What To Know
- Both the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and the MSI B550M Mortar are based on the AMD B550 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors.
- The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi features a 6+2 phase VRM with DrMOS power stages, while the MSI B550M Mortar boasts a 6+2 phase VRM with Duet Rail Power System.
- The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a UEFI BIOS with EZ Mode and Advanced Mode, while the MSI B550M Mortar has a Click BIOS 5 with EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.
When building a gaming PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial for unleashing the full potential of your components. Two formidable contenders in the B550 chipset category are the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and the MSI B550M Mortar. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and the MSI B550M Mortar are based on the AMD B550 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. They feature an AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AMD CPUs.
Form Factor
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and the MSI B550M Mortar both have a micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for compact and mid-tower builds. This compact size allows for easier installation in smaller cases.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is responsible for delivering stable power to the CPU. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi features a 6+2 phase VRM with DrMOS power stages, while the MSI B550M Mortar boasts a 6+2 phase VRM with Duet Rail Power System. Both motherboards offer ample power delivery for most mainstream and overclocked CPUs.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of 128GB. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi supports memory speeds up to 5100MHz, while the MSI B550M Mortar supports speeds up to 4400MHz.
Storage Options
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi provides two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 x4 and the other supports PCIe 3.0 x4. It also has four SATA III ports. The MSI B550M Mortar offers two M.2 slots, both with PCIe 4.0 x4 support, and four SATA III ports.
Connectivity
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi comes with integrated WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity. The MSI B550M Mortar does not have built-in WiFi, but it offers a 2.5GbE LAN port for high-speed wired networking. Both motherboards have multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1.
Aesthetics and Features
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a rugged and military-inspired design with black and gray accents. It features a pre-installed I/O shield and AURA Sync RGB lighting for customization. The MSI B550M Mortar has a more minimalist and sleek design with black and silver accents. It also has a pre-installed I/O shield and Mystic Light RGB lighting.
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with advanced overclocking options. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a UEFI BIOS with EZ Mode and Advanced Mode, while the MSI B550M Mortar has a Click BIOS 5 with EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. Both motherboards support a wide range of overclocking settings, allowing you to push your hardware to its limits.
Takeaways: Finding the Right Balance
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and the MSI B550M Mortar are both excellent motherboards for gaming and content creation. The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi excels in integrated WiFi 6, while the MSI B550M Mortar offers superior storage connectivity with two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: Both motherboards have good VRM cooling solutions, but the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has a larger heatsink that may provide slightly better cooling.
Q: Can I overclock my CPU on both motherboards?
A: Yes, both motherboards support CPU overclocking with advanced BIOS settings.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi has more USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the MSI B550M Mortar may have a slight edge with its superior storage connectivity and 2.5GbE LAN port.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: Pricing may vary depending on the retailer, but the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi is typically priced slightly higher than the MSI B550M Mortar.
