ASUS TUF vs ROG: Which B650 Motherboard Delivers the Ultimate Gaming Edge?
What To Know
- The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi sports a rugged and durable design with a black and gray color scheme, while the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi boasts a more vibrant aesthetic with RGB lighting and a futuristic design.
- The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi takes audio a step further with the Realtek ALC4080 codec, which offers a higher signal-to-noise ratio and support for DTS Sound Unbound.
- The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi provides a solid foundation for a reliable and affordable PC, while the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi offers a more premium experience with enhanced features and customization options.
The latest generation of motherboards has arrived, and ASUS is leading the charge with its new B650 chipsets. Today, we’ll be comparing two of their most popular mid-range options: the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi | ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | AM5 | AM5 |
| Chipset | B650 | B650 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR5 | Up to 128GB DDR5 |
| Storage Support | 4x SATA III, 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 | 4x SATA III, 3x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet | Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 | Realtek ALC4080 |
| Price | Around $200 | Around $250 |
Design and Aesthetics
Both motherboards feature an ATX form factor, providing ample room for expansion. The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi sports a rugged and durable design with a black and gray color scheme, while the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi boasts a more vibrant aesthetic with RGB lighting and a futuristic design.
Performance and Features
In terms of performance, both motherboards offer excellent support for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors. They feature robust VRM designs and efficient heatsinks to ensure stable operation under heavy workloads. The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi provides basic connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet, while the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi offers enhanced connectivity with an additional M.2 slot and a 10Gb Ethernet port.
Storage and Expansion
The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi comes with four SATA III ports and two M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, providing ample storage options. The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi expands on this with three M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, allowing for multiple high-speed NVMe SSDs. Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
Audio and Connectivity
The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi utilizes the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, delivering clear and immersive sound. The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi takes audio a step further with the Realtek ALC4080 codec, which offers a higher signal-to-noise ratio and support for DTS Sound Unbound. In terms of connectivity, both motherboards feature Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet, providing fast and stable network connections. The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi adds a 10Gb Ethernet port for ultra-fast data transfers.
Customization and Lighting
The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi offers limited customization options with an RGB header for connecting external lighting. The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi goes all out with a full-fledged RGB lighting system, including onboard LEDs, multiple RGB headers, and support for Aura Sync software. This allows for a wide range of lighting effects and customization to match your personal style.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable ATX motherboard with solid performance, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is an excellent choice. It offers a balanced feature set, including Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and ample storage options.
If you’re seeking a more feature-rich and customizable motherboard, the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi is a perfect pick. It boasts an enhanced audio solution, additional M.2 slots, 10Gb Ethernet, and a comprehensive RGB lighting system.
Verdict
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi are excellent options for mid-range AMD Ryzen 7000 series builds. The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi provides a solid foundation for a reliable and affordable PC, while the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi offers a more premium experience with enhanced features and customization options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A1. The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi features a higher-quality Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, providing a more immersive and clear sound experience.
Q2. Which motherboard offers more M.2 slots?
A2. The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi has three M.2 slots compared to the TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi’s two, providing more options for high-speed SSD storage.
Q3. Which motherboard supports faster Ethernet speeds?
A3. The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi features a 10Gb Ethernet port, providing ultra-fast network connectivity for demanding applications.
Q4. Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A4. The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi offers a comprehensive RGB lighting system with onboard LEDs, multiple RGB headers, and support for Aura Sync software, allowing for extensive customization and lighting effects.
Q5. Which motherboard is more affordable?
A5. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is the more affordable option, offering a solid feature set at a competitive price point.
