Clash of the Titans: ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi vs MSI B550M Mortar
What To Know
- The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi features a 12+2 phase power delivery system, while the MSI B550M Mortar employs an 8+2+1 phase design.
- The choice between the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and the MSI B550M Mortar ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- The ASUS motherboard offers slightly better audio quality, wireless connectivity, and a more robust power delivery, while the MSI motherboard provides a lower price point and a 2.
In the realm of PC hardware, the motherboard serves as the backbone, connecting all the vital components and enabling seamless communication. When it comes to the mid-range B550 chipset, two formidable contenders stand out: the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and the MSI B550M Mortar. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each motherboard, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Features
Both motherboards boast the latest B550 chipset from AMD, offering support for the latest Ryzen 5000 series processors. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi features a 12+2 phase power delivery system, while the MSI B550M Mortar employs an 8+2+1 phase design. While the ASUS motherboard offers a slightly more robust power delivery, both motherboards provide ample power for overclocking and demanding workloads.
In terms of storage connectivity, the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi offers two M.2 NVMe slots, while the MSI B550M Mortar provides only one. Both motherboards support PCIe 4.0 for lightning-fast storage speeds.
Connectivity and Expansion
Network connectivity is a crucial aspect of any motherboard. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi comes with built-in WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, providing seamless wireless connectivity. The MSI B550M Mortar lacks WiFi connectivity but offers a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port for exceptional wired network performance.
Expansion options are another important consideration. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi offers two PCIe x16 slots, one PCIe x4 slot, and two PCIe x1 slots. The MSI B550M Mortar provides one PCIe x16 slot, one PCIe x4 slot, and one PCIe x1 slot. Both motherboards support multiple graphics cards in SLI or CrossFire configurations.
Audio and Lighting
Audio quality is essential for a rich and immersive gaming experience. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi features the Realtek ALC S1200A audio codec, while the MSI B550M Mortar uses the Realtek ALC892 codec. Both codecs provide high-quality audio, but the ALC S1200A offers slightly better performance and support for 7.1-channel surround sound.
Lighting is another key aspect of aesthetics. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi features Aura Sync RGB lighting, allowing users to customize the lighting effects and synchronize them with other Aura-compatible components. The MSI B550M Mortar offers Mystic Light RGB lighting, providing similar customization options.
BIOS and Software
The BIOS is the firmware that controls the motherboard’s operation. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi features a user-friendly BIOS with a graphical interface, making it easy to navigate and configure. The MSI B550M Mortar also offers a well-designed BIOS, but it lacks the graphical interface.
Software support is another important consideration. ASUS provides a comprehensive suite of software, including Armoury Crate, Fan Xpert 4, and AI Suite 3. MSI offers Dragon Center, a unified software platform that provides access to various system settings and monitoring tools.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and MSI B550M Mortar are both available at competitive prices. The ASUS motherboard typically retails for around $150, while the MSI motherboard is priced slightly lower at around $130. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and the MSI B550M Mortar ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize wireless connectivity, the ASUS motherboard is the clear choice. If you need more storage options or prefer a lower price point, the MSI motherboard may be a better fit.
Summary:
Both the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and the MSI B550M Mortar offer excellent performance, features, and value for money. The ASUS motherboard offers slightly better audio quality, wireless connectivity, and a more robust power delivery, while the MSI motherboard provides a lower price point and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific requirements and budget.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi features a slightly better audio codec than the MSI B550M Mortar.
Q: Which motherboard offers more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi provides two M.2 NVMe slots, while the MSI B550M Mortar offers only one.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The MSI B550M Mortar is typically priced slightly lower than the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi.
