A Comprehensive Comparison: ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro vs ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus

The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus are two motherboards that offer a compelling combination of features and performance for gamers and enthusiasts. While they share several similarities, there are also some key differences that set them apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the details of each motherboard, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Chipset and Socket

Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus utilize the AMD B550 chipset, which supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors. This chipset offers a wide range of connectivity options and features, including support for PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen2, and SATA 6 Gbps.

Form Factor

The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro is an ATX motherboard, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is a micro-ATX motherboard. The ATX form factor provides more space for expansion slots and peripherals, while the micro-ATX form factor is more compact and suitable for smaller builds.

Power Delivery

The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro features a 12+2 power phase design, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a 10+2 power phase design. A higher number of power phases generally indicates better power delivery and stability, especially when overclocking high-power CPUs.

Memory Support

Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with speeds up to 5100 MHz (OC). However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro offers more advanced memory overclocking features, such as ASUS OptiMem II, which helps to improve memory stability and performance.

Storage Connectivity

The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus both provide ample storage options. The B550-Pro has one PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot and four SATA 6 Gbps ports, while the B550-Plus has one PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot and two SATA 6 Gbps ports.

Expansion Slots

The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, and one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, and one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot. Both motherboards also include a legacy PCI slot.

Connectivity

The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus offer a wide range of connectivity options, including:

• Ethernet: 2.5GbE LAN
• Wi-Fi: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (B550-Pro only)
• USB: 8x USB 3.2 Gen2, 6x USB 3.2 Gen1, 4x USB 2.0
• Audio: Realtek S1200A 8-channel HD Audio Codec

Features and Functionality

Both motherboards offer a range of features and functionality, including:

• ASUS Aura Sync: RGB lighting control
• SupremeFX Audio: High-quality audio with noise cancellation
• Fan Xpert 4: Advanced fan control
• Armory Crate: Unified software suite for hardware control

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Motherboard

The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus are both excellent motherboards for gamers and enthusiasts. The B550-Pro offers more advanced features and better power delivery, making it the better choice for high-performance builds. However, the B550-Plus is a more affordable option that still offers solid performance and features, making it a great choice for budget-conscious builds.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has a better power delivery system and more advanced memory overclocking features, making it the better choice for overclocking.

Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has one more SATA 6 Gbps port than the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus.

Q: Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has one more PCIe 4.0 x16 slot than the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus.

Q: Which motherboard has better audio?
A: Both motherboards use the same Realtek S1200A 8-channel HD Audio Codec, so they offer comparable audio quality.

Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has more RGB lighting headers than the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus, providing more options for customization.