Clash of the Titans: ASUS TUF B450M vs ASRock B450M Steel Legend – A Comprehensive Comparison
What To Know
- For audio enthusiasts, the ASUS TUF B450M boasts a Realtek ALC887 audio codec, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend features a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec.
- The ASUS TUF B450M and ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both excellent motherboards that offer a compelling combination of features and performance.
- The ASUS TUF B450M is an ideal choice for those seeking a compact and durable motherboard, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend appeals to users who prioritize expansion capabilities and wireless connectivity.
In the realm of motherboard supremacy, the ASUS TUF B450M and ASRock B450M Steel Legend stand as formidable contenders. Both motherboards cater to the mid-range segment, offering a blend of features and performance that cater to the needs of value-conscious PC builders. But which motherboard emerges victorious in the ultimate showdown? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect of these two formidable contenders, guiding you towards an informed decision.
Form Factor and Design
The ASUS TUF B450M adopts the micro-ATX form factor, making it a suitable choice for compact builds. Its rugged exterior, reinforced with military-grade components, exudes durability and reliability. On the other hand, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend opts for the slightly larger ATX form factor, providing ample room for expansion and customization. Its sleek black and silver design conveys a sense of sophistication and elegance.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards are powered by the AMD B450 chipset, which supports AMD Ryzen processors from the first to third generation. This chipset provides a solid foundation for stable performance, offering a wide range of connectivity options and expansion capabilities.
Memory
The ASUS TUF B450M and ASRock B450M Steel Legend support dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds up to 3200MHz. They offer four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum capacity of 64GB of RAM. This memory capacity is sufficient for most users, enabling smooth multitasking and demanding applications.
Storage
Storage options are plentiful on both motherboards. The ASUS TUF B450M features six SATA ports, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend boasts eight. Both motherboards also include an M.2 slot for high-speed NVMe SSDs. This combination provides ample storage space and flexibility for various storage configurations.
Expansion Slots
For expansion capabilities, the ASUS TUF B450M offers a single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots, and a PCIe 2.0 x16 slot that runs at x4 speed. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend, on the other hand, features two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot, and two PCIe 2.0 x16 slots that run at x4 speed. These expansion slots allow for the installation of graphics cards, sound cards, and other peripherals.
Connectivity
Both motherboards provide a comprehensive range of connectivity options. They include Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.1 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports, and audio jacks. However, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend offers a slight edge with its inclusion of a Wi-Fi 6 module, providing wireless connectivity out of the box.
BIOS and Overclocking
The ASUS TUF B450M and ASRock B450M Steel Legend feature user-friendly BIOS interfaces that offer comprehensive control over system settings. They support overclocking, allowing enthusiasts to push their hardware to its limits. However, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend may have a slight advantage in overclocking capabilities due to its more robust VRM design.
Audio
For audio enthusiasts, the ASUS TUF B450M boasts a Realtek ALC887 audio codec, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend features a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec. Both codecs provide high-quality audio output, but the ALC1220 may offer a slightly better signal-to-noise ratio and support for higher impedance headphones.
RGB Lighting
RGB enthusiasts will appreciate the RGB lighting capabilities of both motherboards. The ASUS TUF B450M features a single RGB header, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend offers two RGB headers. These headers allow for the connection of RGB LED strips and other compatible devices, enabling users to customize their system’s aesthetics.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF B450M and ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both competitively priced in the mid-range segment. Their availability may vary depending on the region and retailer, but both motherboards are widely available online and in retail stores.
Final Verdict
The ASUS TUF B450M and ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both excellent motherboards that offer a compelling combination of features and performance. The ASUS TUF B450M is an ideal choice for those seeking a compact and durable motherboard, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend appeals to users who prioritize expansion capabilities and wireless connectivity. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Popular Questions
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has a slightly better VRM design and may offer marginally better overclocking performance.
2. Which motherboard has more storage options?
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has two additional SATA ports, providing a total of eight storage options.
3. Which motherboard has more RGB lighting headers?
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend features two RGB headers, while the ASUS TUF B450M has only one.
