What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a large VRM heatsink with a dedicated fan, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend has a smaller VRM heatsink with no fan.
- The ASRock B550 Steel Legend is a better choice if you’re looking for a motherboard with a more understated design and a slightly lower price point.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a larger VRM heatsink with a dedicated fan, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend has a smaller VRM heatsink with no fan.
When building a gaming PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two of the most popular options in the market are the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend. Both motherboards offer excellent features and performance, but which one is the best choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend have distinct designs that reflect their respective brands. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus features a rugged, military-inspired aesthetic with a black and yellow color scheme. On the other hand, the ASRock B550 Steel Legend has a more understated, minimalist design with a black and silver color scheme. Both motherboards have customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize your system’s appearance.
Features and Connectivity
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend feature the AMD B550 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen processors. They both have an AM4 socket, making them compatible with a wide range of AMD CPUs.
PCIe and M.2 Slots
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has four PCIe x16 slots, two of which run at PCIe 4.0 and two at PCIe 3.0. It also has three M.2 slots, one of which is PCIe 4.0 and two are PCIe 3.0.
The ASRock B550 Steel Legend has three PCIe x16 slots, one of which runs at PCIe 4.0 and two at PCIe 3.0. It also has two M.2 slots, both of which are PCIe 4.0.
Memory and Storage
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 4400MHz. They also have multiple SATA ports for additional storage devices.
Audio and Networking
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a Realtek ALC S1200A audio codec, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend has a Realtek ALC1200 codec. Both motherboards have gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
Performance
In terms of performance, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend are very similar. They both offer excellent stability and overclocking capabilities. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slight edge in terms of VRM performance, which can be beneficial for overclocking high-end CPUs.
Cooling
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a large VRM heatsink with a dedicated fan, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend has a smaller VRM heatsink with no fan. This means that the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has better cooling capabilities, which can be important for overclocking.
Price and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend have a similar price point. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend are both excellent motherboards. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is a better choice if you’re looking for a motherboard with excellent VRM performance and cooling capabilities. The ASRock B550 Steel Legend is a better choice if you’re looking for a motherboard with a more understated design and a slightly lower price point.
Summary
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a high-performance motherboard with excellent overclocking capabilities, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more affordable motherboard with a more understated design, the ASRock B550 Steel Legend is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better PCIe connectivity?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has four PCIe x16 slots, two of which run at PCIe 4.0, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend has three PCIe x16 slots, one of which runs at PCIe 4.0.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio capabilities?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a Realtek ALC S1200A audio codec, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend has a Realtek ALC1200 codec.
Q: Which motherboard has better cooling capabilities?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a larger VRM heatsink with a dedicated fan, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend has a smaller VRM heatsink with no fan.
