Unveiling the Best B650 Motherboards for Every Budget: ASUS TUF vs MSI MAG
What To Know
- The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a more refined and modern design with a black and silver color scheme.
- The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- Both motherboards have strong overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a dedicated overclocking section in the BIOS.
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi are two highly anticipated motherboards designed for AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series processors. Both boards offer a robust feature set, but they have subtle differences that cater to specific user needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of each motherboard to help you make an informed decision.
Features Overview
| Feature | ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi | MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | AMD AM5 | AMD AM5 |
| Chipset | AMD B650 | AMD B650 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory Support | DDR5 up to 64GB | DDR5 up to 64GB |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Storage | 4x SATA III, 1x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4, 1x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 | 4x SATA III, 2x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4, 1x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Network | 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E | 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 | Realtek ALC1220 |
Design and Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi features a rugged and durable design with a black and gray color scheme. The board has a reinforced backplate and military-grade components, making it suitable for demanding gaming and overclocking.
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a more refined and modern design with a black and silver color scheme. The board has a sleek and minimalistic look, with a brushed aluminum heatsink and RGB lighting.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a 2.5GbE LAN port and WiFi 6E support, providing fast and reliable network connections. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi also has a 2.5GbE LAN port, but it only supports WiFi 6.
Storage Capabilities
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots. The primary M.2 slot supports PCIe 5.0 x4, while the secondary M.2 slot supports PCIe 4.0 x4.
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots. Both M.2 slots support PCIe 5.0 x4, providing ample storage expansion options.
Overclocking Potential
Both motherboards have robust overclocking capabilities. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi features a dedicated overclocking section in the BIOS, allowing users to fine-tune performance settings. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi also has a comprehensive BIOS with advanced overclocking options.
BIOS Interface
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a user-friendly BIOS interface with a graphical layout. The BIOS is easy to navigate and provides detailed information about system settings.
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a more traditional BIOS interface with a text-based layout. The BIOS is still functional, but it may require some familiarization for new users.
Price and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is priced around $200, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is priced around $180. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize rugged design, military-grade components, and fast network connectivity, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is a great choice.
If you prefer a more refined design, advanced overclocking capabilities, and multiple M.2 slots, the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is a solid option.
Summary: A Worthy Contender
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi are both excellent motherboards for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors. They offer a robust feature set, reliable performance, and ample upgradeability options. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a casual gamer, one of these motherboards will provide a solid foundation for your next PC build.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: Both motherboards have strong overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a dedicated overclocking section in the BIOS.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage expansion options?
A: The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has three M.2 slots, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has two M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better network connectivity?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has WiFi 6E support, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi only supports WiFi 6.
Q: Which motherboard is more durable?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a reinforced backplate and military-grade components, making it more durable than the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a dedicated gaming mode in the BIOS that optimizes performance for gaming.
