up to the 3rd generation. They feature the AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AMD CPUs.

Form Factor and Design

The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro II adopts the micro-ATX form factor, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is in the mini-ITX form factor. The TUF B450M-Pro II offers more expansion options due to its larger size, while the Steel Legend is ideal for compact builds.

Power Delivery

The TUF B450M-Pro II boasts a 6+2+1 phase power delivery system, while the Steel Legend features a 4+2 phase design. The TUF B450M-Pro II provides more stable power delivery for overclocking and demanding workloads.

Memory Support

Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds up to 3200MHz. The TUF B450M-Pro II has four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum of 128GB of RAM, while the Steel Legend has two DIMM slots, supporting up to 64GB of memory.

Storage Options

The TUF B450M-Pro II offers two M.2 slots and six SATA III ports for storage expansion. The Steel Legend has one M.2 slot and four SATA III ports. Both motherboards support NVMe SSDs for blazing-fast storage performance.

Connectivity and Features

The TUF B450M-Pro II is equipped with a wide range of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a Realtek ALC887 audio codec. The Steel Legend features similar connectivity options but lacks the USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.

Performance Comparison: ASUS TUF B450M-Pro II vs ASRock B450M Steel Legend

In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver solid results. The TUF B450M-Pro II offers slightly better overclocking capabilities due to its more robust power delivery system. However, the Steel Legend compensates with its compact size and efficient design.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The TUF B450M-Pro II features a rugged and durable design with a black and gray color scheme. The Steel Legend has a sleek and stylish appearance with a silver and black design. Both motherboards have a solid build quality, ensuring longevity and reliability.

Price and Availability

The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both available at similar price points. The exact cost may vary depending on the retailer and location.

The Verdict: ASUS TUF B450M-Pro II vs ASRock B450M Steel Legend

The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both excellent budget-friendly motherboards with their own strengths and weaknesses.

If you prioritize overclocking capabilities, expansion options, and robust power delivery, the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro II is the better choice. However, if you prefer a compact form factor, efficient design, and a more affordable option, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is a solid contender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?

A: The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro II offers better overclocking potential due to its stronger power delivery system.

Q2: Which motherboard is more suitable for compact builds?

A: The ASRock B450M Steel Legend is the better choice for compact builds due to its mini-ITX form factor.

Q3: How many RAM slots does each motherboard have?

A: The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro II has four DIMM slots, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend has two DIMM slots.