What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards to help you determine which one is the right choice for your needs.
- Both the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards offer a wide range of features that cater to the needs of demanding users.
- The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards feature a sleek and modern design with a black and gray color scheme.
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards are two formidable contenders in the mid-range market. Both boards offer a robust feature set and excellent performance, making them ideal for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts alike. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may influence your purchase decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards to help you determine which one is the right choice for your needs.
Specifications
| Feature | ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi | ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi II |
| — | — | — |
| Chipset | AMD B550 | AMD B550 |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX |
| Memory | 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB | 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB |
| Storage | 2x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 3.0), 6x SATA ports | 2x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 3.0), 6x SATA ports |
| Expansion Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot |
| USB Ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports |
| Networking | Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6 | Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6E |
| Audio | Realtek ALC887 7.1-channel audio | Realtek ALC897 7.1-channel audio |
Features
Both the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards offer a wide range of features that cater to the needs of demanding users.
VRM and Power Delivery
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi features an 8+2 phase VRM with 50A power stages, while the WiFi II model boasts a slightly more robust 10+2 phase VRM with 60A power stages. This enhanced power delivery system on the WiFi II provides better voltage regulation and stability, which is particularly beneficial for overclocking high-end CPUs.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, with speeds ranging from 2133MHz to 4800MHz. However, the WiFi II model offers slightly better memory overclocking capabilities thanks to its optimized trace layout and BIOS settings.
Storage Options
Both motherboards provide ample storage options with two M.2 slots and six SATA ports. The primary M.2 slot on both boards supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, offering lightning-fast storage performance.
Connectivity
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards come equipped with a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. Both models feature Gigabit Ethernet and Intel Wi-Fi 6, but the WiFi II model has the added advantage of supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, which offers faster speeds and reduced latency.
Performance
In terms of performance, both the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards deliver excellent results. The more robust VRM and power delivery system on the WiFi II model provides a slight edge in overclocking potential, but the differences are minimal for most users.
BIOS and Software
ASUS motherboards are renowned for their user-friendly BIOS and comprehensive software suite. Both the TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards offer a wide range of BIOS settings for fine-tuning system performance and overclocking. Additionally, ASUS provides a suite of software tools, including AI Suite 3, Armoury Crate, and Fan Expert 4, to enhance system monitoring, overclocking, and fan control.
Aesthetics and Design
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards feature a sleek and modern design with a black and gray color scheme. The TUF logo and accents add a touch of style and durability to the boards. Both models also have RGB lighting on the chipset heatsink, which can be customized using the ASUS Aura Sync software.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards are priced similarly, with the WiFi II model being slightly more expensive. Both models are readily available from major retailers and online stores.
Which Motherboard Should You Choose?
The choice between the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a motherboard with a robust VRM and power delivery system, excellent memory overclocking capabilities, and the latest Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi II is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t require the most advanced features, the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi offers a great value proposition.
The Verdict
Both the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards are excellent choices for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts alike. The WiFi II model offers a slight edge in terms of overclocking potential and connectivity, but the differences are minimal for most users. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual requirements and budget.
Takeaways: The Ultimate Choice for Your System
The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi and WiFi II motherboards are both exceptional options that will provide a solid foundation for your next PC build. Whether you’re a seasoned overclocker or a casual user, these motherboards offer the features and performance you need to unleash the full potential of your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM and power delivery?
A: The ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi II has a slightly more robust VRM and power delivery system with 10+2 phases and 60A power stages.
Q: Does the WiFi II model support Wi-Fi 6E?
A: Yes, the ASUS TUF B550M Plus WiFi II supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard for faster speeds and reduced latency.
Q: What is the maximum memory speed supported by the motherboards?
A: Both motherboards support memory speeds up to 4800MHz.
Q: How many M.2 slots do the motherboards have?
A: Both motherboards have two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs.
Q: Do the motherboards come with RGB lighting?
A: Yes, both motherboards have RGB lighting on the chipset heatsink, which can be customized using the ASUS Aura Sync software.
