What To Know
- The B450M-Pro II boasts a 6-phase power delivery system with a 4+2 configuration, while the B450M-Plus II has a 4-phase power delivery system with a 3+1 configuration.
- The B450M-Pro II has four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum capacity of 64GB, while the B450M-Plus II has two DIMM slots, supporting a maximum of 32GB.
- The Pro II offers better power delivery, more expansion options, and a slightly higher price, while the Plus II provides a more affordable option with a good balance of features.
The ASUS TUF Gaming B450M series offers budget-friendly motherboards designed for gamers and enthusiasts. Two popular models in this lineup are the ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Pro II and the ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Plus II. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Socket and Chipset
Both motherboards feature the AMD AM4 socket, compatible with a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors. They utilize the B450 chipset, which provides a solid foundation for gaming and everyday use.
Form Factor
The ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Pro II and B450M-Plus II share the compact Micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for smaller builds. This form factor offers a good balance between size and functionality.
Power Delivery
The B450M-Pro II boasts a 6-phase power delivery system with a 4+2 configuration, while the B450M-Plus II has a 4-phase power delivery system with a 3+1 configuration. The Pro II’s more robust power delivery system provides better stability and overclocking potential for higher-end CPUs.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 3200MHz. The B450M-Pro II has four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum capacity of 64GB, while the B450M-Plus II has two DIMM slots, supporting a maximum of 32GB.
Storage Options
The B450M-Pro II offers two M.2 slots, one supporting NVMe and the other SATA, and four SATA III ports. The B450M-Plus II has a single M.2 slot with NVMe support and two SATA III ports. The Pro II’s additional M.2 slot provides more flexibility for storage expansion.
Expansion Slots
The B450M-Pro II features one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. The B450M-Plus II has one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. The Pro II’s additional PCIe 3.0 x1 slot allows for more expandability options.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer similar connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, and audio jacks. The B450M-Plus II has an additional PS/2 port for legacy devices.
Features and Aesthetics
The B450M-Pro II and B450M-Plus II share a rugged and durable TUF Gaming aesthetic with a black and gray color scheme. Both motherboards feature TUF components, such as TUF LANGuard, TUF Chokes, and TUF Capacitors, for enhanced durability and reliability.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards come with the ASUS UEFI BIOS, providing a user-friendly interface for configuring your system. They also support ASUS‘s Armoury Crate software, which allows for centralized control over lighting, fan profiles, and other system settings.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Pro II is typically priced around $90-$100, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Plus II is priced around $70-$80. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online marketplaces.
Choosing the Right Motherboard
The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Pro II and the ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Plus II ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Pro II:
- Better power delivery for overclocking
- More memory and storage expansion options
- Additional PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Plus II:
- Lower price
- Sufficient power delivery for most users
- PS/2 port for legacy devices
The Verdict
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Pro II and the ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Plus II are excellent budget-friendly motherboards for gaming and everyday use. The Pro II offers better power delivery, more expansion options, and a slightly higher price, while the Plus II provides a more affordable option with a good balance of features.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B450M-Pro II with its stronger power delivery system.
Q: Does either motherboard support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
A: No, both motherboards require separate adapters for wireless connectivity.
Q: Which motherboard has more fan headers?
A: The B450M-Pro II has four fan headers, while the B450M-Plus II has three.
Q: What type of lighting does the B450M-Pro II have?
A: The B450M-Pro II features addressable RGB headers for customizable lighting.
Q: Which motherboard has a better audio codec?
A: Both motherboards use the Realtek ALC887 audio codec for high-quality audio output.
