What To Know
- the ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming and its successor, the ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II.
- The B450-F Gaming II introduces a BIOS FlashBack button, allowing BIOS updates without a CPU or memory installed.
- The B450-F Gaming offers a great value for budget-conscious gamers, while the B450-F Gaming II provides premium features at a slightly higher price.
In the realm of gaming motherboards, two titans stand tall: the ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming and its successor, the ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II. Both boards promise an exceptional gaming experience, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Aesthetics
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming:
Sporting a sleek black and red design, the B450-F Gaming exudes a stealthy and aggressive aesthetic. Its large ROG logo and customizable Aura Sync RGB illumination add a touch of personalization.
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II:
The B450-F Gaming II retains the iconic ROG design but with subtle enhancements. It features a more angular heatsink and an illuminated I/O shroud, creating a striking and modern look.
Connectivity and Expansion
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming:
- 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x16 mode)
- 1x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (x4 mode)
- 2x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots
- 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- 1x M.2 slot (PCIe 3.0 x4)
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II:
- 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (x16 mode)
- 1x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (x4 mode)
- 2x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots
- 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- 2x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4)
The B450-F Gaming II boasts superior connectivity with a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and two M.2 slots supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. This allows for faster data transfer rates for NVMe SSDs and graphics cards.
Power Delivery and VRM
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming:
- 8+2-phase power delivery
- 50A power stages
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II:
- 12+2-phase power delivery
- 60A power stages
The B450-F Gaming II‘s enhanced power delivery system provides better overclocking headroom and stability for high-performance CPUs.
Audio and Networking
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming:
- SupremeFX S1220A audio codec
- Intel I211-AT Gigabit Ethernet
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II:
- SupremeFX S1220A audio codec
- Intel I211-AT Gigabit Ethernet
- Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (optional)
Both motherboards offer excellent audio quality with the SupremeFX S1220A codec. The B450-F Gaming II includes an optional Wi-Fi 6 adapter for wireless connectivity.
BIOS and Software
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming:
- UEFI BIOS with EZ Flash 3
- Armoury Crate software
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II:
- UEFI BIOS with EZ Flash 3
- Armoury Crate software
- BIOS FlashBack button
The B450-F Gaming II introduces a BIOS FlashBack button, allowing BIOS updates without a CPU or memory installed.
Performance and Overclocking
Performance:
Both motherboards deliver similar performance in gaming and everyday tasks. The B450-F Gaming II may have a slight edge due to its PCIe 4.0 support.
Overclocking:
The B450-F Gaming II‘s superior power delivery system enables higher overclocking potential for CPUs.
Value and Pricing
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming:
- MSRP: Around $150
ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II:
- MSRP: Around $180
The B450-F Gaming offers a great value for budget-conscious gamers, while the B450-F Gaming II provides premium features at a slightly higher price.
Which One to Choose?
The choice between the ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming and its successor depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize PCIe 4.0 support, enhanced power delivery, and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, the B450-F Gaming II is the superior choice. However, if you’re looking for a cost-effective motherboard with excellent performance, the B450-F Gaming is a solid option.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Gaming Motherboard
In the battle of the ASUS ROG Strix B450-F Gaming vs. II, the latter emerges as the victor due to its superior connectivity, power delivery, and BIOS features. Whether you’re a seasoned overclocker or a budget-minded gamer, both motherboards offer exceptional value and performance for their respective price ranges.
What People Want to Know
1. What is the main difference between the B450-F Gaming and the B450-F Gaming II?
The B450-F Gaming II features PCIe 4.0 support, enhanced power delivery, and an optional Wi-Fi 6 adapter.
2. Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
The B450-F Gaming II has a stronger power delivery system, making it better suited for overclocking high-performance CPUs.
3. Is the B450-F Gaming II compatible with Ryzen 5000 series CPUs?
Yes, both the B450-F Gaming and B450-F Gaming II support Ryzen 5000 series CPUs with a BIOS update.
