Which Motherboard Reigns Supreme? ASUS TUF vs ROG Strix B660-A Showdown
What To Know
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 utilize the Intel B660 chipset, providing support for Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake processors.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 boasts a superior power delivery system compared to the TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4, on the other hand, showcases a more premium design with a black and white PCB and integrated RGB lighting.
The ATX motherboard market is a competitive landscape, with numerous options from renowned manufacturers like ASUS. Two such contenders are the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4. Both motherboards boast impressive features and target different segments of the gaming community. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two formidable motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 utilize the Intel B660 chipset, providing support for Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, enabling compatibility with the latest Intel CPUs.
Power Delivery
The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 boasts a superior power delivery system compared to the TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4. It employs a 14+1 power stage VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) with ProCool II power connectors, ensuring stable and efficient power supply to the CPU, even under demanding workloads.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR4 memory, but the ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 offers a slight advantage. It features four DIMM slots, allowing for up to 128GB of RAM, while the TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 supports up to 64GB. Both motherboards support speeds up to DDR4-5333 (OC).
Storage Options
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 provide ample storage connectivity options. Both feature four SATA III ports for traditional hard drives and solid-state drives, as well as M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs. However, the ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has an additional M.2 slot, offering more flexibility for storage expansion.
Expansion Slots
The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 outperforms the TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 in terms of expansion slots. It features three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4, on the other hand, has two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
Connectivity
Both motherboards provide comprehensive connectivity options. They feature a 2.5Gb LAN port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2 for reliable wired and wireless networking. Additionally, they offer multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2, Gen 1, and Gen 2×2 Type-C ports for fast data transfer.
Aesthetics and Features
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 sports a rugged and durable design with a black PCB and metal reinforcements. It features Aura Sync RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics. The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4, on the other hand, showcases a more premium design with a black and white PCB and integrated RGB lighting. It also includes an OLED display for real-time system monitoring and customization.
Verdict
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers looking for a reliable and feature-rich motherboard. It offers a solid foundation for a gaming PC build and delivers a great user experience. The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4, however, is a more premium option that caters to enthusiasts seeking exceptional performance and customization options. Its superior power delivery, additional memory slots, and expanded expansion capabilities make it an ideal choice for high-end gaming systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a more robust power delivery system, providing better overclocking potential for Intel processors.
Q: Can both motherboards support DDR5 memory?
A: No, both motherboards support DDR4 memory only.
Q: Does the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 have a built-in Wi-Fi adapter?
A: Yes, both motherboards feature integrated Wi-Fi 6E adapters for wireless connectivity.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: Both motherboards have a similar number of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2, Gen 1, and Gen 2×2 Type-C ports.
Q: Is the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 worth the extra cost?
A: The decision depends on your individual needs and budget. If you seek a premium motherboard with exceptional performance and customization options, the ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 is a worthwhile investment.
