ASUS TUF vs. ASRock Steel: The Ultimate X570 Motherboard Comparison
What To Know
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend are based on the AMD X570 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus utilizes a 12+2-phase power design, while the ASRock X570 Steel Legend features a 10+2-phase power design.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus offers a slightly better power delivery system and memory support, while the ASRock X570 Steel Legend has a more comprehensive expansion slot configuration and a slightly lower price.
In the realm of gaming motherboards, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend stand out as two formidable contenders. Both boards offer a robust feature set and are designed to handle the latest AMD Ryzen processors. However, they differ in certain aspects that may influence your choice. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend, helping you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend are based on the AMD X570 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors. They feature the AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AMD CPUs.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system is crucial for stable system performance under demanding loads. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus utilizes a 12+2-phase power design, while the ASRock X570 Steel Legend features a 10+2-phase power design. Both boards are equipped with high-quality components to ensure efficient power delivery to the CPU.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR4 memory and offer four DIMM slots for up to 128GB of total capacity. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus supports memory speeds up to 4600MHz, while the ASRock X570 Steel Legend supports speeds up to 4400MHz.
Storage Options
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend provide ample storage options. Both boards feature two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs. Additionally, they offer six SATA 6Gb/s ports for traditional hard drives and SSDs.
Expansion Slots
For graphics cards and other expansion devices, both motherboards have three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus also includes two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, while the ASRock X570 Steel Legend has one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot and one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, both boards offer a wide range of options. They feature Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus has a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port on the rear panel, while the ASRock X570 Steel Legend has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port.
Audio
For audio, both motherboards use the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec. They offer a variety of audio features, including high-quality audio capacitors and dedicated headphone amplifiers.
BIOS and Software
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces. The ASUS BIOS offers a variety of overclocking options, while the ASRock BIOS provides a simplified layout for easy navigation. Both boards also come with proprietary software suites that provide additional features and customization options.
Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus features a military-grade design with a black and yellow color scheme. The ASRock X570 Steel Legend has a more traditional black and silver design. Both boards offer RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the look of your system.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend are both available at similar price points. They are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Final Verdict: ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus vs ASRock X570 Steel Legend
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend are excellent choices for gaming motherboards. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus offers a slightly better power delivery system and memory support, while the ASRock X570 Steel Legend has a more comprehensive expansion slot configuration and a slightly lower price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus offers a more comprehensive set of overclocking options in its BIOS.
2. Does either motherboard support Thunderbolt 3?
No, neither motherboard has built-in Thunderbolt 3 support.
3. Which motherboard has more USB ports?
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus has a wider selection of USB ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port.
4. Is either motherboard compatible with AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors?
Yes, both motherboards are compatible with AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors with a BIOS update.
5. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
Both motherboards use the same Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, so they offer similar audio quality.
