What To Know
- In the realm of PC building, the motherboard serves as the backbone of the system, connecting various components and enabling them to communicate seamlessly.
- When it comes to AMD’s AM4 platform, the ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar stand out as two formidable contenders in the B550m motherboard segment.
- In contrast, the MSI B550M Mortar exudes a more refined and modern look, featuring a black and silver color scheme and a sleek heatsink design.
In the realm of PC building, the motherboard serves as the backbone of the system, connecting various components and enabling them to communicate seamlessly. When it comes to AMD’s AM4 platform, the ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar stand out as two formidable contenders in the B550m motherboard segment. This in-depth comparison delves into the key features, performance, and overall value of these two highly sought-after motherboards, helping you make an informed decision for your next build.
Form Factor and Design
Both the ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar adopt the micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for compact and mid-tower builds. However, their designs showcase distinct aesthetics. The ASUS TUF B550M boasts a rugged and military-inspired appearance, with a matte black PCB and angular accents. In contrast, the MSI B550M Mortar exudes a more refined and modern look, featuring a black and silver color scheme and a sleek heatsink design.
Chipset and Socket
At the core of these motherboards lies the AMD B550 chipset, which supports AMD‘s Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors. Both motherboards feature an AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AMD CPUs.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) plays a crucial role in providing stable power to the CPU. The ASUS TUF B550M employs a 12+2 power stage design, while the MSI B550M Mortar utilizes an 8+2+1 configuration. Both motherboards offer capable VRM solutions that can handle even the most power-hungry CPUs without throttling.
Memory Support
When it comes to memory, both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds up to 5100MHz (OC). The ASUS TUF B550M offers four DIMM slots, while the MSI B550M Mortar provides two DIMM slots. The choice between these two configurations depends on your memory expansion needs and budget.
Storage Connectivity
For storage, the ASUS TUF B550M features four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4, one PCIe 3.0 x4). The MSI B550M Mortar also provides four SATA III ports but only one M.2 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4). The additional M.2 slot on the ASUS TUF B550M allows for more flexible storage configurations, including RAID arrays.
Expansion Slots
In terms of expansion slots, the ASUS TUF B550M offers one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 mode), and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The MSI B550M Mortar provides one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. The additional PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 mode) on the ASUS TUF B550M can be useful for installing additional expansion cards, such as sound cards or capture cards.
Connectivity
For connectivity, both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of options. They feature Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring fast and stable network and wireless connections. Additionally, the ASUS TUF B550M includes a 2.5GbE LAN port for even faster wired network speeds.
BIOS and Software
The BIOS and software provided by each motherboard play an important role in user experience and system optimization. The ASUS TUF B550M comes with the UEFI BIOS, which is known for its intuitive interface and advanced overclocking options. The MSI B550M Mortar utilizes the Click BIOS 5, which offers a user-friendly design and a wide range of customization options.
Overclocking Potential
Both motherboards offer overclocking capabilities, allowing you to push your CPU and memory beyond their stock speeds. However, the overclocking potential may vary depending on the specific CPU and memory used. In general, the ASUS TUF B550M is considered to have slightly better overclocking capabilities than the MSI B550M Mortar.
Price and Value
The ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar are both competitively priced within the B550m motherboard segment. The ASUS TUF B550M typically retails for a slightly higher price than the MSI B550M Mortar. However, the additional features and overclocking potential offered by the ASUS TUF B550M may justify the price difference for some users.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
The choice between the ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value rugged design, additional M.2 slot, and slightly better overclocking potential, the ASUS TUF B550M is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more refined aesthetic, a more user-friendly BIOS, and a lower price point, the MSI B550M Mortar is a compelling option. Both motherboards offer exceptional performance and value, making them worthy contenders for any AMD-based build.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
Both motherboards offer capable VRM cooling solutions. However, the ASUS TUF B550M features a larger heatsink, which may provide slightly better cooling performance under sustained heavy loads.
2. Can I use both M.2 slots on the ASUS TUF B550M simultaneously?
Yes, you can use both M.2 slots on the ASUS TUF B550M simultaneously. The motherboard supports RAID configurations, allowing you to create a high-performance storage array.
3. Does the MSI B550M Mortar come with Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, the MSI B550M Mortar features built-in Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, providing fast and stable wireless network access.
4. Which motherboard has more fan headers?
The ASUS TUF B550M offers more fan headers than the MSI B550M Mortar. It provides four chassis fan headers and one CPU fan header, giving you more flexibility in cooling your system.
5. Can I overclock my CPU on both motherboards?
Yes, both the ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar allow overclocking of AMD Ryzen CPUs. However, the overclocking potential may vary depending on the specific CPU and memory used.
