B650 Battle Royale: ASUS TUF vs MSI MAG – Features, Performance, and Value
What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus features a 16+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi boasts a 14+2+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus has four DIMM slots, supporting up to 128GB of memory, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has four DIMM slots as well, supporting up to 64GB of memory.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus offers a more rugged design, robust power delivery, and ample storage options, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi provides faster wireless connectivity and a more stylish aesthetic.
In the realm of PC gaming, motherboards serve as the foundation for building a formidable system. Two contenders that stand out in the ATX form factor are the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi. Both boards offer a robust feature set, catering to the demands of high-performance gaming rigs. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two powerhouses, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different use cases.
Chipset and Socket
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi utilize the latest AMD B650 chipset, providing support for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors. This chipset offers enhanced connectivity and performance capabilities, including support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is crucial for delivering stable and efficient power to the CPU. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus features a 16+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi boasts a 14+2+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages. Both boards provide ample power for even the most demanding processors, ensuring stable overclocking potential.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, offering speeds up to 6400MHz. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus has four DIMM slots, supporting up to 128GB of memory, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has four DIMM slots as well, supporting up to 64GB of memory.
Storage Options
For storage, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus offers four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi also has four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, with two supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. Both boards provide ample storage options for fast and reliable data access.
Expansion Slots
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus has three PCIe x16 slots, one of which runs at PCIe 5.0 x16 speeds, and two PCIe x1 slots. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has three PCIe x16 slots as well, with one running at PCIe 5.0 x16 speeds and one running at PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds. Both boards offer flexibility for graphics card and other expansion card configurations.
Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus comes with a 2.5GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi features a 2.5GbE LAN port and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, providing faster wireless speeds and reduced latency.
Aesthetics and Features
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus has a military-grade design with a black and yellow color scheme. It features a pre-mounted I/O shield and a comprehensive suite of gaming-oriented features, including Aura Sync RGB lighting. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a more traditional black and white design with a brushed aluminum finish. It also offers Mystic Light RGB lighting and a range of gaming-centric features.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi are both available at major retailers. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus typically retails for around $250, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi retails for around $270.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus:
- Ideal for those seeking a durable and feature-rich motherboard with robust power delivery and ample storage options.
- Suitable for high-performance gaming rigs and content creation workstations.
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi:
- A great choice for gamers and enthusiasts who prioritize fast wireless connectivity and a sleek aesthetic.
- Offers solid performance and expansion capabilities, making it a versatile option for various builds.
The Bottom Line: The Ultimate Choice
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi are both excellent motherboards that cater to different user needs. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus offers a more rugged design, robust power delivery, and ample storage options, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi provides faster wireless connectivity and a more stylish aesthetic. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements and preferences.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking potential due to their robust power delivery systems.
Q: Does the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi support DDR4 memory?
A: No, both motherboards only support DDR5 memory.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus offers more extensive RGB lighting options with its Aura Sync RGB lighting system.
Q: Can I use both M.2 slots on the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus at PCIe 5.0 speeds?
A: No, only one M.2 slot on the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus supports PCIe 5.0 speeds.
Q: Which motherboard has a more user-friendly BIOS interface?
A: Both motherboards have intuitive and user-friendly BIOS interfaces that cater to both experienced and novice users.
