Clash of the Gaming Titans: ASUS TUF B550M-Plus vs ASRock B450M Steel Legend
What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is built on the latest AMD B550 chipset, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend uses the older B450 chipset.
- If you are on a tighter budget and do not require the latest features, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is a solid option that offers good value for money.
- Whether you choose the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus or the ASRock B450M Steel Legend, you can be assured of a reliable and capable foundation for your system.
In the world of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is crucial for a stable and high-performing system. When it comes to budget-friendly options, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend stand out as top contenders. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Features and Specifications
Chipset and Socket
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is built on the latest AMD B550 chipset, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend uses the older B450 chipset. The B550 chipset offers support for PCIe 4.0, providing faster data transfer speeds for compatible devices.
CPU Compatibility
Both motherboards support AMD Ryzen processors, including the latest 5000 series. However, the B550 chipset allows for overclocking of Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, while the B450 chipset does not.
Memory Support
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with speeds up to 5100MHz. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend also supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, but its maximum speed is limited to 4400MHz.
Storage Connectivity
Both motherboards offer ample storage connectivity options, including multiple SATA ports and M.2 slots. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has one PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend has two PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots.
Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus provides a wide range of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity but has a 2.5Gb Ethernet port for faster wired network speeds.
Power Delivery
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus features a 12+2 phase power delivery system, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend has a 6+2 phase power delivery system. A higher phase count generally indicates better power delivery and stability for high-end processors.
Design and Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a durable and rugged design with a black and yellow color scheme. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend, on the other hand, has a more subtle design with a black and white color scheme.
Performance Comparison
In real-world performance tests, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus generally outperforms the ASRock B450M Steel Legend. This is primarily due to the B550 chipset’s support for PCIe 4.0 and the motherboard’s superior power delivery system.
Overclocking Capabilities
As mentioned earlier, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus allows for overclocking of Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend does not support overclocking for Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, making it less suitable for enthusiasts who want to push their systems to the limit.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide extensive configuration options. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus also includes a dedicated software suite called Armoury Crate, which provides additional features such as fan control and lighting customization.
Which Motherboard Is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend depends on your specific needs and budget.
- If you need the latest features and performance, including PCIe 4.0 support and overclocking capabilities, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is the better choice.
- If you are on a tighter budget and do not require the latest features, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is a solid option that offers good value for money.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither of these motherboards meets your requirements, here are some alternatives to consider:
- MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wi-Fi
- Gigabyte B550M DS3H
- Biostar B550MH
Final Note: Choosing the Right Motherboard
Choosing the right motherboard for your PC build can be a daunting task. By carefully considering the features, performance, and budget, you can find the perfect motherboard to meet your needs. Whether you choose the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus or the ASRock B450M Steel Legend, you can be assured of a reliable and capable foundation for your system.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has better overclocking capabilities as it supports overclocking of Ryzen 5000 series CPUs.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has more storage options as it has one PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot compared to the ASRock B450M Steel Legend’s two PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has better connectivity options as it includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend lacks these features.
